Apothecary
Star Anise.
Illicium verum
Also known as Chinese Star Anise, Badiam
A perfect dark-brown eight-pointed star, opened at the end of the bough like a small spell already cast. Star anise is luck in geometric form — psychic, prosperous, and simply lovely upon the altar.
Correspondences
Element
Fire/Air
Planet
Jupiter
Zodiac
Sagittarius
Chakra
Third Eye
Parts Used
Dried seed pods
Harvest
Year-round
Practice
Magical Properties
Psychic ability, luck, purification, dreams
Carry as a lucky charm. Add to psychic enhancement sachets. Burn as incense to increase psychic power before divination.
Mundane
Mundane Uses
Antiviral (oseltamivir/Tamiflu is derived from shikimic acid in star anise). Digestive carminative.
Devotion
Deity Associations
Jupiter
History
Folklore & History
One of the five spices in Chinese Five Spice. Tamiflu uses shikimic acid extracted from star anise as a starting material.
Safety
Safety Notes
True star anise is safe. Do not confuse with Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) which is highly toxic. Never give to infants.
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 Star Anise used for in witchcraft?
Star Anise is traditionally used in workings for psychic ability, luck, purification, dreams. Carry as a lucky charm.
What element is Star Anise associated with?
Star Anise is associated with the Fire/Air element and the sign of Sagittarius, and resonates with the Third Eye chakra.
What planet rules Star Anise?
Star Anise is ruled by Jupiter. 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 Star Anise safe to use?
Some care is required when working with Star Anise. True star anise is safe. Do not confuse with Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) which is highly toxic. Never give to infants. 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 Star Anise.
Record spells, rituals, and observations in your private digital grimoire.
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