Cloves have been used for centuries not only for their wonderful aroma and flavor, but also for their spiritual symbolism and mystical properties. If you’re wondering what cloves spiritually signify, here’s a quick answer: cloves represent protection, prosperity, love, and luck.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the history of cloves, their use in spiritual traditions around the world, and the deeper meaning behind why cloves are considered to carry strong magical energy.
The History and Origins of Cloves
Where Cloves Come From
Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia, often referred to as the “Spice Islands.” These small islands were the only source of cloves for centuries, making them extremely valuable in trade.
The name “clove” comes from the Latin word clavus, meaning “nail,” referring to the bud’s nail-like shape. Cloves have a strong, warm, sweet flavor and are an essential ingredient in many cuisines around the world.
Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Cloves
In Asian traditional medicine, cloves have been used to treat various digestive and respiratory ailments. Recent research has shown that compounds found in cloves have antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties.
Cloves have traditionally been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and western herbalism. They are believed to stimulate digestion, encourage blood circulation, and ease nausea or vomiting.
Significance in Trade and Commerce
Due to their limited supply and great value, cloves were influential in world trade starting as early as the Han Dynasty in China. For centuries, cloves were only grown on a few islands in Indonesia, making them difficult to acquire and extremely valuable.
Wars were even fought over control of the valuable Spice Islands. The Dutch and Portuguese engaged in brutal competition during the 16th and 17th centuries to dominate the lucrative clove trade. This resulted in great violence, conquest and exploitation in the Moluccas.
Today, cloves are more widely grown, but Indonesia still dominates production with 72% total global output. Cloves remain an important export crop in countries like Tanzania, Madagascar and Sri Lanka as well.[1]
Cloves in Spirituality Around the World
Cloves in Indian Culture
Cloves have long been used in Indian culture for their medicinal and spiritual properties. In Ayurvedic medicine, cloves are believed to stimulate digestion and relieve respiratory issues. Cloves are also seen as having purifying qualities and are sometimes burned as incense during spiritual rituals.
Some specific spiritual uses of cloves in India include:
- Cloves are often put in garlands used to decorate images of Hindu gods and goddesses
- During Diwali, the Festival of Lights, cloves are used to decorate homes and are sometimes woven into flower garlands as offerings
- In some wedding ceremonies, the bride and groom are given a mixture of cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and brown sugar to chew on to symbolize sweetness entering their lives
Cloves in Chinese Culture
In traditional Chinese medicine, cloves are used to provide warmth and improve blood circulation. They are believed to relieve pain and address certain digestive issues.
Cloves also play a role in Chinese spiritual traditions:
- During the Double Ninth Festival, cloves are used in offerings and to decorate homes to honor ancestors and ward off negative energy
- Cloves are sometimes included in traditional Chinese medicine incense blends due to their purifying and protective qualities
- Sticking cloves into oranges is a Chinese New Year tradition representing bringing abundance and fortune into the home in the coming year
Cloves in Western Esoteric Traditions
Cloves have significance across various branches of Western esotericism and occult traditions. They are seen as having protective and purifying properties. Specific examples include:
- In folk magic practices cloves are carried as amulets or used to scent charm bags for protection, banishing negativity, and attracting positive forces
- Cloves are used as incense or sprinkled powder in some Wiccan cleansing and banishing rituals
- In Western occultism, cloves are sometimes included in sachets or rituals aimed at preventing the evil eye and warding off jealous curses
So in cultures across the world, this common spice has taken on spiritual symbolism and become integrated into sacred traditions in a variety of ways over time. The enduring mystical meanings associated with cloves speak to their powerfully aromatic and medicinal qualities.
The Spiritual Meanings and Symbols of Cloves
Protection
Cloves have traditionally been used as a protective spice in folk magic and spiritual practices across many cultures. Their strong scent is thought to drive away negative energy and evil spirits. Cloves can be burned as incense, used in sachets or charms, or incorporated into rituals for protection.
For example, in China, cloves are sometimes placed under the corners of a bed to protect the sleeper from evil influences at night.
In Africa, cloves are seen as having protective capacities due to their ability to numbing pain when used medicinally. They are thought to symbolically “numb” or shield one from harmful forces. An old myth claims that anyone who carries cloves will be untouched by plague or illness.
Prosperity
Cloves are commonly linked to prosperity, success, and bringing in wealth in various folk magic traditions. This may originate from cloves being once among the most valuable spices, used as currency and presented to royalty along with other treasures.
Some believe that burning clove incense or keeping cloves in one’s home will attract riches.
An old legend says that anyone who finds a clove flower that has 9-12 petals will gain great prosperity. While biologically unlikely, this myth shows the strong symbolic ties between cloves and prosperity.
Cloves are incorporated into money spells and rituals by some spiritual practitioners seeking financial boons.
Love and Fertility
Cloves are also connected with invoking new love, romance, or fertility. One origin of this meaning comes from Indonesian mythology, where cloves play a role in a popular epic romance. The strong, sweet aroma of cloves may have also led to associations with romance and attraction.
Some customary folk wedding traditions incorporate cloves, such as wreaths adorned with cloves given to brides, or clove decorations at the reception. Cloves can also be used in magical rituals focused on bringing love or intimacy into one’s life.
Healing
In addition to protective powers, cloves are known for their medicinal and therapeutic properties, from ancient traditional healing systems to modern aromatherapy. Applying clove oil is said to ease toothaches and other pain. Cloves also have antiseptic, antimicrobial properties.
Some believe that cloves have spiritual healing effects as well, and can purify mind, body, and spirit when used ceremonially or in incense. According to legends, clove essence can cleanse one’s environment and aura from negative energy, which otherwise causes illness.
| Spiritual Meaning | Use of Cloves |
|---|---|
| Protection | Burned as incense or used in rituals |
| Prosperity | Burned as money-drawing incense |
| Love & Fertility | Incorporated into charms or decor |
| Healing | Applied topically or ceremonially |
Using Cloves for Magical Purposes
Cloves in Magical Spells and Rituals
Cloves have a long history of being used in magical spells and rituals due to their warming, stimulating properties that are believed to increase the power and effectiveness of magic. According to ancient lore, cloves can be burned as an incense, added to herbal sachets and potions, or used in magical oil blends to amplify spells for love, luck, money, and protection.
Witches and magical practitioners often use cloves in spells to invite more passion into romantic relationships. The sweet, spicy aroma of cloves is thought to stoke the flames of love and desire. In a 2021 survey, 78% of witches interviewed said they regularly incorporated cloves into love spells.
Cloves can also be used in prosperity magic and money drawing rituals. Whole dried cloves can be carried in purple pouches along with coins, cinnamon sticks, and dried orange peel to manifest wealth and abundance.
Additionally, an infusion made from cloves, nutmeg and allspice can be used to ritually cleanse spaces where money magic will be performed.
Making a Prosperity Charm with Cloves
One simple way to harness the magical properties of cloves is by making a prosperity charm. This type of lucky charm can be carried in your wallet or purse or displayed in an area of your home related to finances to energize abundance.
To make a prosperity charm with cloves you will need:
- 5 whole dried cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick broken into pieces
- Several coins
- 1 green or gold drawstring bag
Arrange the cloves, cinnamon pieces and coins together in the drawstring bag while visualizing growing prosperity. Tie the bag closed and charge it under the light of a full moon. Every so often, hold the bag in your hands and repeat an affirmation like “wealth and riches flow to me now.”
Cloves for Protective Magic
In folk magic traditions, cloves can be used in rituals and spellwork to establish strong protection. Historically, cloves were thought to combat negative energy, ward off illness, repel malicious spirits, and shield people from the “evil eye” curse caused by envy or ill intentions.
One simple way to use cloves for protection magic is by preparing a purifying room spray. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, you can create a protective spray by simmering 10 whole cloves in 2 cups water.
Allow to cool fully, then strain and add to a spray bottle along with 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil. Mist over doorways, windows and other entry points to secure a space against harm.
For more heavy-duty magical defense, cloves can be sprinkled around the perimeter of a home or property to create an invisible boundary of protection against threats or curses. As you lay the cloves, visualize a glowing white light radiating up to create an impenetrable force field.
Conclusion
To conclude, cloves have profound spiritual symbolism and have been prized over the centuries not only for their alluring scent and flavor, but for their mystical protective and fortunate properties. Across cultures from India to China to the Western world, cloves represent safeguarding what’s precious, abundance, devotion, and healing.
With their powerful magical energies, cloves continue to be harnessed in spells, charms, and spiritual traditions seeking security, prosperity, and the fullness of life.
