I think everyone recognizes the earthy, musky smell of this plant but maybe have never seen it growing. It is so beautiful and you can actually smell it just being close to the plant or accidentally brushing up against it. It is so common in perfumery that it is rare to NOT find it in most colognes (it is in an awful lot of commercial perfumes Angel, Prada Amber, Borneo 1834, Coromandel, Givenchy Gentleman, L'Ombre Fauve to name a few. No matter what, people either love or hate this smell in its natural state. It immediately makes some people think of a Volkswagen bus covered in Grateful Dead bears with plumes of pot smoke and patchouli wafting out of it. Others though are drawn to the scent like bees to flowers… I personally love it.
Magically this plant is ruled by Earth and is very versatile as it is said to attract money and lovers while also having a reputation of breaking jinxes. Commonly worn as an oil, it is often used to attract a lover or it has been used in potions created as an Aphrodisiac. For a less potent smell the leaves can be added to a bath.
If you have a prosperity altar in your home this plant and oil can be used there to draw more to you. Add a little of the essential oil to your moisturizer or other products to draw love. Make incense or oil blends with Patchouli to work with Earth Elementals or to stay grounded. The uses are endless, be creative!
Some references say that it can be used to replace Graveyard Dirt which is a complete fallacy. (I'm guessing because of the Earthy smell but Graveyard dirt is Spirit work!) Only actual Graveyard Dirt, collected in the traditional manner, can be used for that.
ABOUT SI MANDRAGORA
Si is a Gardnerian High Priest and Minos in the Minoan Brotherhood operating in Flagler County, FL. A practitioner of various kinds of witchcraft since adolescence, he now runs Mandragora Magika, creates occult art, grows all kinds of plants but mostly in love with the poisonous variety. Si holds a degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute.