Fennel Seed

Botanical Name
Foeniculum vulgare
 
Usual Origin(s)
India
 
Description
Fennel has a flavor similar to anise and star anise, though usually not as strong. One of the primary ingredients in absinthe. Commonly used in Indian and vegetarian cuisine, and as a mouth freshener.
 
Folk Names
Samar, Sweet Fennel, Sheeh
 
Gender
Masculine
 
Planet
Mercury
 
Element
Fire
 
Deities
Prometheus, Dionysus
 
Powers 
Protection, Healing, and Purification
 
Ritual Uses
The thyrsus, which figured in Dionysian ceremonies, was often made of giant fennel stalks with pine cones attached to the ends. 
 
Magical Uses
Grown around the home, fennel confers protection. Wearing a piece of fennel in the left shoe will prevent wood ticks from biting your legs. Fennel is also hung up at windows and doors to ward off evil spirits, and the seeds can be carried for the same reason. Fennel is used in purification sashets, as well as in healing mixtures
 
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