Author: A Solitary Pagan

(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...

Planetary Associations: Sun and Jupiter Gender: Masculine Element: Air Deities: Brigit, Flidais, Macha, Aengus, Mac Óg, Dagda, Manannan Mac Lír Folklore: Mistletoe has always been considered a magical, good luck plant. Lovers who kiss beneath it will have lasting happiness and carrying. A sprig on your person will ensure good luck, protection and fertility. Hanging it in the home was supposed to p...

(Eucalyptus spp. globulus) Li BdDo not use on the faces of small children.Folk Names: Blue Gum Tree, Stringy BarkTreeGender: FemininePlanet: MoonElement: WaterPowers: Healing, ProtectionMagical Uses: The leaves are used to stuffhealing poppets and are carried to maintaingood health. To relieve colds, ringgreen candles with the leaves and pods andburn them to the socket, visualizing theperson (or y...