Herb of the Day

Peony

Folk Names:  Paeony, Piney

Gender:  Masculine

Planet:  Sun

Element:  Fire

Powers:  Protection, Exorcism

Magickal Uses:  The peony has long been revered for its protective powers. Worn, it guards the body, spirit, and soul; place in the home it wards off evil spirits and planted in the garden it protects it against evil and storms. The seeds or roots are hung around a child’s neck to guard it from mischievous fairies and imps. A variation of this entails carving peony roots into small beads (called “piney beads”) and then stringing them. These are also worn for protection. Peony roots worn with coral and flint keep away the incubus.