For many centuries of use in medicine and magic, the mandrake has become so overgrown with legends and secrets that many people considered its very existence to be a fiction and a myth. However, this plant actually exists, but it grows only in certain regions - in Central Asia, in the foothills of the Himalayas and on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Find this plant in nature is difficult, because it refers to the relic (ancient) and endangered species.
What is mandrake?
Mandragora is a herbaceous plant of the Solanaceae family. The true mandrake, with which the greatest number of medieval legends and magical rites are associated, is considered to be the Mediterranean one. Flowers of all kinds of mandrakes have a sweetish intoxicating smell, reminiscent of the sweetish fragrance of a rose or jasmine. The most rare of all species is Turkmen. In nature there are 6 kinds of mandrakes:
- ordinary or Mediterranean (atropa);
- medicinal (officinarum L);
- spring (vernalis);
- the autumnalis Spreng;
- Turkmen (turcomanica).
What does mandrake look like?
Mandragora - a plant rare and at first glance inconspicuous. Ground part - large oval leaves collected in a neat rosette, the size of which, depending on the species, can reach one and a half meters in length. Mandrake flowers can have a lilac, violet or blue hue. Fruits of the plant in shape resemble apples of light orange color.
The root of the mandrake is very noteworthy. In form, it resembles a human figure. Mages distinguish between the roots of women and men. Occasionally, the roots resemble a creature of a strange or frightening appearance, the mandrake-animal is rare. Outside, it is covered with a brown bark, inside it is white. The size of the root depends on the type and age of the plant. The average root length is 60 cm, the large root - up to 2 meters.
Mandragora - magical properties
Mandrake from ancient times was used as a medicine and a magical remedy. All parts of the plant are poisonous because of the high content of toxins and psychotropic alkaloids, so the correct dosage is very important. Magicians and sorcerers believed that the mandrake is a mythical creature, a demonic spirit possessing the ability to accumulate astral energy. In Ancient Greece, this plant was considered a symbol of the goddess of the Church, the patroness of witches.
The root of the mandrake sorcerers used in rituals of black magic as a doll. The root symbolized a certain person. It was believed that if you pierce it with a needle, you can cause illness and even death. Its composition includes substances that have narcotic and psychotropic effects, when overdosed, they cause hallucinations , stupor and even death. Up to now magicians believe that talismans and amulets with mandrake help:
- protect from dark forces;
- attract and preserve wealth;
- cause a love passion;
- protect from deception in transactions;
- make invulnerable to cold weapons;
- helps to find a treasure.
Mandragora - Myths and Legends
In each locality with a plant of mandrake there is a legend. It was universally believed that if you dig out of the earth, it emits a shrill unbearable scream. The one who dig it out should have magical knowledge and skills, otherwise it was threatened with an early death. In Germany there is still an opinion that powerful magicians can revive the root of the mandrake, creating from it an obedient slave.
In ancient Arabia, they believed that the mandrake shines on dark moonless nights. For what it was called the "candle of the devil". In Europe, sorcerers used ointments with infusion of root or mandrake juice on Halloween . With the help of this tool, witches could fly on broomsticks at night. There is a legend about the beautiful woman Mandragora was bewitched and turned into a plant.
Mandragora in the Bible
It is believed that the mandrake is a symbol of love of black magic. In the Old Testament (The First Book of Moses, Genesis) there is a story that Jacob had two wives-his own sisters. One of Leah had four sons, and the second Rachel was childless. Mandrake apples helped Rachel to deceive Jacob and conceive his fifth son. "I was born the fifth son of Jacob, a plateau for mandrakes. {Gen. 30: 14-18.} "Mandragora is mentioned in the love songs of King Solomon as an incense of temptation.