Mardi: Herbal-Wise

Deer's tongue, which is sometimes spelled “deerstongue” and also referred to as hound’s tongue or wild vanilla, has large, slightly fuzzy leaves that do resemble an animal’s tongue.  While it is not surprising that root workers employ it in “like-makes-like” workings to improved people’s communication skills, it is a little strange that no other magickal discipline seems to do so.

In Wicca the leaves are used specifically to attract men as lovers.  For this purpose they are dried and then sprinkled where the love object will sit or on a bed.  Scott Cunningham also notes that deer’s tongue can aid in improving psychic powers when worn.

In hoodoo, deer’s tongue is said to bring the gift of eloquent speech when carried.  This is thought to be especially true in court and the herb is favored by defendants, witnesses and lawyers alike.  Deer’s tongue is an ingredient in the hoodoo mojo dressing known as Court Case Oil.

Bathing in a tincture of deer’s tongue, basil, rose petals and lavender is thought to increase one’s affection for the people they live with, particularly family.  If everyone in the household does so, harmony will come to the home.  Please note that deer’s tongue should not be ingested so even a weak tincture is only for external use.

Mojo bags containing deer’s tongue are sometimes put together for young men heading out to propose marriage.  Wrapping three leaves with red silk thread and carrying them in a red flannel mojo bag to which a lock of his girl’s hair is added will give the young man a silver tongue.  The lady will not be able to say no.  Bonne chance ~

Header: The Black Brunswicker by John Everett Millais c 1860