Rosemary Leaf, whole

Punica granatum

Origin: Spain
Form: Whole
Unit size: 1 ounce
Other names:  Polar Plant, Compass-weed, Compass Plant
Esoteric Uses: Remembrance, Love, Fidelity, Oaths, Clarity, Purification, Home, Friendship, Happiness, Youth
Esoteric Associations: Mercury (in its nature), Sun (in its use)
Incense Aroma: A burst of lemon, and then a long roll of light invigorating subtle-pine.  It leaves a lingering aroma in the room like a pleasant sage.

The Ancients held that Rosemary strengthened memory, and because of this it was used in love charms so that a lover would not forget their beloved while away.  It was entwined in wreaths for weddings symbolizing love and fidelity.  It has also been used at funerals, holidays, and all times of remembering loved-ones and family. It was often substituted for more expensive ingredients in incense.  Rosemary is a classical example of a plant of one realm (Mercury - memory) being used upon another (Sun - fidelity, oaths).

This hardy herb native to the Mediterranean region has been cultivated and used in culinary and medicinal properties for centuries. Primarily grown for the kitchen, it has also even seen use in helping to prevent erosion in landscaping as well as a topiary plant that can be sculpted easily to please the eye. In cooking, it possesses somewhat of a strong, bitter taste and is used to add to the taste of many traditional dishes, as well as in an ingredient for herbal tea. Of old, it was also famously used for "hungry Water," in the treatment of the Queen of Hungry, and as such was said to revitalize paralyzed limbs as well as treat gout. Rosemary has also had an ancient reputation for improving memory. As such, it is frequently used as a symbol for remembrance in weddings, war commemorations, and in some cases funerals. In the mid ages it was in weddings as a headpiece for the bridge, while the groom and their wedding`s guests would wear rosemary sprigs, each representing charms of love. Newlywed couples were also to plant a branch on their wedding day, and if it grew healthily it was to be a good omen. Another common practice of old was to tap one you desired with a rosemary branch, and if it were to blossom you and your desired partner would fall in love. Others still used rosemary leaves to stuff cloth dolls, and in this manner cure illness or attract a lover. Rosemary gardens were also aid to ward away the curses and evil spells of others during the mid ages. In more modern studies Rosemary has been shown to actually improve memory, though studies also showed recall in these cases to be somewhat slower. Some herbalists also proscribe it to help lower the risk of strokes and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer`s and Lou Gehrig`s Disease.

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