====== Fennel ======
<div #singlebox>
---- dataentry herbs----
latin_names: Foeniculum vulgare
folk_names: Samar, Sweet Fennel, Sheeh
gender_tags: Masculine
planet_tags: Mercury
element_tags: Fire, Air
deity_tags: Prometheus, Dionysus
effect_tags: Protection, Healing, Purification, Longevity, Courage
----
</div>

<ifauth @user>
===== 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 sachets, as well as in healing mixtures.

===== Aromatherapy =====

==== Lore ====

The fresh stalks were woven into chaplets with which Greek athletes were crowned. Fennel was also worn during public religious festivals in those times.

==== Magical Uses ====

Masses of this vibrantly green plant grow in wastelands all over the country, especially here in southern California. In the summer, when the Sun bakes the drying seeds and stalks, the licorice-like fragrance rises on the hot air.

Inhaling the fragrance of fresh ( or dried and crushed) fennel seeds is thought to increase the lifespan.

To produce courage, visualize and smell the essential oil or the herb itself. Vary your visualization to purify your inner self.

<adm danger Warning>
Bitter fennel essential oil has been determined to be hazardous. Use with caution and do not take internally.
</adm>
</ifauth>