Camphor Meaning and magickal uses
Also called Camphor oil, Camphor laurel, White camphor
A sharp, cooling scent for purification, clear thinking and lunar cleansing.
- Intentions
- Cleansing, Protection, Divination
- Element
- Water
- Planet
- The Moon
- Day
- Monday
- Parts used
- Wood, steam-distilled white camphor oil or solid blocks
- Scent
- Sharp, cool, medicinal
How to use it
- Purify the air
Place a single small block of natural camphor in a lidded jar with holes, kept well out of reach of children and pets, to freshen a closet or altar cupboard.
- Full moon cleanse
On the full moon, set a closed dish of camphor near your tools for a few hours to cleanse them, then put it safely away.
- Clear the mind
Open a jar of camphor briefly and take one careful breath before study or divination, then close it. A little goes a long way. Never apply it to skin.
Works well with
Substitutes
History and folklore
Camphor comes from the camphor laurel of East Asia and from related trees in Borneo and Sumatra. It has been used in China, India and Japan for centuries, and in Hindu worship small pieces are burned in a lamp at the end of a ceremony. Arab and European traders valued it highly. In Western folk magick camphor belongs to the Moon and was used for purification and, oddly, to cool passion. Treat it with real caution.
A sharp, cooling scent for purification, clear thinking and lunar cleansing.
- Intentions: Cleansing, Protection, Divination
- Element: Water
- Planet: The Moon
- Day: Monday
- Parts used: Wood, steam-distilled white camphor oil or solid blocks
- Scent: Sharp, cool, medicinal
Safety: Camphor is toxic if swallowed; even a small amount can cause seizures, and it is especially dangerous to children. Never swallow or put it in food. Do not use it during pregnancy or breastfeeding, near babies and young children, or if you have epilepsy. Keep away from pets, especially cats. Use only white camphor oil, well diluted, and never brown or yellow camphor. Do not burn camphor indoors without strong ventilation.
How to use it
- Purify the air. Place a single small block of natural camphor in a lidded jar with holes, kept well out of reach of children and pets, to freshen a closet or altar cupboard.
- Full moon cleanse. On the full moon, set a closed dish of camphor near your tools for a few hours to cleanse them, then put it safely away.
- Clear the mind. Open a jar of camphor briefly and take one careful breath before study or divination, then close it. A little goes a long way. Never apply it to skin.
Works well with: Full Moon, White Candle, Selenite, Monday, The Moon
Folklore
Camphor comes from the camphor laurel of East Asia and from related trees in Borneo and Sumatra. It has been used in China, India and Japan for centuries, and in Hindu worship small pieces are burned in a lamp at the end of a ceremony. Arab and European traders valued it highly. In Western folk magick camphor belongs to the Moon and was used for purification and, oddly, to cool passion. Treat it with real caution.
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.