Some interesting facts
With a world-wide reputation for magickal powers, this is a long leaved (nearly a foot long, and 6" wide) dark green plant with small greenish-yellow or purple bell-shaped flowers that drow on 3-4" stalks. The flowers eventually fruit into small orange to yellow berries (hence the name Satan's Apples). Mandrake is best known for the large brown root, resembling a carrot that splits about midway into two distinctive branches (looking something like legs). Native to Palestine, and neighboring Arab countries in the Mediterranean, it was long thought to be an aphrodisiac and also had a bad reputation for increasing fertility. Later it was used as a narcotic and as an anaesthetic for crucified criminals. As Satan's Apples it was thought to cause madness.
Mandrake root does fall into the herbal classification of anodyne (like aconite, belladonna, & coca leaves), which contains those herbs which are pain relievers (often narcotic), and does work as a soporific (sleep inducer). It is also an anaesthetic, causing nerve endings to lose sensation, making them less aware of pain. Mandrake is also an emetic, causing the stomach to contract and induce vomiting. When used externally, it can help reduce infections, and also has laxative properties when ingested in a suspension. Mandrake is also known to be helpful in easing rheumatism (primarily due to it's pain-relieving properties). All of these properties can be achieved through careful preparations of the root, but direct ingestion of the raw root itself is to be STRONGLY AVOIDED, as it it toxic.
Mandrake's magickal properties are well-documented, and are related to their herbal ones. Mandrake has been used to invoke various deities (Circe, Diana, Saturn, etc.), and is considered to enhance creativity (remember it is a narcotic). Ingestion of minute prepared portions is reputed to enhance psychic awareness & abilities, and when used properly in magickal spells mandrake is used to increase sexual desire (aphrodisiac).
There is an ancient practice of carving the roots into amulets of protection, love attraction, aura purity, or as a sign of magick (depending on the preparation). The plantary rulers of Mandrake are Uranus, Mercury, and Pluto. A piece of the root immersed in a chalice of water and set in the moonlight each night until the moon becomes full, creates 'Moon Water' (which is used in purification & lunar rituals).
Needless to say, Mandrake also plays a part in several very potent sex-magick rituals.
Last updated by daniel on 10/13/2007 10:38 PM
Created on 06/17/2005 03:42 PM
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