Author: A Solitary Pagan

(Fucus vesiculosus; various otherplants) P N HFolk Names: Bladder Fucus, Cutweed, Kelp,Sea Spirit, Seawrack, Seetang, Meeriche,Sea Oak, Black TangGender: FemininePlanet: MoonElement: WaterPowers: Protection, Sea Spells, Wind Spells,Money, Psychic PowersMagical Uses: Seaweeds generally give protectionto those at sea, or those who areflying over it. Therefore, intercontinentaltravellers should carry...

(Rubus villosus) GFolk Names: Bly, Bramble, Bramble-Kite,Bumble-Kite, Cloudberry, Dewberry,Goutberry, High Blackberry, ThimbleberryGender: FemininePlanet: VenusElement: WaterDeity: BrigitPowers: Healing, Money, ProtectionRitual Uses: Blackberry was considered tobe sacred to some of the old Pagan deitiesof Europe, and was used in worship.To the present day, blackberry pies arebaked on Lughnasadh (A...

(Celastrus scandens-AmericanBittersweet; Solanum dulcamara-EuropeanBittersweet) AmericanBittersweet: PoisonFolk Names: For American Bittersweet: WaxWork, False Bittersweet. For EuropeanBittersweet: Violet Bloom, Felonwort,Woody Nightshade, Scarlet Berry,Dulcamara, Bitter NightshadeGender: MasculinePlanet: MercuryElement: AirPowers: Protection, HealingMagical Uses: Some bittersweet placedbeneath th...

(Polygonum bistorta)Folk names: Dragonwort, Easter Giant,English Serpentary, Osterick, Passions,Patience Dock, Red Legs, Snakeweed, SweetDockGender: FemininePlanet: SaturnElement: EarthPowers: Psychic Powers, FertilityMagical Uses: Carry bistort if you wishto conceive. Burn with frankincense toimprove psychic powers, or when usingdivination.The infusion sprinkled about a placewill drive out polter...

(Betula pendula, B.pubescens, B. lenta,B. alba) GFolk Names: Beithe, Bereza, Berke, Beth,Bouleau, Lady of the WoodsGender: FemininePlanet: VenusElement: WaterDeity: ThorPowers: Protection, Exorcism, PurificationMagical Uses: Birch twigs have been usedto exorcise spirits by gently striking possessedpeople or animals, since the birch isa purificatory or cleansing herb.The tree is also used for prote...

(Stachys betonica, Stachys officinalis,Betonica officinalis) GFolk Names: Bishopwort, Lousewort, PurpleBetonyGender: MasculinePlanet: JupiterElement: FirePowers: Protection, Purification, LoveMagical Uses: Betony has long been celebratedas a protective and purificatory herb. Thepseudo-Apuleius said that the plant protectedthe wearer’s soul as well as the body,and that when placed beneath the pillo...

(Monarda fistulosa) PFolk Names: Horsemint, Bee Balm, MonardaGender: FeminineElement: AirPower: ClarityMagical Uses: Wild Bergamot can be usedto bring clarity and good working order tothe surface of any situation

(Mentha citrata)Folk Names: Bergamot, Orange MintGender: MasculinePlanet: MercuryElement: AirPowers: MoneyMagical Uses: The leaves of the orange bergamotare slipped into wallets and pursesto attract money. Fresh leaves are alsorubbed onto money before spending it toensure its return.Also used in “success” rituals and spells

Folk Names: Ben, Benjamen, Gum Benzoin,Siam Benzoin, Siamese BenzoinGender: MasculinePlanet: SunElement: AirPowers: Purification, ProsperityMagical Uses: Burn benzoin to purify, andadd to purification incenses. A fine “clearing”herb.Make an incense of benzoin, cinnamonand basil, and burn to attract customers toyour place of business.Often used as a base for incenses.There are two types of Benzoin ...

(Thevetia peruviana, T. nereifolia)PoisonFolk Names: Trumpet Flower, YellowOleander, Flor Del Peru, Lucky NutPowers: LuckMagical Uses: In Sri Lanka, the seeds areknown as “lucky beans” and are worn astalismans or charms to attract luck.

Shaped like a human being, the mandrake (Mandragora) is a plant that has long been associated with Witchcraft. It is highly toxic and produces a narcotic effect when ingested internally—something that is not recommended! The important thing when selecting a mandrake is to find one in the shape of the opposite sex of the person on whom you wish to cast the spell, and then to immediately carve the r...