Hypericum perforatum | St. John's Wort

Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John's Wort, is a flowering herbaceous plant that belongs to the Hypericaceae family. It is native to Europe but has been naturalized in various regions around the world. St. John's Wort is well-known for its bright yellow flowers and its historical use in traditional medicine. It is named after St. John the Baptist because it typically blooms around the time of the feast of St. John in late June.

Botanical Information:

• Plant Type: St. John's Wort is a perennial herb with numerous branches and bright yellow, five-petaled flowers.

• Leaves: The plant has narrow, opposite, and dotted leaves that are typically covered in translucent glands, which give the leaves a "perforated" appearance.

• Flowers: The bright yellow flowers have five petals and appear in clusters at the ends of the branches.

Magical Properties:

• Protection: St. John's Wort is a potent protector against negativity, evil spirits, and psychic attacks. It is often used in amulets, charms, and incense to ward off harmful energies. It was believed to guard against evil spirits, witches, and malevolent influences.

• Healing and Positivity: St. John's Wort is a symbol of healing and restoration, both physically and emotionally. It is believed to aid in healing ailments of the mind and body, and to promote inner peace and well-being. The plant is also linked to healing, positivity, and dispelling negative emotions. It may be used in rituals or charms to promote well-being and emotional balance.

• Elemental Balance: St. John's Wort's bright yellow color and sunny disposition align it with themes of elemental balance and harmonizing energies.

• Visions and Intuition: St. John's Wort is associated with heightened intuition and clairvoyance. It is said to open the third eye and facilitate spiritual visions and insights.

• Protection from Lightning: Due to its yellow blooms that resemble sunbeams, St. John's Wort was traditionally believed to protect against lightning strikes. It was often placed on or near houses during storms.

Metaphysical Correspondences

• Color: Yellow

• Deities: St. John the Baptist, Apollo, Helios

• Chakras: Third Eye, Crown

• Tarot Card: The Sun

Elemental Correspondences:

• Element: Fire. St. John's Wort's sunny appearance and protective qualities align it with the element of fire.

Planetary and Astrological Correspondences:

• Planet: Sun. St. John's Wort is often associated with the sun due to its bright yellow flowers and the positive, uplifting energy it is believed to embody.

Folklore and Symbolism

• Midsummer Celebrations: St. John's Wort is a central element of Midsummer celebrations, a time when the veil between the worlds is said to be thin. It is burned in bonfires, woven into wreaths, and incorporated into rituals to harness its protective and healing energies.

• St. John the Baptist: The association of St. John's Wort with St. John the Baptist stems from the tradition of gathering the herb on the eve of his feast day, June 24th. St. John was known as a healer and exorcist, and his connection to the herb enhanced its magical reputation.

• Fairy Protection: In Celtic folklore, St. John's Wort was believed to protect travelers and those venturing into the woods from mischievous fairies and spirits. Wearing a St. John's Wort amulet or carrying a sprig was thought to safeguard against their trickery.