Apothecary
Mandrake.
Mandragora officinarum
Also known as Satan's Apple, Man Root, Mandragora
The screaming root, the man-shaped root, the most legendary of all the European witch-plants. Mandrake is power itself — dangerous, ancient, fit only for the experienced hand, and best kept upon the altar as a familiar spirit rather than ever taken into the body.
Correspondences
Element
Earth/Fire
Planet
Mercury
Zodiac
Gemini, Scorpio
Chakra
Root
Parts Used
Root (carefully)
Harvest
Autumn
Practice
Magical Properties
Protection, prosperity, fertility, love, power
The ultimate power root of European witchcraft. Carry the dried root as a powerful luck, money, and protection charm. Use a representation on the altar as a familiar spirit.
Mundane
Mundane Uses
Contains tropane alkaloids (atropine, scopolamine, hyoscyamine) — historically used as anaesthesia.
Devotion
Deity Associations
Hecate, Circe, Aphrodite
History
Folklore & History
The mandrake was believed to scream when uprooted, killing any who heard it. The forked root resembling a human form made it deeply magical. Mentioned in Genesis as a love herb.
Safety
Safety Notes
TOXIC. ALL PARTS DANGEROUS. Can cause hallucinations, delirium, respiratory failure, and death. DO NOT USE INTERNALLY. External/symbolic use only.
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 Mandrake used for in witchcraft?
Mandrake is traditionally used in workings for protection, prosperity, fertility, love, power. The ultimate power root of European witchcraft.
What element is Mandrake associated with?
Mandrake is associated with the Earth/Fire element and the sign of Gemini, Scorpio, and resonates with the Root chakra.
What planet rules Mandrake?
Mandrake is ruled by Mercury. 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 Mandrake safe to use?
Some care is required when working with Mandrake. TOXIC. ALL PARTS DANGEROUS. Can cause hallucinations, delirium, respiratory failure, and death. DO NOT USE INTERNALLY. External/symbolic use only. 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 Mandrake.
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