Fennel

What this is

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). The herb in whose hollow stalk the gods' fire was carried down to humankind in the Prometheus story. A Mercury-and-Sun plant of Virgo, Gemini, and Leo, kept for strength, clear sight, and protection, hung over the door and stuffed in the keyhole at Midsummer.

What it governs

Fennel answers to Mercury and the element of Air, with a second hand from Sun. Its seat in the zodiac is Virgo, Gemini, and Leo, and its day is Wednesday, when its virtue runs fullest. It strengthens with the waxing moon. In the old practice its office is plain: Chew a pinch of seeds after a heavy meal — sharpens the wit and settles the stomach.

Its properties

In the Galenic reckoning fennel is warm and dry, and that temperament is the whole key to its work. The part you take is the seed and the leaf. Its working colour follows Mercury, orange and shot-silk mixed hues; its metal is quicksilver, its stones are jade, malachite, its number 8, and on the Tree of Life it threads up to Hod. It is gentle, safe to use as the practice describes.

Where else it appears

Strength and warding everywhere: hung at the door and the keyhole against witches and ghosts on Midsummer Eve across Europe; chewed by the fasting to stay clear-headed; carried for courage and keen sight. Fire carried and fire guarded, the same hollow stalk at hearth and threshold.

Where you meet it on the Oracle

In the Green Kingdom you meet Fennel on Today's Herb, Angelic Herb, and Herb of the Hour. When it surfaces it counsels you toward its one office: chew a pinch of seeds after a heavy meal — sharpens the wit and settles the stomach. As the Angelic Herb it stands under Raphael; read its rising as that intelligence laying a hand on your day, with Mercury's quickness of mind and word.

Why it matters

Fennel carries fire and guards the door. It is for strength held steady and for keeping harm out, the two halves of one stance. It asks you to hold your ground with a clear head rather than a hot one.

Correspondences

planet

Mercury

element

Air

zodiac

Virgo, Gemini, Leo

number

8

sephirah

Hod

day

Wednesday

colour

orange, shot-silk mixed hues

metal

quicksilver

stone

jade, malachite

tarot

The Magician