WOOD BETONY

Magical Properties of Wood Betony

Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis, formerly Betonica officinalis) is one of the most revered protective and purification herbs in European folk magic. Known historically as a powerful ward against evil and spiritual disturbance, it carries grounding yet spiritually strengthening energy.

Correspondences

Element: Earth (primary), Air (secondary)

Planet: Jupiter

Gender Energy: Masculine

Chakra: Third Eye & Crown (with grounding root support)

Zodiac: Aries, Sagittarius

Season: Late Summer / Early Autumn

Primary Magical Properties

Spiritual Protection

Wards off negative spirits

Protects against psychic attack

Guards against nightmares

Shields during astral or dream work

Traditionally placed under pillows to prevent troubling dreams.

Purification & Banishing

Clears hexes or ill intentions

Removes stagnant or heavy energy

Strengthens warding spells

Cleanses ritual spaces

Often used in floor washes or burned (carefully) for spiritual clearing.

Clarity & Mental Strength

Eases anxiety and worry

Encourages calm focus

Strengthens resolve

Aids in overcoming fear

A powerful herb for steadying the mind before ritual or divination.

Psychic Strength & Safe Vision

Enhances intuition while maintaining protection

Grounds psychic work

Helps interpret dreams safely

Unlike more “open” psychic herbs, Wood Betony protects while expanding awareness.

Ways to Use in Magic

Carry in a protection sachet

Place under pillow for dream protection

Add to protection jars or witch bottles

Brew into tea (for spiritual calm and focus)

Sprinkle around ritual space before spell work

Add to charm bags for travellers

Best Timing

Waning Moon – Banishing and cleansing

Full Moon – Protective empowerment

Thursday (Jupiter day) – Strength and spiritual authority

Particularly powerful during stormy weather (traditional lore)

Energetic Signature

Wood Betony feels ancient, steady, and priestly — protective without aggression. It strengthens your aura while keeping your spiritual boundaries firm.