Herb of the Week – Juniper

Botanical Name: Juniperis communis

Folk Names: Gin Berry, Gin Plant, Geneva, Ginepro, Embro

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Deities: Isis, Shango, Dionysus, Amun, Odin

Magical Uses: Protection, Love, Gambling Luck, Love, Exorcism, Health, Purification, Anti-Theft

This is one of those herbs that should be in every magical apothecary. Juniper has been used for millennia in many parts of the earth for protection and healing. Placing a handful of juniper berries in a bottle of whiskey or wine and allowed to steep for 1 month can create a male virility tonic.

Similarly, women would steep the berries in vinegar, straining it after a month and adding it to the bathwater or douche to increase male desire for her. They would then spread the berries from the concoction into the eastern part of their yard to bring a new lover to them.

 

Native Americans sometimes call these cedar berries, and they can be a part of the sacred herbs used for purification and protection. Overall, it is believed that the scent of juniper or cedar can be very purifying.

Carry a sprig of juniper leaves or juniper berries in a medicine pouch to break curses and to increase your psychic abilities. If you are making a love incense, adding a bit of juniper can give it that extra oomph!