Apothecary
Ivy (Ground).
Glechoma hederacea
Also known as Alehoof, Gill-over-the-ground, Creeping Charlie
A small, creeping, purple-flowered plant that brewed the ale of the Anglo-Saxons before hops took its place. Ground ivy is a quiet healer and a soft protector — modest, persistent, and overlooked at its keeper's peril.

Correspondences
Element
Water
Planet
Saturn
Zodiac
Capricorn
Chakra
Root
Parts Used
Aerial parts
Harvest
Spring to summer
Practice
Magical Properties
Protection, healing, love, fertility
Use in healing sachets for persistent illness. Add to love and fertility workings. Use in protective sachets for women's health.
Mundane
Mundane Uses
Historically used as an anti-inflammatory and expectorant for respiratory conditions.
Devotion
Deity Associations
Dionysus, Osiris
History
Folklore & History
Before hops became the standard bittering agent, ground ivy (alehoof) was used to make ale. Used by Anglo-Saxons as a bitter herb and in Midsummer garlands.
Safety
Safety Notes
Avoid in pregnancy. Can be mildly toxic to livestock in large quantities.
This information is provided for educational and magical reference only. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using herbs medicinally.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ivy (Ground) used for in witchcraft?
Ivy (Ground) is traditionally used in workings for protection, healing, love, fertility. Use in healing sachets for persistent illness.
What element is Ivy (Ground) associated with?
Ivy (Ground) is associated with the Water element and the sign of Capricorn, and resonates with the Root chakra.
What planet rules Ivy (Ground)?
Ivy (Ground) is ruled by Saturn. In the classical planetary system, this gives the herb its characteristic energetic signature and indicates which workings it most readily amplifies and which planetary hours best suit it.
Is Ivy (Ground) safe to use?
Some care is required when working with Ivy (Ground). Avoid in pregnancy. Can be mildly toxic to livestock in large quantities. The information here is provided for educational and magical reference only — always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb medicinally.
In Your Practice
Track your work with Ivy (Ground).
Record spells, rituals, and observations in your private digital grimoire.
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