Uva Ursi Meaning and magickal uses
Also called Bearberry, Kinnikinnick, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
A low evergreen leaf for deepening intuition and steady, quiet protection.
- Intentions
- Divination, Protection, Wisdom
- Element
- Water
- Planet
- The Moon
- Day
- Monday
- Moon phase
- Full Moon
- Parts used
- Leaves, berries
How to use it
- Psychic sachet
Mix dried uva ursi leaves with a little mugwort in a small purple pouch. Keep it with your tarot deck or pendulum to mark the start of quiet, intuitive work.
- Evergreen ward
Set a sprig of the evergreen leaves on a windowsill through the winter as a sign of protection that holds firm through cold and dark times.
- Full moon reflection
On the full moon, hold a few dried leaves in your palm, close your eyes and ask a single question. Write down whatever images or words come first.
Works well with
Substitutes
History and folklore
Uva ursi is Latin for grape of the bear, a name that comes from the way bears feast on its red berries in late summer. This trailing evergreen grows across cool northern lands of North America, Europe and Asia. Many Indigenous peoples of North America know it as kinnikinnick and use it in their own traditions. In Western magickal herbals it became a herb for psychic awareness and quiet protection, and its hardy evergreen leaves are a reminder that steadiness lasts through every season.
A low evergreen leaf for deepening intuition and steady, quiet protection.
- Intentions: Divination, Protection, Wisdom
- Element: Water
- Planet: The Moon
- Day: Monday
- Moon phase: Full Moon
- Parts used: Leaves, berries
Safety: Toxic if swallowed in more than small amounts and should not be taken by children or anyone pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep it away from cats, dogs and horses. Wash your hands after handling the dried leaves.
How to use it
- Psychic sachet. Mix dried uva ursi leaves with a little mugwort in a small purple pouch. Keep it with your tarot deck or pendulum to mark the start of quiet, intuitive work.
- Evergreen ward. Set a sprig of the evergreen leaves on a windowsill through the winter as a sign of protection that holds firm through cold and dark times.
- Full moon reflection. On the full moon, hold a few dried leaves in your palm, close your eyes and ask a single question. Write down whatever images or words come first.
Works well with: Purple Candle, Amethyst, Labradorite, Full Moon, Monday
Folklore
Uva ursi is Latin for grape of the bear, a name that comes from the way bears feast on its red berries in late summer. This trailing evergreen grows across cool northern lands of North America, Europe and Asia. Many Indigenous peoples of North America know it as kinnikinnick and use it in their own traditions. In Western magickal herbals it became a herb for psychic awareness and quiet protection, and its hardy evergreen leaves are a reminder that steadiness lasts through every season.
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.