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

Herb Notes: Devil's Bit

Devil's Bit

 Folk Name: Ofbit

Gender: Masculine (1)

Powers: Exorcism, Love, Protection (1,3), Luck (1), Lust (3)

Devil's bit is supposed to be worn around the neck to drive away evil spirits (1). Wearing it is also supposed to provide general protection it seems.

Devil's bit is specifically used to attract women.

Sources:

1.) Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

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

Herb Notes: Mugwort

Mugwort

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

Gender: Feminin

Planet: Venus

Element: Earth

Deities: Artemis, Diana

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

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

Prophetic Dreams: Pairs well with Agrimony for sleep sachets (3). A sachet of Mugwort under your pillow will cause prophetic dreams (1, 3)

Protection/ Lust: Carry to increase lust and fertility (1, 2, 3,). Carrying it will also keep you safe from poison, wild beasts, or sunstroke (1), prevent back aches (1, 3). 

Psychic Powers: Drink an infusion sweetened with honey for divination (1). Burn with sandalwood or wormwood when scrying. Put near bed to aid in astral projection (1, 3). 

Healing: Cures disease and madness by carrying (1, 2, 3). 

Mentions of evil spirits being kept at bay (1).

Use an infusion to clean crystal balls and magic mirrors (1, 3).

 

Sources:

1.) Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

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

 

Herb Notes: Agrimony

Agrimony

Folk Names: Church Steeples, Cocklebur, Garclive, Philanthropos, Sticklewort, Stickwort, Umkhuthula, Ntola

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Jupiter

Element: Air

Powers: Protection & Sleep

(Note: Above information ripped directly from Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs)


Good for sachets and spells. Can be used to banish negativity, and can protect against evil, poison (1, 3), and Goblins(1). No mention of it being an antidote, so must somehow be used as a detector or something similar (the word "ward" has been tossed around). No information on why/how it keeps Goblins at bay.

This may fall under the "banish negativity" banner, but  Agrimony helps with overcoming fear, internal blockage, and negative emotions (3).

Used to reverse hexes and spells cast against you (note - it doesn't just stop the spell, but turns it on the user)(1, 2, 3).

 Place a sachet of it under your pillow to sleep(1, 2), but be careful, the sleeper will not awaken until it is removed(1). Said to pair well with Mugwort for sleep sachet (3). 

Sources:

1.) Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

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

 

Herb Notes: Angelica

Angelica

Folk Names: Archangel, Masterwort, Garden Angelica

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Deity: Venus

Powers: Exorcism, Protection, Healing and Vision

(Note: Above information ripped directly from Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs)

A lot of emphasis is put on Angelica's  use in exorcism and protection. Mentions of purification/protection against negative energy are also common, but so far mentions visions is hit or miss.

Attracts positive energy and promotes temperance (3).

Incense Uses: Exorcism and Healing (1, 2, 3). 

Bathing Usage: Yes. Bathe in it to remove curses, hexes, or any magic used against you/victim (1, 2, 3). 

Sprinkle outside home for protection (1, 3).

Burn to bring back a lost love (3).

Can be sprinkled in shoes to prevent tiredness (3).

Fun Note: Root was carried in pocket as a gambling talisman by some American Indian tribes (1). 

Sources:

1.) Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

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