Herb Notes: Violet

Violet

Folk Name: Blue Violet, Sweet Violet

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Deity: Venus

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

(Directly taken from Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs)

Protection: Carrying violets protect against evil spirits (1). Carrying a leaf will protect against all evil (3). To create a charm with violets, gather three of its leaves and several flowers, and bind them with a purple ribbon. Do during the waxing moon to increase protection, or preform during the waxing moon push away negativity (4).

Luck: Carrying violets also brings luck (1, 3).

Love & Lust: When mixed with lavender, violets enhance love and lust (1).

Wishes: Picking the first violet in spring will grant your deepest wish.

Healing: Said to cure headaches and dizziness, especially if made into a crown. If put in a green sachet, violets are said to cure wounds (1, 3). 

Violets are also said to help calm tempers and induce sleep (1, 3). They may also lead to prophetic dreams (3). 

Sources:

1.) Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

2.) The Wiccan Way
3.) Herb Grimoire -The Magickal Cat
4.) Cottage Witchery  

Herb Notes: Ivy

Ivy

Folk Name: Gort (1)

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn

Element: Water

Deities: Bacchus, Dionysus, Osiris (1, 4) -- Mythology states the planet was named after a girl who danced for Dionysus until she died. He was so moved by her performance she put her spirit in the plant (4).

Powers: Protection, Healing, Love (1, 2, 3, 4)

Ivy is considered the feminine counterpart to holly. (1, 4)

Ivy is carried/worn by women for luck (1).

It is said where Ivy grows there is protection from negativity and disaster (1, 2, 4). In addition, if grown by the front door it will discourage unwanted guests (2, 3). It is also used for fidelity and love (1, 2, 4).

Ivy leaves are poisonous (4).

Pair it with holly for a wedding gift to offer protection to the new couple. Also burn with a yellow candle on Tuesdays to see who is casting magic against you (3).

Sources:

1.) Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

2.) The Wiccan Way
3.) Herb Grimoire -The Magickal Cat 

4.) Cottage Witchery

Herb Notes: Bleeding Heart

Bleeding Heart

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus 

Element: Water

Powers: Love

Bleeding Hearts bring love, but they also can be used to indicate/predict the feelings of your paramour. If they bleed red when you crush the flower, then you love returns your feelings. If they bleed white, then your feelings are not returned.

Interestingly,  growing these flowers in your home bring bad vibrations, but sticking a coin in the soil can help prevent that (1).

Sources:

1.) Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

2.) The Wiccan Way
3.) Herb Grimoire -The Magickal Cat