====== Juniper ======
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---- dataentry herbs----
latin_names: Juniperus communis
folk_names: Enebro, Gemeiner Wachholder, Geneva, Gin Berry, Ginepro, Gin Plant
gender_tags: Masculine
planet_tags: Sun
element_tags: Fire
deity_tags: 
effect_tags: Protection, Anti-Theft, Love, Exorcism, Health, Purification, Healing
part_tags: essential oil, dried fruit
----
</div>

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===== Magical Uses =====

Used throughout Europe as a protective herb, Juniper also guards against theft. It was probably one of the earliest incenses used by Mediterranean Witches. Juniper hung at the door protects against evil forces and persons, and it is burned in exorcism rites. A sprig of the plant protects its wearer against accidents and attacks by wild animals. It also guards against ghosts and sickness.

Juniper is added to love mixtures, and the berries are carried to increase male potency.

When carried or burned, juniper helps the psychic powers and breaks hexes and curses, and drives off snakes.

===== Aromatherapy =====

==== Lore ====

Juniper was burned to goddesses and gods in ancient Sumer and Babylon, and was widely used in Egyptian incense formulas. It was sacred to Inanna and her later counterpart Ishtar. Many centuries later in Europe, branches of juniper were smouldered and carried around fields and farms to release protective energies and to guard livestock and crops.

It is a common ritual incense ingredient in Tibet and was much used by various American Indian groups.

==== Magical Uses ====

Juniper essential oil is currently used in traditional aromatherapy to detoxify the body, as a parasiticide
(parasite destroyer) and antiseptic. This seems in keeping with the “magical” use of purifying homes and fields mentioned above, for protective rituals are designed to ward off negativity as well as to purge such energies from a person or place.

Inhale juniper essential oil while visualizing its energies guarding you from negativity and danger.

Or, for an internal purification, smell juniper and visualize. You can also make juniper a part of health-maintaining rituals.

Regularly smell the scent while seeing yourself eating correctly, exercising and thinking positively.
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