The Lyrical Laboratorium

Completely fluent in English and French, but prefer to compose in the former because… well, have you ever written something in French? The horrors…

I am politically on the extreme left, I would best describe myself as a anarcho-socialist.

I am a queer person, for my gender I do believe to be a Demiboy—My feelings being personally put into these terms: I am nonbinary but if I am having to be perceived, I do prefer to be so as a boy—and as it come to my sexuality it would be mlm: being a man?? that is in a monogamous long term relationship with another man (and having attraction to masculinity only).

I work full time in a funeral home as a Funeral Director with a background in the Mortuary Arts, with studies in anatomy, physiology, pathology and microbiology.

Mainly reading and writing nonfictions, but I occasionally read fictions. Not talking of the crackship content that I consume on AO3 at 3am, the main genre of fiction that I find myself reading are horror, science-fiction, historical fiction. I do indulge in poetry from time to time, mainly as a reader, not so much as a writer.

My works are crafted with passion but made with limited time and ressources. I, in no way shape or form, claim to be a good writer, I am always open to critiques and ready to learn. Please feel free to contact me.

Disclaimer

The rituals and remedies in this work are historical and spiritual references used for teaching purposes only. The contents are not meant to diagnose, treat, prescribe, or substitute consultations with a licensed healthcare professional. Readers are advised to avoid external and internal use of plant materials or any derived natural treatments without the supervision of a trained medical professional, especially when taking them alongside pharmaceuticals, supplements, if pregnant or immunosuppressed. These recipes should be used as a holistic tool next to modern medical treatments and not as a replacement for the latter. The “Warning” section in each entry is based on the average adult human body, and adverse effects can be vastly different for children, animals, and people with various body conditions. Cross-referencing and doing your own research is highly recommended. The author is not responsible for any actions taken by the readers.

Preface

Magic is shaped by its people.

It is a universal tool that humours the need to control the uncontrollable, to actualize what’s needed, adding weight to the balance. All around the globe and throughout all the ages, we can find evidence of people practicing some kind of magic, having these common principles as the process: channeling, transforming, and manifesting. From divination to hexing, exorcism, to deity worship, from the north to the south, east to the west, they all somehow fall into this simple recipe. Being such a simple concept, magic has taken many forms and will still have many more to come. It is constantly being reformed by the user’s culture and its knowledge of the world around it.

I think it is important to look at the sources, the classics, the very fundamentals of how and why we do magic the way we do today. It is also imperative that we try to shape it back to our own image. Pushing back against stigma and adapting the old to the new is our duty for the next generation of magic practitioners. For that, it is important to reflect on the source of our knowledge along with its use. A good exemplification is the many faces that Witchcraft, utilizing the same core principle—Magic—but having different inceptions, forms a full array of practices. One side of the spectrum is the day-to-day practical low magic customs and the other is the ceremonial and elaborate form of high magic practices. The former is the craft of ideas transformed by the witch so it can be set forth as intended, in its raw, simple, and locally based way—making it accessible to anyone without any strict rule set. The latter is an elaborate equation, that cumulus a certain agglomeration of knowledge and actions that results in the wonder wanted. It is ritualistic, complex, and requires many resources—which can be rarely substituted— making it quite inaccessible for a day-to-day practice. If both high and low magic, like their names suggest, are two sides of the same coin, what ultimately separates them? Their roots are not the same. A lot of folk magic came from the desperate, just like most of the occult came from the boredom of the upper class. High magicians having time and money on their side would travel the world, often to a colonized territory, then wander back to their motherland. With this, they salvaged stories of faraway religions, strange practices, and previously unknown remedies that they would include in their work without grasping the impact—nor the originators—of those new concepts and integrating them into their belief system. Therefore, actively reducing their profile to a one-dimensional point of view of a foreigner. It cast many ethnic groups as lesser than while taking components from them without credit or care. In this digital age, more and more knowledge is accessible from the comfort of our home, making it a propitious opportunity for cultural exchange—while sometimes unfortunately blurring the lines between appreciation and appropriation.

This is why it is also important to note that some of the content from this paper will have information about close practices and are included only to point back to open practices that have been influenced by the former. Giving credit, when credit is due. Reassigning meaning to some washed out traditions, while offering a concise reason to discontinued some others. The language of the text was also modernized to suit better the reality that we currently live in. As an example, the words Masculine and Feminine when it comes to describing the magical energy of an object have been replaced by Active for the former and Passive for the latter. The utilization of the binary sexes was mainly used within alchemy and no longer reflects today’s standards and only propagates unhelpful stigma about magic. Active, balanced, and passive energy is more straightforward anyway and is way more self-explanatory. Anatomical sexes are mentioned in historical concepts and are separate from gender identities that are manifested within different cultures.

The content within this paper is intended as a resource for all curious minds that desire to acquire knowledge with intent and respect.

Knowledge is power; what you do with it, then, is your own

“True,—This! Beneath the rule of men entirely great The pen is mightier than the sword. Behold The arch-enchanters wand!— itself a nothing!— But taking sorcery from the master-hand To paralyze the Caesars—and to strike The loud earth breathless!—Take away the sword—States can be saved without it!”

Richelieu; Or the conspiracy, 1839 by Edward Bulwer-Lytton

Aa~

“Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road, Healthy, free, the world before me, The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose.  Henceforth I ask not good-fortune, I myself am good-fortune, Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing, Done with indoor complaints, libraries, querulous criticisms, Strong and content I travel the open road. The earth, that is sufficient, I do not want the constellations any nearer, I know they are very well where they are, I know they suffice for those who belong to them.” Leaves of Grass, 1855 by Walt Whitman

Abre Camino—Koanophyllon villosum   Warnings: None worth mentioning Other names: Florida Keys, Thoroughwort Origins: Central America Parts used: Leaves and stems Energy: Active Planet: Saturn Element: Air Magical properties: Cleansing, healing, and boosting psychic powers.   Within the Santeria tradition, Abre Camino is renowned has a mighty plant «opening the roads» as its namesake can be directly translated from in Spanish. The shrub can remove blockage that is in the way of your goal. No matter the subject of your spell, however abstract or concrete, Abre Camino is the key that can unlock the door to move forward. The plant also have some diuretic properties, making it great for any urinary issues, such as urinary track infections. Brewing the leaves as a tea is a simple way to tackle the problem alongside modern treatments.

Acacia—Acacia sensu lato

Warnings: Overuses may cause hair loss and stunt growth Other names: Wattle, Thorntree and Arabic gum. Origins: Southern hemisphere Parts used: Wood, seeds, and leaves, gum. Energy: Active Planet: The Sun Element: Air Magical properties: Protection, healing,  and boosting psychic powers.

In the Exodus, acacia wood is described as being used to build God's very first temples and tabernacle.[1] The famous Ark of the covenant is supposed to be made of acacia wood.[2] It would have been indeed a fairly easy resource to find in the Sinai Peninsula. Because of these frequent apparitions within this sacred text, Acacia wood has been associated with protection, worship and connection to the divine. Furniture made of this wood are still used in churches and temples. Not only those who adders to the Abrahamic faith hold a certain reverence for this wood. Some people around Southeast Asia sometimes hang young sprigs of the tree over their beds or carry it as amulets as an old way to ward off evil.

Adder’s tongue—Erythronium americanum   Warnings: Contain thiaminase, which breaks down Vitamin B1 from The body. Other names: Dog’s tooth violet, Adder’s mouth and American adder’s tongue. Origins: North America Parts used: Leaves Energy: Passive Planet: The Moon Element: Water Magical properties: Healing   Adder’s tongue is named so for is stalk protruding out of the plant, more or less looking akin to a snake tongue flicking up in the air. This plant had the reputation of healing minor skin wounds and ulcers. The healer would soak the leaves in cold water, then wrap them in a clean piece of cloth. It would then be applied directly on the skin rash until the herb gets warmed up by the wounded body heat. The leaves and wrappings would then be discarded by burying them in muddy soil.

African Violet—Saintpaulia ionantha   Warnings: None worth mentioning Other names: None Origins: Southeast Africa Parts used: Flowers and leaves Energy: Passive Planet: Venus Element: Water Magical properties: Spirituality, healing, and protection   Some say that the plant helps create a sacred space around it. The plant would absorb any harmful energy as long as it is taken care of properly. The flowering plant is also a good source of vitamins, such as vitamins A and C, making it a good candidate for boosting the immune system, fitting a cough along with treating bruises as a cataplasms.

Agaric—Amanita muscaria   Warnings: Poisonous Other names: Death cap, Redcap mushroom, Fly fungus. Origins: Northern hemisphere Parts used: Whole plant Energy: Active Planet: Mercury Element: Air Magical properties: Spirituality and fertility   In addition to the advert effects like vomiting and diarrhea, consuming the mushroom gives the consumer hallucinations. Some people would use agaric to enhance their spiritual journey. Some would put the fungus above their bed to promote fertility and help with conception.

Agarwood—Aquilaria agallocha   Warnings: Considered endangered worldwide. Other names: Aloes wood, Eaglewood, Oud Origins: South Asia, Middle East Parts used: Wood and sap Energy: Passive Planet: Venus Element: Water Magical properties: Spirituality and strength   Agarwood and its derived resin called oud, has been used for ritualistic magic for a long time. Egyptians would attract good fortune with it and would be utilized by magicians throughout the renaissance to evoke spirits of all sorts. It is said to be quite potent and be used to strengthen any kind of effect seeker by the user. The complexity of the formation of oud in nature and its wide use by practitioners has made this tree quite inaccessible nowadays. A good substitute as a spell booster is cinnamon; coming from a commoner, less expensive, and especially less endangered tree.

Agrimony—Agrimonia eupatoria   Warnings: None worth mentioning Other names: Church steeples, Sticklewort and Stickwort Origins: Northern hemisphere Parts used: Whole plant Energy: Active Planet: Jupiter Element: Air Magical properties: Protection, love, healing, and sleep   Agrimony has been—for a long time—used for protection against hexes and witches. It is even said that it can revert energy, returning unwanted spells back to the senders. It also has the reputation to make someone fall into a profound sleep, not unlike a coma, if placed under one’s head. Ironically, for the English used it as an aphrodisiac. In more contemporary settings, Agrimony is a great ingredient for skin care, helping with acne, allowing the skin barrier to heal.

Ague roots—Aletris farinosa   Warnings: Do not ingest raw; it may cause abdominal pain and vomiting. Do not use if diabetic. Do not use if pregnant, it may fluctuate the oxytocin level. The plant is also considered endangered in Canada. Other names: Bitter grass, Crow corn, Stargrass, Colicroot, and Unicorn root. Origins: North America Parts used: Flowers and roots Energy: Active Planet: Mercury Element: Air Magical properties: Protection, peace,  psychic power, banishing.   Grinding up this plant up to a powder form, that is then sprinkled around can create a magic circle, acting as an aegis during magical works. It’s protecting properties can also be used for uncrossing works of various forms. In addition to protection, Ague roots do also enhance psychic abilities. It is probably due to the fact that the raw plant is considered as a narcotic.  Some medium do steep the plant into a tea to enhance their divination skills.

Air plants—Tillandsia

Warnings: None worth mentioning Other names: None worth mentioning Origins: Central and South America Parts used: Whole plant Energy: Passive Planet: Venus Element: Earth Magical properties: Cleansing, grounding, and peace

This silvery plant have a unique way of finding nutriments. They have a special kind of cells coating its leaves, called trichome. These cells gives the Air plants the ability to imbibe water within sole from the moisture from the air. Their roots on their part, serve mainly as an anchor point for plant, grappling wherever they can. These hardy little fellas are beautiful manifestation of perseverance, of making with of what one’s have. Many practitioners use this low maintenance plant for cleansing while bringing serenity to a chaotic environment.

Alfalfa—Medicago sativa

Warnings: None worth mentioning Other names: Buffalo herb, Lucerne and Purple medic Origins: Northern hemisphere Parts used: Sprouts and leaves Energy: Passive Planet: Venus Element: Earth Magical properties: Prosperity

Being technically a legume, this plant is a great pollinator with its sprouting flowers and is often used on grazing grounds, plus forage for farm animals. Alfalfa is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E, and K and even contains a good amount of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Being so closely related to agriculture—that which in turn was associated with prosperity back in the day—the herb is often used nowadays for money spells. It can be scattered around one’s property to promote abundance and can be kept in the kitchen to ensure that no famine would strike the owners.

Alkanet—Alkanna tinctoria

Warnings: Not for internal use Other names: Dyer’s bugloss and Orcanet Origins: Europe Parts used: Roots Energy: Passive Planet: Venus Element: Water Magical properties: Purification and prosperity

Incense made of this herb can quickly purify it’s surrounding and attract prosperous opportunities.

Allspice—Pimenta officinalis

Warnings: None worth mentioning Other names: Jamaica pepper, Myrtle pepper and Pimento. Origins: Central and South America Parts used: Dried berries Energy: Active Planet: Mars Element: Fire Magical properties: Prosperity, psychic boost and healing

Coming from the tree of the same name—which is technically just a really tall evergreen shrub—one can find small berries that first appear green then matures into a beautiful deep blue hue. These little berries, alike his originator tree, mingles a myriad of scents and flavours akin to black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, or even nutmeg. A chemical compound called Eugenol, best describe as an aromatic oily substance, can be extract from the berries. It has antiseptic and anesthetic properties. With such qualities, allspice has been used throughout history as topical directly on the gums for tooth-aches and as various poultice for muscle, joints, and menstrual cramps. Being such a versatile herb, allspice is often associated with the fire element. The fiery strengths of allspice boosts the energy all around it, empowering any kind of magical work undertaken with it. Like many spices used to cure and seasoned food, being a luxury reserved back in the day for the wealthy, gives the dried berries its association with prosperity. Adding allspice to incense, candles, or even everyday dishes can promote prosperity and augment the odds of getting petty cash seemingly out of sheer luck.

Almond—Prunnus communist

Warnings: Do not use if pregnant. Careful not to confuse it with Bitter Almonds which are toxic. Other names: Greek nuts Origins: Europe Parts used: Wood and Seeds Energy: Active Planet: Mercury Element: Air Magical properties: Prosperity and wisdom

The entire tree, not just the nuts, is used as a ritualistic tool for prosperity magic. Many folktales and traditions confirm the latter. It’s said that successfully climbing an almond tree will assure the climbers success in any business venture. Having almonds in your pocket can help guide the walker to treasures. Some even think that eating the nuts can somehow promote wisdom. The wood of this tree is often used to create wands because the tree is strongly linked to the air element which—under certain tradition—ruled the magic tool as well.

Alocasia

Warnings: Do not ingest, most subspecies of the plant contains raphids that are irritants that give forth to painful swellings with burning sensations within the oro-pharynx & hypo-pharynx, which in severe cases can lead to respiratory distress. Alocasia is also high in oxalate that can form crystals damage able for the unitary system like the kidneys and bladder. Other names: Spoon lily, Chinese taro, green shield Origins: South Asia Parts used: Whole plant Energy: Passive Planet: Uranus Element: Air Magical properties: Amplifying, grounding, and fortuity

This quite sizable houseplant can be a wonderful addition to a room where the energy needs to be unclogged and balanced. The airy Alocasia with his peaceful aura, can easily boost one’s moral while promoting new opportunities for the plant’s caretaker. Like a fresh draft of wind, the plant push away what stales and make places for the new. Balance is key with Alocasia, it never overdone it. What takes, it gives.

Aloe Vera

Warnings: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Not for internal use, may cause diarrhea. Considered invasive worldwide. Other names: Burn plant, Medicine plant Origins: Middle East Parts used: Leaves Energy: Passive Planet: Moon Element: Water Magical properties: Fortuity, healing, and protection

Aloe Vera is hardy succulent that can thrive with very little care in a great variety of environment. With prickly thorns adorning each sides its leaves, the plant is safeguarding its precious jelly inside. The later contains many soothing properties that are still used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. The gel like inside of the plant can not only form a physical barrier on a wounded skin, making it harder for external agents to make contact with the epidermis and its subsequent layers. It would trap in the skin moisture, so that the damaged membrane would be allowed to heal more easily. In addition to the physical barrier, the gel offer a chemical aegis in the forms of antioxidants and antibiotics, both fighting against possible infections during the healing process. The plant may be ingested if prepare correctly and be consumed with moderation. With so many warding properties, Aloe Vera is easily seen as a protective plant. Preserving the skin and the soul that encapsulate it. In Egypt, sprigs of Aloe were hung over the main door of a house to drive out bad events and bring in good ones. Meanwhile, in South Africa, Aloe Vera is used more as a good luck charm for its tendencies to shift things in your favour. In Mexico, freshly cut Aloe can be seen as an offering on shrines of deities and saints of diverse faiths.

Aplectrum—Aplectrum hyemale

Warnings: Poisonous Other names: Adam and Eve roots and Putty roots Origins: North America Parts used: Roots Energy: Passive Planet: Venus Element: Water Magical properties: Relationships and longevity

Indigenous people to the Americas were reported to use the roots of this plant to mend pottery. Thence it’s common name; Putty roots. The freshly harvested rhizome, when crushed, produces a white substance that, with added water, becomes a very effective adhesive. The bulbous corms and the slender rhizome each vaguely resembles female and male genitalia respectively. Within the context of a spell or ritual, they can represent partners within a hetero-normative relationship. One attracts the other, sticking them together ensuring long-lasting love. One could use two corms or two rhizomes to create the same effect for same-sex relationships. To represent a non binary partner, cedar seeds can be a good substitute—cedar being traditionally a gender neutral tree.

Althea—Althaea officinalis

Warnings: None worth mentioning Other names: Marshmallow, Sweet weed Origins: Europe, North Africa and Western Asia Parts used: Roots and young leaves Energy: Passive Planet: Moon Element: Water Magical properties: Protection and psychic abilities

To carry the plant or burn it in the form of incense can bring protection to the user. Voodoo practitioners says that the plant is an excellent «spirit puller» meaning that it can attract good entities during ritual if placed on an alter.

Alyssum—Alyssum spp.

Warnings: None worth mentioning Other names: Alison, Madworth Origins: Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa Parts used: Young leaves, stems, and flowers Energy: Passive Planet: Moon Element: Water Magical properties: Protection and peace

The Greek physician and father of pharmacognosy, Dioscorides, pictured Alyssum as a protective plant. As an amulet it can expel charms, especially glamour spells that could be affecting the user. Alyssum was also used to treat rabies, way back before we had treatments for it. The act of calming the rage caused by hydrophobia gave the pacification properties that people associate with this plant. They say that the plant has a calming effect just by being close to it.

Amaranth—Amaranthus hypochondriacus

Warnings: None worth mentioning Other names: Love lies bleeding, Velvet flower Origins: South America Parts used: Whole plant Energy: Passive Planet: Saturn Element: Fire Magical properties: Healing and spirituality

Amaranth was actually banned by the Spanish colonists during their occupation of what is now known as Mexico. The reason for the ban was the Aztecs continuous use of the plant in death rituals and burials. They say that the dried flowers could call forth the dead and help the grievers.

Anemone—Anemone pulsatilla

Warnings: Not for internal use Other names: Windflower, Meadow anemone Origins: Southern Hemisphere Parts used: Flowers Energy: Active Planet: Mars Element: Fire Magical properties: Protection and healing

Anemones are a good flower for healing rituals, especially the freshly blossomed buds plucked at the beginning of spring. The red-coloured ones are said to have protective properties.

Angelica—Angelica archangelica

Warnings: Do not use if pregnant or diabetic. Photo-toxic; avoid sunlight for day after direct skin contact with the plant derived products. Other names: Wild celery, Garden Angelica Origins: Europe Parts used: Roots and seeds Energy: Active Planet: Sun Element: Fire Magical properties: Banishing, protection, and healing

By its name, Angelica is closely linked to angels and therefore shares the same attributes. It is said to expel evil, protect the innocents, and heal those in need. The legend says that a nameless monk received a vision of the Archangel Micheal himself, giving him the plant, announcing that it was the cure for the black plague. There is truth to this myth, the plant do harbour some natural antibacterial properties, which could have been useful to somewhat prevent diseases. Another tale tying the angel to the plant is the one that Saint Micheal, when the first time descending on earth, landed on a field sprouting the plant on the spot. The flower does bloom during the Saint's feast day.

Anise—Pimpinella anisum

Warnings: Do not use if pregnant Other names: Aniseed, Sweet cumin Origins: Türkiye Parts used: Seeds Energy: Active Planet: Jupiter Element: Air Magical properties: Protection, purification, love, and healing

Anise is commonly used for driving off and preventing evil. Its purifying qualities are helpful when it comes to nightmares, allowing the space and the user to reject bad dreams but not the act of dreaming itself. Within the preeminent work of Dioscorides,[3] anise is place in high regards as a medicinal plant. It says that treatments made with this plant can help with arthritis as well with rheumatism. As for the ancient Romans, they would implement the plant as a key ingredient uses for the union of two lovers. They would incorporate some in baths for the couple to bathe with before the ceremony and adding some more to the wedding cake, assuring a long loving partnership with lots of offspring.

Apple—Pyrus spp.

Warnings: The crushed seeds are poisonous in large quantities Other names: Love fruit Origins: Central Asia Parts used: Wood and fruit Energy: Passive Planet: Venus Element: Water Magical properties: Love and healing

The apple, being such a common and widespread fruit, has often being used to depict as the forbidden fruit from the book of Genesis, despite never being formerly identify as such in the text. The easily recognizable fruit came to be associated with the divine trees from the Garden, which are immortality, love, and hubris. These themes can be found linked to the apple in many traditions other than Christianity, such as in Celtic tales, Greek mythology and even in some Wiccan practices.

Apricot—Prunus armeniaca

Warnings: The kernels are poisonous in large amounts Other names: None worth mentioning Origins: Central Asia Parts used: Fruit Energy: Passive Planet: Venus Element: Water Magical properties: Love and peace

It is said that eating this fruit can pacify one’s mood, bringing calm and loving energy. The sweet aroma of the apricot is a excellent candidate for love spells.

Arabic Gum

Warnings: None worth mentioning Other names: Egyptian gum and Indian gum Origins: Middle East Parts used: Sap Energy: Active Planet: Sun Element: Air Magical properties: Spirituality and purification

This tree gum is often used as an incense to cleanse and purify a space. It can be added to a blend or be used alone on a burning charcoal.

Arbutus—Arbutus unede

Warnings: None worth mentioning Other names: Madrones and Strawberry tree Origins: Western Europe Parts used: Wood Energy: Active Planet: Mars Element: Fire Magical properties: Banishing and protection

Ancient Romans valued this tree as a potent protector, especially toward small children.

Asafoetida—Ferula assa-foetida

Warnings: Do not use if pregnant or have colic Other names: Assyfetida, Devil’s Dung and Stinking gum Origins: Middle East and Eastern Europe Parts used: Roots Energy: Active Planet: Mars Element: Fire Magical properties: Banishing and protection

The very pungent smell emitting from the taproot can be used as a potent repellent, perfect for exorcises and for protection spells. It is not recommended for long-term ritualistic uses, for the smells can be easily overwhelming, even so far as to say nauseating.

Ash—Fraxinus excelsior

Warnings: None worth mentioning Other names: Fraxinus Origins: Northern Hemisphere Parts used: Wood Energy: Active Planet: Sun Element: Fire Magical properties: Protection

The Norse believed that Yggdrasil, the tree branching all the worlds together, was an Ash tree. Like many tall trees, it is considered to have good protective properties. Although it is said that the ash tree attracts lightning, so it is not a good practice to use one for cover during a storm.

Aster—Callistephus chinensis

Warnings: None worth mentioning Other names: Chinese Aster, Starwort Origins: Eurasia Parts used: Flowers Energy: Passive Planet: Venus Element: Water Magical properties: Love

The blooms of the flower attract love; to carry the plant or even growing it in a garden will activate its effect.

Avens—Geum urbanum

Warnings: Not for internal use Other names: Geum, Golden star, and Colewort Origins: Worldwide Parts used: Roots and leaves Energy: Active Planet: Jupiter Element: Fire Magical properties: Banishing and purification

Can be added in mixtures and incense to be burned as a cleansing ritual and can even banish if necessary.

Avocado—Persea americans

Warnings: Not for internal use Other names: Alligator Pear, Avocado Pear Origins: Central and South America Parts used: Fruit Energy: Passive Planet: Venus Element: Water Magical properties: Love and Lust

The fruit is considered an aphrodisiac; eating it can increase one’s lust. Bringing the pits into one’s home can welcome love into it.

Bb~

'The Poplars are fell’d, farewell to the shade And the whispering sound of the cool colonnade, The winds play no longer and sing in the leaves, Nor Ouse on his bosom their image receives.''

The Poplar Field, 1784 by William Cowper

Balsam Poplar—Populus balsamifera

Warnings: None worth mentioning Other names: Balm of gilead, Balsam tree, Black cottonwood Origins: Northern hemisphere  Parts used: Whole Plant Energy: Passive Planet: Venus Element: Water Magical properties: Love, protection, and healing.

This tree is said to protect those with a broken heart. To carry its buds can mend one’s heart and potentially attract new love. The products from this tree have been traded all throughout history for its scent and aroma. Women would use it to create perfumes to seduce men. Dioscorides, the physician from Ancient Greece, also praised the plant for its healing properties, apparently helping with menstruation issues and regulation.

Bamboo—Bambusa vulgaris

Warnings: None worth mentioning Other names: None worth mentioning Origins: Asia-Pacific region Parts used: Wood Energy: Active Planet: Mercury Element: Air Magical properties: Protection and divination

Bamboo has been used as a divination tool by east Asian people for thousands of years now. There is a practice derived from Buddhist and Taoist religions that consists of asking the divine questions. The answers are interpreted by the placements of small bamboo sticks thrown on a flat surface. Bamboo wood is also used as a protective barrier around one’s properties and can even bring good fortune to the residents.

Banana—Musa sapientum

Warnings: None worth mentioning Other names: Dessert banana Origins: Indomalayan region Parts used: Fruit Energy: Passive Planet: Venus Element: Water Magical properties: Fertility and prosperity

It is said that bananas can help with fertility issues, such as impotency—probably due to its resemblance to the male appendage. Due to his fruitfulness, the banana tree is also often associated with prosperity.

Banyan—Ficus benghalensis

Warnings: None worth mentioning Other names: Arched fig, Indian fig tree, Indian God tree Origins: Indian subcontinent Parts used: Whole plant Energy: Active Planet: Jupiter Element: Air Magical properties: Peace, Psychic boost and luck

Banyan is a very important symbol for India, being its national tree and is also respected within Hinduism. The tree is often planted near temples, allowing their followers to pray under it. It is said to do so brings luck and clarity. Crossing waters, the Banyan tree is also related to the worship of the God Maui within Polynesian religion and Hawaiian culture.

Barley—Hordeum spp. vulgare

Warnings: Do not use the sprouted seeds if pregnant or at all if celiac Other names: Malt Origins: Fertile Crescent Parts used: Seeds Energy: Passive Planet: Venus Element: Earth Magical properties: Love, healing, and protection

An old way that people would seek healing via the power of visualization is by harvesting some barley that has been laid down by the wind, symbolizing one’s body folding from the pressure of nature. The barley would be then placed around a stone, imagining all the pain from the disease getting into the rock. It would be then placed into flowing water—like a river or a stream—letting the water run through it, gently washing away the pain from the ore therefore the caster’s body.

Basil—Ocimum basilicum

Warnings: Not recommended in large amounts if pregnant, nursing, or to use internally Other names: Sweet Basil, St. Joseph’s Wort, Witches herbs Origins: Central Africa, Southeast Asia Parts used: Leaves and stems Energy: Active Planet: Mars Element: Fire Magical properties: Love, banishing, cleansing, and protection

In some parts of Eastern Europe, basil would be used as an aphrodisiac. Some women would rub the herbs fresh directly onto their skins, creating an alluring aroma. Basil is also said to repel goats for the sake of attracting scorpions. Despite this fun fact, witchcraft practitioners have been using the herb for all kinds of purposes. Being an easily accessible plant all around, it can cleanse, protect, and of course, banish just by strewing around the dried leaves on the floor.

Bay—Laurus nobilis

Warnings: None worth mentioning Other names: Bay Laurel, Sweet Bay Origins: Mediterranean region Parts used: Leaves Energy: Active Planet: Sun Element: Fire Magical properties: Protection, divination, and purification

In Ancient Greece, the priestess of Apollo would use bay leaves as a way to enhance their connection to the God. By surrounding themselves with the smoke of the burned dried leaves and by masticating on the fresh herb, it would bring them into a trance state, ideal for prophetic visions. Many practitioners nowadays still use this plant for the same purpose. As an incense, or in a brew, in a spell bag, or under a pillow, bay leaves are a sure way to bring about answers to questioning minds. It is also said that the herb is a fantastic source of protective properties. To place the leaves at the windowsill can prevent lightning from striking nearby. To hang bundles of the plant can ward off malicious ghosts such as poltergeists. Plus, to plant the very tree near someone’s house will avert any illness that could affect the residents. A very popular practice is to write one’s wish directly on the leaf, then burn it, ensuring the prayer comes to fruition.

Bean—Phaseolus spp.

Warnings: Beans other than those from the Phaseolus variant may be poisonous Other names: Poor man’s food Origins: South America Parts used: Seeds Energy: Active Planet: Pluto Element: Water Magical properties: Protection, banishing, and love

For a very long time, various beans were mainly used as safeguards and to repel evil. A very amusing way to put some kick into a banishing spell is to spit a bean directly onto the person you are trying to banish. If not effective, it would surely be cathartic. A less direct approach would be to rattle the beans in some kind of amulet or any receptacle. The sounds, it says, can ward off ill intent spirits, driving them away from inside the body of the afflicted. Beans are also known to quell couple’s quarrels. Carrying beans in one’s pocket is supposed to appease the other party over time. Kidney beans are often used as a correspondence for fertility issues, especially towards men, for the simple reason that the legume is vaguely shaped like testicles.

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Bibliography

Blackthorn, Amy. Blackthorn's botanical magic: the green witch's guide to essential oils for spellcraft, ritual, and healing. Newburyport, Massachusetts: Weiser books, 2018.

Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Woodbury, Minnesota: Llewellyn Publications, 2021.

Diaz, Juliet. Plant Witchery: discover the sacred language, wisdom, and magic of 200 plants. Carslburg, California: Hay House, 2020.

Dioscorides. De Materia Medica. Johannesburg, South Africa: Ibidis Press, 2000.