====== Lead ======
<div #singlebox>
---- dataentry metal----
latin_names: 
folk_names: 
energy_tags: Receptive
gender_tags: 
planet_tags: Saturn
element_tags: Earth
deity_tags: 
effect_tags: Divination, protection, defensive magic
----
</div>
<ifauth @user>
===== Magical Uses =====
Lead is a heavy metal that causes death when it's absorbed by the body. The ancient Romans discovered this by using lead dishes and cooking utensils.

A curious divination, recorded in the 1800s in Italy by Charles Godfrey Leland, uses lead. Take three rose seeds (remove them from the "hip" that forms after a rose has lost its petals), three nettle leaves, two rue leaves, and three cumin seeds. Put these on a metal plate along with a small quantity of lead.

At midnight, while clearing your mind of needless mental clutter, burn two yellow candles and light a fire. Place the metal plate over the fire. Then fill a large basin with water. Once the lead has melted, pour it, along with the herb ashes, into the water.

When the lead nodule has cooled, remove it from the water and gaze at its shape. The ritual and the lead itself should allow access to your psychic mind. If nothing comes to you, place the nodule beneath your pillow and let your dreams guide you.

Lead is worn or used in protective spells and also plays its part in defensive magic. It can be placed near the entrance of the house to prevent negativity from gaining access.
===== Ritual Lore =====
Lead has long been used in magic. In ancient Greek times tablets of this metal were ritually charged and inscribed with "words of power." These tablets were generally used in negative spells because the lead ensured the spell's long continuance.

In India during the eleventh century, charms and figures designed to cause conception or to increase the fertility of gardens and orchards were engraved on lead tablets.</ifauth>
===== Notes =====
==== Related Herbs ====
* [[herb:rose]]
* [[herb:nettle]]
* [[herb:rue]]
* [[herb:cumin]]