About Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a warm, fast-acting spice in folk magic — added to speed a working along, draw money and success, and warm the heart. Blowing cinnamon through the front door on the first of the month is a popular modern prosperity custom.
A stick burned or sprinkled traditionally speeds and strengthens any working it's added to.
History & folklore
Cinnamon was more precious than gold in the ancient world. Egyptians used it in embalming, and Moses was told to include it in the holy anointing oil. Arab traders guarded its source with tales of giant birds that built their nests from cinnamon sticks. In folk magic it has always been a spice of wealth and warmth.
Correspondences
- Traditional uses
- Abundance, passion, success
- Latin name
- Cinnamomum verum
- Element
- Fire
- Planet
- Sun
- Best day
- Sunday
- Moon phase
- Waxing moon — for drawing things toward you
- Intentions
- Abundance, Passion, Success
Ways to work with it
- On the first day of the month, blow a pinch of ground cinnamon from your palm across the threshold toward the inside of your home.
- Add a stick to a money jar or prosperity sachet.
- Simmer a stick with orange peel for a warm, welcoming home.
Growing & gathering
Cinnamon is the bark of a tropical tree, so it's bought rather than grown. 'True' Ceylon cinnamon has thin, papery layers; the more common cassia is thicker and harder. Both work for magic. Store in a sealed jar away from light.
Cinnamon powder and oil can irritate skin — never rub oil on undiluted. Keep it out of eyes. Cassia cinnamon in large amounts is hard on the liver.
Spells to try
Pairs well with
GingerPassion, success, power
PatchouliMoney, fertility, physical desire
Bay LaurelWishes, success, protection
ChamomilePeace, sleep, moneyCorrespondences are traditional associations gathered from folk practice and modern craft books. They vary between sources, and they are not medical advice. Read our editorial approach.