TAMARIND
(Tamarindus indica)
Folk Names: Tamarindo (Spanish), Sampalok, Tchwa, Mkwayu
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Saturn
Element: Water
Powers: Love
Magical Uses: Carry tamarind to attract love.
TAMARISK
(Tamarix spp.)
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Saturn
Element: Water
Deity: Anu
Powers: Exorcism, Protection
Magical Uses: The tamarisk has an ancient
history of use in exorcisms, dating back at least 4,000 years. During exorcism rites a branch of the tree is held in the hand and the leaves are scattered about to drive out demons and evil. For best results the tama- risk should be cut with a gold axe and a pruning knife fashioned of silver.
The smoke of burning tamarisk drives away snakes, and tamarisk sticks were used for divining by the Chaldeans.
TANSY
(Tanacetum vulgare) P
Folk Name: Buttons
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Health, Longevity
Magical Uses: A bit of tansy placed in the
shoes helps cure persistent fevers. Since this plant was given to Ganymede to make him immortal, tansy is carried to lengthen the life-span. Ants don't like tansy.
TEA
(Camellia sinensis, C. spp.) D+ LT (Fermented black teas only)
Folk Names: Black Tea, China Tea, Cha
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Powers: Riches, Courage, Strength Magical Uses: Burn the leaves of the tea
plant to ensure future riches, and add to all money mixtures and sachets.
Tea is also included in talismans designed to give their bearer courage and strength. The infusion is used as a base for mixing lust drinks.
THISTLE
(Carduus spp.) Older plants: X
Folk Names: Lady's Thisde, Thrissles
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Deities: Thor, Minerva
Powers: Strength, Protection, Healing,
Exorcism, Hex-Breaking
Magical Uses: A bowl of thistles placed
in a room strengthens the spirits and renews the vitality of all within it. Carry a thistle (or part of a thistle) for energy and strength.
Grown in the garden, thistles ward off thieves; grown in a pot and on the door- step they protect against evil. A thistle blossom carried in the pocket guards its bearer. Thrown onto a fire, thistles deflect lightning away from the house.
If you have had a spell cast against
you, wear a shirt made of fibers spun and woven from the thistle to break it and any other spells. Stuff hex-breaking poppets with thistles. Thistles are strewn in homes and other buildings to exorcise evil.
Thistles are also used in healing spells, and when men carry it they become better lovers. Thistles also drive out melancholy when worn or carried.
Wizards in England used to select the tallest thistle in the patch to use as a magi- cal wand or walking stick. To call spirits, place some thistle in boiling water. Remove from heat and lie or sit beside it. As the steam rises call the spirits and listen carefully; they may answer your questions.
THISTLE, HOLY
(Centaurea benedicta, Cnicus benedictus, Carbenia bendicta) P
Folk Name: Blessed Thistle
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars Element: Fire
Powers: Purification, Hex-Breaking Magical Uses: Wear the holy thistle to pro-
tect yourself from evil, and add to purifica- tory baths. Holy thistle is also used in hex- breaking spells.
THISTLE, MILK
(Carduus marianus, Sonchus oleraceus, Silybum marianum) G
Folk Name: Marian Thistle
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Snake-Enraging
Magical Uses: The Anglo-Saxons recorded the fact that if the milk thistle was hung around a man's neck, all snakes in his pres- ence would begin fighting.
THYME
(Thymus vulgaris) G
Folk Names: Common Thyme, Garden Thyme
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Health, Healing, Sleep, Psychic Powers, Love, Purification, Courage
Magical Uses: Thyme is burned to attract good health and is also worn for this pur- pose. It is also used in healing spells.
Placed beneath the pillow, it ensures restful sleep and a pleasant lack of night- mares. Worn, thyme aids in developing psychic powers, and women who wear a sprig of thyme in the hair make themselves irresistible.
Thyme is also a purificatory herb; the Greeks burned it in their temples to purify them and so thyme is often burned prior to magical rituals to cleanse the area. In spring a magical cleansing bath composed of marjoram and thyme is taken to ensure all the sorrows and ills of the past are removed from the person.
Thyme is also carried and smelled to give courage and energy. If you wear it you will be able to see fairies.
