Catnip

What this is

Catnip (Nepeta cataria). Nepeta, the cat's delight, a gentle Venusian herb of friendship, beauty, and ease, ranged with the airy balance of Libra. Chewed by old rogues to make them fierce, grown by cottagers for cheer; what intoxicates the cat soothes the human.

What it governs

Catnip answers to Venus and the element of Air. Its seat in the zodiac is Libra and Taurus, and its day is Friday, when its virtue runs fullest. It strengthens with the waxing moon. In the old practice its office is plain: A sachet for light flirtation and beauty; also: feeds a cat-familiar if you have one.

Its properties

In the Galenic reckoning catnip is warm and dry, and that temperament is the whole key to its work. The part you take is the aerial. Its working colour follows Venus, green and rose; its metal is copper, its stones are rose quartz, jade, its number 7, and on the Tree of Life it threads up to Netzach. It carries well on the body, kept in a pocket or a small sachet and it is gentle, safe to use as the practice describes.

Where else it appears

The same softening everywhere: grown to draw love and good company in folk craft; given to children and the restless to settle them; carried for charm and beauty. Ease and attraction, one gentle pull, cat and human alike.

Where you meet it on the Oracle

In the Green Kingdom you meet Catnip on Today's Herb, Angelic Herb, Today's Gathering, and Herb of the Hour. When it surfaces it counsels you toward its one office: a sachet for light flirtation and beauty; also: feeds a cat-familiar if you have one. As the Angelic Herb it stands under Anael; read its rising as that intelligence laying a hand on your day, with Venusian sweetness and attraction. As Today's Gathering it marks a plant to take up now, while the waxing moon and the day are with it.

Why it matters

Catnip softens and draws near. It is for making yourself, and your home, welcoming and warm. It asks you to lower your guard a little so that gentleness can come in.

Correspondences

planet

Venus

element

Air

zodiac

Libra, Taurus

number

7

sephirah

Netzach

day

Friday

colour

green, rose

metal

copper

stone

rose quartz, jade

tarot

The Lovers