====== Peony ======
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---- dataentry herbs----
latin_names: Paeonia officinalis
folk_names: Paeony, Piney
gender_tags: Masculine
planet_tags: Sun
element_tags: Fire
deity_tags: 
effect_tags: Protection, Exorcism
----
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===== Magical Uses =====
The peony has long been revered for its protective powers. Worn, it guards the body, spirit, and soul; placed in the home it wards off evil spirits and planted in the garden it protects it against evil and storms. The seeds or roots are hung around a child's neck to guard it from mischievous fairies and imps. A variation of this entails carving peony roots into small beads (called "piney beads") and then stringing them. These are also worn for protection. Peony roots worn with coral and flint keeps away the incubus.

Additionally, the peony is used in exorcisms and the root is carried to cure lunacy. It should only be gathered at night, when its seeds are said to shine with an eerie light. Its root is sometimes substituted for the mandrake.
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