Amaranth - The Herbs

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham 1985

Amaranth
The Herbs



(Amaranthus hypochondriacus)

Folk Names: Flower of Immortality, Huauhtli (Aztec), Love-Lies Bleeding, Red Cockscomb, Velvet Flower, Princess Feather, Floramon

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn

Element: Fire

Deity: Artemis

Powers: Healing, Protection, Invisibility

Ritual Uses: The amaranth was used in pagan burial rituals. It was also once outlawed by Spanish colonial authority in Mexico because it was used by Aztecs in their rituals.

Magical Uses: A crown of amaranth flowers worn on the head speeds healing. To make sure that you are never struck by a bullet, pull up a whole amaranth plant (including roots) preferably on a Friday during the Full Moon. Leave an offering to the plant and then fold it, roots and all, in a piece of white cloth. Wear this against your breast and you’ll be “bullet-proof.”

The dried amaranth flowers have been used to call forth the dead, and are also carried to “cure the affections,” i.e., to mend a broken heart.

A wreath of amaranth worn confers invisibility.