Catnip Meaning and magickal uses
Also called Catmint, Catswort
A gentle mint loved by cats, traditionally used for love, happiness and calm.
- Element
- Water
- Planet
- Venus
- Day
- Friday
- Moon phase
- Waxing Crescent
- Parts used
- Leaves, flowering tops
How to use it
- Friendship sachet
Mix dried catnip with rose petals in a pink pouch and keep it near where you welcome guests. Ask that kindness and easy laughter fill the space.
- Calming tea for the altar
Brew a cup of catnip tea as an offering and set it on your altar while you sit quietly. Let the gentle scent help you slow down and soften.
- Grow a happy plant
Grow catnip in a pot by a sunny window as a little charm for a cheerful home. Each time you water it, name one thing you are grateful for.
Works well with
Substitutes
History and folklore
Catnip is a member of the mint family native to Europe and Asia, and its effect on cats has been noticed for as long as people have kept them. In English folklore it was said that chewing the root could make even a gentle person fierce, while the leaves were brewed into a soothing tea. Because cats are linked to witches and to Bast, catnip is traditionally used to bond with animal companions and in spells for affection, beauty and lighthearted happiness.
A gentle mint loved by cats, traditionally used for love, happiness and calm.
- Intentions: Love, Peace, Luck
- Element: Water
- Planet: Venus
- Zodiac: Cancer, Libra
- Day: Friday
- Moon phase: Waxing Crescent
- Parts used: Leaves, flowering tops
Safety: Listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs in larger amounts; a little play catnip is common, but large amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Avoid taking it while pregnant or breastfeeding. Ventilate if burning.
How to use it
- Friendship sachet. Mix dried catnip with rose petals in a pink pouch and keep it near where you welcome guests. Ask that kindness and easy laughter fill the space.
- Calming tea for the altar. Brew a cup of catnip tea as an offering and set it on your altar while you sit quietly. Let the gentle scent help you slow down and soften.
- Grow a happy plant. Grow catnip in a pot by a sunny window as a little charm for a cheerful home. Each time you water it, name one thing you are grateful for.
Works well with: Pink Candle, Rose Quartz, Friday, Waxing Crescent, Wunjo
Folklore
Catnip is a member of the mint family native to Europe and Asia, and its effect on cats has been noticed for as long as people have kept them. In English folklore it was said that chewing the root could make even a gentle person fierce, while the leaves were brewed into a soothing tea. Because cats are linked to witches and to Bast, catnip is traditionally used to bond with animal companions and in spells for affection, beauty and lighthearted happiness.
The Witch's Cabinet is a free reference for your practice. Correspondences are traditional associations, not medical advice. Always follow the safety notes, especially with herbs and essential oils around children, pets and during pregnancy.