Ginger: Magickal Aspects, Healing, and Spell Work

Spicy root filled with energy,

 to summon a power I’ve never known.

Also known as: Zingiber officionale, Singaber, Zingeber, Ginger Root, Zanjabil

Ginger is known for its crisp and yet spicy flavor. It is a great accent to a variety of dishes, a fragrant accent in homemade air fresheners, and an effective healing spice. Ginger is also valuable in Spell work as it raises energy quickly. Let's take a look at the wonders of this knobby spice and discover new ways to experience this potent wonder.  

A brief look into Ginger

When you buy ginger, fresh this is best. The fresh root has a great deal more crispness and vitality compared to dry. Dry ginger is best used in baking. Use it in recipes, like Ginger Bread, crackers and the making of ginger ale or beer.

Thirsty tavern goers in England would add Ginger to their mug of ale and stir it with a hot poker. The tradition then became the well-known soft drink enjoyed by many today.In the United States Ginger is usually used in sweeter foods and beverages. Ginger Bread was a staple in American revolutionary war rations and you might even be served Ginger Jam in the New England states.

Ginger has long been prescribed for a variety of alignments. In 16^th century England it was considered medicine. While, Henry the VIII believed that Ginger could cure the plaque. In many cultures ginger is still considered a “Cure All”.

As it may seem farfetched that a single spice could hold such claims, but ginger appears to hold its own. Many studies have proven the effectiveness of Ginger. In a study conducted by the American Cancer Society, Ginger proved, "to keep tumors from developing". Many physicians who favor herbal and natural remedies, swear by the effectiveness of Ginger while others will not state such claims. In other studies ginger also proved to have prevent liver damage among other beneficial qualities.

Personally, I swear by Ginger. Especially in the area of digestive alignments and nausea. While I was pregnant with both of my children, I had morning sickness into my third trimester. I tried everything aside from drugs, and Ginger proved the most effective in easing my nausea. When I felt nauseous, I would drink Natural Ginger Ale. I found mine in the organic aisle of my grocery store. The soda I drank was a little spicy, but a little went a long way. Soon, I learned to make my own, which saved me time and money. Now I use the same recipe for general tummy issues and illnesses.

Centuries ago Ginger was almost more valuable than Pepper. Ginger has long been used in tonic, potions, scent Magick, and as an antidote to some poisons. 

For more on the medical benefits of ginger see this article by Mercola: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/06/30/ginger-health-benefits.aspx

In the practice of Magick, Ginger is a valuable component. Let’s take a look at the Magickal aspects as well as some practical uses for Ginger.

Magickal: Aspects:	Increase energy/personal power Luck Sex Magick Healing Retribution
Associated Deities:	Mars Ares
Spell Work:	Carve your initials into ginger and give to a love interest As a fragrant spice it is ideal for use in Scent Magick Use Ginger at the beginning of spell work to help raise your personal power
Medicinal Uses:	Nausea caused by a variety of conditions including Motion Sickness, pregnancy, chemotherapy, and more. Digestive Alignments Arthritis Pain High Cholesterol Blood thinning proprieties Anti-inflammatory Hepatoprotective Antiviral Anti-parasitic antibacterial
Culinary Use:	Ginger is use to food, making tea, and is also used as a condiment, and/or garnish Ginger candy and wine are an enjoyable treat Ginger pairs well with Garlic and enhances the flavor of meats and vegetables Ginger will also sweeten and flavor cooking oil before you add additional ingredients.
Preserving:	Peeled and sliced ginger can be preserved in sherry or vinegar
Storage:	Uncut ginger can be stored in your refrigerator or preserved in vinegar or sherry Fresh ginger can be stored in your refrigerator up to 2 months, in a plastic zip top bag with all the air pressed out of it. The length of time depends on the freshness of your ginger.

Ginger is a great component in spell work for raising your own inner power. Many practitioners make it a tradition to chew a bit of fresh Ginger root before spell work and ritual. It is especially effective in love and healing spells. Keep in mind, a little goes a long way as ginger is potent and spicy.

In my Kitchen, Ginger is an essential Magick component. Ginger is very hot and it will flow through your body quickly. You will have to practice using this spice before you “get the hang" of its intensity. At first Ginger may seem like a huge distraction, but as you become more accustom to using it, over time you will learn to use it effectively. 

The following spell is intended for healing and can be adapted for other purposes. Allow yourself to be creative and try Ginger in other Magickal workings.  

Ginger Healing Spell

Spell components:

Fresh Ginger Root, 1- thin slice
A Green Candle (or you can substitute with white)
A small fire

Spell Notes: In this spell you will be using a small open fire other than your lit candle. You will need to take precautions with fire as it will take over if you are not mindful. Firstly, make sure your fire is small and safely contained. .

The instructions of this spell will be explained as though you have already gone through your desired preparations for Spell, Energy work and/or Ritual work. I prefer not to tell you how to prepare yourself and your tools, as this tends to be unique to each tradition and practitioner. So, we begin the instructions of this spell beyond the point of preparation, callings, circle casting, etc. 

Also, please ask permission from an individual before you plan to perform any spell work on someone, other than yourself. Even when you mean well, the individual or individual's family may not appreciate your help. 

Instructions:

Begin by lighting your small fire so that it has a healthy flame.

Next work on bringing to mind the specific alignment with the specific effected person. If you are the subject focus on your alignment.  Your focus needs to be undistracted and as sharp as you can possibly make it.

Take the slice of fresh ginger and chew it. While you chew feel the heat and spiciness of the ginger enter your mouth and move down your throat. You will soon feel the heat all over your body. The fresher the ginger the more intense the sensation. While you chew remain focused on the aliment and the person influenced.

Next, light your green candle using the flame of your small fire. As your candle burns envision the source of the illness in your head. If it is a tumor envision a tumor, if it is virus envision a virus, etc. See it clearly. As the flavor and intensity of your ginger begins to fade, notice that the root of the illness in your mind fading. Keep chewing the ginger and envisioning the illness fading until the flavor and intensity of the Ginger nearly gone.

Once you are satisfied that the ginger is spent, allow your mouth to fill with the remaining ginger juice and your own saliva. Quickly, spit every bit of ginger and saliva out on to your little fire. As you do this envision the root of the illness breaking a part as your spit extinguished the flame. After this your small flame should be completely out. 

Turn your focus to your candle and envision yourself or the person in question, free from disease. Allow your candle to completely burn out on its own. Once complete, release any remaining energy, then ground and center your own energy to complete the spell.

© The Magick Kitchen, 2014