Plant Witchery: Discover the Sacred Language, Wisdom, and Magic of 200 Plants - Juliet Diaz 2020

Mandrake Mandragora
A Compendium of Plants

ESSENTIAL PROPERTIES

protection, abundance

Mandrake refers specifically to the root of the plant, which is thick, upright, and somewhat hairy. The base of the root branches out into a fork, so that it looks much like a torso with legs. Mandrake is a hallucinogenic, and can cause vomiting or diarrhea. You may remember folk stories around mandrakes screaming when they are uprooted—screaming mandrake babies were featured in Harry Potter.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Mandrake is a narcotic. In ancient times mandrake was used to relieve pain or to knock out patients before surgery, but these days you’re better off not consuming it. It was also considered a powerful aid to fertility—the story of Rachel and Leah in the Bible tells that mandrake reversed Rachel’s infertility.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES

Mandrake has a long and deep-rooted Magical history. She is often used for sympathetic magic, but not necessarily always with the best of intentions. Mandrake’s resemblance to the human body has led to her being used much like a voodoo doll, where what is visited upon the mandrake root happens to the person the mandrake is meant to represent. This is not the kind of Magic the mandrake wants to be a part of, unless the intentions are to protect or heal. Mandrake is often overlooked for her true properties: She is a powerful protector, and helps with manifestation and abundance work. Write down something you want to come true, then stick your paper in the dirt near where mandrake is growing; she will root that wish and send its energies out into the universe.

PLANT WISDOM

Because of my work, I often have spirits visiting, and I have been attacked energetically by demons. Mandrake is one of the most important beings in my life, as she keeps that evil away. Place mandrake anywhere you need her protection—over the front door, in the bedroom over your head, or under your bed. I keep a mandrake in each of my children’s bookbags, in my car, and I carry one with me all the time. Working with mandrake teaches us to go for what we want and not to fear anything. Invite mandrake into your dreams to help with confidence and self-love.