Apothecary
Parsley.
Petroselinum crispum
Also known as Garden Parsley, Devil's Oatmeal, Persely
The herb of both the dinner table and the Underworld — in ancient Greece, to need only parsley was to stand at death's very door. Parsley carries a dual nature: it freshens and cleanses on one hand, and on the other it belongs to Persephone and the chthonic spaces where few herbs willingly go.
Correspondences
Element
Air
Planet
Mercury
Zodiac
Gemini
Chakra
Root, Heart
Parts Used
Leaves, root, seeds
Harvest
Spring to Autumn
Origin
Europe
Moon Phases
Waxing
Practice
Magical Properties
Protection, purification, lust, the Underworld, death rites
Use in workings connected to the dead and Underworld — scatter on Samhain altars. Add to purification baths to cleanse body and spirit. Chew fresh parsley to increase vitality and desire.
Mundane
Mundane Uses
Rich in vitamin C, iron, and volatile oils. Diuretic, digestive, breath-freshening. Historically used for urinary complaints.
Devotion
Deity Associations
Persephone, Hecate, Charon
History
Folklore & History
In ancient Greece, parsley was associated with death and the Underworld — funeral wreaths were made from it and to say someone needed only parsley meant they were at death's door. Funerary banquets were called 'being in need of parsley'.
Safety
Safety Notes
AVOID IN PREGNANCY — large amounts of parsley seed or root are a uterine stimulant. Culinary amounts in food are safe. Parsley seed oil is toxic and should never be taken internally.
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 Parsley used for in witchcraft?
Parsley is traditionally used in workings for protection, purification, lust, the underworld, death rites. Use in workings connected to the dead and Underworld — scatter on Samhain altars.
What element is Parsley associated with?
Parsley is associated with the Air element and the sign of Gemini, and resonates with the Root, Heart chakras.
What planet rules Parsley?
Parsley 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 Parsley safe to use?
Some care is required when working with Parsley. AVOID IN PREGNANCY — large amounts of parsley seed or root are a uterine stimulant. Culinary amounts in food are safe. Parsley seed oil is toxic and should never be taken internally. 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 Parsley.
Record spells, rituals, and observations in your private digital grimoire.
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