In natural health, magic and alchemy the fragrant herb rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is associated with memory, immortality and spiritual protection. Rosemary is called 'dew of the sea' as this hardy plant grows in hot dry places and seems to subsist on only the morning dew.
A member of the sage family, with a fibrous root system, aromatic evergreen leaves, blue flowers and ancient meaning, rosemary is native to the Mediterranean. Early in human history it's widely used. First mention of rosemary is on cuneiform stone tablets c. 5000 BCE.
By 3500 BCE Egyptians use the herb in embalming. For this purpose it's often used with other preservation or longevity products of nature and trade, like cinnamon, myrrh, castor oil and pistachio resin.
The custom of throwing or placing rosemary sprigs on graves in remembrance comes from an earlier one of tossing rosemary for protection of the soul of the dead, or in some cultures to keep the dead from roaming. For the latter purpose caraway is also used.
Rosemary is associated with memories in Spanish fairy tale The Sprig of Rosemary in which the heroine touches the hero with a rosemary sprig to restore his magically lost memory.
Rosemary plays a large part in the Swabian culture of the Danube. It's used at weddings and funerals, christenings, festivals and for luck planted by the cornerstone of a new home or building.
Because rosemary has a widespread root system it's hard to tear out or destroy, and has come to represent determination and stamina. In the Mediterranean rosemary is sacred to Aphrodite, goddess of love and sexual relationships.
In many languages including German, Greek and Spanish, rosemary takes a masculine pronoun, which it reflects with yang qualities of vigor and vitality. However the plant is a hermaphrodite. It also harmonizes with feminine properties such as intuition and dreams.
Rosemary is a plant of Aries, Leo and Capricorn, relating to Sun and Earth. Health and spiritual benefits of rosemary include
memory improvement
helps concentration
relieves muscle pain and spasms
stimulates growth of hair
fortifies immune & circulatory systems
stimulates brain activity
lifts mood
psychic protection
enhances intuition
stimulates / balances third eye and heart chakras
headache relief
treatment of sinus infection
Rosemary is one of the herbs to burn when cleansing a space. This plant drives out demons and evil spirits, and infuses the space with goodness and light. In the garden or patio, rosemary can repel little devils like flies, mosquitoes and cabbage moths.
A sprig under the pillow can banish bad dreams and / or reveal one's soulmate. Rosemary is used in alchemy, Feng Shui and other philosophies for its revitalizing effects and link to immortality. It's often used in longevity potions.
In herbal or botanical alchemy the plant is separated three ways to remove the powerful essential oil and other vital components. It's then re-introduced as a theoretically stronger medical herb, or mixed in ointments, potions, elixirs and tonics.
One of the goals of alchemy is to find or create an Elixir of Immortality which gives eternal life or great longevity. This comes from the broader goal to find a panacea or cure for all human illness.
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