Bergamot Mint—Associated with both Venus and the Sun, this herb is primarily used in success and money magick. The minty-orange scent also has associations with air, making it more in harmony with a Librian-Venus blend than a Taurean-Venus blend.
Bleeding Heart—Bleeding heart blooms with flowers that remarkably resemble tiny red or pink hearts with a drop falling out. The Doctrine of Signatures, a teaching that suggests the shape of a plant, as well as the name itself, tells us what it is used for and implies it is used to heal the heart, primarily through emotional healing. While the flower can be picked and used herbally like any other, I’ve found the most powerful application of this plant is through the preparation of a flower essence.
Bloodroot—Bloodroot is a powerful and somewhat toxic herb, used medicinally to treat cancer, warts, and unhealthy growths. Magickally it is ruled both by Mars and Venus. The red dye from the root has reportedly been used in Native American rituals of courtship.
Catnip—Catnip is a Venusian herb used to put you in touch with your inner instincts, like a cat. It is used in love and attraction magick, lust magick, and beauty magick. Herbally, catnip is used to calm down the nervous system, while magickally it can be used to help calm down the mind, to get your thoughts out of the way so your instincts can be clearer. It is particularly good to use on a first date, when it will help you follow your instincts, be spontaneous, and not overthink your responses too much.
Cinnamon—A versatile spice, cinnamon can be used in love magick to bring warmth and passion. It is particularly powerful in love magick when mixed with rose petals and other Venusian herbs.
Comfrey—Comfrey is generally regarded as a weed, but it is a powerfully regenerating weed that is difficult to get rid of once you have it. Ruled by Saturn, medicinally it regenerates tissues and bones, and magickally it brings permanence, anchoring your intention into reality. Comfrey can be used in love and marriage spells to cement the relationship together and give it regenerative power.
Copal—A South American resin used for protection and purification in a manner similar to frankincense. Copal is also used in some Mexican folk magick for love.
Coriander—Coriander seeds are ruled by the planet Mars and the element of fire. They add lust and passion to any mixture. When consumed in a tea or tincture, they raise the metabolism and increase energy, making them an excellent ingredient for lust and sex magick.
Crocus—Crocus root is used in powders and incense for love, attraction, and inducing visions. The saffron crocus yields the yellow spice saffron, which is considered an aphrodisiac and is sacred to the goddess Hecate, who is said to be clad in saffron robes.
Damiana—Damiana is the premiere sex magick herb of Central America. Reputed to have powerful lust-inducing properties, some say it is ruled by Mars, while others say it is ruled by Venus. A trick of modern sex magicians is to take a double-strength tea once a day for at least two weeks (two tablespoons of damiana in one cup of boiling water) to increase sexual power and augment your aura to attract people to you sexually. While I can attest that it does indeed work, it doesn’t always work the way you envision; not everybody who is attracted to you will be attractive to you.
Datura—Datura is one of the Witch’s baneful herbs, ruled by Saturn and quite toxic, granting visions of the underworld and land of the dead. Also known as thorn apple, it is co-ruled by Venus and has a spirit of bewitchment, the enchantress or seductress, guiding it. To add magnetism, glamour, and power to a formula, its seeds and leaves can be used very carefully in mixtures that are not consumed.
Dittany of Crete—Though dittany of Crete is associated with Venus, its mythology and lore has very little to do with romance. Traditionally, it is used in healing wounds and removing weapons from open wounds. It is used more in incense for the manifestation of spirits. Many occult suppliers actually sell oregano or marjoram instead of the more rare dittany.
Dragon’s Blood—A red resin ruled by Mars, dragon’s blood is a magickal catalyst used in all manner of formulas, from power, protection, and exorcism to love and lust. As it gives off a wonderful smell when burned, it makes a great addition to incense, though its cost can make it prohibitive as a base for incense. There are several plants referred to as dragon’s blood, including a succulent garden plant, but the dragon’s blood referred to in most magickal texts is the resin of the Daemonorops draco palm tree.
Fennel—Fennel is used for healing and protection, and also for fertility and virility magick, because of its profuse number of seeds. Sacred to Dionysus, his wand, or thyrsus, is a fennel stalk topped with a pine cone and seen as a phallic symbol. The Italian word for fennel, finocchio, can also be associated with homosexuality and therefore is used in gay love magick.
Foxglove—Foxglove, also known as faery bells, is one of the toxic herbs of Witchcraft. The heart medicine known as digitalis is made from foxglove. Because of this heart association, foxglove can be used in powerful formulas for keeping the heart strong and steady, but only in formulas that are not internally consumed. Foxglove should never be consumed as a direct medicine unless directed to do so by a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Geranium—Geraniums are used in protection and cleansing magick, but pink geranium flowers can be used in love magick. The flowers can be soaked in water and made into a wash or spray to increase the feelings of love in the home.
Heartsease—A type of pansy, heartsease is traditionally used for healing the heart and bringing peace and tranquility to the troubled heart. It is considered an herb of Saturn rather than of Venus, and it does seem to soothe the troubles of Saturn.
Hibiscus—Hibiscus is a large pink flower ruled by both the Sun and Venus, used in psychic development, clairvoyance, and divination. It helps the user experience divine knowledge through the heart center. While it can be used medicinally in teas, the typical garden variety of hibiscus is actually poisonous, and the ayurvedic hibiscus, Hibiscus sabdariffa, is used in herbal preparations.
Hyacinth—Named for Apollo’s male lover Hyacinth. Its flower, root, and oil are particularly potent in gay male love spells, despite the bloody death of Hyacinth due to the jealous actions of Zephyrus. The flowers were said to rise from his blood in memory of the love shared between him and Apollo.
Hydrangea—Hydrangea, particularly white-flowered hydrangea, is used in Moon magick to attract and banish whatever you desire. It is also ruled by Jupiter and used to bring blessings. The root or flower can be used in dream magick, and in terms of love magick, hydrangea can be used to help you dream of a new love or dream the solution to a problem in your current relationship.
Ivy—Ivy of all kinds has a rich magickal history, from being sacred to Dionysus to playing a role in Faery Faith traditions. It is also used in luck and love magick. Due to its binding nature, it’s also used in magick for fidelity and commitment.
Jasmine—Jasmine is a delicate flower ruled by the Moon. It can be used in love and attraction formulas. Jasmine also has the power to uplift any combination it is in and can be used in tantric sexual formulas to raise the vibration of lustful sex to spiritual union.
Lady’s Mantle—Lady’s mantle is the premier feminine magickal herb. Ruled by Venus, it is not only used in love and attraction magick, it is used for the attunement of nature and the mysteries of the Goddess. Its Latin name, Alchemilla vulgaris, shows its sacred nature to the alchemists, seeking to unlock the spiritual powers of nature. Dew collects in the little “cups” of the leaves, and this water is used to guarantee beauty and youth when used as a face wash. Medicinally, it is used to heal and tone the feminine reproductive system.
Lavender—Generally seen as an herb of Jupiter due to the purple color, or Mercury for its relaxing properties, lavender can be used to dispel stress, sorrow, and darkness, and to conjure a happy home and peaceful relationships. In the modern era, it has a reputation as a gay male love herb, primarily through
the formulary work of Herman Slater and his former shop, The Magickal Childe.
Lettuce—While not a love plant, lettuce is reportedly used to induce chastity for those who are overly sexual. Though I’ve never used it as such, this knowledge can make you think twice about ordering a salad on a date.
Lily—Lilies are a pure, spiritual, and androgynous plant. While not used to conjure love and sex, they can be used to break love spells cast specifically upon someone. The flowers or root are used in a purification bath and/or floor wash to cleanse the unwanted influence. Flower essences made from lilies are used to heal betrayal.
Lily of the Valley—Lily of the valley is a powerful and potentially toxic herb, associated with both Venus for its effect on the heart and Mercury for its strong scent. Lily of the valley is used as a less toxic substitute for foxglove in treating heart disease, and both are associated with the faeries. Though it has a strong scent, most commercial oils of lily of the valley are synthetic, as it can be difficult to extract, but thankfully natural ones are becoming more available. The scent is best extracted by macerating the flowers in a base oil such as olive or almond, though it doesn’t last long. Due to the heart and faery associations, along with the enticing smell, it is used in love magick to attract a love. In modern times, it is used in bridal bouquets for marriage and longevity. As a flower essence, it returns hope in times of hopelessness and despair.
Lime—Lime is used in love and faery magick, and herbally it is used to relax and lower stress. For both uses, lime combines well with lavender. It can also be used to cool down the excitement of love or lust.
Lovage—The herb lovage, as its name suggests, can be used in love magick. It can increase your appeal to the opposite sex and can be used in potions and baths, either in combination or alone, to attract a new lover. In Hoodoo traditions, one can bathe in the tea, early in the morning, for nine days. After bathing, take the basin to the crossroads, turn your back on the rising sun, and throw the water over your left shoulder, toward the sun, while saying the name of the one you seek to attract. After repeating this for nine days, your lover is said to come to you. It can also be used to attract a nonspecific lover, or simply the one that is best for you, by calling out the qualities you want in a new lover.
Mandrake—Mandrake is one of the most magickal plants and is associated with strange and sometimes disturbing lore. True mandrake, Mandragora, is quite difficult to obtain or grow and grows best in warm climates. There are other plants completely unrelated botanically but given the folk name mandrake, such as white bryony, or false mandrake, and mayapple, or American mandrake. Mandrake is ruled by both Saturn and Venus, with roots that look like a human poppet. It can be used for love, healing, or hexing, with the root as a poppet. It is said to be an aphrodisiac, but it is also a powerful and toxic entheogen, so it is not suggested for internal use.
Mistletoe—A parasitic plant that grows upon trees, mistletoe has always been considered a gift from the gods, with a variety of magickal properties. Sometimes the white berries are described as the “semen” of the gods, and the Druids had very particular rituals about harvesting the mistletoe, lest it touch the ground and lose its heavenly virtue. Most popular around the yuletide holidays, the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe strengthens its love and passion associations. Many modern Witches use it as a magickal catalyst—not in formulas to consume, as it is considered toxic by most, but in small amounts added to topical formulas, charms, and powders to catalyze even more powerful properties of magick, similar to other power plants like mandrake and dragon’s blood. Though it’s famous as a love herb, that is not its primary purpose. It is better used in protection, blessing, and banishing.
Myrtle—A powerful herb used in preserving love. Sacred to Venus, historically it has also been used in the temples of the war gods Minerva and Mars. It has been associated with jealousy—both in punishing jealousy and in protecting others from the danger of jealousy.
Orange—This citrus fruit is ruled by the Sun and used in health, happiness, and inspiration magick, as the fruit reminds us of the Sun itself. The healing properties of the juice are powerful, described as liquid sunshine, and the juice can be used in food magick for love. The peel and essential oil can be used to add brightness to love potions, powders, philters, and bath salts. Orange is a very cleansing and brightening plant spirit that helps when one is depressed or pessimistic about love, as it can raise the spirits and bring optimism.
Orchid—Orchids are used in sex and love magick because the flowers can resemble the sex organs of both genders. It is associated with Venus and Mars, but also Mercury for this androgynous quality. It is also helpful in all forms of homosexual love magick. The root is particularly powerful; known as satyrion root, it can be powdered for an aphrodisiac or left whole and carved into a charm. In folk magick, it is used to attract others, and when recipients consume a small part of it through food or drink, they traditionally will become attracted either to the person who gave it to them or the first person they see. In high magick, the powdered root or root charm can be placed in the chalice of the Great Rite as a token to empower the wine, water, or other ale with the powers of love and magick. If you grow orchids, the dried flowers and seeds make a wonderful addition to incense. Lucky hand root can be used as a substitute for satyrion root.
Oregano—Oregano is an herb of love and passion, particularly good in food magick or in incense. It is activating and revitalizing. Oregano is used in magick for happiness and brings a bit of zest and vitality. It is also used in protection magick and in helping break away from bad relationships.
Orris Root—Orris root, the root of the iris, is used as a fixative for scent in herbal products, but magickally it is about calming the mind to do deep magickal work and meditation. Ruled by the Moon, its power is to open the gateway to the deep mind, past the subconscious. It has also been traditionally considered an herb of Venus and is used in love magick for both drawing love and “fixing” it in terms of fidelity and commitment.
Parsley—Parsley historically has been associated with both death and dark magick, as well as good luck and life. For our purposes here, parsley tea can be used to increase lust, passion, fertility, vital life force, and strength.
Passionflower—Passionflower is associated with Venus, the Moon, and Neptune. Herbally, it is calming and sedating, yet in love magick, it is used to either incite passion (as an aphrodisiac) or calm passion. It can be used to calm the self and household, similar to balm of Gilead.
Patchouli—The rich and earthy scent of patchouli gives Saturn and the element of earth domain over it. It is used in protection magick as well as for love and attraction. Patchouli is said to be particularly effective in lesbian love spells.
Poppy—Poppy is a sedative and a hypnotizer, used in bewitchment and for altering consciousness. The large flowers are also associated with love, romance, and the heady feeling we get when we fall in love.
Primrose—The evening primrose is associated with the Moon and feminine reproductive systems, but it has a wider range of associations. It is associated with hunting, possibly due to its connection with Artemis as a lunar goddess. It has associations with the Faery realm. The incredibly well-researched website of Alchemy Works herbal company suggests it can also be used as a shapeshifting herb, due to its association with fickleness in the Victorian language of flowers. The flowers usually open at dusk; later in the season, they open at dawn but have no scent until evening. The fickleness—the ability to seemingly change on a whim—and its associations with the changing Moon lend it shapeshifting powers.
Raspberry—Raspberry leaf is used in herbal medicine, particularly for feminine reproductive health. The leaves and berries can be used in love and sex magick, as well as fertility magick for women. The berries themselves are best in food magick for love and seduction.
Rice—Rice is a grain used to bless marriages with fertility and p
rosperity.
Rose—Rose is by far my favorite plant for love magick. Roses have been associated with love so strongly that even if you have no prior knowledge of magick, you will know and understand this correspondence. Red roses, in particular, are for romantic and passionate love. Pink roses are for a more delicate love, being both for romance and courting. White roses are for pure and spiritual love not yet consummated in the physical.
Rue—Sniffing fresh rue, with its vaguely vanilla scent, can make you forget problems in love and find optimism instead. Rue is protective and brings blessings. Be careful, as rue causes contact dermatitis in those with sensitive skin.
Sarsaparilla—Sarsaparilla root, traditionally used in root beer and many medicinal tonics, is ruled by Jupiter. At first glance, it doesn’t have a lot of associations with love, yet the Jupiterian power brings blessings and spirituality to love magick. In Hoodoo traditions, it can be used specifically to increase sexual passion when combined with damiana, juniper berries, and other love herbs.
Spearmint—Spearmint is the sweetest and coolest of the mint family. Ruled by Venus, it can be used in healing and beauty magick, as it’s great for the skin. It calms and cools, and can be used when the fires of lust run too high in the body.
Strawberry—Strawberry is a plant of passion and intensity, with a sweet, intense flavor. Strawberries can be used in food magick as well as fidelity magick to bless a marriage or ensure passion on the honeymoon. Strawberry mead can be a particularly potent handfasting or honeymoon drink.
Sugar—Though technically a plant product, not a plant, when derived from sugar cane, sugar in all forms can be used in love and relationship magick to sweeten up any connection between people and bring blessings.
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