Herb of the Week: Anise Seed (Pimpinella anisum)

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Jupiter and the Moon

Element: Air

Deities: Apollo, Mercury, Thoth

Magical Properties: Purification, Protection, Power, Love, Romance, Consecration, Visionary

This herb, Anise Seed (Pimpinella anisum), is used both in cooking and magic. Anise seed, though often confused with Star Anise is not related.  It comes to us from the parsley family/ Anise or Aniseseed has various uses and has maintained its popularity since antiquity. It is native to Egypt and the Mediterranean but over time has made its way to India, Europe, the United States, and Mexico. In ancient Rome, the Mustacei cake, made from wheat, anise, cumin, and lard, was broken over the head of the bride to bless the newlywed couple with good fortune.

Anise seed is most often used in spells to bring about happiness and to find love and romance. It is also used to help alleviate nightmares and to bring protection when traveling within the astral plane. Some traditional recipes for the cakes used in witchcraft rituals call for the inclusion of anise seed.

You can craft an amulet of anise seed and carry it with you or sleep with it under your pillow to increase psychic awareness and communicate with the realms of Spirit. Many witches use this as part of infusions to drink before rituals to increase psychic powers and focus. Added to frankincense, myrrh, dragon’s blood, or copal, anise seed can be burned as part of a ritual incense blend.

Resources Used: (Please note that as an Amazon Associate, I earn small commission from qualifying purchases.)

“The Master Book of Herbalism” by Paul Beyerl

“A Compendium of Herbal Magick” by Paul Beyerl

“Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic” by Catherine Yronwode