Hamamelis virginica

Planet: Saturn, Sun

Element: Fire

Sabbat: Samhain

Folk Names: Snapping Hazelnut, Spotted Alder, Winterbloom

Medicinal properties: Astringent, for general skin care as well as treating bruises and fevers, insect bites, varicose veins. It can also be considered an antioxidant and protective against radiation. Tea made from the leaves is for sore throats and colds.

Magickal properties: Protection, Chastity, Divining Rods, Inspiration, Love divination

Carry Witch Hazel to mend a broken heart and cool passions.

The nutty seeds were a source of food for the Native Americans.

Hamamelis means that it bears fruit and flowers at the same time, and it resembles the apple tree.

"Witch" comes from the Old English word "wice" or "wych" and meant a plant that had pliable branches, and is derived from the Indo-European word "wiker" (or wicker) which also described magickal people who could bend things to their will. "Hazel" was added because its leaves are similar to the Hazelnut tree.

Banishing Spell

Write the name or keyword of what you want to remove from your life on a small slip of paper. Place the paper in a cup and pour in enough witch hazel to submerge it. Position the cup where it can stand in the light of the waning moon overnight.

Whispers from the Woods, by Sandra Kynes

Pray Peace