Catnip

Origin: Europe, south-west-through-central Asia (to Japan)

Family: Lamiaceae
Subfamily: Nepetoideae
Tribe: Mentheae
Scientific Name: Nepeta cataria

Folk Names: Catmint, catnep, catrup, catwort, catswort, cat’s fancy, cat’s play, field balm, nep, nepeta, nip

Magical

Element: Water
Day: Friday
Planet: Venus
Zodiac: Libra
Associated Celebrations: Shadowfest
Deities: Bast, Sekhmet

Parts used: Herb

Magical Properties: Happiness, friendship, beauty, sleep, relaxation, animal magic, dreamwork, intuition, romance, sex, love, psychic visions, inspiration, cat magic

Lore

• Nicholas Culpeper labels it an herb of Venus, being used to assist with multiple issues during pregnancy.

Magical Uses

• Use catnip and rose petals in love sachets.
• Use a dried/pressed catnip leaf as a bookmark for magical texts!
• Grow catnip near the home (or hang it over the door) to attract good luck and kind spirits.
• By holding catnip in your hands until warm, and then holding someone else’s hand, it ensures a friendship that last forever (as long as you keep the catnip used in a safe place).