(Amaranthus hypochondriacus)
Folk Names: Flower of Immortality,
Huauhtli (Aztec), Love-Lies Bleeding,
Red Cockscomb, Velvet Flower, Princess
Feather, Floramon
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Saturn
Element: Fire
Deity: Artemis
Powers: Healing, Protection, Invisibility
Ritual Uses: The amaranth was used in
pagan burial rituals. It was also once outlawed
by Spanish colonial authority in
Mexico because it was used by Aztecs in
their rituals.
Magical Uses: 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.
A wreath of amaranth worn confers
invisibility.