MAGICAL
USES OF HERBS
Agrimony
Use in all protection sachets and spells, also to banish negative
energies and spirits It protects against goblins, evil and poison
Agrimony has also long been used to reverse spells sent against the
magician; i.e. it not only breaks hexes, it also sends them back to the
hexer. Agrimony placed under the head will make one sleep as if dead,
according to ancient lore, but don't use this for insomnia: the sleeper
won't awaken until the herb is removed.
Alfalfa
Keep in the home to protect from poverty and hunger. It is best placed in in the cupboard or or pantry.
Amaranth
A crown of amaranth flowers worn on the head speeds healing. To
make sure that you are never struck by a bullet, pull up a whole
amaranth plant (including roots) preferably on a Friday during the Full
Moon. Leave an offering to the plant and then fold it, roots and all, in
a piece of white cloth. Wear this against your breast and you'll be
'bullet-proof.' The dried amaranth flowers have been used to call forth
the dead, and are also carried to cure the affections'; i.e. to mend a
broken heart.
Angelica
Grown, the plant is protective. Use in all protection and exorcism
incenses. Sprinkle the four corners of the house with angelica to ward
off evil, or do this around the perimeter of the house. Added to the
bath angelica removes curses, hexes and any spells that may have been
cast against you. The root was carried in the pocket as a gambling
talisman among some American Indian tribes. Angelica is also used in
healing incenses and mixtures, and smoking the leaves is said to cause
visions.
Anise
Fill a small pillowcase with anise seeds and sleep on it. This
will ensure that you have no nightmares. Use in protection and
meditation incenses. Fresh anise leaves placed in a room will drive off
evil, and they are sometimes placed around the magic circle to protect
the magician from evil spirits. It also averts the evil eye. Anise seed
is also used in purification baths, especially with bay leaves. It is
used to call forth spirits to aid in magical operations, and a sprig
hung on the bedpost will restore lost youth.
Blackberry
A bramble bush that forms a natural arch is a great aid to magical
healing. On a sunny day, crawl through the arch backward and then
forward three times, going as nearly east to west as possible. This will
cause boils, rheumatism, whooping cough and even blackheads to
disappear. The blackberry leaves are used in spells of wealth, as are
the berries themselves and the vines are protective if grown. this tree
several times and the evil shall flee in terror. Barren women walk naked
beneath a bodhi tree to become fertile. Use the leaves in meditation
incenses and all mixtures designed to give wisdom.
Boneset
The plant wards off evil spirits. Make an infusion and sprinkle about the house to drive away evil.
Borage
Carry the fresh blossoms to strength-en your courage, or place one
in your buttonhole for protection when walking outdoors. A tea of
Borage induces psychic powers.
Buchu
An infusion of Buchu, drunk, enables one to foretell the future.
Frankincense mixed with Buchu is burned directly before retiring to
produce prophetic dreams. Only a small amount should be burned, and this
must be in the bedroom.
Buckthorn
Branches of the Buckthorn, placed near doors and windows, drive
away all enchantments and sorceress, according to Dioscorides. A
charming legend concerning the Buckthorn vows that if one sprinkles
Buckthorn in a circle and then dances within it under a full Moon, an
elf will appear. The dancer must notice the elf and say, 'Halt and grant
my boon!' before the creature flees. The elf will then grant one wish. I
cannot make any guarantees this will happen, however. Buckthorn is also
used in legal matters (carried or worn to court, etc.) and as a general
good luck generator.
Burdock
Cast around the home to ward off negativity. Add to protection
incenses and use in such spells. Gather burdock roots in the waning
Moon, dry and then cut them into small pieces. String these on red
thread like beads and wear for protection against evil and negativity.
The leaves of the burdock, when laid to the soles of the feet help to
cure gout. .
Caraway
The caraway serves as protection against Lilith, as well as all
manners of evil spirits, entities and plain old negativity. It s often
carried for this purpose. Any object that holds some caraway seeds is
theft-proof.
Cascara Sagrada
Sprinkle an infusion of casa sagrada around your home before g to
any court proceeding. It will help win your case. Cascara sagrada is
also use in money spells, and worn as an amulet against evil and hexes.
Catnip
Given to your cat, catnip creates a psychic bond between the two
of you. It is also intoxicating to the cat. Catnip is used in love
sachets, usually in conjunction with rose petals. If you hold catnip in
your hand until it is warm, then hold anyone else's hand, they will
forever be your friend, as long as you keep the catnip you used for the
spell in some safe place. Grown near the home or hung over the door,
catnip attracts good spirits and great luck. Catnip is also used in
spells designed to enhance beauty and happiness. Large catnip leaves are
pressed and used as bookmarks in magical texts.
Celery
Chew the seeds to aid in concentration, or use in spell pillows to
induce sleep. Burned with orrisroot, celery seed increases psychic
powers. The stalk, along with the seeds, induces lust when eaten.
Witches supposedly ate celery seed before flying off on their brooms
that they wouldn't become dizzy and fall.
Centaury
The smoke from burning or fuming centaury drives off snakes.
Chamomile
Chamomile is used to attract money and a handwash of the infusion
is some times used by gamblers to ensure winnings. It is used in sleep
and meditation incenses, and the infusion is also added to the bath to
attract love. It is also a purificatory and protective herb. When
sprinkled around the property, it removes curses and spells cast against
you.
Chickweed
Carry or use in spells designed to attract a love or to maintain a relationship
Chicory
Chicory is used to remove all obstacles that might crop up in your
life. It is carried for this purpose. At one time it was thought to
make its possessor invisible, and to open locked boxes and doors if held
against the locks. But for these last two purposes, chicory has to be
gathered with a gold knife in perfect silence at noon or midnight on
Midsummer. If you anoint your body with chicory juice, you will obtain
favors from great persons. It is also carried to promote frugality.
Clove
Burned as incense, cloves attract riches, drive away hostile and
negative forces, produce spiritual vibrations, and purify the area.
Cloves are burned as incense to stop others from gossiping about you.
Worn or carried, cloves attract the opposite sex and bring comfort to
the bereaved. Evil presence's.
Coltsfoot
Add to love sachets and use in spells of peace and tranquility. The leaves, when smoked, can cause visions.
Comfrey
Worn or carried, Comfrey protects and ensures safety during
travel. Also, tuck some into your suitcases so that they aren't lost or
stolen. The root is also used in money spells.
Damiana
Damiana is used in lust infusions as well as lust spells. It is also burned to produce visions.
Dandelion
To find out how long you will live, blow the seeds off the head of
a dandelion. You will live as many years as there are seeds left on the
head. To tell the time: blow three times at the seed head. The number
left is the hour. The root, when dried, roasted and ground like coffee,
is used to make a tea. This infusion will promote psychic powers. This
same tea, steaming and placed beside the bed, will call spirits. To send
a message to a loved one, blow at the seed head in his or her direction
and visualize your message. Dandelion, buried in the northwest corner
of the house, brings favorable winds.
Echinacea
Indians used Echinacea as an offering to spirit and strengthen spells.
Elecampane
Worn, Elecampane attracts love Sew up some of the leaves or
flowers in pink cloth, or make a sachet. It is also carried for
protection, and the herb smoldered on charcoal aids in sharpening
psychic powers, particularly when scrying.
Eucalyptus
The leaves are used to stuff healing poppets and are carried to
maintain good health. To relieve colds, ring greens candles with the
leaves and pods and burn them to the socket, visualizing the person (or
you) as being completely healthy. Also hang a small branch or twig of
eucalyptus over the sick bed. String the immature (green) pods on green
thread and wear to help heal sore throats. Placed beneath the pillow,
the pods guard against colds. The leaves are also carried for
pro-tection.
Fennel
Grown around the home, fennel confers protection. Wearing a piece
of fennel in the left shoe will prevent wood ticks from biting your
legs. Fennel is also hung up at windows and doors to ward off evil
spirits, and the seeds can be carried for the same reason. Fennel is
used in purification sachets, as well as healing mixtures.
Fenugreek
To bring money into the household, a few fenugreek seeds can be
added to the mop water (or a small amount of a fenugreek infusion).
Also, half-fill a small jar with fenugreek and leave open in the house
to attract money. Add a few seeds every couple of days until the jar is
full; then empty the fenugreek out and begin again. Return the spent
herb to the ground.
Feverfew
Carry with you for protection against colds and fevers, as well as accidents.
Figwort
Hung from the neck, the Figwort keeps the wearer healthy and
protects against the evil eye. The plant is also smoked over Midsummer
fires and then hung in the home for its protective powers -
Garlic
Garlic was once worn to guard against the plague. It is still used
to absorb diseases. Simply rub fresh, peeled cloves of garlic onto the
afflicted part of the body, then throw into running water An old spell
utilized garlic in protecting against hepatitis. To do this, simply
wear' thirteen cloves of garlic at the end of cord around the neck for
thirteen days On the last day, in the middle of thc night, walk to a
corner of an intersection of two streets, remove the necklace throw it
behind you and run home with out looking back. Garlic is also extremely
protective Sailors carry some while on board ship to protect against its
wreckage. Soldiers wore garlic as a defense in the middle ages, while
Roman soldiers ate it to give them courage. It is placed in the home to
guard against the intrusion of evil, to keep out robbers and thieves,
and is hung over the door to repel envious people. Garlic is especially
protective in new homes - Worn, garlic guards against foul weather
(mountaineers wear it) as well as monsters, and it also shields you from
the blows of your enemies. When evil spirits are about, bite into
garlic to send them away, or sprinkle powdered garlic on the floor (if
you don't mind smelling it for some time). Garlic is also placed beneath
children's pillows to protect them while asleep, and brides once
carried a clove of garlic in the' pocket for good luck and to keep evil
far from her on her big day. Rubbed onto pots and pans before cooking in
them garlic removes negative vibrations, which might otherwise
contaminate the food. When eaten, garlic acts as a lust. inducer, and
when a magnet or lodestone, is rubbed with garlic it loses its magic
powers.
Ginger
Eating ginger before performing spells will lend them power, since
you have been 'heated up' by the ginger. It is especially true of love
spells, in which ginger is much used. Whole ginger roots are planted a
grown to attract money, or the powdered root is sprinkled into pockets
or onto money for this purpose. Ginger is also used in success spells or
to ensure the success of a magical operation. In the Pacific the Dobu
islander make much use of ginger in their magic They chew it and spit it
at the 'seat' of an illness to cure it, and also spit chewed ginger at
an oncoming storm, while at sea, to halt it.
Ginseng
The root is carried to attract love as well as to guard one's
health, to draw money, and to ensure sexual potency Ginseng will also
bring beauty to all w carry it. Burn ginseng to ward off evil spirits
and to break hexes and curses. A tea of ginseng is used as a powerful
lust-inducing drink, whether alone or mixed with other like herbs. Hold a
ginseng root in your hands, visualize your wish into the root, and
throw it into running water. Or, carve your wish onto a root and toss
into the water. Ginseng can be a substitute for the mandrake -
Gotu Kola
Use in meditation incenses. Burn small amount prior to (but not during) meditation.
Hawthorne
Hawthorn has long been used to increase fertility. Because of this
power it is incorporated into weddings, especially those performed in
the spring. The leaves, curiously enough, are also used to enforce or
maintain chastity or celibacy. The leaves are placed beneath the
mattress or around the bedroom for this purpose. Carried in a sachet on a
fishing trip hawthorn ensures a good catch, and worn or carried it
promotes happiness in the troubled, depressed, or sad. Hawthorn protects
against lightning, and in the house in which it resides, no evil ghosts
may enter. It is also powerful for protecting against damage to the
house from storms. The Romans placed hawthorn in cradles to guard the
child from evil spells. In the past most Witch's gardens contained at
least one hawthorn hedge. The hawthorn is sacred to the fairies, and is
part of the tree fairy triad of Britain: 'Oak, Ash and Thorn,' and where
all three trees grow together it is said that one may see fairies.
Hops
A pillow stuffed with dried hop; brings on sleep and rest. Hops are also used in healing sachets and incenses.
Horehound
Horehound is used in protective sachets, and is carried to guard
against sorcery and fascination. Horehound is also scattered as an
exorcism herb. Drink an infusion of the herb and it will clear your mind
and promote quick thinking, as well as strengthen the mental powers.
Horehound, when mixed with ash leaves and placed in a bowl of water,
releases healing vibrations, and should be placed in a sickroom.
Horseradish
Horseradish root (dried and grated or ground) should be sprinkled
around the house, in corners, on the steps outside, and on doorsills.
This will make all evil powers clear out, and will diffuse any spells
that may have been sent against you.
Horsetail
Whistles made of the stems of the horsetail, when played will call
snakes to the musician. Horsetail is also used in fertility mixtures,
or placed in the bedroom for this purpose.
Hydrangea
Use the bark of the hydrangea to unhex by carrying, scattering around the home, or burning.
Hyssop
Hyssop is the most widely used purification herb in magic. It is
added to baths in sachets, infused and sprinkled on objects or persons
to cleanse them, and hung up in the home to purge it of evil and
negativity.
Irish Moss
Irish moss is carried or placed beneath rugs to increase luck and
to ensure a steady flow of money into the house or pockets of the
person. Irish moss is also carried while on trips for protection and
safety, and is used to stuff luck or money poppets.
Juniper
Used throughout Europe as a protective herb, Juniper also guards
against theft. It was probably one of the earliest incenses used by
Mediterranean Witches. Juniper hung at the door protects against evil
forces and persons, and it is burned in exorcism rites. A sprig of the
plant protects its wearer against accidents and attacks by wild animals.
It also guards against ghosts and sickness. Juniper is added to love
mixtures, and the berries are carried to increase male potency When
carried or burned, juniper helps the psychic powers and breaks hexes and
curses, and drives off snakes.
Lady's Slipper
Lady's slipper is used in protective sachets as it guards against all manner of hexes, curses, spells and the evil eye
Lemon Grass
Lemongrass planted around the home and in the garden will repel
snakes. It is also used in some lust potions, as well as in an infusion
to aid in developing psychic powers.
Licorice
Chewing on a licorice stick (the root, not a piece of candy) will
make you passionate. It is also a good practice to use while quitting
smoking. Licorice is added to love and lust sachets, carried to attract
love, and used in spells to ensure fidelity. Licorice sticks make useful
wands.
Lobelia
Throw some powdered lobelia at an oncoming storm to stop its approach. Lobelia is also used to attract a love.
Mandrake
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 at-tract 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.
Marigold
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
Marjoram is used in love spells is also added to food to
Strengthen Carried it is protective, as it placed around the house, a
bit room, and renewed each month. in the garden it offers Shielding
against evil. Violets Given to a depressed person, marjoram brings
happiness It is also used in money mixtures and sachets.
Mistletoe
Long used for protection against lightning, disease, and
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.
Mullein
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 guard 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
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
Burned as 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, talisman, charms, and magical tools.
Myrrh aids meditation and contemplation. It is often added to sachets,
usually with frankincense.
Nettle
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.
Papaya
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.
Parsley
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
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.
Peach
The fruit, when eaten, induces love, and so a peach or peach pie
served a desired one may help to win his or her heart. 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
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal placed in the shoe prevents weariness during travel and
strengthens the body in general. When worn it acts against the evil eye
and aids in making business deals. When given to quarreling couples it
will cause them to cease their fighting, and so pennyroyal is an herb of
peace. it is also carried on board ships to prevent seasickness -
Peppermint
Peppermint has long been used in healing and purification spells.
Its presence raises the vibrations of an area. Smelled, it compels one
toward sleep, and placed beneath the pillow it sometimes offers one
glimpses of the future in dreams. It is rubbed against furniture, walls
and floorboards to cleanse them of evil and negativity. Pliny stated
that peppermint excites love, and so can be added to this type of
mixture.
Periwinkle
A powerful magical herb, periwinkle should be gathered according
to strict procedures before it is of any efficacy in magic. It is to be
gathered when one is 'clean of every uncleanness' when the Moon is one
night old, nine nights old, eleven nights old or thirteen nights old,
and the following incantation should be uttered while plucking the
plant: I pray thee, vinca pervinca, thee that art to be had for thy many
useful qualities, that thou come to me glad blossoming with thy
mainfulness, that thou outfit me so that I be shielded and prosperous
and undamaged by poisons and water. After this the plant is carried to
obtain grace, to attract money, and to protect against snakes, poison,
wild beasts, terror, the evil eye and spirits. It is, placed over the
door to protect the home. Periwinkle is utilized in love and is thought
to increase one's passions when carried or sprinkled under the bed. When
gazed upon it restores lost memories.
Plantain
Bind the plantain with red wool to the head to cure headaches, and
place beneath the feet to remove weariness. Plaintain is also hung in
the car to guard against the intrusion of evil spirits. A piece of the
root in the pocket protects "its bearer from snakebites
Prickly Ash
Use the fruits of the prickly ash as a perfume to attract love.
Quassia
Quassia is used in love mixtures, both to draw and to maintain love. The powdered wood is used in incense bases. .
Red Raspberry
The brambles (branches) of red raspberry are hung up at doors and
windows for protection. This is also done when a death has occurred, so
that flu spirit won't reenter 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 pain of pregnancy and childbirth.
Rhubarb
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. .
Rosemary
Rosemary, when burned, emits powerful cleansing and purifying
vibrations, and so is smoldered 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 harms.
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.
Rue
Rue leaves placed on the head relieve headaches. Worn around the
neck rue aids in recuperation from illnesses and also wards off future
problems. Rue is added to healing poppets. Fresh rue, sniffed, clears
trouble in love matters and also improves processes. Rue added to baths
breaks hexes and curses that may have been cast upon you, and it is also
added to exorcism incenses and mixtures. The fresh leaves rubbed on the
boards of your house sends back any ill spell against you. The Romans
ate rue preservative against the evil eye, and it was also carried to
guard the bear poisons, werewolves, and all manner of ills.
Saffron
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. 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
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: Sage is carried to promote wisdom, He who would live
for aye Must eat sage in May. and the leaves are used in countless
healing and money spells. To guard you 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 I so ensure that some other plant shares
plot. Incidentally, toads love sage.
St. Johnswort
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 hay 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
evil doers 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.
Sarsaparilla
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 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.
Scullcap
Scullcap is used in spells of relaxation and peace. A woman who
wears Scullcap protects her husband against the charms of other women.
Senna
Magical Uses: Use Senna in love spells.
Slippery Elm
Burn Slippery elm and throw the fire a knotted yellow cord or
thread. Any gossip against you will. Slippery elm bark worn about a neck
will give it a persuasive use when fully grown.
Spearmint
Spearmint is used in all healing applications, especially in
aiding lung diseases. Smelled, spearmint increases and sharpens mental
powers. For protection while asleep.
Spikenard
Spikenard worn around the neck brings good luck and wards off disease
Stillingia
Burn the root to develop psychic If you have lost something, burn stillengia and follow the smoke to its hiding place.
Strawberry
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.
Thyme
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.
Uva Ursi
Add to sachets designed to increase psychic powers.
Valerian
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. .
Violet
VIOLET (Viola odorata) When the flowers are carried they offer
protection and bring changes in luck and fortune. Mixed with lavender,
they are a powerful Jove stimulant and also arouse lust. If you gather
the first Violet in the spring dearest wish will be granted. Ancient
Greeks wore the violet to induce sleep.
Willow
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 12
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' brooms, are traditionally bound with
willow branch.
Wintergreen
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 cures, 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.
Witch Hazel
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.
Wormwood
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 1 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
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.
Yerba Santa
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.
Yucca
A hoop or loop of twisted yucca fibers will transmute a person
into an animal if he or she jumps through it, according to American
Indian magic. An-other 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. Suds made from the
yucca plant are used in purifying the body before magic. If a spell to
remove curses or illnesses is performed, repeat the yucca-suds bath
afterward to ensure that all traces of the evil or sicknesses are
removed.
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