Herbology

Mandrake & Root

Lines encompassed by **'s are footnotes. This is for educational purposes only. I cannot take responsibility for any actions done because of reading this. Some of the things mentioned here may be dangerous (life threatening) to try.

The Mandrake Root, is otherwise known as Madagora, or by the Arabics as Satans apple. The Chinese Call it Ginseng.

It has a large brown root, generally three to four feet deep. The Root can be single or split into two or three, giving it a human like look. From the crown of the root arise several dark leaves, which while younge stand erect. When these leaves are mature, they lay flat on the ground and can be up to a foot long/ Four to five inches/ they are sharp pointed at the apex (tip) and release a feotid (offensive) odour.

From among the leaves, generally near the center of the root, spring flowers, each from a seperate foot stalk, three to four inches high. It somewhat resembles the shape and size of a primrose, but the corella is bell shaped, and cut into five segments. They are whiteish colour somewhat tinged with purple. Succeeding the flower is a smooth round fruit about the size of a small apple. When ripe, it is a deep yellow, full of pulp with a strong apple like scent ** The berries of this plant are extremely toxic, DO NOT EAT**

------Medical Uses----------

The Leaves, externally used are harmless to individuals, and infact are found to be quite soothing to wounds. Herman Boerhaave developed a method, to treat indolent ulcers (eye damage) by boiling the leaves in milk and applying as a poultice

The Fresh root operates as a very effective emetic, when eaten, as is the dried bark, but on a lesser scale.

Ancients considered it an anodyne (pain killer) and a sporfic (sleeping aide) In large doses it is said to excite delerium and madness. It was used to cause rest and sleep in continous pain, melochany (mental illness) convulsions, joint and muscle pains, and scrofulous tumors. They prepared it bu directly applying the root juices or mixing them in wine or water The root made into a fine pulp and mixed with brandy is thought to be affective against chronic rheumatism.

Pliny the elder used the root as an anethesiac, before operations, by giving a peice to the patient to chew. In small doeses it was used by the ancients on manical patients. The Chinese belive it to be an aphrodesiac.

----Legend /Non medical history---

Anglo-Saxan herbalists belived that it has the mystical powers to remove demons from people. St. Bartholomew belived it to be able to fend off demons and witches

The roots of mandrake sometimes bear a human form, as they are known to split into three, they can be depicted as an old male, with a long beard or a bushy haired female.

During the time of king henry the eight, it was quite common for people to make human shaped amuletes out of bylony and sell it as mandrake amuletes. It has been known that itallian women have paid up to 30 gold for these imitations.

In Genisis thirty, the mandrake was exhchanged for sex,with a barren woman, and she became pregnant.

The mandrake was fabled to grow under the gallows of hanged men, where their semen dripped. When it was pulled from the ground it emits a screech that will kill any close to it. For this reason one would tie their dog to it, run far away, and call it to them. once the plant was de-rooted, the dog would die, and the man would be safe.

-magical Use and information-

The mandrakes element is fire, and it is associated with the planet mercury. powers it is know to be associated with are: protection fertility, money, love and health. common uses for it include placing a whole root, in your home to get protection prosperity and fertility. It is said that no demons can reside where mandrake abides. Also placing money beside a whole root is said to make it multiply.

Mandrake is also a narcotic and hallucinogen, and can be used to induce self hypnosis, and in some cases astral projection. As the fruit is extremely toxic, one must be extremely careful how much is used.

*NOT TRIED OR TESTED*
The preperation recipie advises than (again with extreme caution)
less than 30 grains ***GRAINS NOT GRAMS*** of the root be mixed with wine, no mention of how much juice from the fruit should be used however ***I would GUESS that one or two drops from it, mixed with the ground root, to create less than 30 grains would suffice***

It is also used to make love potions an charms which are said to work on anyone (Which may be because of it being an aphrodesiac)
***DO NOT TRY*** However there are two reasons not to attempt this. The first being that love potions/spells take away free will, The second being in regards to the potion, people have varying amounts of tolererance and immune systems. It would be easy to misjudge your dosing and kill or severly sicken someone.

***YOUR BODY WILL BECOME TOLERANT TO THE NARCOTIC AND IT WILL TAKE MORE TO INDUCE ANY STATE HOWEVER IT WILL NOT BECOME TOLERANT TO THE TROPANES AND SERIOUS HEART DAMAGE WILL OCCUR****

----Cultivation and modern care----

When they sprout in the spring they must be well watered throughout the summer, annd kept free of weeds/other intrusive plants. If growing outdoors, they should be transferred into a deep pot with light soil as the roots grow deep. if too wet while inside of the pot, the roots will rot. if to close to chalk or gravel, they will not expand. Where there is good soil, over a few years, it will grow to a large size with many flowers
and fruits if left undisturbed.

----Miscellanious footnotes----

Ivory can be made soft and moldable if boiled in a pot of mandrake root for six hour

Some UNPROVENa sources suggest that the fruit really has no poison. More research is needed into this. UNTIL PROVEN either way, no experiments should be considered

-r3in

ROSE HIPS

The rose hip is the fruit of the rose plant. I t is generally a red orange colour but can be dark purple to black, in some species.They are generally cherry size, and are left behind after the plants flowers have died off. When harvesting it should be shortly after the first frost, when they are ripe. I deally they will yeild to soft pressure, yet not be soft, or wrinky. If cooking with them you should never use metal pots, and it is reccomended to remove all seeds, for they have silver hairs which will upset your digestive system.

Medical uses.

Rose hips contain 1700-2000mg of vitamin C. They also contain Vitamin D and E. Essential fatty acids, and antitoxidants. The powder, when made into tea, or prepared in food, forms remedys for rheumatoid aurthritis, and to prevent bladder infections. It was also affective agaisnt dissinessm and headaches.
Oil of rose hips is used to restore skin firmness.

During a females menstral cycle, rose hip tea can help them regain lost iron, as it also has high quanities of it. It is also effective in fighting the common cold.

MAGICAL USE AND HISTORY

Rose hips are associated with the planet venus, and their elements is water. They are commonly used in love spells, healing and peace rituals, as well as cleansing rituals. Eariy practicioners did not know the scrientific details of rosehips, only that they helped during menstration. This is what lead them to being associated with romance.

Christian popes tried to outlaw witchcraft and made possesion of roses punishable by death. (as well as many other plants) which led to vast amounts of herbal knowledge being lost upon western nations

These arent mine, but are some uses for rosehips in in ritual or spell. (not all of them are) the next section will be recipies

Use1
For cleansing before a ritual, or to wash away stress after a hard day, fill a tub with warm water. Add some crushed rose hips tied up in a piece of cheesecloth to your bath water. Also add some rose petals or a few drops of rose oil. Sink into the tub and relax. Meditate and visualize all of your stress and negativity being washed away into the water. Unstop the drain and imagine your stress and negativity going down the drain with the water.

Use2
For a spell to draw love into your life, set up your altar and cast a circle. Light a pink candle while meditating on attracting a compatible romantic partner. Send energy out into the universe to draw a proper mate to yourself, rather than visualizing anyone in particular. String rose hips with a needle and thread to make a necklace out of them. Place the necklace on your pentacle and charge them with your intent. Wear or carry your necklace with you when you go out.

Use3
Share a rose hip tea sweetened with honey with your significant other at the beginning of a romantic evening.

Use4
Place rose hips around the home to bring back harmony and peace if there has been a great deal of disharmony or upheaval. Consecrate and charge the rose hips to radiate with loving, calming energies that will fill your space. Tuck them in cabinets and closets, under pillows, and on window sills and door frames.

Use5
Give a boost to any healing sachets or infusions with rose hips. Add them to your tea for a sore throat or upset stomach. Soak a cloth in a tea of rose hips, wring it out and place it on your head for a headache, over your back for a backache, or on any bruise or sore spot. When your feet ache from standing, soak them in a basin filled with warm rose hip tea.

Use6
When honoring the goddess Venus in ritual, place a bowl of rose hips on your altar.

ROSE HIP RECIPIES
Again these arent mine, but I have tried a couple, and they dont taste TOO bad. The first one is instructions on how to dry them.

-DRYING ROSE HIPS-

Making Puree:
Use soft ripe rose hips (the riper they are, the sweeter they are). It takes about 4 cups (1 Litre) of rose hips to make 2 cups (480 ml) of puree. Remove stalks and blossom ends. Rinse berries in cold water. Put them into a pan and add enough water to almost cover. Bring to a boil and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Press through a sieve or strainer. All that does not go through the sieve is placed in the pan again. Add a little water, enough to almost cover, if you want a thicker puree, add slightly less. This time heat but do not boil so vigorously. This will dissolve a little more of the fruit so that it will go through the sieve. Press again and then repeat the process one more time. By now, most of the fruit should have gone through the sieve leaving only seeds and skin to discard.

Drying Puree:
Line a cookie sheet, 12 by 17 inches (30 by 42 cm), with plastic wrap. This size cookie sheet holds approximately 2 cups (480ml) of puree. Spread puree or fruit leather evenly over the plastic but do not push it completely to the sides. Leave a bit of plastic showing for easy removal. Place on a card table or picnic table in the hot sun to dry. If the plastic is bigger than the cookie sheet and extends up the sides, anchor it with clothes pins so it will not flop down and cover the edges of the leather. Puree should dry in the sun six to eight hours.

Recipe Source: Cooking Alaskan By Alaskans (Alaska Northwest Books)

-ROSE HIP TEA-
Do not boil rosehips because it will destroy the vitamin C in them. Instead, make rosehip tea as an infusion. Also, you should remove the hairs from the rosehips or use a strainer fine enough to filter out the hairs. Avoid making tea from rosehips that were sprayed with chemicals. If you collect your own rosehips, remove the seeds before drying them or using them in tea.

-ROSE HIP CANDY-

ingredients:

* 1 cup (240 mL) rose hips
* 1/3 cup (80 mL) sugar
* 2 Tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons (40 mL) water

Preparation:
Wash the rose hips with a spray or under running water. Drain and pat dry gently with paper towel or a clean cloth towel. Remove the seed from each rose hip with a small coffee spoon or pointed knife.

For each 1 cup (240 mL) rose hips, dissolve 1/3 cup (80 mL) sugar in 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons (40 mL) water. Add rose hips to the sugar-water and cook over medium heat. Be sure all hips are coated on the inside. This is easiest done by tilting the pan and spooning the syrup over and around them. Shake pan occasionally. Cook until rose hips are just about to burn, about 5 to 10 minutes.

Remove hips as quickly as possible from pan - but individually, if you can - dropping each onto a sheet of waxed paper that is covered with granulated sugar. (Use two forks for this process. ) Separate any nested hips. Sprinkle sugar over them, then roll in the sugar until the hips are well coated on all sides.

While they are drying, break off any hard bits of sugar. Add more sugar and toss the hips gently with two forks. Store candy in a glass jar.

It is not advisable to try more than 1-1/2 cups (360 mL) rose hips at one time. For that amount, use 1/2 cup (120 mL) sugar and 1/4 cup (60 mL) water. It is best to have the hips only one layer deep in the pan to avoid nesting of hips. Also, the syrup thickens fast while you are removing the hips from the pan.

A winner of two blue ribbons at the Southeast Alaska State Fair

Recipe Source: One Hundred Years in the Kitchen by Mary Scott Peters

---NUT BREAD---

* Juice of 1 orange plus water to make 1 cup (240 mL)
* 1/2 cup (120 mL) chopped raisins
* 3/4 cup (180 mL) seeded and chopped wild rose hips
* 2 Tablespoons (30 mL) melted butter
* 1 teaspoon (5 mL) vanilla
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1-1/2 cups (360 mL)flour
* 1 cup (240 mL) sugar
* 1 teaspoon (5 mL) baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon (2 mL) baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon (1 mL) salt
* 1/2 cup (120 mL) nuts or sunflower seeds

Preparation:
In a large bowl, mix the orange juice, raisins, rose hips, butter, vanilla, and egg. Sift together and then add the dry ingredients. Mix until well blended but do not overmix or bread will be dry and heavy. Gently stir in nuts or sunflower seeds.

Spoon batter into a well-greased 5 x 8-inch ( 12 x 20 cm) loaf pan and bake at 350 dedrees F. ( 175 degrees C.) for one hour.

Yield: 1 loaf
Recipe Source: Cooking Up A Storm: Favorite Recipes of Homer Cooks (self-published)

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a small perennial evergreen shrub. It generally grows one foot high with many stems. The leaves grow in pairs, and are one and a half inches to two inches long. They are usually grey green in colour and have soft hairs. The flowers are in whorls that are purplish in colour. They usually blossom in august, and always have a warm strong, yet bitter scent.

Sage is generally found in Spain, and in the mountains and hills of Croatia and Dalmatia. It is also known to grow wild in the Quanero Gulf, in limestone formations with little soil.

Sage is generally cultivated in any garden, though it grows best in a warm dry location, preferably shaded, though not necessarily under or beside trees. Though it is a perennial plant, it will degenerate after four years of growing, so it should be replanted at the end of every three years.

It is commonly used as a stimulant and in combating flatulence. It has also been used to fight various indigestion problems. Now it is generally used as a condiment or marinade for several fatty foods.
Modern evidence shows that it is also effective as an antibiotic,fungal, and spasmodic. Other sources claim that as a tea form, while gargled it is effective fighting laryngitis, and sore throats. IT SHOULD BE NOTED that some sources suggest in excessive use that it can be toxic. Thus it should not be drank or eaten daily, only for special occasions, and occasional medicinal use.

Romans Greeks and Arabs used sage in a compress to remedy snake bites. A sage and vinegar compress can be an effective aid in healing bruises, or at least lessening the pain. Recently it has been thought to fight Alzheimer's Disease

--Magickal Uses--

There is much dispute one which planet it should be classified under. Many because the leaves contain tin, consider it governed by Jupiter. Others consider, because of its blue tinge when dried, a moon plant.
Also many sources dispute whether it is an earth or air elemental.

Sage is good in slaying ones ego, grounding oneself, building emotional strength and courage. It is great to use is smudging rituals, cleansing an area of negative or left over energy. it can also be used in hiding an aspect of your self, such in glamour spells, also in reverse. Digging up aspects, exploring the psych, and finding lost items.

Sage can also be used in love purification protection and fertility spells

Silver Vixen Pointed out, that White sage can be used in exorsisms. She generously agreed to post some more information on its use.

Peppermint is a small perennial plant that grows through its roots. it generally grows from 30-90 cm tall. the stem is quite smooth to the touch. Its leaves are 4-9 cm long, and 1.5-4cm wide. This plant grows only by its roots, and if planted in a garden will quickly take over. Thus it is best to plant it in a pot.

-Medicinal Uses-
peppermint is used as a sedative to parts of the body suffering rheumatic pains, and insect bites. a tea made from the leaves can be used to increase sweating thus helping fight the common cold or flu, generally forcing it to dissipate in 36 hours. A few drops of mint oil, mixed with hot water is known to lesson the occurrence of heart palpitations, and body spasms, caused my nerve disorders.

Other uses for it, as a tea, include helping the sore throat, helping with asthma, calming nerves, inducing sleep, and helping the digestive tract. In a bath, it is quite soothing when dealing with skin disease, and bruises/lesions.

- Legend and history-

It should be noted that the Egyptian use of mint predates the Greek and roman legends.

There are two Greek legends, both with hades and Persephone. The first is that Persephone transformed the nymph Minthe into a plant, to save her from being raped by Hades

The second is that Hades loved Minthe, and Persephone turned her into dust, in a fit of jealousy. Hades couldn't save her, so he made a plant out of the dust.

The roman version is similar to the second Greek version, except that Prospertine transformed Minte into the lowest of plant live, so she would be trampled on for all time. Pluto unable to save her gave Minte eternal sweetness.

It was once believed that a wounded person who ate mint would never recover from his wounds.

Mint has been found in Egyptian burial chambers, used to create a mask from the rot stench. It was also used by the Romans And Greeks, to make banquet halls smell pleasant.

- Magickal Uses-

The peppermint plant is governed by three planets, Venus Jupiter and mercury. Its element is Air.

Every form of mint can be used for: Banishing. psychic work, mental clarity and concentration. creativity, fortune (including prosperity luck money, joy) Healing, purification, release, Lust and sexuality, Justice, Virtue, Protection, Increased senses, protection against lightening. Releasing invited spirits, psychic work, binding spells, and attracting people (Customers) to you.

Mint incense or crystals, can be specifically used in attracting money, increasing sexual desire, conjuring benevolent spirits, and banishing negative entities.

Oil of mind can be used in consecrating and anointing people, tools, altars, and circles

It should be noted that the incense/crystal/oil can be used for the other listed uses as well.

Cloves are the dried flower bud of the Myrtaceae family. They are native to Indonesia, but are used all around the world as a spice. In India they are harvested under the name Lavang.

The clove tree grows ten to twenty meters high, have large oval leaves, and have crimson flowers, in plentiful clusters. The Buds are first pale coloured, then gradually become green. They then turn a bright red, and are ready for harvesting. When ready they are generally 1.5 - 2 cm long.

-Medicinal Use-

Clove oil is still commonly used as a painkiller locally for dental work. They are considered a natural way of removing parasitic worms from the body. The oil is also used in aroma therapy, especially when stimulation and warming is needed.

Topically applied to the abdomen, it is said to warm the digestive track, making it easier to pass. According to the Chinese, it is extremely powerful when combating hiccups.
When mixed with mandrake and patchoui, it is an effective tool in fighting morning sickness and general nausea and diarrhea. When mixed with mint, it helps raise sweat levels, fighting the common cold or flu.

Clove oil is commonly found in mosquito repellent and in homeopathic remedies for acme, burns. and sensitive skin. Also it is believed to prevent premature ejaculation in males

-Warning-
Large amounts should be avoided in pregnancy. Cloves are toxic, and an overdose may lead to hallucinations. unconsciousness, and death. It should be avoided by people suffering from gastric ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome.

-History-

until recently, cloves only grew on a few of the spice islands. Cloves were highly prized during the Greek and roman eras. They were traded by the Arabs, in the middle east until portugal took over the Indian ocean trade in the late fifteenth century. Later the dutch took over the trade route in the seventeenth century.. and because of the trade/transportation costs, it became worth its weight in gold.

- magick uses-

The cloves element is fire, and it is governed by Jupiter. It can be used in protection, banishing, exorcisms, love spells fertility spells, and money spells. The can also be used to remove physical and emotional pain.

They have been used in removing gossip and lies from on life, and making a friendship charm. They may be used for clearing the head, and cleansing rituals.

Camphor is the white substance extracted from the wood of a cinnamomom camphora tree. The tree grows 20-30 meters high with glossy, wax like leaves, that when crushed have the smell of white flowers. It produces a small berry like small fruit, which are generally on cm in diameter. The tree has a pale extremely rough bark that is fissured vertically.

-History-

In the thirteenth century, camphor as highly valued by the Chinese as medicine, soap scent and embalming fluid. during the Japanese colonial period, it was commonly used to make smokeless gun powder and other explosives. Farmers believed it was toxic to insects, especially flees, and used it to protect their fields. Also, some say it was used to ward of snakes and other reptiles that disliked the smell.

In the eighteenth century, it was used by Auenbrugger as a treatment to mania. Camphor is widely used in Hindu ceremonies, specifically, but not limited to the mohashshiutatri celebrations of Shiva, the God of destruction of (re) creation.

As a natural pitch substance it burns cool, and leaves no ash residue. which symbolizes consciousness. Lately because of the carbon deposits it creates, while burning, it is hardly used inside temples anymore, though it is still used outside.

-Medicinal Uses-

Camphor is commonly used in low doses in cold and cough medicines, topical rubs to increase breathing, numb skin, and to expel moths. The fumes it excretes are known to prevent rust, so it is commonly found in toolboxes. It is considered an antiseptic, though since it is TOXIC it should never be directly applied to open wounds or on the face, especially in the case of infants. It is common however to find low amounts of it in soaps, added usually as a scent.

" Camphor is used in medicine internally for its calming influence in hysteria, nervousness and neuralgia, and for serious diarrhoea, and externally as a counter-irritant in rheumatism's, sprains bronchitis, and in inflammatory conditions, and sometimes in conjunction with menthol and phenol for heart failure; it is often given hypodermically, 3 to 5 grains dissolved in 20 to 30 minims of sterile Olive oil - the effect will last about two hours. In nervous diseases it may be given in substance or in capsules or in spirit; dose 2 to 5 grains. Its great value is in colds, chills, and in all inflammatory complaints; it relieves irritation of the sexual organs."
quote from : http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/campho13.html#med

Because of Camphors menthol scent it is ideal for opening the sinuses. When boiled it adds moisture to the air, and opens the lungs and sinuses.

-Magickal Uses-

The camphor tree itself is governed by mercury, while the resin is governed by the moon, thus having the element of water. It helps in clairvoyance, and divination while sleeping. While scrying it can be mixed with the water (if you are using water) used. It is not recommended to burn inside, However it may be used in chastity and healing spells.

It is the perfect resin to use while paying tribute to or calling upon Shiva, and when doing any moon or water based rituals.

Ginger spice is the root of the perennial ginger plant. In the spring it sends up a green reed like stem, that grows to be about two feet high. The flowering stalk rises directly from the root, ending in an oblong spike. From each spike, a yellow or white bloom grows.

The root is brown in colour about one inch thick with similar offshoots. It is generally round, and has horizontal fissures. It is very gnarly in appearance. and has horizontal fissures all throughout it.

-History-

Ginger was well known to the ancient Romans, but after the fall of the empire, it nearly disappeared in Europe. Ginger came back after Marco Polo's trip to the far east. It was transplanted from the east indies, into Spain, and in 1547, 22053 CWT (2470 000pnds) was exported to Europe. The creation of the gingerbread man was attributed to queen Elizabeth the first, and is still commonly used to this day, as a Christmas treat.

Ginger is commonly used all over the world in different dishes, an example of this is in japan. where it is pickled or used on tofu. The Arabic's use it as a coffee spice, many other countries use it to make ginger beer/ale and tea.

-Medicinal uses-

Ginger is found in many natural forms of gravol
It is a great carmative and is commonly used to prevent morning sickness and nausea. Ginger has also been used to prevent inflammation. modern research also suggests it is useful in treating diabetes.

In Burma, China, and India it is commonly used in fighting the common cold. in The Congo, it is mixed with mango sap, to create a drink called Tangawisi juice, which is believed to be an universal panacrea.

In Indonesia, a type of ginger, called Jahe is used to reduce Fatigue, improve circulation, and to prevent and cure rheumatism. The people in the Philippines make a ginger sugar drink called Salabat, and it is considered great for a sore throat.

Fresh or dried ginger, is also effective in fighting menstrual cramps, flatulence, and bronchitis.

-Magickal Use-

Ginger is associated with the element fire, and is governed by Mars. it is useful in workings with power, prosperity, romance, and victory. It can also be used in working with Mars, examples of which include aggression, courage, defense, exorcisms, healing, sexual energy/lust, breaking hexes, physical/mental strength, and politics.

Ginseng/Mandrake:
Ginseng is ruled by Saturn and Uranus. The mystical and magickal lore goes back for thousands of years. Legend has it that these plants mysteriously rise from the ground at night, glowing, and flitting around the forest floor. The forked root of the plant also somethimes quite clearly resembles that of a human figure, giving rise to the aphrodisiac qualities associated with it. In fact, the most valuable roots of all are the few found with an appendage between the forked "legs" of the figure.

No surprise, then, that Ginseng is highly regarded as stimulant and general tonic that promotes sexual potency, lust, vitality, and long life.

In modern magick, Ginseng root is carried to attract love, ensure sexual potency, enhance beauty, draw money, and promote general good health and vitality. It is also associated with protection, fulfillment of wishes, and spirituality. To attract love, fill a red or pink flannel bag with a lock of your own hair, a heart-shaped piece of sun-dried lemon peel, and a piece of dried Ginseng root. Consecrate and charge it, then wear it on a gold chain around your neck.

Burning Ginseng root or powder as an incense is believed to ward off evil, break hexes or curses, repel negative spirits, and provide visualization fulfillment.

Drunk as a tea, Ginseng is believed to be a powerful lust-provoking aphrodisiac.

Ginseng Tea:
Boil 2 cups of water in a non-metallic container. Remove from the heat. Steep a slice of Ginseng root (or powder - 3 teaspoons, or a Ginseng tea bag) and cover for at least 5 minutes. Flavor to taste with sugar, honey, cinnamon, or mint. Makes 2 cups.



Ginkgo:
Ginkgo is an absolutely fascinating herb, magickally speaking. For one, it is the only tree on the planet that has survived basically unchanged since the dinosaur age. For another, it's not too much of a stretch to look at the leaf shape and see one half of the hemisphere of the human brain. Indeed, the ancients saw this correlation and as a result, the leaf has been used as a brain food for centuries, both in medicine and in magick. Lastly, it is a tree that can survive for 1000 years or more, making it a true "Tree of Life."

Due to its age, Ginkgo is considered an elder with high magickal energy, and is used in longevity and age spells. A tradition is to plant a Ginkgo on the occasion of births to ensure longevity in the peaceful afterworld.

Ginkgo is also considered an aphrodisiac and fertility herb, and can be used in love and fertility spells to these ends. Ginkgo seeds are sometimes substituted for Lotus seeds at weddings due to this property. One legend has it that if a girl sits under a male Ginkgo tree on a moonlit night, combs her hair and makes a wish, her wish will come true.

Wood from Ginkgo trees can be carried for healing, and the leaf can be used in healing rituals. Also try a tea for healing and for acuity before an examination or important business dealing.


Goldenseal:
Goldenseal is bound to Venus and Fire. It is an herb of attraction, and is used in spells, rituals, and candle magick (sprinkle at the base of a green or gold candle) to attract money, wealth, success, prosperity, and before embarking on business dealings and financial matters.

Goldenseal is also one of the healing herbs, and can be used alone or in combination with other healing herbs in spells and rituals for illness and health problems. Lastly, it can be used in just about any charm or spell to increase the power of that spell.


Horehound:
In magick, Horehound is bound to the Earth and to Mercury. It's name is a derivative of Horus, the Egyptian God of sky and light. It can be burned, used in sachets, or drunk as a tea for its magickal effects.

Horehound can be used in a sachet carried on the person, and is believed to protect against spells or sorcery.

As a tea, Horehound is felt by some to increase mental clarity and strength. Try some on Monday morning.

Burned as in incense, Horehound is believed to honor Horus, the God of sky and light, and to increase protection from evil forces.


Hyssop:
Hyssop is bound to Jupiter and fire. It has a camphor-like odor, and has long been known as a cleansing herb. Records of it's use date back to the 7th century, where it was used as a strewing herb to freshen sickrooms and kitchens, and as a cleansing herb for sacred places.
Use it in protection rituals for mind and body (drink as a tea), or sprinkle the Oil around the house to protect it. Use in purification and healing baths (place a handful in a mesh bag and attach it to the tap so the water will run through it).

Hyssop has also been associated with the energy of dragons. Burn it as incense, or throw it in a fire to gain the power of the dragon.