15 Magical Properties Of Nettles

Magical properties of nettles - nettle leaves on a background of swirling green colors

By Mark Piatt

Published on March 3 2024

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The magical properties of nettles hold potent magical and spiritual qualities, offering protection, purification, and healing. Aligned with fire and Mars, nettles enhance courage, fertility, and prosperity.

Nettles are revered in spiritual growth, love, and transformation rituals, embodying powerful energies for personal and environmental harmony.

Nettles holds a special place in my heart. 

In 1987, I started working at a small health food store in Santa Fe, NM.  We would purchase herbs in bulk and create custom packages for each customer.  Nettles was the very first herb I packaged for a customer. 

I knew nothing about the herbs I was packaging, but over time (and lots of reading) I started to get more and more knowledgeable about the health benefits of the herbs.  Eventually, I learned about each herb’s spiritual and magical benefits.

This article will cover what nettles are and how they relate to magic, their magical correspondence, a brief description of its top 15 magical or spiritual properties (although there are more), and a magical ritual you can perform for each magical property.

Comprehensive Table Of The Top 15 Magical And Spiritual Properties Of Nettles

Please note that this table categorizes each use as either primarily magical or spiritual, with three brief examples to illustrate how nettles are employed in these contexts. The distinctions between “magical” and “spiritual” can sometimes overlap, reflecting the herb’s versatile role in various practices and beliefs. 

#UseTypeExamples
1ProtectionMagicalWarding off evil, Shielding an area, Amulets
2PurificationSpiritualCleansing rituals, Clearing negative energy, Bath preparations
3HealingMagicalHerbal remedies, Accelerating recovery, Energetic healing
4ExorcismMagicalRemoving spirits, Cleansing haunted places, Banishing rituals
5CourageSpiritualBoosting self-confidence, Overcoming fear, Empowerment spells
6FertilityMagicalPromoting conception, Blessing gardens, Rituals for growth
7ProsperityMagicalWealth attraction, Business success spells, Good fortune charms
8Hex BreakingMagicalRemoving curses, Neutralizing negative spells, Protection from hexes
9LoveMagicalAttracting love, Healing broken relationships, Love potions
10Spiritual GrowthSpiritualEnhancing psychic abilities, Meditation aid, Connecting with higher self
11DivinationMagicalEnhancing clairvoyance, Tarot rituals, Dream interpretation
12WisdomSpiritualGaining insight, Decision-making help, Learning spells
13BanishingMagicalDispelling negativity, Removing unwanted influences, Clearing space
14RejuvenationSpiritualRenewing energy, Spiritual awakening, Vitality spells
15TransformationSpiritualPersonal growth, Changing habits, Evolving spiritually

What are Nettles?

A nettle plant sitting on an altar surrounded by supplies used in magic.

Nettles, scientifically known as Urtica dioica, are perennial plants with a rich history in magic and folklore.

Nettles are easily recognized by their heart-shaped leaves and the characteristic stinging hairs that deliver a sharp, yet harmless, sting upon touch. Beyond nettle’s physical attributes, its metaphysical properties occupy a significant place in the realm of magic and spiritual practices.

In folklore, nettles are revered for their protective qualities. They were often planted around homes or carried as amulets to ward off evil spirits and negative energies. This practice originated from its association with fire and Mars, linking nettles to strength, protection, and the ability to repel harm.

For many people, nettles also carry profound spiritual symbolism. Nettles are used in purification rituals because it is believed to cleanse the body and spirit of toxins and negative influences.

In healing contexts, nettles are thought to accelerate recovery and promote vitality, which reflects their robust nature and vigorous growth.

Nettle’s connection to fertility and prosperity is celebrated in various traditions, where nettles are incorporated into rituals to encourage abundance and success. Its ties to astrological signs and deities further enrich its spiritual significance, making nettles a versatile tool in magical practices.

Through these various associations, nettles serve as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds, embodying the transformative power of nature.

Nettles remind us of the depth of connection that can be found in the natural world, offering protection, healing, and spiritual growth to those who understand and respect their properties.

Magickal Correspondence Of Nettles

AspectDetails
Gender AlignmentMale
Elemental RelationsFire
Solar System ObjectsMars
Astrological SignsScorpio
Deities AssociationThor (Norse), Freya (Norse), Mars (Roman)
Chakras AssociationRoot Chakra
Crystals AssociationBloodstone, Garnet
Seasonal AssociationsSpring
Special PowersProtection, Healing, Purification
Folk NamesStinging Nettle, Devil's Leaf

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Summary Of The 15 Magical Properties Of Nettles

1.  Protection

Protection - all seeing eye surrounded by  a circle

Nettles are a powerful tool in magical practices for protection. Traditionally, they are used to ward off negative energies and evil spirits.

By creating a protective barrier around homes or carried as amulets, nettles can help shield individuals from harm and psychic attacks. Nettle’s fiery association with Mars amplifies its defensive qualities, making nettles a preferred choice in rituals and spells aimed at establishing a safeguard against physical and energetic threats, ensuring safety and peace.

If you are interested in learning about the 16 most common herbs and essential oils used in protection rituals, check out my article16 Essential Oils For Protection“.

2.  Purification

Purification symbol used in magic

The Nettle plant is highly valued in spiritual practices for its purification properties. It is often used in cleansing rituals to eliminate negative energies and clear spaces of unwanted influences.

By incorporating nettles into baths, smudging ceremonies, or as part of an herbal blend, individuals can cleanse their aura and environments, promoting a flow of positive energy. This practice is rooted in the belief that nettles have the power to purify the soul, body, and surroundings, fostering a harmonious and sanctified space.

3.  Healing

Healing symbol used in magic

In magical practices, nettles are esteemed for their healing properties. They are frequently used in spells and potions to accelerate recovery, alleviate pain, and enhance overall well-being. 

By harnessing the plant’s vigorous growth and resilience, practitioners aim to transfer these qualities to the physical or emotional ailments being addressed. Nettles are often included in herbal remedies, teas, and baths, serving as a catalyst for healing energy and promoting the body’s natural regenerative processes.

4.  Exorcism

Exorcism used during a magic ritual to remove an evil spirit

Nettles are employed in magical rituals for exorcism to banish malevolent spirits and negative energies. Their potent protective qualities make them ideal for creating boundaries against unwanted entities.  

By burning nettles or sprinkling them around a space, practitioners utilize their power to cleanse the area of supernatural entities. The plant’s association with Mars and fire enhances its ability to drive away evil, ensuring a purified environment free from the influence of harmful spirits.

5.  Courage

courage symbol - used during magic rituals

Nettles are embraced in spiritual practices as a catalyst for courage and inner strength. Their fiery nature, associated with Mars, imbues them with the power to bolster confidence and resilience.

In rituals and spells, nettles are utilized to empower individuals, helping them to overcome fears and challenges. Carrying nettles or incorporating them into meditations and charms can inspire bravery, assertiveness, and the fortitude to face life’s adversities with courage and determination.

6.  Fertility

Fertility symbol used in magic

Nettles are widely used in magical practices to promote fertility and nurture growth. Their lush, vigorous growth is seen as a symbol of abundance, making them a popular choice in spells and rituals aimed at enhancing reproductive health and increasing chances of conception. 

By incorporating nettles into fertility charms, planting them in gardens, or using them in ritual baths, practitioners seek to tap into the plant’s life-affirming energy, fostering vitality and the flourishing of new life.

7.  Prosperity

Prosperity symbol used in magic

Nettles are harnessed in magic to attract prosperity, wealth, and success. Their robust nature symbolizes growth and abundance, making them a powerful ally in spells and rituals aimed at financial gain and business achievements.

By placing nettles in wallets, creating prosperity sachets, or including them in spells, practitioners utilize the plant’s energies to open pathways for financial opportunities, encourage monetary stability, and ensure a steady flow of resources, embodying the essence of abundance and prosperity.

8.  Hex Breaking

Hex breaking symbol used in magic

Nettles play a crucial role in magical practices for hex breaking, offering protection against curses and negative spells. Their potent energies are believed to neutralize harmful intentions and dissolve malevolent enchantments.

By incorporating nettles into protective amulets, spell jars, or rituals, practitioners harness their power to sever the ties of hexes, ensuring liberation from their effects. This practice highlights nettles’ ability to restore balance and peace, safeguarding individuals from spiritual and energetic harm.

9.  Love

Love symbol used in magic rituals

Nettles are utilized in magic to foster love, enhance relationships, and attract romantic partners. Their vitality and protective qualities are believed to open the heart chakra, encouraging love to flourish while guarding against emotional harm.

By adding nettles to love potions, charm bags, or ritual baths, practitioners aim to strengthen existing bonds, heal broken hearts, and draw new love closer. This use of nettles underscores their versatility in nurturing connections and promoting emotional well-being.

10.  Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth symbol used in magic rituals

Nettles are valued in spiritual practices for facilitating growth and deepening one’s connection to the spiritual realm. Their grounding and protective qualities support individuals in their journey toward self-discovery and enlightenment.

By incorporating nettles into meditation practices, spiritual baths, or altar offerings, practitioners can enhance their intuition, increase psychic abilities, and foster a deeper understanding of their spiritual path. Nettles serve as a powerful ally in the quest for personal evolution and spiritual awakening.

11.  Divination

divination symbol used in magic rituals

Nettles are employed in magical practices for divination to enhance intuition and psychic abilities, making them a valuable tool for foreseeing the future and uncovering hidden knowledge.

Their connection to the element of fire and their vigorous growth energy is believed to amplify clairvoyant powers and facilitate clearer visions during divinatory rituals. By incorporating nettles into divination spaces, and teas, or using them alongside tarot cards and crystal balls, practitioners can deepen their insights and improve the accuracy of their predictions.

12.  Wisdom

Wisdom symbol used in magic rituals

Nettles are sought after in spiritual practices for their ability to enhance wisdom and deepen understanding. Their robust vitality is thought to stimulate the mind and encourage introspection, leading to greater insight and discernment.

Incorporating nettles into rituals, teas, or meditation practices can open the mind to receive guidance, aid in decision-making, and foster a connection to universal knowledge. This makes nettles a valuable ally for those seeking to expand their wisdom and navigate life with enhanced clarity.

13.  Banishing

Banishment symbol used in magic rituals

Nettles are a powerful tool in magical practices for banishing unwanted energies, influences, or entities. Their protective and purifying properties make them ideal for spells and rituals aimed at clearing negative vibrations and establishing a safeguard against harm.

By burning nettles, sprinkling them around a property, or incorporating them into banishing spells, practitioners leverage their potent energies to expel negativity, protect spaces, and prevent the return of undesired forces, ensuring peace and security.

14.  Rejuvenation

Rejuvenation symbol used in magic rituals

Nettles are celebrated in spiritual practices for their rejuvenating properties, offering renewal and vitality to those who utilize them. Rich in nutrients and life force, nettles invigorate the spirit and body, promoting a sense of well-being and resilience.

Incorporating nettles into dietary regimens, spiritual baths, or healing rituals can catalyze physical and energetic renewal, aiding in recovery from spiritual fatigue and enhancing overall vitality. This makes nettles a potent ally in achieving balance and revitalization on one’s spiritual journey.

15.  Transformation

Transformation symbol used in magic rituals

Nettles are embraced in spiritual practices as agents of transformation, aiding individuals in personal evolution and the shedding of old patterns. Their vigorous growth and ability to thrive in challenging conditions symbolize resilience and the potential for renewal.

By integrating nettles into rituals, meditations, or spells focused on change, practitioners tap into the plant’s transformative energy, facilitating profound shifts in perspective, behavior, and life circumstances, and empowering profound personal and spiritual metamorphosis.

15 Spells And Rituals That Include Nettles

DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only.  Occult properties of herbs and essential oils are provided for historical interest only.  For possible treatments of physical or mental diseases, please seek a trained and licensed health professional.  Enchanted Aromatics is not responsible for any adverse side effects resulting from the use of any suggestions, products, preparations, or procedures mentioned or from the following historical uses of herbs and essential oils.

nettles being used in a magic ritual or spell

1. Protection Ward Spell

Ingredients: Nettle leaves, black tourmaline, white candle

Procedure: Surround a white candle with nettle leaves and black tourmaline. Light the candle and visualize a protective barrier forming around your home. Extinguish the candle after one hour. Repeat monthly.

2. Purification Bath Ritual

Ingredients: Dried nettle, sea salt, lavender

Procedure: Fill a bath with warm water. Add a handful of dried nettle, sea salt, and lavender. Soak for 20 minutes while visualizing negative energy washing away.

3. Healing Herbal Tea

Ingredients: Nettle leaves, chamomile, honey

Procedure: Steep nettle leaves and chamomile in boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and add honey for taste. Drink the tea while focusing on healing intentions.

4. Exorcism Incense Blend

Ingredients: Dried nettle, sage, frankincense resin

Procedure: Grind the ingredients together. Burn the blend in areas needing cleansing from spirits or negative energies, moving counterclockwise through your space.

5. Courage Elixir

Ingredients: Nettle extract, ginger, carnelian crystal

Procedure: Mix nettle extract with ginger, and infuse for three days near a carnelian crystal. Consume a teaspoon before facing fearful situations.

6. Fertility Charm Bag

Ingredients: Dried nettle, rose quartz, rabbit fur

Procedure: Fill a small bag with dried nettle, a rose quartz crystal, and a piece of rabbit fur. Carry the bag to enhance fertility and growth.

7. Prosperity Spell

Ingredients: Nettle leaves, cinnamon sticks, green candle

Procedure: Place nettle leaves and cinnamon sticks around a green candle. Light the candle and visualize abundance flowing into your life. Let the candle burn down.

8. Hex Breaking Sachet

Ingredients: Dried nettle, black salt, obsidian

Procedure: Combine all ingredients in a sachet. Keep it with you or place it in your home to break and protect against hexes.

9. Love Attraction Spray

Ingredients: Rose water, nettle leaves, rose petals

Procedure: Infuse nettle leaves in rose water overnight. Strain and add rose petals. Use the spray in your aura or space to attract love.

10. Spiritual Growth Anointing Oil

Ingredients: Nettle oil, frankincense oil, amethyst crystal

Procedure: Mix nettle and frankincense oil. Keep the blend near an amethyst crystal for 24 hours. Use to anoint yourself before meditation or spiritual work.

11. Divination Enhancing Incense

Ingredients: Dried nettle, mugwort, lavender

Procedure: Grind the ingredients together. Burn as incense to enhance psychic abilities and improve divination accuracy.

12. Wisdom Potion

Ingredients: Nettle leaves, sage, clear quartz

Procedure: Steep nettle leaves and sage in hot water. Strain and cool. Place a clear quartz in the potion for 24 hours. Drink with the intention of gaining wisdom.

13. Banishing Spray

Ingredients: Nettle tea, vinegar, peppermint oil

Procedure: Brew a strong nettle tea, and mix with vinegar and a few drops of peppermint oil. Use as a spray to banish negativity and unwanted energies.

14. Rejuvenation Ritual

Ingredients: Fresh nettle, Epsom salts, lemon slices

Procedure: Prepare a bath with Epsom salts and lemon slices. Add fresh nettle leaves. Soak for rejuvenation and renewal of spirit and body.

15. Transformation Ritual Candle

Ingredients: Nettle-infused oil, beeswax, tiger’s eye stone

Procedure: Melt beeswax and mix with nettle-infused oil. Pour into a mold with a tiger’s eye stone at the bottom. Use the candle in rituals aiming for personal transformation.

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Conclusion

My exploration of nettles with you unveiled its profound significance across historical folklore, magical practices, and modern Wicca.

Revered for its protective, healing, and transformative properties, nettles have been a staple in folk medicine, witchcraft, and spiritual rituals for centuries.

Nettle’s ability to ward off negative energies, aid in purification, and support physical and spiritual healing highlights its versatility. In contemporary Wiccan practices, nettles continue to be cherished for its ancient attributes, seamlessly integrating into rituals that emphasize protection, strength, and renewal.

This enduring reverence for nettles underscores the deep connection between humans and the natural magic inherent in the plant world.

If you are interested in learning about some general magickal properties of other essential oils and herbs, check out my article “15 Magical Properties of Essential Oils“.  

If you know of other magickal properties of nettles or different ways in which you use nettles on your spiritual journey, I would love to hear from you so I may incorporate what you share in this article.

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