Dominating sex goddess is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word licorice.
Licorice Root is quite the sexy minx when it comes to herbal spell crafting.
This Th-HERBS-day, we honor Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra).
It is a member of the bean (Fabaceae) family and is surprisingly found in many of today’s products.
When most people think of licorice, the black licorice candies that are either loved or hated usually come to mind.
Ironically, most of those ambiguously popular black candies don’t even contain actual licorice.
In contrast to its reputation as an old candy favorite, licorice root is sort of like the lingerie of a love or attraction spell in magick.
Licorice root harnesses the seductive energy of Venus and encourages (or commands) us to submit to the sweetness of life.
Licorice Root’s Historical Uses and Lore
The use of licorice dates back many centuries.
It is native to central and southwest Asia and the Mediterranean regions.
It was mentioned in the first ancient Chinese herbal and had been found on papyrus from Roman times describing its medicinal value.
Ancient Greek philosophers recommended licorice for soothing throats and subduing thirst.
The Native American Blackfoot Indians used wild licorice to treat earaches while other tribes ate it fresh.
The medicinal uses of licorice are vast.
Medicinal licorice has been used throughout history to treat a wide range of symptoms.
These symptoms include:
- hypoglycemia
- menopausal
- urinary irritations
- influenza
- menstrual cramps
- fever
- congestion
- bronchitis
- ulcers
- dropsy
- hoarseness
- bowel irritations
- arthritis
- acne
- skin tone
- respiratory irritations
- and it was often used in poultices
It is also used in many tobacco products but contradictory to this, chewing on licorice root can be helpful to assist in quitting smoking.
In modern times, licorice is primarily used in cough syrups, lozenges, and laxatives.
Scientists have found that licorice naturally produces glycyrrhizin, a sweetening agent fifty times sweeter than sugar.
Glycyrrhizin found in licorice is added to many sugary foods to help extend and preserve their sweetness.
Likewise, it is also added to medicines to assist in masking the taste of the grosser flavored concoctions.
Spell Crafting with Licorice and Ritual Use
Licorice Root in spell crafting and ritual can add a lot of extra punch to the energies of the other ingredients used in your magick.
Looking at the characteristics of licorice, we know that it enhances and preserves the sweetness of sugar.
In the garden, licorice can also be quite invasive if it is not controlled early.
As you begin working with licorice root, keep these traits in mind.
To know the natural capabilities of an herb is to understand the energetic properties it can add to your craft.
Licorice contributes to and enhances the sweetness in everything.
It also has an intrusive tendency to take over the garden.
These natural characteristics are both feminine and masculine traits.
Both gender energies can be invoked in magick work, though licorice is generally used for its feminine energy.
The areas of crafting for love, lust, and attraction are where licorice root shines.
It’s irresistibly sweeter than sweet chemical makeup adds this sweet energy to romantic spells.
These energies can amplify attraction, lust, fidelity, and seduction.
Pagan Portals-Aphrodite: Encountering The Goddess of Love & Beauty & Initiation Paperback, By Irisanya Moon
Licorice Root Capabilities and Dangers
Licorice root’s beckoning energies are some of the most dominant traits of feminine power.
This power should be harnessed sparingly so that the energy doesn’t become too overbearing to the point of feminine toxicity.
Use small amounts of the herb in your craft because its natural tendency to invade gardens and over-sweeten foods can carry into spells.
It can oversaturate both your magick and your energetic field essentially poisoning the energies.
Too much licorice root can veil your aura and blind you with its power to seduce and dominate.
The excess of these energies may cause you to become shallow or manipulative of others.
A little does go a long way when using this powerhouse of herbal energy.
Aside from its tyrannical capabilities, this dominating trait of licorice can be harnessed in non-romantic spell work to persuade others in your favor.
When licorice is chewed before going into a business meeting, its energy can assist in swaying a deal to your liking.
If you are in the sales industry, this same method can be used to close more sales-especially if you are in the industry of exotic dancing.
Witchcraft. the Library of Esoterica
Licorice Root’s Energetic Properties
The properties of licorice root (and other herbs you intend to work with) are helpful guides to assist in your craft.
When planned with corresponding days, seasons, zodiacs, etc., the energy of the herb is heightened and will add more power to your intention.
Here are 18 properties associated with licorice root:
1. Planet: Venus
2. Zodiac Sign: Taurus and Libra
3. House: 2nd and 7th
4. Element: Water
5. Gender Energy: Feminine
6. Chakra: Heart (Green)
7. Archangel: Anael
8. Deity: Aphrodite (Greek), Frigg, Tyr, Forseti (Norse), Turan (Etruscan)
9. Sabbat: Beltane and Mabon
10. Season: Late Spring, Early Fall
11. Day: Friday
12. Body: Skin, Throat, Veins, and Ovaries
13. Rune: Thurisaz, Ansuz, Eihwaz, Perthro
14. Numerology: 6
15. Fae: Sprite
16. Major Arcana: The Empress, The Hierophant, Justice
17. Minor Arcana: Cups
18. Cartomancy: Hearts
Choose Witchcraft Herbs, Labeled with Properties in Eco-friendly Packaging
Growing Licorice Root
Licorice is not considered an ornamental plant but they help fix nitrogen levels in the soil.
Early spring and late fall are good times to plant licorice root.
You can plant licorice root cuttings and sucker cuttings from divisions of the crown.
If the conditions are right, you can grow licorice root from the seed, but people have better success growing it from cuttings.
Prepare the soil by tilling deeply and removing any stones.
Using sandy soil mixed with compost is ideal for licorice.
Set the cuttings after the soil is ready about one to one and a half feet apart.
If you are propagating with cuttings, be sure to plant in the spring or the fall.
After setting the cuttings, immediately water them to help with establishment.
Licorice grows slowly the first two years and weeding them should be the only maintenance concern.
Also, beware that licorice root can be invasive, so harvesting is a must to keep it from overtaking the garden.
Choose Witchcraft Herbs, Labeled with Properties in Eco-friendly Packaging
Harvesting and Storing Licorice Root
When the plant is between three and four years old, the glycyrrhizin content is at its most potent.
This is typically before they bear fruit or become too woody.
Harvesting licorice is done in late fall or early winter when the top of the plant is dry.
To begin harvesting, dig a small ditch beside the plant exposing a little bit of the root.
Then pull the top of the plant towards the ditch and slightly out of its established space.
Save the plant tops for composting to add nitrogen-rich nutrients to your garden.
Leave behind some of the rhizomes in the soil to sprout for the next season.
Dry the licorice root in a dark or shaded room.
It’s important to make sure there’s no moisture in the roots while drying and storing, as they’re prone to mold.
When storing licorice root powders and extracts, keep them in airtight jars in areas that are below eighty degrees Fahrenheit.
Some Final Thoughts when Working with Licorice Root
Licorice root can be a powerful addition to your practice.
The main idea is to use it minimally to catalyze and preserve your magic intentions.
Licorice root adds powerful lust, fidelity, dominance, persuasiveness, and seduction to your craft.
Because it is heavily tied to Venus, it’s perfect for feminine rituals and love spells.
Browse these witchy items to get ideas for your feminine magic and start connecting to licorice root today!
Happy Th-HERBS-day!
Love Magic: A Handbook Of Spells, Charms, and Potions Hardback, by: Anastasia Greywolf
