| Mandrake . . . . | |||
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(Mandragora officinalis) Also known as Brain Thief, Gallows, Herb of Circe, Mandragen,
Mandragor, Raccoon Berry, Semihomo, Wild Lemon, Womandrake. Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Arabs used this herb. A native of southern Europe, it figures prominently in the Western European magickal traditions. We know that the early Greek temples of healing used henbane and mandrake to induce a healing sleep. Caution! Poisonous. Pregnant women should not use this herb. Do not use this herb without the proper guidance from a professional! Not poppy, nor mandragora, Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world, Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep Which thou ow'dst yesterday. Othello, Act III, scene III Magickal Uses: One of the most fascinating uses of mandrake seems to have been its ability to engender shamanic trances. Mandrake produce chemicals that are trance inducing. Egyptian papyri and tomb decorations show priest-shamans guiding the living and the dead, often accompanied by depictions of mandrake. |
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Mandrake is an herb of Mercury. It is said to protect against demonic possession
(possibly because it was used by ancient herbalists to sedate manics). Old herbals
recommend avoiding "contrary winds" while digging the root. The mandrake root is supposed
to resemble the human form, male or female, and so has been used as a poppet. Due to the
high cost of the root, other roots, such as ash root sand the root of the Briony, or
fruits (the apple and the American may-apple) have been used instead. |
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Mandrake is placed in the mantle to bring prosperity, fertility and happiness to the
home. It is worn to attract love and repel diseases. To activate a dried root, one must
display it prominently in the home for three days, after which it is soaked in water
overnight. The water can then be sprinkled on entryways, windows, and people to purify
them. The root is now ready for magickal use. To prepare the root for exorcism rites, place the root in a vessel of water and expose it to one lunar cycle (new moon to full). Use it to asperge celebrants and altar. To be able to travel without being noticed, have four masses said over the root, and then carry it with you wrapped in black silk. Hung on the headboard for protection while sleeping. It is said that money placed beside a mandrake root (especially silver coins) will double. Mandrake was once held to be a cure for impotence and sterility. It was so respected as a magickal aid that the first being to touch the root was said to die. Consequently dogs were used to pull the root by enticing them with food after tying them to the herb. When the dog sprang for the food the root came out. For those who seek to learn more of the crone, Mandrake can be used in ceremonies giving honor to those deities presiding over the realm of the dead. As one would expect, any herbe so linked with death is also considered a herbe capable of increasing one's sexual power. There are spells in which the root is used to manipulate and take control over the object of one's lust and desire. Perhaps the best and most usefull aspect of this potent herbe is the custom of using it to seal the commitment between partners. A few grains of dried root might be added to an elixir or integrated into the signing of a contract between partners. Sometimes used in rituals of exorcism, Mandrake may be added to an amulet or herbal bag worn for magick Interestingly, this practice has sometimes been done to maintain purity and chastity and is sometimes done to attract a sexual partner. Mandrake will intensify the magick of any situation. Interesting Bits: The large brown root of the mandrake resembles a parsnip and can grow to three to four feet underground. The root can be single or branched. The leaves are about a foot long, are sharp-pointed, and emerge directly from the root. They have an unpleasant smell and lie open upon the ground when mature. The bell-shaped purple and white flowers resemble primroses and develop on separate stalks three to four inches high. The flowers are followed by a round fruit about the size of a small apple with an apple like scent and a yellowish- orange color. It was once said that whosoever pulled the mandrake from the earth would die from the screaming and spend eternity in hell, hence the reason for having dogs pull the root out. |
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| Marigolds . . . . | |||
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(Caledula officinalis) Also known as Bride of the Sun, Drunkard, Marybud, Goldes, Summer
Bride. A Druid sacred herb. |
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Parts Used: Flower and leaf Magickal Uses: To strengthen and comfort the heart, pick marigolds at noon, when the sun is the hottest. To strengthen eyesight, gaze at marigolds. Garlands strung on doorposts will prevent evil from entering the home. Scattered under the bed or placed in the mattress, they will protect you when you sleep and encourage prophetic dreams. Carry in your pocket when in court (legal) for a fair and just ruling. A legend is that when a girl touches the petals of the marigolds with bare feet, she will be able to understand the language of the birds. |
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The history of the marigold's use with aiding sight and providing visions to reclaim
property indicate that the petals may be used alone or mixed with a dry incense to
consecrate tools of divination. Indeed, Marigold petals may be gathered and dried and
strew around the Circle to provide the magick of consecration and sight with a protective
flavour. There are few flowers better for rituals of death and dying than Marigolds. The dried petals may be added to incense, petals may be strewn in the path of the casket or urn and the Marigold may be planted at the gravesite. When giving honor to the beloved who has passed over, using Marigold will add a special, loving magick. |
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| Marjoram . . . . | |||
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(Origanum majorana) Also known as Joy of the Mountain, Knotted Marjorane, Mountain Mint,
Wintersweet. Parts Used: Leaf and flower |
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Magickal Uses: Marjoram was an herb of happiness to the ancient Greeks, who placed it on
graves to bring joy to the deceased. It is woven into bridal wreaths to bring joy to the
marriage. It is used in love spells and added to your love's food to strengthen the
relationship. Grown in the garden, placed around the house or carried, it shields from
evil energies. During the winter make an amulet of marjoram and violets to guard against
colds. Use to treat depression and add to money sachets and mixtures Marjoram should be added to all love charms and sachets. A bit in each room will aid in protection of the home. |
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| Mistletoe . . . . | |||
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(Viscum album or Phoradendron flavascens) Aslo known as Birdlime, Devil's Fuge, Golden
Bough, Holy Wood, Witches Broom, Wood of the Cross Druids revered the Mistletoe,
especially when found growing on an Oak. Caution: Never handle mistletoe where children might swallow fallen berries or leaves. Berries are Poisoness. Ad viscum Druidae cantare solebant (The Druids are wont to sing to the mistletoe) Ovid Not quite herb, not quite tree, beyond the limitations of classification, freed from the restrictions of convention, and resembling a constellation of stars suspended in midair from the bough of a sacred tree, such is the "spirit" of this plant. It belongs to the in-between times of dusk and dawn, or the exact interval between two seasons. It is a gateway to something "other". |
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Parts Used: Twig and leaf Magickal Uses: Mistletoe is one of the best luck and money drawing herbs there is, add it to sachets or charms to increase fortune and finances. |
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Mistletoe is also carried or placed where protection is needed, it is hung over a cradle
to prevent the theft of a child by fairies. Amulets and jewelry can be made of its wood
as talismans of protection and to speed healing. It will aid in hunting and in
conception. Hang it in the bedroom to bring beautiful dreams and to unlock, through the
dreams, the secrets of immortality. Add a few berries to the ritual cup at a handfasting,
and hang it in the home to bring the blessings of the Goddess of love. Mistletoe is used at Yule to celebrate the birth of Baldur, the god of light. It is not uncommon in Britain to save the Yule Mistletoe until Candlemas, when it is burned in the fire, completing the transition from Winter solstice. Some give Mistletoe berries to their guests, gathered and dried from the previous year, which are tossed into the flaming cauldron during Yule rites. Some use Mistletoe to fashion wands, and some use it to make the handle of the ritual knife. Hanging a bunch of Mistletoe tied with a red cord brings Winter blessings into the home or altar. Mistletoe is protective against lightning, disease, misfortune and fires. It also aids in matters of the heart. The fresh juice has been said to increase fertility in barren women. Harvest Mistletoe on the sixth night after the New Moon. Mistletoe is an excellent all purpose magickal herb. Its wood is a good choice for wands and ritual implements. Place it around a "Hand of Glory," a candle shaped like a hand that is burned to ward off thieves. According to Virgil, Aeneas could go down to Tartarus only when he carried a sprig of mistletoe in his hand as protection. Mistletoe is reputed to protect the bearer from werewolves. Burned it banishes evil. Mistletoe belongs to the sun and to Jupiter. |
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| Mints . . . . | |||
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(Mentha spicata, sativa, aquatica, and others) A Druid sacred herb, most mints are
creeping plants that hybridize easily, producing infinite variations. Parts Used: The above ground protions of the herb. |
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Magical Uses: Mint is placed in the home as a protective herb. It belongs to the sphere
of Venus and has long been used in healing potions and mixtures. The fresh leaves rubbed
against the head are said to relieve headaches. Mint worn at the wrist assures that you
will not be ill. Its bright green leaves and crisp scent led to its use in money and
prosperity spells. Fresh mint laid on the altar will call good spirits to be present and
aid you in magic, especially healing spells. Added to incenses it cleanses the house or
ritual area. Use for: Protection; Healing; Prosperity; Good Luck; Fortune; Justice;
Travel; Exorcism. |
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Spearmint: is excellent in healing magickal operations. It is especially effective for
lung conditions and when the aroma is inhaled it increases psychic and mental abilities.
Stuff your pillow or mattress with spearmint for protect while you sleep. Peppermint: Rub against furniture and walls and floorboards to cleanse them of evil and negativity. Smelled it compels one towards sleep and placed beneath the pillow it sometimes offers one glimpses of the future in dreams. Pliny recommended adding peppermint to love spells, as it "excites love." |
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| Mugwort . . . . | |||
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(Artemisia vulgaris) Also known as Artemis Herb, Artemesia, Mother of Herbs, Felon Herb,
Naughty Man, Old Man, Old Uncle Henry, Sailor Tobacco, St John's Plant. |
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Parts Used: Leaf and stem Magickal Uses: Named after the Goddess, Artemis, mugwort is used to gain psychic power, prophetic dreams, astral projection and as a strengthener. Add to divination incenses. It is carried to prevent poisoning and sunstroke. As a bathing herbe prior to the shortest night, Mugwort offers many blessings. Bunches of dried Mugwort from the previous year's harvest may be tossed into the Midsummer fire. And Mugwort may be a herbe for the ritual cup, shared during the ceremony or feast. |
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Perhaps the most widespread use of Mugwort today is to enhance dreams. When on a quest
for a visionary dream, dried Mugwort provides the stuffing for a dream pillow. The
protective energies of Mugwort keep one safe against dark forces, it is a special herbe,
able to protect one's children. When cleaning the childrens rooms, the herbe may be
burned upon a charcoal, the incense bringing protection. Mugwort is said to protect travelers from fatigue, sunstroke, wild animals, and evil spirits. A crown of it is worn at Midsummer. In the home, it prevents elves and 'evil thynges' from entering. A tea or a pillow of it brings vivid prophetic dreams and helps one to contact the astral realm. Placed beneath your pillow, or in a dream pillow, it will promote astral travel and good dreams. Use the tea (sweetened with honey) and incense (along with sandalwood or wormwood) to help in scrying. Use it as an infusion to wash magic mirrors and crystal balls. Placing Mugwort leaves around or underneath will also help. Mugwort is carried to increase lust and fertility, prevent backache, to cure disease and madness. In the shoes it promotes strength and endurance for long walks or runs. Pick it at sunrise and recite: Tollam te artemesia, ne lassus sim in via. In China it is hung over doors to keep evil spirits for 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. It is said to protect travelers from fatigue, sunstroke, wild animals, and evil spirits. Mugwort will help bring your loved one's home safely from their journeys, It can be added to amulets and medicine pouches. |
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| Mulberry . . . . | |||
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(Morus rubra) Grow this tree in your garden to be protected by lightning. The wood is a very strong talisman against evil. Mulberry also makes good magickal wands Magickal Uses: Mulberry is a magical tree of protection. Place the wood or a leaf somewhere near baby's cradle. It will also protect your property from lightening. |
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Mulberry may be used as a herbe to increase one's understanding of life. The fruit,
ripened and dried, may be infused as a tea to drink as a daily tonic, increasing one's
access to wisdom and ability to think clearly. For students of any discipline or for those creating a Book of Shadows, the leaves should be dried and pressed, and placed within the pages. |
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Mulberry is believed to offer protection for children and babies. When used for magickal protection, it should be picked just before the sun sets, and spend the night upon your altar with a candle burning until morning's first light. Dry and prepare as you would any leaf or berry. |
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| Mullien | |||
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(Verbascum thapus) Also known as Blanket Leaf, Candlewick Plant, Feltwort, Graveyard
Dust, Hedge Taper, Jupiter's Staff, Shepherd's Herb, Torches. |
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Parts Used: Leaf and flower Magickal Uses: To banish nightmares make a pillow stuffed with mullein, or place some under your pillow. Mullein is used to bring courage and prevent one from catching cold. It is carried as protection from wild animals and to gain the love of the opposite sex.. 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. 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. |
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Few herbes have such a strong association with the element, Fire. Mullien can be used to
invoke the elemental energy of fire and bring literal fire into the ritual. Dried leaves
can be soaked in oil. Some will dip them into a mixture os saltpeter and water, then hang
them to dry. When tossed into a fire, they will blaze brightly. In ancient grimoires the powdered leaf is a substitute for graveyard dust. |
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| Myrrh . . . . | |||
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(Commiphora myrrha) Also known as Gum Myrrh Tree, Karan, Mirra Balsom Odendron. In ancient Egypt, myrrh was burned at noon as an offering to Ra, and the temples of Isis were also fumigated with myrrh. It was also, at one time, used in their embalming mixtures. Parts Used: Resin Magickal Uses: Myrrh is a Goddess plant of the Moon's sphere, sacred to Isis. Burned as an incense,myrrh purifies the area, lifts the vibrations aids contemplation and meditation and creates peace. However, it is seldom burned alone; usually in conjunction with frankincense or other resins. Myrrh increases the power of any incense to which it is added. |
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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. It also aids meditation and contemplation. The essential oil can be added to
blends designed to enhance spirituality and meditation. It is also used in healing
mixtures. Myrrh helps one understand the nature of being spiritually aware. It not only assists in expanding your wisdom, but provides a gentle comfort from the Universe as one moves further into the mysteries. There are few herbes so useful in working through personal sorrows and tragedies. Myrrh brings comfort to those who have lost a loved one, whose troubled hearts need the healing strength of understanding the mystery of death. Myrrh will help ease the troubled soul in its grieving. |
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| Myrtle | |||
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(Myrtus communis) Also known as Candleberry, Waxberry, Bayberry Tree Magickal Uses: Traditionally viewed as a love herb, a chaplet of fresh leaves and flowers may be worn when performing love spells. Add to love sachets or spells when wishing to keep love 'alive' and exciting. Wear to increase fertility, but conversely brides, to keep from becoming pregnant to quickly after the wedding, wear it. Drinking a cup of tea, every three days, will preserve youthfulness. It will also preserve love when carried. |
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If grown on each side of a house love and peace will reside within and it is a lucky
plant to grow in window boxes if a woman plants it. Myrtle wood can be made into magic charms and carrying the wood helps to retain youthfulness. |
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