Cloves have been cherished for centuries—not only for their bold flavour and aromatic warmth, but also for their powerful presence in spiritual and magical traditions across the world. In witchcraft, cloves hold a special place for their protective, fiery, and transformative energy.

In this post, we’ll explore the folklore and history behind cloves, from ancient trade routes to magical uses in modern witchcraft. Whether you’re drawn to clove spells, energy work, or ancestral magic, this fiery little bud carries a long and sacred lineage.

Looking for spell ideas? Try this companion post:
Clove Spells: 5 Simple Rituals for Love, Money & Protection

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The Origins of Cloves: A Spice Rooted in Power

Cloves are the dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, a tropical tree native to the Maluku Islands (also known as the Spice Islands) of Indonesia. Their use dates back over 2,000 years, with early records showing cloves were prized in China during the Han Dynasty, where courtiers chewed them to sweeten breath before speaking to the emperor.

From there, cloves became one of the most highly sought-after spices in the ancient world—traded along the Silk Road, revered in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, and fiercely fought over during the spice trade era.

This global journey laid the foundation for the spiritual significance of cloves: a symbol of value, transformation, and crossing boundaries—both physical and spiritual.

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Clove Folklore and Magical Traditions

Protection and Warding Off Evil

In many cultures, cloves were used to ward off evil spirits and illness. Their strong aroma was believed to drive away malevolent forces—both literal and energetic. In medieval Europe, cloves were carried in pomanders to protect against plague and misfortune.

In some Afro-Caribbean traditions, cloves were used in spiritual baths and floor washes to remove negative energy and hexes. The fiery nature of cloves—connected to the element of Fire—makes them especially suited to banishing and cleansing rituals.

Love and Passion

Cloves have long been associated with love and attraction. In India, they were sometimes included in love sachets or charm bags, and in early Arabic texts, cloves were listed among the aphrodisiac herbs.

Witches today continue this tradition by using cloves in love spells, especially those aimed at rekindling passion, strengthening bonds, or calling in a fiery new connection.

Wealth and Prosperity

Because cloves were once worth more than gold, they naturally became a symbol of wealth and abundance. Carrying cloves in your purse or placing them in a money jar is still a common magical practice for attracting financial success.

Their link to Jupiter—the planet of growth and expansion—further supports their use in prosperity magic.

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Cloves in Witchcraft: Why Modern Witches Still Reach for Them

Witches love cloves not only for their rich folklore but also for their versatility. A single clove carries the power to protect, attract, banish, energise, and bless. Here’s why cloves remain a staple in modern magical practice:

• Accessible and powerful – Easy to source, potent in small amounts.

• Multi-purpose – Can be used in spells for love, money, protection, or courage.

• Easy to blend – Pairs beautifully with other herbs like cinnamon, rosemary, and bay.

• Works with the Fire element – Ideal for transformation, motivation, and strength.

Cloves are also easy to incorporate into many forms of magic: incense, oils, charm bags, jar spells, ritual baths, teas, and even kitchen witchcraft.

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Ritual Uses from Past to Present

• Ancient China: Used to purify breath and energy before ceremonial audiences.

• Arabian Peninsula: Combined with myrrh and other resins in incense for spiritual connection.

• Europe: Carried for protection during plague outbreaks and sewn into amulets.

• Africa and the Caribbean: Used in rootwork and spiritual cleansing baths.

• Modern Witchcraft: Central in protection jars, money spells, love sachets, and cleansing rituals.

Cloves are also linked with deities like Hecate (for protection and crossing thresholds) and Aphrodite (for love and sensual energy), reflecting their dual nature—both fierce and tender, protective and passionate.

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Final Thoughts

Cloves have earned their place in witchcraft through centuries of magical and spiritual use. From ancient empires to your modern altar, these fiery buds carry the weight of protection, passion, and power. Whether you’re warding off negativity, building confidence, or drawing in prosperity, cloves are a reliable and potent ally.

Want to work more magic with cloves? Start here:

• Cloves: Magical Properties and How to Use Them in Witchcraft

• Spiritual Properties of Cloves: What They Mean & How to Harness Them

• Cinnamon: Magical Properties and Spells for Love, Money and Fire Energy

How do you use cloves in your witchcraft practice? Share your stories in the comments or tag me on social media with #LancsGreenWitch.