Fennel

Origin: Mediterranean and South-Western Asia

Family: Apiaceae
Subfamily: Apioideae
Tribe: Apieae
Scientific Name: Foeniculum vulgare

Folk Names: Fenkle, finocchio, finule, sweet fennel, wild fennel

Magical

Element: Fire
Day: Wednesday
Planet: Mercury
Zodiac: Aries
Associated Celebrations: Reflection
Deities: Apollo, Dionysus, Prometheus, Woden

Parts used: Entire plant

Magical Properties: Courage, purification, protection, healing, change, communication, strength

Substitutions: Dill

Lore

• Nicholas Culpeper describes fennel as being an herb of Mercury, under Virgo. He states that an infusion of the leaves or seeds can stop hiccups; the seed infused in wine helps counteract poison and venom; and lists many other uses.

Magical Uses

• Grow fennel around the home for protection.
• Hang fennel in windows and doors to ward off evil spirits (carrying the seeds on your person does the same).