Apothecary
St John's Wort.
Hypericum perforatum
Also known as Klamath Weed, Tipton's Weed, Goat Weed
The little gold-flowered herb of midsummer, gathered when the sun is at its highest and the year at its brightest. Hung over the door on St John's Eve it banishes all evil; carried close to the heart it answers the long darkness with its own undimmed light.
Correspondences
Element
Fire
Planet
Sun
Zodiac
Leo
Chakra
Solar Plexus
Parts Used
Flowering tops
Harvest
Midsummer
Origin
UK hedgerows
Moon Phases
Full
Practice
Magical Properties
Protection, strength, happiness, health, banishing, Midsummer
Gathered at Midsummer when it is at its most powerful. Hang in the home on Midsummer Night for protection against evil spirits. Carry for protection and to banish depression.
Mundane
Mundane Uses
Well-researched antidepressant for mild-to-moderate depression. Anti-inflammatory, antiviral.
Devotion
Deity Associations
Baldur, Sol, the Sun
History
Folklore & History
Burned on Midsummer bonfires across Europe to drive away evil spirits. The red spots on the leaves were said to represent the blood of John the Baptist.
Safety
Safety Notes
MULTIPLE DRUG INTERACTIONS — significantly reduces effectiveness of many medications including hormonal contraceptives, anticoagulants, antiretrovirals. Not for severe depression. Phototoxic in fair-skinned individuals.
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 St John's Wort used for in witchcraft?
St John's Wort is traditionally used in workings for protection, strength, happiness, health, banishing, midsummer. Gathered at Midsummer when it is at its most powerful.
What element is St John's Wort associated with?
St John's Wort is associated with the Fire element and the sign of Leo, and resonates with the Solar Plexus chakra.
What planet rules St John's Wort?
St John's Wort is ruled by Sun. 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 St John's Wort safe to use?
Some care is required when working with St John's Wort. MULTIPLE DRUG INTERACTIONS — significantly reduces effectiveness of many medications including hormonal contraceptives, anticoagulants, antiretrovirals. Not for severe depression. Phototoxic in fair-skinned individuals. 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 St John's Wort.
Record spells, rituals, and observations in your private digital grimoire.
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