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Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury

Element: Air

Powers: Psychic Powers, Mental Powers

Magical Uses: Mace, the outer covering of the nutmeg, is burned to increase psychic powers and is carried to improve the intellect.

MAGUEY

(Agave spp) Sk

Folk Name: Agave

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Powers: Lust

Magical Uses: The juice of the maguey has long been used in lust potions.

MAGNOLIA

(Magnolia grandifolia, M. virginiana,
M. stellata) G

Folk Names: Blue Magnolia, Cucumber Tree, Swamp Sassafras

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Earth

Powers: Fidelity

Magical Uses: Place some magnolia near or beneath the bed to maintain a faithful relationship.

MAHOGANY, MOUNTAIN

(Cercocarpus ledifolius) Seed and Leaves: Poison

Gender: Masculine

Element: Fire

Powers: Anti-Lightning

Magical Uses: Long used to protect against lightning, especially by mountain climbers. Mountain mahogany lives at high elevations where lightning and thunder live too, according to ancient American Indian tradition. Thus the tree gives protection from lightning strikes. Wear a piece of the bark in your hat or somewhere on your person while mountain climbing.

MAIDENHAIR

(Adiantum pedatim) P D+

Folk Names: Maidenhair Fern, Venus Hair, Rock Fern

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Deity: Venus

Powers: Beauty, Love

Magical Uses: Immerse some maidenhair in water, then remove. If worn on the person or kept in the bedroom after this process it will grant you grace, beauty, and love.

MALE FERN

(Dryopterisfelix-mas) Poison

Folk Names: Paproc, Basket Fern, Aspidium, Marginal Shield Fern, Male Shield Fern, Marginal Fern

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury

Element Air

Powers: Luck, Love

Magical Uses: Male fern is carried as a potent luck attractant, and it also draws women.

MALLOW

(Malva sylvestris, M. spp.) G

Folk Names: High Mallow, Mauls, Cheese Flower, Blue Mallow, Common Mallow

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Moon

Element: Water

Powers: Love, Protection, Exorcism

Magical Uses: If your love has left you, gather a bouquet of mallow and place in a vase outside your door (or in a window). This will cause him or her to think of you, and after that they may return. Mallow is also carried to attract love.

To make an effective protective magical ointment, steep mallow leaves and stems in vegetable shortening, then strain. This ointment rubbed onto the skin casts out devils as well as protects against the harmful effects of black magic.

MANDRAKE

(Atropa mandragora, Mandragora officinale) Poison

Folk Names: Alraun, Anthropomorphon, Baaras, Brain Thief, Circeium, Circoea, Galgenmannchen, Gallows, Herb of Circe, Hexenmannchen (German: Witches’ Mannildn), Ladykins, Mandragen, Mandragor, Mannikin, Raccoon Berry, Semihomo, Wild Lemon, Womandrake, Zauberwurzel (German: Sorcerer’s Root)

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury

Element: Fire

Deities: Hecate, Hathor

Powers: Protection, Fertility, Money, Love, Health

Magical Uses: A whole mandrake root, placed on the mantel in the home, will give the house protection, fertility, and prosperity. Mandrake is also hung on the headboard for protection during sleep, carried to attract love, and worn to prevent contraction of illnesses. Where there is mandrake, demons cannot reside, and so the root is used in exorcism.

To “activate” a dried mandrake root (i.e., to bring its powers out of hibernation), place it in some prominent location in the house and leave it there undisturbed for three days. Then place it in warm water and leave overnight. Afterwards, the root is activated and may be used in any magical practice. The water in which the root has bathed can be sprinkled at the windows and doors of the house to protect it, or onto people to purify them.

The mandrake has also long served as a poppet in image magic, but its extreme scarcity and high cost usually forces the Magician and Witch to look for substitutes; ash roots, apples, the root of the briony, the American may-apple and many others have been used.

Money placed beside a mandrake root (especially silver coins) is said to double, and the scent of the mandrake causes sleep.

MAPLE

(Acer spp.) G

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Jupiter

Element: Air

Powers: Love, Longevity, Money

Magical Uses: Maple leaves are used in love spells and money rituals, and branches of the maple have long served as magical wands. A child passed through the branches of a maple tree will have a long life.

MARIGOLD

(Calendula officinalis) G

Folk Names: Bride of the Sun, Calendula, Drunkard, Goldes, Holigolde, Husbandman’s Dial, Marybud, Marygold, Mary Gowles, Ruddes, Ruddles, Spousa Solis, Summer’s Bride

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Powers: Protection, Prophetic Dreams, Legal Matters, Psychic Powers

Magical Uses: Marigolds, picked at noon when the Sun is at its hottest and strongest, will strengthen and comfort the heart.

Garlands of marigolds strung on the doorposts stop evil from entering the house, and scattered under the bed they protect you while asleep and make your dreams come true, i.e., give you prophetic dreams. Especially effective in discovering a thief who has robbed you.

Marigolds added to the bath water help win the respect and admiration of everyone you meet.

Looking at the bright flowers strengthens the sight, and carried in the pocket, marigold helps justice to smile favorably upon you while in court.

If a girl touches the petals of the marigold with her bare feet, she will understand the languages of the birds.

MARJORAM

(Origanum majorana or 0. vulgare) G

Folk Names: Joy of the Mountain, Knotted Marjoram, Marjorlaine, Mountain Mint, Pot Marjoram, Sweet Marjoram, Wintersweet

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury

Element: Air

Deities: Venus, Aphrodite

Powers: Protection, Love, Happiness, Health, Money

Magical Uses: Marjoram is used in love spells, and is also added to food to strengthen love.

Carried it is protective, as it is when placed around the house, a bit in each room, and renewed each month. Grown in the garden it offers shielding powers against evil.

Violets and marjoram, mixed together, are worn during the winter months as an amulet against colds.

Given to a depressed person marjoram brings happiness. It is also used in money mixtures and sachets.

MASTERWORT

(Imperatoria ostruthium)

Folk Names: Hog Fennel, Imperatoria

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Powers: Strength, Courage, Protection

Magical Uses: Masterwort grants physical strength if worn, and so may be used by laborers and athletes to reinforce the body. It is also carried to aid the will and calm emotions, and as an amulet against evil. Sprinkle it about to make spirits appear.

MASTIC

(Pistacia lentiscus)

Folk Names: Gum Mastic, Masticke, Pistachia Galls

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Air

Powers: Psychic Powers, Manifestations, Lust

Magical Uses: Mastic is burned in magical operations wherein a manifestation of a spirit is desired.

It is also used as an incense to aid the psychic powers and has long been dissolved and used in lust potions by Magicians and Witches in the Middle East.

Added to any incense, mastic lends potency and power.

MAY APPLE

(Podophyllum peltatum) Poison

Folk Names: American Mandrake, Duck’s Foot, Hog Apple, Mandrake, Raccoon Berry, Wild Lemon

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury

Element: Fire

Powers: Money

Magical Uses: American mandrake, or may apple, is generally used as a substitute for the European (true) mandrake. Its uses are practically identical. The may apple is not related to the true mandrake.

MEADOW RUE

(Thalictrum spp) G

Folk Name: Flute Plant

Powers: Love, Divination

Magical Uses: Worn around the neck by American Indians as an all-around protective amulet, and also carried to attract love.

MEADOWSWEET

(Spiraea filipendula, Filipendula ulmaria, Spiraea ulmaria) G

Folk Names: Bride of the Meadow, Bridewort, Dollor, Gravel Root, Lady of the Meadow, Little Queen, Meadowwort, Meadowsweet, Queen of the Meadow, Steeplebush, Trumpet Weed

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Jupiter

Element: Air

Powers: Love, Divination, Peace, Happiness

Magical Uses: Fresh meadowsweet is placed on the altar for love spells, or dried is used in various love mixtures. Also strewn about the house to keep peace. The scent of meadowsweet cheers the heart.

If gathered on Midsummer, meadow-sweet will give you information regarding thieves; if you have been robbed, place meadowsweet on water. If it sinks, the thief is a man. If it floats, a woman.

MESQUITE

(Prosopis juliflora) G

Folk Name: Mizquitl (Aztec)

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Moon

Element: Water

Powers: Healing

Magical Uses: Add to healing incenses and mixtures. Mesquite is also used to fuel magical fires.

MIMOSA

(Acacia dealbata) P

Folk Names: Mimosa Pudica, Albizzialebbeck

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn

Element: Water

Powers: Protection, Love, Prophetic Dreams, Purification

Magical Uses: Mimosa is used in spells involving purification (scatter around the area), love, healing, and prophetic dreaming. The latter use, of course, entailing its placement beneath the pillow and subsequently sleeping on it.

A bath of mimosa (or an infusion of the plant sponged onto the body) destroys hexes and curses, and guards against future problems.

MINT

(Mentha spp.) For specific cautions,
look up specific mint.

Folk Name: Garden Mint

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury

Element: Air

Deities: Pluto, Hecate

Powers: Money, Lust, Healing, Travel, Exorcism, Protection

Magical Uses: Mint has long been used in healing potions and mixtures, and the fresh leaves rubbed against the head are said to relieve headaches. Mint worn at the wrist assures that you will not be ill. Stomach problems can be alleviated by stuffing a green poppet with mint and anointing it with healing oils.

Mint is also used in travel spells and to provoke lust. Its bright green leaves and crisp scent led to its use in money and prosperity spells; the easiest of which is to place a few leaves in the wallet or purse, or to rub where your money is kept.

To rid a place of evil, sprinkle salt water with a sprinkler made of fresh sprigs of mint, marjoram and rosemary. Fresh mint laid on the altar will call good spirits to be present and aid you in magic. Mint is also kept in the home for protection.

“Mint” is a general term for any of the Mentha family.

MISTLETOE

(Viscum album–European Mistletoe Pr CPI; Phoradendron leucarpum; P. flavescens–American Mistletoe Poison)

Folk Names: All Heal, Birdlime, Devil’s Fuge, Donnerbesen, European Mistletoe, Golden Bough, Holy Wood, Lignam sanctae crucis, Misseltoe, Thunderbesem, Witches Broom, Wood of the Cross

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Air

Deities: Apollo, Freya, Frigga, Venus, Odin

Powers: Protection, Love, Hunting, Fertility, Health, Exorcism

Ritual Uses: As is well known, the Druids revered the mistletoe, especially when found growing on an oak. It was (and still is) cut on Midsummer’s Day, or else when the Moon is six days old. One stroke of a gold sickle was used to cut the herb, and it wasn’t allowed to touch the ground.

Magical Uses: Long used for protection against lightning, disease, misfortune of every kind, fires, and so on, it is carried or placed in an appropriate spot for these uses. The leaves and berries are used. Mistletoe is placed in cradles to protect children from being stolen by fairies and replaced with changelings.

A ring carved of mistletoe wood will ward off sicknesses when worn, and the plant will cure fresh wounds quickly when carried (do not apply to the wound).

Mistletoe is also carried or worn for good luck in hunting, and women carry the herb to aid in conception. It has also been utilized in spells designed to capture that elusive state of immortality, and to open locks.

Laid near the bedroom door, mistletoe gives restful sleep and beautiful dreams, as it does when placed beneath the pillow or hung at the headboard.

Kiss your love beneath mistletoe and you’ll stay in love. Burned, mistletoe banishes evil. Wear it around your neck to attain invisibility. Mistletoe is an all-purpose herb.

MOLUKKA

Folk Names: Fairy’s Eggs, Virgin Mary’s Nut

Powers: Protection

Magical Uses: The white molukka nuts are hung around the neck to indicate, as well as to banish, hexes and curses. If the nuts turn black they have averted an evil spell.

MOONWORT

(Botrychium spp.)

Folk Name: Unshoe-Horse

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Moon

Element: Water

Powers: Money, Love

Magical Uses: Moonwort placed in boxes and bags supposedly produces silver. It has long been used in money spells of all types.

This fern is also used in opening locks (by placing it in the keyhole) and breaking chains (by simply touching them).

Horses as well as humans who accidentally step on it lose their shoes, according to ancient tradition.

Moonwort is also utilized in love spells.

MORNING GLORY

(Ipomoea spp.) Poison

Folk Name: Bindweed

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Saturn

Element: Water

Powers: Happiness, Peace

Magical Uses: Place the seeds beneath the pillow to stop all nightmares. Grown in the garden, blue morning glories bring peace and happiness. The root of the morning glory may be used as a substitute for High John the Conqueror root.

MOSS

Powers: Luck, Money

Magical Uses: To carry moss (any type) taken from a gravestone in your pocket is a good ensurer of luck, especially financial luck. Moss is used to stuff general-purpose poppets.

MUGWORT

(Artemisia vulgaris) P

Folk Names: Artemis Herb, Artemisia, Felon Herb, Muggons, Naughty Man, Old Man, Old Uncle Henry, Sailor’s Tobacco, St. John’s Plant

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Earth

Deities: Artemis, Diana

Powers: Strength, Psychic Powers, Protection, Prophetic Dreams, Healing, Astral Projection

Magical Uses: Place mugwort in the shoes to gain strength during long walks or runs. For this purpose pick mugwort before sunrise, saying:

Tollam te artemesia, ne lassus sim in via.

A pillow stuffed with mugwort and slept upon will produce prophetic dreams. Mugwort is also burned with sandalwood or wormwood during scrying rituals, and a mugwort infusion is drunk (sweetened with honey) before divination.

The infusion is also used to wash crystal balls and magic mirrors, and mugwort leaves are placed around the base of the ball (or beneath it) to aid in psychic workings.

When carrying mugwort you cannot be harmed by poison, wild beasts, or sunstroke, according to ancient tradition. In a building, mugwort prevents elves and “evil thynges” from entering, and bunches of mugwort are used in Japan by the Ainus to exorcise spirits of disease who are thought to hate the odor. In China, it is hung over doors to keep evil spirits from buildings.

Mugwort is also carried to increase lust and fertility, to prevent backache, and to cure disease and madness. Placed next to the bed, it aids in achieving astral projection.

MULBERRY

(Morus nigra, Morus rubra) Unripe berry, bark, twig and leaf: X; Twig: B

Folk Names: Tut, Morera, Gelso

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury

Element: Air

Deities: Minerva, San Ku Fu Jen, Diana

Powers: Protection, Strength

Magical Uses: Mulberry protects the garden from lightning. It is also an aid when working on the will, and the wood is a powerful protectant against evil. Wands are made of mulberry.

MULLEIN

(Verbascum thapus) G

Folk Names: Aaron’s Rod, Blanket Leaf, Candlewick Plant, Clot, Doffle, Feltwort, Flannel Plant, Graveyard Dust, Hag’s Tapers, Hedge Taper, Jupiter’s Staff, Lady’s Foxglove, Old Man’s Fennel, Peter’s Staff, Shepherd’s Club, Shepherd’s Herb, Torches, Velvetback, Velvet Plant

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn

Element: Fire

Deity: Jupiter

Powers: Courage, Protection, Health, Love Divination, Exorcism

Magical Uses: Mullein is worn to keep wild animals from you while hiking in untamed areas. It also instills courage in the bearer, and a few leaves placed in the shoe keeps one from catching a cold. Mullein is also carried to obtain love from the opposite sex.

Stuffed into a small pillow or placed beneath your pillow, mullein guards against nightmares.

In India, mullein is regarded as the most potent safeguard against evil spirits and magic, and is hung over doors, in windows, and carried in sachets. It is also used to banish demons and negativity.

In the Ozarks, men performed a simple love divination. The man went to a clearing where a mullein grew and bent it down so that it pointed toward his love’s house. If she loved him the mullein would grow upright again; if she loved another it would die. Graveyard dust—an infrequent ingredient in spells—can be substituted with powdered mullein leaves.

At one time Witches and magicians used oil lamps to illuminate their spells and rites, and the downy leaves and stems of the mullein often provided the wicks.

MUSTARD, BLACK

(Brassica spp.) Lt (external use)

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Deity: Aesculapius

Powers: Fertility, Protection, Mental Powers

Magical Uses: The Hindus used mustard seed to travel through the air. A more down-to-earth use is carrying mustard seed in a red cloth sachet to guard against colds and to increase mental powers.

Italian peasants sprinkle mustard seed on the doorsill for protective reasons, and mustard seed buried under your doorstep will keep all manner of supernatural beings from your home.

When eaten, mustard seed increases fertility in women.

MYRRH

(Commiphora myrrha) P Ub

Folk Names: Gum Myrrh Tree, Karan, Mirra Balsom Odendron

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Moon

Element: Water

Deities: Isis, Adonis, Ra, Marian

Powers: Protection, Exorcism, Healing, Spirituality

Ritual Uses: Myrrh was burned to Ra at noon in ancient Egypt, and was also fumed in the temples of Isis.

Magical Uses: Burned as an incense myrrh purifies the area, lifts the vibrations and creates peace. However, it is rarely burned alone; usually in conjunction with frankincense or other resins. Myrrh increases the power of any incense to which it is added.

Myrrh is also included in healing incenses and sachets, and its smoke is used to consecrate, purify, and bless objects such as amulets, talismans, charms, and magical tools. Myrrh also aids meditation and contemplation. It is often added to sachets, usually with frankincense.

MYRTLE

(Myrtus communis) Dg

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Deities: Venus, Artemis, Aphrodite, Hathor, Astarte, Ashtoreth, Marian

Powers: Love, Fertility, Youth, Peace, Money

Magical Uses: Myrtle has long been considered a “love” herb. A chaplet of fresh leaves and flowers worn on the head while performing love spells is highly appropriate. Myrtle is added to all love sachets and spells, especially those designed to keep love alive and exciting.

Myrtle is also worn to increase fertility, but interestingly enough it is also worn at weddings by brides to ensure that they do not quickly become pregnant!

Myrtle wood, when carried, preserves youthfulness. A cup of myrtle tea, drunk every three days, will do the same, but it must be drunk every three days without fail.

When carried, myrtle preserves love. If grown on each side of the house, love and peace will reside within, and it is a lucky plant to grow in window-boxes, if it is planted there by a woman. Myrtle is also used in money spells.

NETTLE

(Urtica dioica) Leaf: G

Folk Names: Ortiga Ancha, Stinging Nettle

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Deity: Thor

Powers: Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Lust

Magical Uses: The protective powers of the nettle have long been used in magic. To remove a curse and send it back, stuff a poppet with nettle, or carry some in a sachet.

Also, sprinkle nettle around the house to keep evil out and to send it back. Nettle is also thrown onto a fire to avert danger, held in the hand to ward off ghosts, carried with yarrow to allay fear, and worn as an amulet to keep negativity far away.

A pot of freshly cut nettles placed beneath a sickbed will aid in the person’s recovery.

Nettle has sometimes been used as a lust-inducing herb, and contemporary Mexican spiritualists recommend its use in purification baths—because it is “more carnivorous” than other herbs, and so will work more efficiently.

NORFOLK ISLAND PINE

(Auricaria excelsa)

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Powers: Protection, Anti-Hunger

Magical Uses: The Norfolk Island Pine offers protection against hunger and evil spirits when grown in the home or near it.

NUTMEG

(Myristica fragrans) D+ X

Folk Names: Qoust, Sadhika, Wohpala, Bicuiba Acu

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Jupiter

Element: Fire

Powers: Luck, Money, Health, Fidelity

Magical Uses: Nutmegs have long been carried as good luck charms, and are strung with star anise and tonka beans for a potent herbal necklace. Specifically, nutmegs are carried to ward off rheumatism, cold sores, neuralgia, boils, and sties. A nutmeg hung from a string around a baby’s neck will aid in its teething. Nutmeg is included in many money/prosperity mixtures, and (ground) is sprinkled onto green candles for this purpose as well.

To ensure your lover’s fidelity, cut a nutmeg into exactly four pieces. Bury one part in the Earth; throw one off a cliff into the air; burn the third part; and boil the last in water. Drink a sip of the water and take this last piece of nutmeg with you everywhere; sleep with it under your pillow at night. No one will tempt your mate.

NUTS

Powers: Fertility, Prosperity, Love, Luck

Magical Uses: All nuts are potent fertility-inducers, and are carried for such uses.

They are also included in many prosperity and money mixtures. Heartshaped nuts are carried to promote love, while double-nuts are very lucky charms indeed.

OAK

(Quercus alba)

External use of the bark: Sk Br F Ca

Folk Names: White Oak, Duir, Jove’s Nuts, Juglans (Latin)

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Deities: Dagda, Dianus, Jupiter, Thor, Zeus, Heme, Janus, Rhea, Cybele, Hecate, Pan, Erato

Powers: Protection, Health, Money, Healing, Potency, Fertility, Luck

Ritual Uses: Since the oak was a source of food for early settlers in Britain as well as Europe, it came to be revered and worshipped far back into prehistory. The Druids (traditionally) would not meet for rituals unless an oak was present, and the very words “oak” and “Druid,” some say, are related. Religious idols were fashioned from oak wood, and Witches often danced beneath the tree.

Magical Uses: A tree as long-lived and strong as the oak naturally offers magical protection. Two twigs of oak, bound with red thread so that they form an equal-armed cross, makes a potent safeguard against evil. It should be hung in the house.

Acorns placed in windows guard against the entrance of lightning, and a piece of oak wood, carried, protects its bearer from all harm.

If you can catch a falling oak leaf you shall have no colds all winter. When a sick person is in the house make a fire of oak wood and warm the house with it to “draw off” the illness. (Do this only if you have a fireplace, of course!). Carry an acorn against illnesses and pains, for immortality or longevity, and to preserve youthfulness.

Planting an acorn in the dark of the Moon ensures that you shall receive money in the near future. Carrying an acorn increases fertility and strengthens sexual potency.

Carrying any piece of the oak draws good luck.

There are other kinds of oak trees; each has the same basic powers, but each expresses those powers differently. Observing and asking the oaks can reveal to you the finer points of their powers.

OATS

(Avena sativa) G

Folk Names: Groats, Oatmeal, Joulaf

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Earth

Powers: Money

Magical Uses: Use in prosperity and money spells.

OLEANDER

(Nerium oleander) Poison

Folk Names: Rose Bay, Dog Bane, Ceylon Tree, Adelfa

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn

Element: Earth

Powers: Love

Magical Uses: Although Italian magical thought says that keeping any part of an oleander in the house brings sickness, disgrace, and misfortune of every kind to its inhabitants, oleander is occasionally used in love spells—but never internally.

OLIVE

(Olea europaea) Fruit: G

Folk Names: Olivier, Itm, Mitan

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Deities: Athena, Apollo, Irene, Minerva, Ra

Powers: Healing, Peace, Fertility, Potency, Protection, Lust

Ritual Uses: The oil was burned in lamps to light temples in ancient times.

Magical Uses: On an olive leaf write Athena’s name. Press this against the head or wear on the body and it will cure a headache. Olive oil has long been used as an anointing oil to aid in healing.

Olive leaves scattered or placed in a room spread a peaceful vibration throughout the area.

When eaten, olives ensure fertility as well as sexual potency in men, and are also lust-inducing. Athenian brides wore crowns of olive leaves to ensure their fertility.

A branch of olive hung over the door guards the house against all evils, and on the chimney wards off lightning. Olive leaves, worn, bring luck.

ONION

(Allium cepa) G

Folk Names: Oingnum, Onyoun, Unyoun, Yn-leac

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Deity: Isis

Powers: Protection, Exorcism, Healing, Money, Prophetic Dreams, Lust

Ritual Uses: According to some ancient authorities, the onion was worshipped in some cities in ancient Egypt, and was sometimes invoked while taking oaths.

Magical Uses: Take a small white onion, stick it full of black-headed pins, and place in a window. This will guard against the intrusion of evil into the home. The flowers are decorative and protective, and can be dried and placed in the home for an unusual and attractive protective amulet. Carried, the onion gives protection against venomous beasts. Grown in pots or in the garden they also shield against evil.

Halved or quartered onions, placed in the house, will absorb negativity and evil, as well as disease.

For healing, rub the cut edge of an onion against the afflicted part of the body, visualizing the disease going into the onion. Then destroy the onion (burn or smash to pieces and bury). Settlers in New England hung strings of onions over doorways to guard against infections, and a cut onion placed beneath the kitchen sink has long been used for the same purpose. To cure warts, rub them with a piece of onion and throw over your right shoulder. Walk away without looking back. A large red onion tied to the bedpost protects its occupants against sickness, and aids in recuperation.

Never throw onion skins and peelings onto the ground; if you do, you throw away your prosperity. Instead, burn them in the fireplace or cookstove to attract riches.

An onion placed beneath the pillow can produce prophetic dreams. If you are faced with making a decision, scratch your options on onions, one to each onion. Place them in the dark. The first one that sprouts answers you.

Some ancient authorities state that when eaten, the onion “provokes to venery,” i.e., produces lust.

Magical knives and swords are purified by rubbing their blades with cut fresh onions, and if you throw an onion after a bride you’ll throw away her tears.

ORANGE

(Citrus sinesis) G

Folk Name: Love Fruit

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Powers: Love, Divination, Luck, Money

Magical Uses: The dried peel and seeds are added to love sachets, and the flowers to those sachets designed to lead to wedded bliss. The fresh or dried blossoms added to the bath make the bather more attractive.

When you eat an orange, think of a question you want answered; it must be a yes/no question. Count the seeds in the orange: if they are of an even number, the answer is no. If odd, yes.

Orange peel is added to prosperity powders, incenses and mixtures, and the Chinese have long considered oranges symbols of luck and good fortune.

Orange juice is drunk in rituals in place of wine. An infusion of orange peels, drunk, will guard against later drunkeness, while the water distilled from orange flowers is added to love and lust potions and baths.

ORCHID

(Orchis spp.)

Folk Names: Levant Salap, Sahlab (Arabic), Sahleb, Salep, Saloop, Satyrion

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Love

Magical Uses: Orchids have long been used in love spells, especially the root, which is carried in a sachet.

Of course, the flower is currently one of the commoner floral symbols of love in the West, and when given, clearly conveys its message.

Some types of orchids are used in creating visions, trance-states, and inducing psychic powers.

OREGON GRAPE

(Berberis aquifolium) P

Folk Names: California Barberry, Oregon Grape Root, Rocky Mountain Grape, Trailing Grape, Wild Oregon Grape

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Earth

Powers: Money, Popularity

Magical Uses: Carry this root to draw money and financial security and to gain popularity.

ORRIS

(Iris germanica var. florentina) G

Folk Names: Florentine Iris, Queen Elizabeth Root

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Deities: Aphrodite, Isis, Osiris, Hera, Iris

Powers: Love, Protection, Divination

Magical Uses: The orris root has long been used to find and hold love. The whole orris root is carried, the powder added to sachets, sprinkled on sheets, clothing and the body, as well as around the house. Orris root powder is sometimes known as “Love Drawing Powder.”

In Japan the orris was used as a protectant against evil spirits; the roots and leaves were hung from the eaves of the house and added to the bath water for personal protection. Suspend a whole root from a small length of cord or yarn and with this pendulum find answers to your questions.

PALM, DATE

(Phoenix dactylifera, P. roebelenii) G

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Air

Deities: Taht, Apollo, Artemis, Hecate, Isis, Ra

Powers: Fertility, Potency

Magical Uses: The date palm is a celebrated fertility tree, owing to the tremendous amount of fruits produced by it. Thusly, dates or pieces of palm leaves are worn or carried for this purpose; dates are eaten to increase fertility, and the pits are carried by men who wish to regain sexual potency.

Where the palm grows, it protects the area from inclement weather, and a leaf of the palm kept near the entrance of the home keeps evil and uncanny creatures from entering.

PANSY

(Viola tricolor) G

Folk Names: Banewort, Banwort (Anglo-Saxon), Bird’s Eye, Bonewort (Anglo-Saxon), Bouncing Bet, Garden Violet, Heart’s Ease, Horse Violet, Johnny Jumper, Johnny Jump-Ups, Kiss-Me-At-The-Garden-Gate, Little Stepmother, Love Idol, Love-in-Idleness, Love-Lies Bleeding, Loving Idol, Meet-Me-In-The-Entry, Pensee (French), Stepmother, Tittle-My-Fancy

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn

Element: Water

Powers: Love, Rain Magic, Love Divination

Magical Uses: Worn or carried, the pansy draws love. It is also potent for love divinations. Plant pansies in the shape of a heart; if they prosper, so too will your love.

A woman whose sailor-love goes to sea can ensure that he thinks of her by burying sea sand in the pansy bed and watering the flowers before sunrise. If pansies are picked when dew is still on them, it will soon rain.

PAPAYA

(Catica papaya) G

Folk Names: Paw-Paw, Papao, Put

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Moon

Element: Water

Powers: Love, Protection

Magical Uses: The papaya has long been used in magical rites. One of the simplest of these is to tie a rag around a limb of a papaya tree while visualizing your need.

Hang several twigs of papaya wood over the doorsill; this will keep evil from entering the house.

Eat the fruit and serve to a loved one; it will intensify feelings of love.

PAPYRUS

(Cyperus papyrus)

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury

Element: Air

Powers: Protection

Magical Uses: Place in boats to protect against attacks by crocodiles.

PAROSELA

(Parosela spp.; Dalea spp.)

Folk Names: Citrus Plant, Desert Rue

Powers: Hunting

Magical Uses: Parosela was worn by American Indians as a magical aid to hunting.

PARSLEY

(Petroselinum crispum, Petroselinum sativum) D+ P K

Folk Names: Devil’s Oatmeal, Percely, Persil, Petersilie, Petroselinum, Rock Parsley

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury

Element: Air

Deity: Persephone

Powers: Lust, Protection, Purification

Magical Uses: When eaten, parsley provokes lust and promotes fertility, but if you are in love don’t cut parsley—you’ll cut your love as well.

Though the plant has associations with death and is often regarded as evil, the Romans tucked a sprig of parsley into their togas every morning for protection. It is also placed on plates of food to guard it from contamination.

Parsley is also used in purification baths, and those to stop all misfortune. A wreath of parsley worn on the head prevents (or delays) inebriation.

PASSION FLOWER

(Passiflora incarnata) G

Folk Names: Grandilla, Maracoc, Maypops, Passion Vine

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Peace, Sleep, Friendships

Magical Uses: Contrary to its name, the passion flower is placed in the house to calm problems and troubles, and to bring peace.

Carried, it attracts friends and great popularity. Placed below the pillow it aids in sleep.

PATCHOULY

(Pogostemon cablin or P. patchouli) G

Folk Names: Pucha-Pot, Kablin

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn

Element: Earth

Powers: Money, Fertility, Lust

Magical Uses: Patchouly smells like rich earth, and so has been used in money and prosperity mixtures and spells. It is sprinkled onto money, added to purses and wallets, and placed around the base of green candles.

Also, owing to its earthiness, patchouly is used in fertility talismans, and is also substituted for “graveyard dust” where it is called for.

Patchouly is added to love sachets and baths. Although in contemporary American voodoo-based herbal magic patchouly is used for “separation,” this is a modern concept and has no long tradition. In point of fact, patchouly is actually used to attract people and to promote lust. This points to differences in herb magic practices.

PEA

(Pisum sativum)

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Earth

Powers: Money, Love

Magical Uses: Shelling peas brings fortune and profits in business, and the dried peas are used in monetary mixtures.

If a woman finds a pod containing exactly nine peas, she should hang it over the door. The first eligible man to walk under the pod will be her future husband (if she is unmarried).

PEACH

(Prunus persica) Seed, leaf, bark: X

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Love, Exorcism, Longevity, Fertility, Wishes

Magical Uses: The fruit, when eaten, induces love, and so a peach or peach pie served to a desired one may help to win his or her heart. The fruit is also eaten to gain wisdom.

Branches of the peach tree are used to drive off evil spirits in China, and also to root out illnesses. Children in China wear a peach pit suspended about the neck to keep demons away.

Carrying a bit of peach wood will increase one’s life span and may even lead to immortality.

The Japanese use the peach to increase fertility, and branches of the tree are utilized as divining and magical wands.

PEAR

(Pyrus communis) Seed (in large
amounts): X

Fruit: G

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Lust, Love

Magical Uses: The fruit is used in love spells, and also is eaten to induce sexual arousal. Pear wood makes fine magical wands, and it is said that Witches once danced beneath pear trees.

PECAN

(Carya illinoensis) G

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury

Element: Air

Powers: Money, Employment

Magical Uses: Pecans are added to all money and prosperity spells.

To ensure that you do not lose your job, obtain a small amount of pecans. Shell them, eat them slowly while visualizing yourself working and enjoying your job. Take the shells, wrap them in a bag and place them somewhere at work where they won’t be found or removed.

PENNYROYAL

(Mentha pulegium) P: the oil is poisonous

Folk Names: European Pennyroyal, Lurk-In-The-Ditch, Mosquito Plant, Organ Broth, Organs, Organ Tea, Piliolerian, Pudding Grass, Run-By-The-Ground, Squaw Mint, Tickweed

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Deity: Demeter

Powers: Strength, Protection, Peace

Magical Uses: Pennyroyal placed in the shoe prevents weariness during travel and strengthens the body in general.

Stomach problems can be alleviated by stuffing a green poppet with mint and annointing it with healing oils.

When worn it acts against the evil eye and aids in making business deals.

To rid a place of evil, sprinkle salt water with a sprinkler made of fresh sprigs of mint, marjoram, and rosemary.

When given to quarreling couples it will cause them to cease their fighting, and so pennyroyal is an herb of peace. Pennyroyal is kept in the home (away from pets and children) for protection. It is also carried on board ships to prevent seasickness.

See also Aspen.

POPPY

(Papaver spp.) What is commonly available: G; What is illegal: X

Folk Names: Blind Buff, Blindeyes, Headaches, Head Waak

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Moon

Element: Water

Deities: Hypnos, Demeter

Powers: Fertility, Love, Sleep, Money, Luck, Invisibility

Magical Uses: Poppy seeds and flowers are used in mixtures designed to aid sleep. They are also eaten or carried to promote fertility and to attract luck and money. At one time poppy seed heads were gilded and worn as talismans to draw wealth.

The seeds are also added to food to induce love, or are used in love sachets.

If you wish to know the answer to a question, write it in blue ink on a piece of white paper. Place this inside a poppy seed pod and put this beneath your pillow. The answer will appear in a dream.

Soak poppy seeds in wine for fifteen days. Then drink the wine each day for five days while fasting. According to tradition you will be able to make yourself invisible at will.

POTATO

(Solanum tuberosum) Root: G; Greens: X

Folk Names: Blue Eyes, Flukes, Lapstones, Leather Jackets, Murphies, No Eyes, Pinks, Red Eyes, Rocks, Taters, Tatties

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Moon

Element: Earth

Powers: Image Magic, Healing

Magical Uses: Potatoes are often used as poppets, and the “eyes” can be used as eyes in fashioning other kinds of poppets.

A potato carried in the pocket cures toothaches and guards against rheumatism, warts, and gout. To protect against contracting a cold, a potato should be carried in the pocket or purse all winter—the same potato.

PRICKLY ASH

(Zanthoxylum americanum, Z. herculis) Bark: P

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Powers: Love

Magical Uses: Use the fruits of the prickly ash as a perfume to attract love.

PRIMROSE

(Primula vulgaris) Sk

Folk Names: Butter Rose, English Cowslip, Password

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Earth

Deity: Freya

Powers: Protection, Love

Magical Uses: Blue and red primroses growing in the garden protect it from all adversities, and they also attract fairies.

Though primroses, to some, represent wantonness, women carry them to attract love.

They are also worn to cure madness and are sewn into children’s pillows to gain their undying respect and loyalty.

PURSLANE

(Portulaca oleracea, P. saliva) P Ks

Folk Names: Garden Purslane, Golden Purslane, Pigweed

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Moon

Element: Water

Powers: Sleep, Love, Luck, Protection, Happiness

Magical Uses: If purslane is laid on the bed no nightmares will disturb its occupants during the night. Carried, purslane draws love and luck and also keeps evil afar. Soldiers carried purslane to protect themselves in battle. Purslane sprinkled around the home spreads happiness throughout.

QUASSIA

(Picraena excelsa, quassia amara) P

Folk Name: Bitter Ash

Powers: Love

Magical Uses: Quassia is used in love mixtures, both to draw and to maintain love. The powdered wood is used in incense bases.

QUINCE

(Cydonia spp. speciosa) Fruit: G

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn

Element: Earth

Deity: Venus

Powers: Protection, Love, Happiness

Ritual Uses: Legends connect the quince to various deities and it was used in worship, especially to Venus. In Pompeiian art quinces are seen in the paws of bears, probably in reference to some mythological association.

Magical Uses: Quince seed, carried, protects against evil, physical harm, and accidents. In Roman times a quince was shared by a bridal couple to ensure their future happiness. Pregnant women who eat quinces often will cause their child to be “ingenious.” Serve quinces to loved ones to ensure fidelity.

RADISH

(Raphanus sativus) Root: G; Greens: G if cooked

Folk Name: Rapuns

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Powers: Protection, Lust

Magical Uses: When carried, the radish protects against the evil eye. It increases lust when eaten. A type of wild radish was carried in Germany to determine the whereabouts of sorcerers.

RAGWEED

(Ambrosia spp.) X

Powers: Courage

Magical Uses: Chew the root of the ragweed at night to drive away all fear.

RAGWORT

(Senecio vulgaris, S. jacobaea, S. spp) X

Folk Names: Cankerwort, Dog Standard, Fairies’ Horses, Ragweed, St. James’ Wort, Staggerwort, Stammerwort, Stinking Nanny, Stinking Willie

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Protection

Magical Uses: The Greeks used the ragwort as an amulet against charms and spells, and Witches were said to ride upon ragwort stalks at midnight in the bad old days of the persecutions.

RASPBERRY

(Rubus idaeus, R. strigosus) G

Folk Names: European Raspberry, Red Raspberry

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Protection, Love

Magical Uses: The brambles (branches) of the raspberry are hung up at doors and windows for protection. This is also done when a death has occurred, so that the spirit won’t re-enter the house once it has left.

Raspberry is served as a love-inducing food, and the leaves are carried by pregnant women to alleviate the pains of pregnancy and childbirth.

RATTLESNAKE ROOT

(Polygala senega) Root: P Ga Gu

Folk Names: Seneca Snakeroot, Mountain Flax, Seneca Snakeroot, Seneka

Powers: Protection, Money

Magical Uses: An infusion of rattlesnake root added to the bath and used in the rinse water for clothing offers protection from others trying to harm you. The root was carried by some American Indians to guard against rattlesnake bites, and the infusion is rubbed onto the hands or feet to lead the anointer to money.

RHUBARB

(Rheum spp. officinale, R. palmatum,
R. tanguticum) Root: P N Ks Lt I Ab; Greens: X Ii Ch-12

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Earth

Powers: Protection, Fidelity

Magical Uses: Wear a piece of rhubarb root around the neck on a string to protect against pains in the stomach. Rhubarb pie served to a mate helps to maintain his or her fidelity.

RICE

(Oryza saliva) G (Do not eat raw.)

Folk Names: Bras, Dhan, Nirvara, Paddy

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Air

Powers: Protection, Rain, Money, Fertility

Magical Uses: When placed on the roof, rice guards against all misfortunes. Brahmins carried rice as an amulet against evil, and a small jar of rice placed near the entrance of the house also guards it. Throwing rice into the air can cause rain. Rice is also added to money spells, and is thrown after wedded couples to increase their fertility.

ROOTS

Powers: Protection, Power Divination

Magical Uses: If you must sleep outside without protection wear any root around your neck and you will be guarded from wild animals.

An old superstition has it that roots dug from a churchyard (or any old sacred site) will avert death so long as the collector wears or carries them.

According to Southern magical lore, a person planning to study magic should go to a field at night. There he or she should pull up a weed, roots and all. The amount of soil which adheres to the roots indicates the amount of power and skill the student will achieve in the magical arts. This is sometimes done by the prospective teachers, to get a glimpse of the future success of their novices.

ROSE

(Rosa spp.) Petals: G Greens: X

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Deities: Hathor, Hulda, Eros, Cupid, Demeter, Isis, Adonis, Harpocrates, Aurora

Powers: Love, Psychic Powers, Healing, Love Divination, Luck, Protection

Magical Uses: Roses have long been used in love mixtures, owing to the flower’s associations with the emotions. A chaplet of roses worn when performing love spells (remove the thorns), or a single rose in a vase on the altar, are powerful love-magic aids. Rose water distilled from the petals is added to love baths. Rose hips (the fruit of the rose) are strung and worn as love-attracting beads.

A tea of rosebuds drunk before sleep induces prophetic dreams. To discover their romantic future, women used to take three green rose leaves and name each for one of their lovers. The one that stayed green the longest answered the question of “which one?”

Rose petals and hips are also used in healing spells and mixtures, and a rosewater saturated cloth laid to the temples will relieve headache pain.

Roses are also added to fast-luck mixtures and, when carried, act as personal protectants.

Rose petals sprinkled around the house calm personal stress and household upheavals.

Roses planted in the garden attract fairies, and are said to grow best when stolen.

ROSEMARY

(Rosemarinus officinalis) D+ P

Folk Names: Compass Weed, Dew of the Sea, Elf Leaf, Guardrobe, Incensier, Libanotis (Greek), Polar Plant, Sea Dew

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Powers: Protection, Love, Lust, Mental Powers, Exorcism, Purification, Healing, Sleep, Youth

Magical Uses: Rosemary, when burned, emits powerful cleansing and purifying vibrations, and so is smouldered to rid a place of negativity, especially prior to performing magic. It is one of the oldest incenses.

When placed beneath the pillow rosemary ensures a good sleep and drives away nightmares. Laid under the bed it protects the sleeper from all harm. Rosemary is also hung on the porch and doorposts to keep thieves from the house and is carried to remain healthy. Placed in the bath it purifies.

A chaplet of rosemary, worn, aids the memory, while the wood, smelled often, preserves youthfulness. To ensure the latter add a rosemary infusion to the bath water.

Rosemary has long been used in love and lust incenses and other mixtures, and healing poppets are stuffed with rosemary to take advantage of its curative vibrations. Rosemary infusion is used to wash the hands before healing work, and the leaves mixed with juniper berries are burned in sickrooms to promote healing.

If you wish to receive knowledge or the answer to a question, burn rosemary on charcoal and smell its smoke. Rosemary is also grown to attract elves, and the powdered leaves wrapped in linen cloth and bound to the right arm dispel depression and make the emotions light and merry.

Rosemary is generally used as a substitute for frankincense.

ROWAN

(Sorbus acuparia) Fruit: X

Folk Names: Delight of the Eye, Mountain Ash, Quickbane, Ran Tree, Roden-Quicken, Roden-Quicken-Royan, Roynetree, Sorb Apple, Thor’s Helper, Whitty, Wicken-Tree, Wiggin, Wiggy, Wiky, Wild Ash, Witchbane, Witchen, Witchwood

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Deity: Thor

Powers: Psychic Powers, Healing, Power, Success, Protection

Magical Uses: Rowan wood, carried, increases psychic powers, and the branches are often used in fashioning dowsing rods and magical wands. Add the leaves and berries to divination incenses as well as those designed to increase psychic powers.

Carrying rowan berries (or the bark) aids in recuperation, and they are added to healing and health sachets and mixtures, as well as all power, success, and luck sachets.

For centuries rowan has been used for protective purposes in Europe. Two twigs tied together with red thread to make a cross is an age-old protective amulet. Cornish peasants carried these in their pockets, and Scottish Highlanders inserted them into the lining of their clothing.

Walking sticks made of rowan wood are excellent tools for the person who roams woods and fields by night. Rowan carried on board ship will prevent its involvement in storms; kept in the house it guards against lightning strikes, and when planted on a grave Rowan keeps the deceased one from haunting the place.

The rowan tree planted near the house protects it and its occupants, and those rowans growing near stone circles are the most potent.

RUE

(Ruta graveolens) P K B S

Folk Names: Bashoush (Coptic), Garden Rue, German Rue, Herb of Grace, Herbygrass, Hreow, Mother of the Herbs, Rewe, Ruta

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Deities: Diana, Aradia

Powers: Healing, Health, Mental Powers, Exorcism, Love

Magical Uses: Rue leaves placed on the forehead relieve headaches. Worn around the neck rue aids in recuperation from illnesses and also wards off future health problems. Rue is added to healing incenses and poppets. Fresh rue, sniffed, clears the head in love matters and also improves mental processes.

Rue added to baths breaks all hexes and curses that may have been cast against you, and it is also added to exorcism incenses and mixtures. It is protective when hung up at the door or placed in sachets, and the fresh leaves rubbed on the floorboards send back any ill spells sent against you. The Romans ate rue as a preservative against the evil eye, and the plant was also carried to guard the bearer from poisons, werewolves, and all manner of ills. A sprig of fresh rue is used as a sprinkler to distribute salt water throughout the house. This clears it of negativity.

Mix fresh rue juice with morning dew and sprinkle in a circle around you while performing magical acts for protection, if desired or needed. Rue is another plant said to grow best when stolen, and indeed, its presence in the garden beautifies and protects it. For some reason toads have an aversion to rue, however.

RYE

(Secale spp.) G

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Earth

Powers: Love, Fidelity

Magical Uses: The Romany Gypsies use rye in love spells. Rye bread served to loved ones ensures their love.

SAFFRON

(Crocus saliva) D+ P

Folk Names: Autumn Crocus, Crocus, Karcom, Krokos, Kunkuma (Sanskrit), Saffer (Arabic), Spanish Saffron

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Deities: Eros, Ashtoreth

Powers: Love, Healing, Happiness, Wind Raising, Lust, Strength, Psychic Powers

Ritual Uses: The Phoenecians baked saffron into crescent-shaped cakes, which they ate in honor of the Moon and fertility Goddess, Ashtoreth

Magical Uses: Saffron is added to love sachets as well as those aimed at raising lustful feelings. It is used in healing spells, and the infusion is used as wash water for the hands prior to healing rituals.

At one time in Persia (Iran) pregnant women wore a ball of saffron at the pit of the stomach to ensure a speedy delivery.

The infusion, drunk, enables you to foresee the future, and simply ingesting saffron dispels melancholy. In fact, one early author warns against eating too much saffron lest one should “die of excessive joy”!

Saffron in the home keeps lizards from venturing in, and wearing a chaplet of saffron will protect you from inebriation (and will probably be the subject of a few comments from your friends).

Sheets were rinsed with a saffron infusion in Ireland so that the arms and legs would be strengthened during sleep, and the ancient Persians utilized saffron to raise the wind.

SAGE

(Salvia officinalis) P Lt D+

Folk Names: Garden Sage, Red Sage, Sawge

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Jupiter

Element: Air

Powers: Immortality, Longevity, Wisdom, Protection, Wishes

Magical Uses: Sage has been utilized to ensure a long life—sometimes even immortality. This is done by eating some of the plant every day, or at least in May, for:

He who would live for aye

Must eat sage in May.

Sage is carried to promote wisdom, and the leaves are used in countless healing and money spells. To guard yourself against contracting the dreaded evil eye wear a small horn filled with sage.

There are a few curious gardening tips concerning sage: first, it is bad luck to plant sage in your own garden; a stranger should be found to do the work. Second, a full bed of sage brings ill luck, so ensure that some other plant shares the plot. Incidentally, toads love sage.

If you desire to make a wish come true, write it on a sage leaf and hide it beneath your pillow. For three nights sleep upon it. If once you dream of what you desire your wish will be materialized; if not, bury the sage in the ground so that you do not come to harm.

SAGEBRUSH

(Artemisia spp. apiana, A. spp.) P Lt D+

Folk Name: White Sage

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Earth

Powers: Purification, Exorcism

Ritual Uses: Sagebrush has long been burned in American Indian ceremonies.

Magical Uses: Bathe with sagebrush to purify yourself of all past evils and negative deeds.

Burning sagebrush drives away malevolent forces and is also useful in healing.

ST. JOHN’S WORT

(Hypericum perforatum): Poison D DI* May potentiate MOA-I medications

Folk Names: Amber, Fuga daemonum (Latin: Scare-Devil), Goat Weed, Herba John, John’s Wort, Klamath Weed, Sol Terrestis, Tipton Weed

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Deity: Baldur

Powers: Health, Protection, Strength, Love Divination, Happiness

Magical Uses: Worn, St. John’s Wort wards off fevers and colds, makes soldiers invincible, and attracts love. If it is gathered on Midsummer or on a Friday and worn it will keep mental illness at bay and will also cure melancholy. When placed in a jar and hung by a window, St. John’s Wort protects against thunderbolts, fire and evil spirits. Both flowers and leaves are used for this purpose. It is also dried over the Midsummer fires and hung near the window to keep ghosts, necromancers and other evildoers from the house, and is burned to banish spirits and demons.

Any part of the herb placed beneath the pillow allows unmarried women to dream of their future husbands. Use in rituals or carry to detect other magicians; at one time it was held to the mouth of accused Witches to attempt to force them to confess.

SANDALWOOD, White

(Santalum album) Pk Pl

Folk Names: Sandal, Santal, White Sandalwood, White Saunders, Yellow Sandalwood

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Moon

Element: Water

Powers: Protection, Wishes, Healing, Exorcism, Spirituality

Magical Uses: Sandalwood powder is burned during protection, healing, and exorcism spells. When mixed with lavender it makes an incense designed to conjure spirits.

This fragrant wood possesses very high spiritual vibrations and is burned at seances and Full Moon rituals when mixed with frankincense. Write your wish on a chip of sandalwood and burn in the censer or cauldron. As it burns it sets the magic flowing, but remember to visualize your wish at the same time.

Sandalwood beads are protective and promote a spiritual awareness when worn.

Powdered sandalwood can be scattered about a place to clear it of negativity, and it is also used as an incense base.

SANDALWOOD, RED
(Pterocarpus santalinus)

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Love

Magical Uses: Red Sandalwood is burned to bring love. It is sprinkled in areas that need to be cleansed of negativity.

SANDARAC, GUM
(Tetraclinis articulata)

Folk Name: Gum Juniper

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

SARSAPARILLA

(Smilax aspera) G

Folk Name: Bamboo Briar

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Jupiter

Element: Fire

Powers: Love, Money

Magical Uses: Sarsaparilla is mixed with cinnamon and sandalwood powder and sprinkled around the premises to draw money. It is also utilized in love spells.

SASSAFRAS

(Sassafras variifolium, S. albidum) Lt D+

Folk Names: Saxifrax, Ague Tree, Cinnamon Wood

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Jupiter

Element: Fire

Powers: Health, Money

Magical Uses: Sassafras is placed in the purse or wallet to attract money, or is burned for this purpose. It is also added to sachets and spells designed to aid healing.

SAVORY, SUMMER

(Satureja hortensis) G

Gender: Masculine

Folk Names: Herbe de St. Julien, Garden Savory

Planet: Mercury

Element: Air

Powers: Mental Powers

Magical Uses: Summer savory strengthens the mind when carried or worn.

SCULLCAP

(Scutellatia lateriflora, S. galericulata) G

Folk Names: Greater Scullcap, Helmet Flower, Hoodwort, Madweed, Quaker Bonnet

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn

Element: Water

Powers: Love, Fidelity, Peace

Magical Uses: Scullcap is used in spells of relaxation and peace. A woman who wears scullcap protects her husband against the charms of other women.

SENNA

(Cassia marilandica or C. acutifolia) P N

Folk Names: For C. marilandica–Locust Plant, Wild Senna

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury

Element: Air

Powers: Love

Magical Uses: Use senna in love spells.

SESAME

(Sesamum indicum, S. orientate)
G (Serious allergic reactions have been reported.)

Folk Names: Til, Hoholi, Bonin, Ufuta, Ziele, Logowe

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Deity: Ganesha

Powers: Money, Lust

Magical Uses: Sesame seeds, when eaten, are lust inducing. A jar of sesame seeds left open in the house draws cash to it. Change the seeds every month.

The infamous magical command, “open sesame!” refers to the plant’s legendary powers to discover hidden treasures, reveal secret passageways, and open locked doors.

SHALLOT

(Allium spp.) G

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Powers: Purification

Magical Uses: Add shallots to a bath to cure misfortunes.

SKUNK CABBAGE

(Symplocarpus foetidus) Ks

Folk Names: Meadow Cabbage, Pole Cat Weed, Skunk Weed, Suntull, Swamp Cabbage

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn

Element: Water

Powers: Legal Matters

Magical Uses: A small amount of skunk cabbage wrapped in a bay leaf on a Sunday forms a talisman which draws good fortune to the bearer. It is also of efficacy in court cases.

SLIPPERY ELM

(Ulmus fulva) Bark: G

Folk Names: Indian Elm, Moose Elm, Red Elm

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn

Element: Air

Powers: Halts Gossip

Magical Uses: Burn slippery elm and throw into the fire a knotted yellow cord or thread. Any gossip against you will stop.

Slippery elm bark worn about a child’s neck will give it a persuasive tongue when fully grown.

SLOE

(Prunus spinosa) Lt; Fresh flowers and seeds: X

Folk Names: Blackthorn, Mother of the Wood, Wishing Thorn

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Powers: Exorcism, Protection

Magical Uses: Hung over doorways or carried, the sloe wards off evil and calamity and banishes demons and negative vibrations. The wood is sometimes used to make divining rods and wishing rods. These “wishing rods” are used in spells of all types and are actually all-purpose magical wands.

SNAKEROOT

(Aristolochia serpentaria) X

Folk Names: Pelican Flower, Radix Viperina, Serpentary Radix, Serpentary Rhizome, Snagree, Snagrel, Snakeweed, Virginian Snakeroot

Powers: Luck, Money

Magical Uses: This root is carried as a good luck talisman and also to break hexes and curses. It is also said to lead its bearer to money.

SNAKEROOT, BLACK

(Sanicula marilandica)

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Powers: Love, Lust, Money

Magical Uses: Black snakeroot is worn to attract lovers and is also placed in the bedroom and added to baths. Carried, it attracts money.

SNAPDRAGON

(Antirrhinum majus) Leaf: X

Folk Name: Calf’s Snout

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Powers: Protection

Magical Uses: Any part of the snapdragon worn on your body prevents people from deceiving you. The seed worn around the neck ensures that you will never be bewitched.

If you are outside and feel evil nearby, step on a snapdragon or hold one of its flowers in your hand until the evil passes. Place a vase of fresh snapdragons on the altar while performing protective rituals.

If someone has sent negative energy to you (hexes, curses, etc.) place some snapdragons on the altar with a mirror behind them. This will send the curses back.

SOLOMON’S SEAL

(Polygonatum officianle or P. multiflorum biflorum) P. biflorum berry: X for children

Folk Names: Dropberry, Lady’s Seal, St. Mary’s Seal, Sealroot, Sealwort, Solomon Seal

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn

Element: Water

Powers: Protection, Exorcism

Magical Uses: The root is placed in the four quarters of the house to guard it; it is used in exorcism and protection spells of all kinds, and an infusion of the roots sprinkled about clears the area of evil.

Solomon’s seal is also used in offertory incenses.

SORREL, WOOD

(Oxalis acetosella)

Folk Names: Cuckowe’s Meat, Fairy Bells, Sourgrass, Sour Trefoil, Stickwort, Stubwort, Surelle, Three-Leaved Grass, Wood Sour

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Earth

Powers: Healing, Health

Magical Uses: If the leaves of the wood sorrel (dried) are carried they preserve the heart against disease.

Fresh wood sorrel placed in sickrooms aids in recuperation from illnesses and wounds.

SOUTHERNWOOD

(Artemisia abrotanum) P

Folk Names: Appleringie, Boy’s Love, Garde Robe, Lad’s Love, Maid’s Ruin, Old Man

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury

Element: Air

Powers: Love, Lust, Protection

Magical Uses: Southernwood is used in love spells, either carried or placed in the bedroom. Sometimes southernwood is placed beneath the bed to rouse lust in its occupants. Burned as an incense southernwood guards against trouble of all kinds, and the smoke drives away snakes.

SPANISH MOSS

Powers: Protection

Magical Uses: Grown on or in the home, Spanish moss is protective. Use to stuff protection poppets and add to protective sachets.

SPEARMINT

(Mentha spicata) G

Folk Names: Brown Mint, Garden Mint, Green Mint, Green Spine, Lamb Mint, Mackerel Mint, Mismin (Irish Gaelic), Our Lady’s Mint, Spire Mint, Yerba Buena (Spanish)

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Healing, Love, Mental Powers

Magical Uses: Spearmint is used in all healing applications, especially in aiding lung diseases. Spearmint is sometimes used to provoke lust. Smelled, spearmint increases and sharpens mental powers.

For protection while asleep, stuff a pillow or mattress with spearmint.

See also Peppermint.

SPIDERWORT

(Tradescantia Virginia) Sk

Folk Name: Spider Lily

Powers: Love

Magical Uses: The Dakota Indians carried the spiderwort to attract love.

SPIKENARD

(Inula conyza, Aralia racemosa) P

Folk Name: Nard

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Fidelity, Health

Magical Uses: Spikenard worn around the neck brings good luck and wards off disease. It is also used to remain faithful.

SQUILL

(Urginea scilla, U. maritima, Scilla
maritima) Poison

Folk Names: Red Squill, Sea Onion, White Squill

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Powers: Money, Protection, Hex-Breaking

Magical Uses: The squill, or sea onion, has been used in magic since classical times. To protect your home, hang a squill over the window. To draw money, place one in a jar or box and add silver coins. If you feel you have been hexed carry a squill with you and it will break the spell.

STAR ANISE

(Illicum verum) G (Illicum verum only)

Folk Name: Badiana

Folk Name: Chinese Anise

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Jupiter

Element: Air

Powers: Psychic Powers, Luck

Magical Uses: The seeds are burned as incense to increase psychic powers, and are also worn as beads for the same purpose.

Sometimes star anise is placed on the altar to give it power; one is placed to each of the four directions. It is also carried as a general luck-bringer, and the seeds make excellent pendulums.

STILLENGIA

(Stillingia sylvatica) N M

Folk Names: Queen’s Delight, Queen’s Root, Silver Leaf, Stillingia, Yaw Root

Powers: Psychic Powers

Magical Uses: Burn the root to develop psychic powers. If you have lost something, burn stillengia and follow the smoke to its hiding place.

STRAW

Powers: Luck, Image Magic

Magical Uses: Straw is lucky; hence it is often carried in small bags. For a home luck talisman, take a used horseshoe and some straw, sew up into a small bag, and place it above or below the bed.

Small magical images may be made of straw and these can then be used as poppets. Straw attracts fairies (some say that fairies live inside straws).

STRAWBERRY

(Fragaria vesca) Leaf: G

Folk Names: Poziomki, Tchilek, Jordboer

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Deity: Freya

Powers: Love, Luck

Magical Uses: Strawberries are served as a love food, and the leaves are carried for luck. Pregnant women may wish to carry a small packet of strawberry leaves to ease their pregnancy pains.

SUGAR CANE

(Saccharum officinarum) G

Folk Name: Ko (Hawaiian)

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Love, Lust

Magical Uses: Sugar has long been used in love and lust potions. Chew a piece of the cane while thinking of your loved one.

Sugar is also scattered to dispel evil and to cleanse and purify areas before rituals and spells.

SUMBUL
(Ferula sumbul)

Folk Names: Euryangium Musk Root, Jatamansi, Ofnokgi, Ouchi

Powers: Love, Psychic Powers, Health, Luck

Magical Uses: To attract love, carry, burn as incense, or add the infusion to the bath. All three of the above procedures can be done to ensure results.

Sumbul is burned to increase psychic powers. Worn around the neck, it offers good luck and keeps disease at bay.

SUNFLOWER

(Helianthus annuus) G

Folk Names: Corona Solis, Marigold of Peru, Solo Indianus

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Powers: Fertility, Wishes, Health, Wisdom

Magical Uses: Sunflower seeds are eaten by women who wish to conceive. To protect yourself against smallpox wear sunflower seeds around the neck, either in a bag or strung like beads.

If you cut a sunflower at sunset while making a wish, the wish will come true before another sunset—as long as the wish isn’t too grand.

Sleeping with a sunflower under the bed allows you to know the truth in any matter.

If you wish to become virtuous anoint yourself with juice pressed from the stems of the sunflower.

Sunflowers growing in the garden guard it against pests and grant the best of luck to the gardener.

SWEETGRASS

(Hierochloe odorata)

Powers: Calling Spirits

Magical Uses: Burn sweetgrass to attract good spirits, or beings, before performing spells.

SWEETPEA

(Lathyrus odoratus) D+ X

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Friendship, Chastity, Courage, Strength

Magical Uses: Wearing fresh sweetpea flowers attracts people and causes friendships to develop.

When carried or held in the hand, sweetpea causes all to tell you the truth. Sweetpea also preserves your chastity if placed in the bedroom, and gives courage and strength when worn.

TAMARIND

(Tamarindus indica)

Folk Names: Tamarindo (Spanish), Sampalok, Tchwa, Mkwayu

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn

Element: Water

Powers: Love

Magical Uses: Carry tamarind to attract love.

TAMARISK

(Tamarix spp.)

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn

Element: Water

Deity: Anu

Powers: Exorcism, Protection

Magical Uses: The tamarisk has an ancient history of use in exorcisms, dating back at least 4,000 years. During exorcism rites a branch of the tree is held in the hand and the leaves are scattered about to drive out demons and evil. For best results the tamarisk should be cut with a gold axe and a pruning knife fashioned of silver.

The smoke of burning tamarisk drives away snakes, and tamarisk sticks were used for divining by the Chaldeans.

TANSY

(Tanacetum vulgare) P

Folk Name: Buttons

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Health, Longevity

Magical Uses: A bit of tansy placed in the shoes helps cure persistent fevers. Since this plant was given to Ganymede to make him immortal, tansy is carried to lengthen the life-span. Ants don’t like tansy.

TEA

(Camellia sinensis, C. spp.) D+ LT (Fermented black teas only)

Folk Names: Black Tea, China Tea, Cha

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Powers: Riches, Courage, Strength

Magical Uses: Burn the leaves of the tea plant to ensure future riches, and add to all money mixtures and sachets.

Tea is also included in talismans designed to give their bearer courage and strength. The infusion is used as a base for mixing lust drinks.

THISTLE

(Carduus spp.) Older plants: X

Folk Names: Lady’s Thistle, Thrissles

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Deities: Thor, Minerva

Powers: Strength, Protection, Healing, Exorcism, Hex-Breaking

Magical Uses: A bowl of thistles placed in a room strengthens the spirits and renews the vitality of all within it. Carry a thistle (or part of a thistle) for energy and strength.

Grown in the garden, thistles ward off thieves; grown in a pot and on the doorstep they protect against evil. A thistle blossom carried in the pocket guards its bearer. Thrown onto a fire, thistles deflect lightning away from the house.

If you have had a spell cast against you, wear a shirt made of fibers spun and woven from the thistle to break it and any other spells. Stuff hex-breaking poppets with thistles. Thistles are strewn in homes and other buildings to exorcise evil.

Thistles are also used in healing spells, and when men carry it they become better lovers. Thistles also drive out melancholy when worn or carried.

Wizards in England used to select the tallest thistle in the patch to use as a magical wand or walking stick. To call spirits, place some thistle in boiling water. Remove from heat and lie or sit beside it. As the steam rises call the spirits and listen carefully; they may answer your questions.

THISTLE, HOLY

(Centaurea benedicta, Cnicus benedictus, Carbenia bendicta) P

Folk Name: Blessed Thistle

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Powers: Purification, Hex-Breaking

Magical Uses: Wear the holy thistle to protect yourself from evil, and add to purificatory baths. Holy thistle is also used in hex-breaking spells.

THISTLE, MILK

(Carduus marianus, Sonchus oleraceus, Silybum marianum) G

Folk Name: Marian Thistle

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Powers: Snake-Enraging

Magical Uses: The Anglo-Saxons recorded the fact that if the milk thistle was hung around a man’s neck, all snakes in his presence would begin fighting.

THYME

(Thymus vulgaris) G

Folk Names: Common Thyme, Garden Thyme

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Health, Healing, Sleep, Psychic Powers, Love, Purification, Courage

Magical Uses: Thyme is burned to attract good health and is also worn for this purpose. It is also used in healing spells.

Placed beneath the pillow, it ensures restful sleep and a pleasant lack of nightmares. Worn, thyme aids in developing psychic powers, and women who wear a sprig of thyme in the hair make themselves irresistible.

Thyme is also a purificatory herb; the Greeks burned it in their temples to purify them and so thyme is often burned prior to magical rituals to cleanse the area. In spring a magical cleansing bath composed of marjoram and thyme is taken to ensure all the sorrows and ills of the past are removed from the person.

Thyme is also carried and smelled to give courage and energy. If you wear it you will be able to see fairies.

Cordyline tenninalis) G

Folk Names: Good Luck Plant, Ki (Hawaiian)

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Jupiter

Element: Fire

Deities:Kane, Lono, Pele

Powers: Protection, Healing

Magical Uses: Ti leaves, when carried on board ship, keep storms away, and when worn ensures that the bearer won’t drown.

Planted around the house the ti creates a type of protective barrier. The green ti should be used for this, not the red variety; though the latter is sacred to Pele, it traditionally gives bad luck to homeowners when planted.

A bit of ti placed beneath the bed protects the sleeper, and a ti leaf rubbed on the head relieves headaches.

TOADFLAX

(Linatia vulgaris) X

Folk Names: Churnstaff, Doggies, Dragon Bushes, Flax Weed, Fluellin, Gallwort, Pattens and Clogs, Rabbits, Ramsted, Toad

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Powers: Protection, Hex-Breaking

Magical Uses: The toadflax is used as an amulet to keep evil from the wearer, and is also used to break hexes.

TOADSTOOL

Poison

Powers: Rain Making

Magical Uses: Accidentally breaking down toadstools will cause rain to fall, but I don’t know if showers occur when this is deliberately done.

TOBACCO

(Nicotiana spp.) Poison

Folk Names: Tabacca, Tabak, Taaba

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Powers: Healing, Purification

Ritual Uses: Candidates for some shamanic systems must drink tobacco juice to induce visions as part of their training. Tobacco has long been used in religious ceremonies by some of the American Indians. Indeed, many peoples still regard the plant as sacred.

Magical Uses: South American Indians smoke tobacco to allow them to converse with spirits. Tobacco is also thrown into the river when beginning a journey by boat to propitiate the river gods.

Burning tobacco as an incense purifies the area of all negativity and spirits (both good and bad), and to cure earaches tobacco smoke is blown into the ear.

If you have nightmares they may cause sickness. To prevent this, immediately upon waking wash in a running stream and throw tobacco into the water as an offering to the Water Spirit who has cleansed you of the evil.

Tobacco is a magical substitute for sulphur, as well as for datura and nightshade, both of which are related to tobacco. Although it is regularly smoked by millions, tobacco is a very poisonous plant and can kill.

TOMATO

(Lycopersicon esculentum, L. spp.) Fruit: G; Greens: X

Folk Names: Love Apples, Kamatis, Guzungu

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Prosperity, Protection, Love

Magical Uses: Place a large red tomato on the mantle to bring prosperity to the home. Replace every three days.

When a tomato is placed on the windowsill or any other household entrance it repels evil from entering. The plants in the garden are protective, since the yellow flowers and bright red fruits scare off evil.

The tomato, when eaten, has the power of inspiring love.

TONKA

(Dipteryx odorata; Coumarouna odorata) Poison

Folk Names: Coumaria Nut, Tonqua, Tonquin Bean

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Love, Money, Courage, Wishes

Magical Uses: These fragrant beans are used in love sachets and mixtures, and are also carried to attract love.

Tonka beans are worn or carried to attract money, bring luck, grant courage, and ward off illnesses.

To make wishes come true, hold a tonka bean in your hand, visualize your wish, and then toss the bean into running water.

TORMENTI

L
(Potentilla erecta, P. tormentilla) G

Folk Names: Biscuits, Bloodroot, Earthbank, Ewe Daisy, Five Fingers, Flesh and Blood, Septfoil, Shepherd’s Knot, Thormantle

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Deity: Thor

Powers: Protection, Love

Magical Uses: The infusion is drunk to give protection, or is served to a loved one to keep their love. Mediums drink the infusion to guard themselves against permanent possession by spirits.

The plant is hung up in the home to drive away evil and is carried to attract love.

Tragacanth Gum

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Earth

Element: Fire

Powers: Binding, transformation in the subconscious

Magical Uses: Tragacanth can be used to bring the ethereal into the depths of dreamland, or the subconscious, by blending Tragacanth with symbols of the elements of the ethereal and using this to fill a dream pillow.

TRILLIUM

(Trillium spp. erectum) P

Folk Names: Beth, Beth Root, Indian Root, True Love

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Money, Luck, Love

Magical Uses: Carrying trillium attracts money and luck to its bearer. The root of the trillium is also rubbed onto the body to attract love.

TULIP

(Tulipa spp.) G

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Earth

Powers: Prosperity, Love, Protection

Magical Uses: The tulip is worn to safeguard against poverty and bad luck in general.

“Tulip” means “turban” and the flower is often worn in the turban in Middle Eastern countries for protection. Tulips are placed on the altar during love spells.

TURMERIC

(Cucurma longa) G

Folk Name: Olena (Hawaiian)

Powers: Purification

Magical Uses: Turmeric has long been used in Hawaiian magic for purification; salt water and turmeric are mixed together and then sprinkled in the area to be purified, sometimes with a ti leaf.

Turmeric is also sometimes scattered on the floor or about the magic circle for protection.

TURNIP

(Brassica rapa)
Root: G (unless eaten in extreme amounts)

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Moon

Element: Earth

Powers: Protection, Ending Relationships

Ritual Uses: On Samhain (October 31) large turnips were once hollowed out and candles lit within. These were carried or placed in windows to scare off evil spirits.

Magical Uses: If you have an admirer you simply can’t convince to leave you alone, place a dish of turnips in front of him or her. They’ll get the idea.

Turnips placed in the home ward off every form of negativity.

UVA URSA

(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) Poison
P K Lt Dg Gi Au

Folk Names: Arberry, Bearberry, Bear’s Grape, Kinnikinnick, Mealberry, Mountain Box, Mountain Cranberry, Mountain Cranberry, Red Bearberry, Sagackhomi, Sandberry, Uva Ursi

Powers: Psychic Workings

Ritual Uses: American Indians used the Uva Ursa in religious ceremonies.

Magical Uses: Add to sachets designed to increase psychic powers.

VALERIAN

(Valeriana officinalis) G

We must urge against driving while under the effects of Valerian taken internally.

Folk Names: All-Heal, Amantilla, Bloody Butcher, Capon’s Trailer, Cat’s Valerian, English Valerian, Fragrant Valerian, Garden Heliotrope, Phu, Red Valerian, St. George’s Herb, Sete Wale, Set Well, Vandal Root

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Love, Sleep, Purification, Protection

Magical Uses: The rather ill-smelling root, powdered, is used in protective sachets, hung in the home to guard it against lightning, and placed in pillows to aid in falling asleep. A sprig of the plant pinned to a woman’s clothing will cause men to “follow her like children.” Valerian root is also added to love sachets. If a couple is quarreling introduce some of this herb into the area and all will soon be calm.

The Greeks hung a sprig of valerian under a window to charm away evil.

Valerian root, powdered, is sometimes used as “graveyard dust.”

VANILLA

(Vanilla aromatica or V. planifolia V. tahitensis) Fruit: G

Folk Names: Banilje, Tlilxochitl

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Love, Lust, Mental Powers

Magical Uses: Vanilla, a type of fermented orchid, is used in love sachets; the scent and taste are considered to be lust-inducing. A vanilla bean placed in a bowl of sugar will infuse it with loving vibrations; the sugar can then be used to sweeten love infusions.

A vanilla bean, carried, will restore lost energy and improve the mind.

VENUS’ FLYTRAP

(Dionaea muscipula)

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Powers: Protection, Love

Magical Uses: These fascinating insect-eating plants are now readily available at nurseries and through the mail. Though it may seem strange that such a plant would be dedicated to a goddess of love, such is the case, and so Venus’ flytraps can be grown as a love attractant. More commonly, though, this plant is grown in the home for its protective qualities, and also in order to “trap” something.

VERVAIN

(Verbena officinalis) P

Folk Names: Brittanica, Enchanter’s Plant, Herba Sacra, Herb of Enchantment, Herb of Grace, Herb of the Cross, Holy Herb, Juno’s Tears, Pigeon’s Grass, Pigeonwood, Simpler’s Joy, Van-Van, Verbena, Vervan

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Earth

Deities: Kerridwen, Mars, Venus, Aradia, Isis, Jupiter, Thor, Juno

Powers: Love, Protection, Purification, Peace, Money, Youth, Chastity, Sleep, Healing

Ritual Uses: Priests in ancient Rome used vervain to cleanse the altars of Jupiter. Small bundles of vervain were fashioned and the altars were swept with these. According to tradition, daughters of Druids who were initiated were crowned with vervain; this was a sign of the attained rank. (As with anything “Druidic,” this has to be looked upon as poetic, rather than historic fact.)

Magical Uses: Vervain is traditionally gathered at Midsummer or at the rising of the Dog Star when neither Sun nor Moon is out, but this is not necessary.

Vervain is a common ingredient in love mixtures and protective spells. A crown of vervain on the head protects the magician while invoking spirits. Any part of the plant may be carried as a personal amulet. Vervain placed in the home protects it from lightning and storms.

The infusion sprinkled around the premises chases off evil spirits and malignant forces. Vervain is also added to exorcism incenses and sprinkling mixtures. It is also a common ingredient in purification bath sachets.

The dried herb is scattered around the home as a peace-bringer and is also worn to calm the emotions.

Vervain is used in money and prosperity spells. If the herb is buried in the garden or placed in the house, wealth will flow and plants will thrive.

To remain chaste for long periods of time, rise before the Sun on the first day of the New Moon. Gather vervain (still before sunrise), press out its juice, and drink it down. According to ancient instructions, it will cause you to lose all desire for sex for seven years.

Vervain carried may offer everlasting youth, and when placed in the bed, hung around the neck, or made into an infusion and drunk prior to sleep, no dreams will haunt you.

Vervain is also a fine healing herb. The undiluted juice of the vervain smeared on the body cures diseases and guards against future health problems. To aid in recuperation the root tied with a yard of white yarn is placed around the patient’s neck. It should remain there until recovery.

To discover if someone lying sick will live or die, place vervain in your hand and press it against the patient, so that the herb is undetected. Ask them how they feel; if they are hopeful they shall live; if not they might not.

If someone you know has taken something from you, wear vervain and confront the person. You shall surely regain possession of the stolen articles.

If vervain is placed in a baby’s cradle the child will grow up with a happy disposition and a love of learning.

The juice of the vervain, smeared on the body, will allow the person to see the future, have every wish fulfilled, turn enemies into friends, attract lovers, and be protected against all enchantments. Burnt, it dispels unrequited love.

VETCH, GIANT

(Vicia spp.) X

Powers: Fidelity

Magical Uses: If your loved one has gone astray, rub the root of the giant vetch on your body, then wrap it up in cloth and place under your pillow. This will remind him or her that you’re still around, waiting.

VETIVERT
(Andropogon zizanioides, Vetiveria
zizanioides) P

Folk Names: Khus-Khus, Vetiver, Moras

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Earth

Powers: Love, Hex-Breaking, Luck, Money, Anti-Theft

Magical Uses: Vetivert root is burned to overcome evil spells. It is also used in love powders, sachets, and incenses and is added to the bathwater in a sachet to make yourself attractive to the opposite sex.

Vetivert is also used in money spells and mixtures, placed in the cash register to increase business, carried to attract luck and burned in anti-theft incenses.

VIOLET

(Viola odorata) Leaf: G

Folk Names: Blue Violet, Sweet Violet

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Deity: Venus

Powers: Protection, Luck, Love, Lust, Wishes, Peace, Healing

Magical Uses: When the flowers are carried they offer protection against “wykked sperytis” and bring changes in luck and fortune. Mixed with lavender, they are a powerful love stimulant and also arouse lust. If you gather the first violet in the spring your dearest wish will be granted.

Ancient Greeks wore the violet to calm tempers and to induce sleep.

Violets fashioned into a chaplet and placed on the head cure headaches and dizziness, and the leaves worn in a green sachet help wounds to heal and prevent evil spirits from making the wounds worse.

WAHOO

(Euonymus atropurpuraea) Poison

Folk Names: Burning Bush, Indian Arrow Wood, Spindle Tree

Powers: Hex-Breaking, Courage, Success

Magical Uses: Make an infusion of the bark. Let cool. Rub on a hexed person’s forehead (or your own) saying “Wahoo!” seven times. (Some people say you should trace a cross with the infusion.) This will break any hexes cast against the person.

When carried, it brings success in all undertakings and imparts courage.

WALNUT

(Juglans regia) Lt

Folk Names: Carya, Caucasian Walnut, English Walnut, Tree of Evil, Walnoot

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Powers: Health, Mental Powers, Infertility, Wishes

Ritual Uses: Witches were supposed to dance beneath walnut trees in Italy during their secret rites.

Magical Uses: When carried, walnuts strengthen the heart and ward off rheumatism pains. They also attract lightning, so don’t carry one in an electrical storm.

If anyone gives you a bag of walnuts, you will see all your wishes fulfilled.

When placed in a hat or around the head, walnut leaves prevent headaches and sunstroke.

If a woman about to be married wishes to delay any “blessed events” she should place in her bodice as many roasted walnuts as correspond to the number of years she wishes to remain childless. She must do this on her wedding day.

WAX PLANT

(Hoya camosa)

Folk Names: Pentagram Flowers, Pentagram Plant

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury

Element: Air

Powers: Protection

Magical Uses: The wax plant is grown in bedrooms and throughout the house for protection. The star-shaped flowers are dried and kept as protective amulets, and are also placed on the altar to give spells extra power.

WHEAT

(Triticum spp.)

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Earth

Deities: Ceres, Demeter, Ishtar

Powers: Fertility, Money

Magical Uses: Wheat, a symbol of fruitfulness, is sometimes carried or eaten to induce fertility and conception. Sheaves of wheat are placed in the home to attract money, and grains are carried in sachets for the same reason.

WILLOW

(Salix alba) G

Folk Names: Osier, Pussy Willow, Saille, Salicyn Willow, Saugh Tree, Tree of Enchantment, White Willow, Witches’ Aspirin, Withe, Withy

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Moon

Element: Water

Deities: Artemis, Ceres, Hecate, Persephone, Hera, Mercury, Belili, Belinus

Powers: Love, Love Divination, Protection, Healing

Ritual Uses: Burial mounds in Britain which are sited near marshes and lakes were often lined with willows, probably for symbolic associations with death.

Magical Uses: Willow leaves are carried or used in mixtures to attract love, and the wood is used to fashion magical wands dedicated to Moon Magic. If you wish to know if you will be married in the new year, on New Year’s Eve throw your shoe or boot into a willow tree. If it doesn’t catch and stay in the branches the first time, you have eight more tries. If you succeed in trapping your shoe in the tree you will be wed within twelve months—but you’ll also have to shake or climb the tree to retrieve your shoe.

All parts of the willow guard against evil and can be carried or placed in the home for this purpose. Knock on a willow tree (“knock on wood”) to avert evil.

The leaves, bark and wood of the willow are also utilized in healing spells.

If you wish to conjure spirits, mix crushed willow bark with sandalwood and burn at the waning Moon outdoors.

Magical brooms, especially Witch’s brooms, are traditionally bound with a willow branch.

WINTERGREEN

(Gaultheria procumbens) G

Folk Names: Checkerberry, Mountain Tea, Teaberry

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Moon

Element: Water

Powers: Protection, Healing, Hex-Breaking

Magical Uses: Wintergreen is placed in children’s pillows to protect them and grant them good fortune throughout their lives.

When sprinkled in the home it removes hexes and curses, especially when mixed with mint.

Wintergreen is also utilized in healing spells, and when fresh sprigs are placed on the altar they call good spirits to witness and aid your magic.

WINTER’S BARK

(Drimys winteri)

Folk Names: True Winter’s Bark, Wintera, Wintera aromatics, Winter’s Cinnamon

Powers: Success

Magical Uses: Carry or burn winter’s bark to ensure success in all your undertakings.

WITCH GRASS

(Agropyron repens) Root: G

Folk Names: Couch Grass, Dog Grass, Quick Grass, Witches Grass

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Jupiter

Powers: Happiness, Lust, Love, Exorcism

Magical Uses: Witch grass carried or sprinkled under the bed attracts new lovers. Witch grass is also used in all manner of unhexing and uncrossing rituals; the infusion is sprinkled around the premises to disperse entities, and when worn it dispels depression.

WITCH HAZEL

(Hamamelis virginiea) G

Folk Names: Snapping Hazelnut, Spotted Alder, Winterbloom

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Powers: Protection, Chastity

Magical Uses: Witch hazel has long been used to fashion divining rods, hence the common name. The bark and twigs are also used to protect against evil influences. If carried, witch hazel helps to mend a broken heart and cool the passions.

WOLF’S BANE

(Aconitum napellus, Arnica latifolia, Arnica montana) Poison

Folk Names: Aconite, Cupid’s Car, Dumble-dore’s Delight, Leopard’s Bane, Monkshood, Storm Hat, Thor’s Hat, Wolf’s Hat

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn

Element: Water

Deity: Hecate

Powers: Protection, Invisibility

Magical Uses: Wolf’s bane is added to protection sachets, especially to guard against vampires and werewolves. This is quite fitting, since wolf’s bane is also used by werewolves to cure themselves. The seed, wrapped in a lizard’s skin and carried, allows you to become invisible at will. Do not eat or rub any part of this plant on the skin; it is virulently poisonous.

WOOD ROSE

(Ipomoea tuberose) X

Folk Names: Ceylon Morning Glory, Frozen Roses, Spanish Arbor Vine

Powers: Luck

Magical Uses: Carry a wood rose to attract good luck and fortune. Also place some in the home to ensure it is lucky as well.

WOODRUFF

(Asperula odorata, Galium odoratum)
G. odoratum: B

Folk Names: Herb Walter, Master of the Woods, Sweet Woodruff, Wood Rove, Wuderove

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Powers: Victory, Protection, Money

Magical Uses: Woodruff is carried to attract money and prosperity, to bring victory to athletes and warriors, and when placed in a sachet of leather, it guards against all harm.

WORMWOOD

(Artemisia absinthium) Poison P N Lt

For internal use: Do not exceed 1⁄2 g of the dried herb in tea 2–3 times a day.

Folk Names: Absinthe, Old Woman, Crown for a King, Madderwort, Wormot

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Deities: Iris, Diana, Artemis

Powers: Psychic Powers, Protection, Love, Calling Spirits

Magical Uses: Wormwood is burned in incenses designed to aid in developing psychic powers, and is also worn for this purpose. Carried, wormwood protects not only against bewitchment, but also from the bite of sea serpents. Also, according to ancient traditions, it counteracts the effects of poisoning by hemlock and toadstools, but I wouldn’t bet my life on its effectiveness in this area. Hung from the rear-view mirror, wormwood protects the vehicle from accidents on treacherous roads.

Wormwood is also sometimes used in love infusions, probably because it was once made into an alcoholic beverage called absinthe. This highly-addictive and dangerous liqueur is now outlawed or banned in many countries, but the reputation lingers and wormwood is still used in love mixtures. One such use is to place it under the bed to draw a loved one.

Wormwood is also burned to summon spirits. It is sometimes mixed with sandalwood for this purpose. If burned in graveyards the spirits of the dead will rise and speak, according to old grimoires.

YARROW

(Achillea millefolium) P Sk

Folk Names: AchiUea, Arrowroot (although yarrow is not what is commonly refered to as arrowroot), Bad Man’s Plaything, Carpenter’s Weed, Death Flower, Devil’s Nettle, Eerie, Field Hops, Gearwe, Hundred Leaved Grass, Knight’s Milfoil, Knyghten, Lady’s Mantle, Milfoil, Militaris, Military Herb, Millefolium, Noble Yarrow, Nosebleed, Old Man’s Mustard, Old Man’s Pepper, Sanguinary, Seven Year’s Love, Snake’s Grass, Soldier’s Woundwort, Stanch Griss, Stanch Weed, Tansy, Thousand Seal, Wound Wort, Yarroway, Yerw

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Courage, Love, Psychic Powers, Exorcism

Magical Uses: When worn, yarrow protects the wearer, and when held in the hand, it stops all fear and grants courage.

A bunch of dried yarrow hung over the bed or yarrow used in wedding decorations ensures a love lasting at least seven years. Yarrow is also used in love spells.

Carrying yarrow not only brings love but it also attracts friends and distant relations you wish to contact. It draws the attention of those you most want to see.

The flowers are made into an infusion and the resulting tea is drunk to improve psychic powers.

Washing the head with a yarrow infusion will prevent baldness but won’t cure it if it has already begun.

Yarrow is also used to exorcise evil and negativity from a person, place or thing.

YELLOW EVENING
PRIMROSE

(Oenothera biennis) Seed oil: G

Folk Names: War Poison, Sundrop, Tree Primrose, Evening Primrose

Powers: Hunting

Magical Uses: American Indians rubbed this plant against their moccasins and body to ensure a good hunt, and to cause snakes to avoid them.

YERBA MATE

(Ilex paraguariensis) Lt D+

Folk Names: Mate, Paraguay Tea, Yerba

Gender: Masculine

Powers: Fidelity, Love, Lust

Magical Uses: Wear to attract the opposite sex. The infusion is a fine “lust” potion and if drunk with a loved one will ensure that you stay together. To break off the relationship spill some onto the ground.

YERBA SANTA

(Eriodictyon glutinosum,
E. californicum) G

Folk Names: Bear Weed, Consumptive’s Weed, Gum Bush, Holy Herb, Mountain Balm, Sacred Herb

Gender: Feminine

Powers: Beauty, Healing, Psychic Powers, Protection

Magical Uses: Yerba santa is carried to improve or to attain beauty, and the infusion is added to baths for the same reason.

The leaves are added to healing incenses and are worn around the neck to ward off illnesses and wounds.

It is also carried for spiritual strength, to increase psychic powers, and to protect the bearer.

YEW

(Taxus baccata) Poison

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn

Element: Water

Powers: Raising the Dead

Magical Uses: This poisonous plant is sometimes used in spells to raise the spirits of the dead. Though it has a long mythic history it is little used in magic due to its high toxicity.

YOHIMBE
(Pausinystalia yohimbe) Poison K Li Lt D+ So DI* May affect MOA-I medications

Powers: Love, Lust

Magical Uses: Yohimbe infusion is drunk as a “lust” potion and the powdered herb is added to love mixtures.

Consume in small amounts only.

YUCCA

(Yucca spp. aloifolia, Y. brevifolia,
Y. glauca, Y. whipplei) Root: G

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Powers: Transmutation, Protection, Purification

Magical Uses: A hoop or loop of twisted yucca fibers will transmutate a person into an animal if he or she jumps through it, according to American Indian magic. Another method instructs the magician to place a small wreath of yucca fibers on his or her head. This allows the person to assume any form desired.

A cross of yucca fibers twisted together and placed on the hearth protects the house from evil.

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Health Codes Used with the Herbs

Herbs listed with these codes should not be taken internally if you have the following conditions:

A	asthma
Ab	abdominal pain
Au	acidic urine
B	if using blood-thinning medications
Bb	blocked bile ducts
Bi	blocked intestines
Bd	inflammatory diseases of bile ducts
Bp+	high blood pressure
Bp-	low blood pressure
C	cardiac dysfunction
Ca	cardiac insufficiency stages III and IV, hypertonia stage IV
Ch-	if a child under the age given (in years)
Cn-	constipation
CPI	chronic progressive infections (i.e., AIDS, TB)
D	depression
Di	diabetes
Dh	diarrhea
F	febrile and infectious disorders
Ga	gastritis
Gm	gastric mucosa inflammation
Gu	gastric ulcers
H	hyperthyroidism
Hk	hypokalemia
Ho	hypotension
Hy	hypertension
I	intestinal obstruction
Ii	any inflammation of the intestines
Ig	inflamed gallbladder
K	kidney problems
Ks	kidney stones
Li	liver problems
N	if nursing
Ne	nephritis
P	if pregnant
Pa	Parkinson’s disease
Pk	parenchyma of the kidney
Pl	parenchyma of the liver
Pr	protein hypersensitivity
R	renal disorders
Sg	gallstones
So	chronic inflammation of prostate/sexual organs
U	ulcers
Vt	ventricular tachycardia

Herbs listed with these codes have the following cautions:

Br	Do not use on broken skin.
Dg	May disturb some part of the digestive system if used internally.
D+	Do not take internally in high doses. Find several sources that have appropriate doses of this herb.
DI*	Drug Interactions are possible for these herbs (see specific herbs).
+F	Avoid above normal food use levels.
G	Safe. This herb is currently recognized as safe.
Gi	This herb is known as a Gi irritant.
L	Use an adequate amount of liquid if seed is used internally.
Lt	Do not abuse, internally; not for long-term use.
M	May irritate the mucous membranes.
S	May increase sensitivity to sunlight.
Sk	May cause severe skin allergies or dermatitis.
V	May cause nausea, vomiting.
X	Not recommended for internal use.

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