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Herb of the Week: Goat’s Rue

By Katrina Rasbold

Goat’s Rue (Galega officinalis), a flowering herb with a rich history in traditional medicine and folklore, holds a unique place in both magical and healing practices. Its name derives from its historical use to increase milk production in goats, but its powers extend far beyond this agricultural application. In metaphysical and hoodoo traditions, Goat’s Rue is valued for its protective, abundance-attracting, and transformative energies.

Let’s explore the healing, magical, and metaphysical properties of Goat’s Rue and its applications in hoodoo.

Healing Properties of Goat’s Rue

Goat’s Rue has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb, renowned for its ability to support physical health and vitality. It is particularly noted for its impact on metabolic and reproductive health.

  1. Supporting Lactation:
    • Goat’s Rue has a long-standing reputation as a galactagogue, enhancing milk production in nursing mothers. It is often used as a natural remedy to support lactation.
  2. Blood Sugar Regulation:
    • Herbalists have used Goat’s Rue to help regulate blood sugar levels and support individuals managing diabetes. Its compounds are believed to influence insulin sensitivity.
  3. Promoting Detoxification:
    • The herb’s diuretic properties assist in flushing toxins from the body, promoting kidney and liver health.
  4. Immune Support:
    • Goat’s Rue is believed to strengthen the immune system, supporting the body’s natural defenses against illness.
  5. Stimulating Vitality:
    • Known for its invigorating qualities, Goat’s Rue is used to boost energy levels and combat fatigue.

Note: Always consult a healthcare professional before using Goat’s Rue for medicinal purposes, as it can interact with medications and cause side effects.

Metaphysical Properties of Goat’s Rue

On a metaphysical level, Goat’s Rue embodies themes of transformation, abundance, and protection. Its energy aligns with growth and the realization of potential.

  1. Attracting Abundance:
    • Goat’s Rue is a powerful herb for drawing prosperity and abundance. Its association with growth makes it an excellent ally for financial intentions or career advancements.
  2. Transformation and Renewal:
    • The plant’s ability to adapt and thrive in various conditions symbolizes personal transformation. It inspires resilience and the courage to embrace change.
  3. Protective Energy:
    • Goat’s Rue creates an energetic shield, protecting against negativity and harmful influences. It is often used in rituals or charms to guard the home and personal energy.
  4. Spiritual Growth:
    • This herb encourages spiritual awakening and connection to higher realms. It fosters a sense of inner peace and clarity, making it an excellent tool for meditation.
  5. Balancing Energies:
    • Goat’s Rue harmonizes opposing forces within the energy body, promoting balance and stability. It is particularly effective for grounding practices.

Magical Properties of Goat’s Rue

Goat’s Rue has a rich tradition of use in magical practices, prized for its ability to enhance spells and rituals focused on abundance, protection, and transformation.

  1. Money and Prosperity Magic:
    • Incorporate Goat’s Rue into money-drawing spells or prosperity rituals. Add it to charm bags, sprinkle it around your space, or burn it as incense to attract financial opportunities.
  2. Protection Spells:
    • Use Goat’s Rue in protection rituals to create a barrier against negative energies. It is particularly effective when combined with other protective herbs like rosemary or black salt.
  3. Manifestation and Intention Setting:
    • Goat’s Rue amplifies the energy of intentions, making it a valuable addition to manifestation work. Place it on an altar or carry it as a talisman to align your energy with your goals.
  4. Cleansing and Purification:
    • The herb’s cleansing properties make it a powerful tool for clearing away energetic blockages. Use it in smudging rituals or spiritual baths to refresh your aura and environment.
  5. Fertility and Growth Rituals:
    • Goat’s Rue is associated with fertility and growth, both literal and symbolic. It can be used in rituals to encourage conception or to nurture new beginnings and creative projects.

Hoodoo Uses of Goat’s Rue

In hoodoo, Goat’s Rue is valued for its versatility and potency. It is used in various ways to bring blessings, protection, and success.

  1. Mojo Bags and Sachets:
    • Include Goat’s Rue in mojo bags designed to attract wealth, success, or protection. Pair it with coins, lodestones, or other herbs like cinnamon or basil for amplified energy.
  2. Floor Washes:
    • Add Goat’s Rue to floor washes to cleanse and protect the home. This practice is particularly effective for clearing stagnant energy and inviting prosperity.
  3. Candle Dressing:
    • Dress candles with Goat’s Rue and anointing oils for spells related to abundance, protection, or transformation. The herb’s energy enhances the potency of the ritual.
  4. Offerings and Altars:
    • Place Goat’s Rue on altars as an offering to deities, ancestors, or spirits associated with growth, protection, or abundance.
  5. Fertility and Conception Spells:
    • In hoodoo, Goat’s Rue is used in spells to promote fertility and the successful fruition of plans. Combine it with symbols of fertility, such as eggs or pomegranates, for added potency.

How to Use Goat’s Rue

To fully harness the power of Goat’s Rue, consider these methods:

  • Tea or Infusion: Brew Goat’s Rue as a tea for physical and energetic detoxification. Ensure it’s prepared safely and under professional guidance if consumed.
  • Ritual Baths: Add Goat’s Rue to a ritual bath to cleanse negativity and attract abundance.
  • Incense or Smoke Cleansing: Burn Goat’s Rue as incense to purify a space and draw in positive energy.
  • Decorative Placement: Place the herb in your home or workspace to promote harmony, growth, and protection.

Caring for Goat’s Rue

To preserve the herb’s energy and potency:

  • Storage: Keep dried Goat’s Rue in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
  • Cleansing: Regularly cleanse the herb energetically using smoke, moonlight, or sound to refresh its vibrational energy.

Goat’s Rue is a multifaceted herb with profound healing, metaphysical, magical, and hoodoo properties. Whether you’re seeking protection, abundance, or spiritual growth, this herb can serve as a powerful ally in your practices. By incorporating Goat’s Rue into your rituals, you can tap into its transformative energy and unlock its potential to bring balance, prosperity, and renewal into your life.