From the Mandragora Plant to Its Talisman

Its essence can prolong the act of love many times! And what if too much is taken? Suffering and death! (Excalibur 1979 John Boorman)

There are a series of traditions surrounding mandragora, blending myth, legend, and metaphor.

The guidelines for harvesting a mandragora, a plant that possesses an anthropomorphic root, vary and are presented as recommendations, as this plant requires "souls" in exchange.

Finding a mandragora of the same sex holds primary significance (from an esoteric perspective, mandragoras are found and choose you; cultivated ones are of poor quality, like all sown plants that are weaker than spontaneous ones, with rare exceptions made for expert occultists.)

Generally, witches and occultists derive an "alraun" (a Germanic term for mandragora that also indicates an animal aspect and, in any case, a familiar) from an entire mandragora root; the remaining parts from the processing are used to compose filters, powders, amulets, coals, etc. In ancient times, its juice was used as a narcotic for surgical operations, even on the brain, employing gold scalpels, which are unalterable metals. Anesthetists were particularly skilled, as the plant's toxicity required special precautions.

This herb is quite peculiar as it metaphorically represents the passage or connection between the human and the plant worlds. Other examples in the plant kingdom include ginseng, eleutherococcus, and similar plants like the Thai Nariphon, which is a fruit, but among witches, we also frequently find expertly processed bryonia.

The roots of mandragora have their equivalent in the figurative talisman, the idol. Just as the natural signs of geomancy find their equivalent in geomantic runes. Thanks to cabalistic correspondences and the universal etheric network, things are interconnected.

Personally, I have created a pendant talisman and a coin talisman depicting a female mandragora, designed to gather and direct occult power towards health, to foster feelings and love returns, as well as to attract a person of interest, not forgetting its apotropaic and protective power.

Among its esoteric virtues, it is also a good luck charm for money and gambling, and for conducting activities, especially those connected with the Earth Element.

Useful for those engaged in healthcare activities like doctors, this talisman is also used by rural healers and witches who dedicate themselves to herbs, both from a medicinal perspective and their occult values. It helps find or gather them during a countryside outing, or facilitates inspiration regarding preparations such as electuaries, oleolites, tinctures, syrups, etc.

RITUAL WITH THE MANDRAGORA TALISMAN – to activate the law of money and favor both necessary and supplementary income. – A medium denomination banknote is needed; those of 50 work perfectly. It is placed on a table or work surface, and the mandragora talisman is placed in the center.

At the four corners of the banknote, small green candles are arranged on a small metal, glass, or other fireproof support. The propitiatory ritual begins by lighting the first candle in the upper left, moving to the upper right, then the lower right, and finally the lower left. Each time a wick is lit, the following words will be intoned: "Spirits of light, listen to my voice that rises to you, bring money into my pockets and ensure that I never lack it."

The candles will be allowed to burn down as an offering; the talisman can be placed in the wallet, and the banknote can also be spent normally when the money is a circulating entity.

This can be performed during the period between the new moon and the full moon, traditionally on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.

Anyone interested in a personal specimen of this talisman, which I have purified, consecrated, and initiated, can request information by sending an email to my address: [email protected]

*In the figure, the mandragora talisman and a ritualized Alraun with candles.