About Clove
Cloves are a strong, warming spice of protection and money. In folk magic they are carried or burned to stop gossip and ill-talk, and studded into oranges for the winter holidays.
A whole clove carried or burned traditionally stops others' harmful talk.
History & folklore
Cloves are the dried flower buds of a tree from the Spice Islands of Indonesia. In Han-dynasty China, courtiers held cloves in their mouths to sweeten their breath before speaking to the emperor. Clove-studded oranges, called pomanders, were hung in Tudor homes against disease and bad smells.
Correspondences
- Traditional uses
- Protection, money, banishing gossip
- Latin name
- Syzygium aromaticum
- Element
- Fire
- Planet
- Jupiter
- Best day
- Thursday
- Moon phase
- Waxing moon — for drawing things toward you
- Intentions
- Protection, Abundance
Ways to work with it
- Carry a few whole cloves to stop others' harmful talk about you.
- Stud an orange with cloves at Yule as a protection and prosperity charm.
- Add cloves to a money jar or prosperity incense.
Growing & gathering
Cloves are bought, not grown. Whole cloves keep their power far longer than ground. Store in a sealed jar away from light.
Clove oil is very strong and can burn skin and mouths — always dilute. Avoid large amounts if you take blood thinners.
Spells to try
Pairs well with
BasilProtection, prosperity, love
MarigoldPsychic power, protection, legal matters
ChrysanthemumProtection, longevity
NutmegLuck, money, psychic abilityCorrespondences 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.