Corn
- Latin name: Zea Mays, etc.
- Folk or Common names:
- Parts Used: Seeds, silk, husks
- Herbal usage: Corn silk is a mild stimulant, diuretic and demulcent, useful in the treatment of bladder irritation and has also been employed in gonorrhea treatments. The seeds are also diuretic and mild stimulants. A poultice can be made from the seeds to treat ulcers, swellings, and rheumatic pains. An infusion of the parched Corn can help control nausea and vomiting in many diseases. Cornmeal makes a palatable and nutritious gruel and is an excellent diet for convalescents. Corn oil is used in treating arteriosclerosis and high cholesterol. Mexicans of today are very skilful in making fermented liquors from Corn - 'Chicka' resembles beer and cider, and a spirituous liquor called 'Pulque de Mahis,' is made from the juice of the stalk.
- Magical History & Associations: Corn is a sacred Druidic herb of Mean Fomhair (also called Mabon) and of Samhain. Corn is associated with the element of earth and the planets Venus and Saturn. Because Corn was such an important part of the food supply of many early cultures, almost ever
- Magickal usage: Corn can be used for spells protection, luck, and in divination. Corn on the altar represents the power of the Corn Mother, She who blesses and nourishes all Her earthly children. Often Corn husks and Wheat straw are used to create what are called 'Corn Dollies'. These are usually in the shape of a doll or are woven into various other shapes and are carried as charms or put on an altar. Corn dollies can be hung from the rafters of a house to offer protection for the house and all those who dwell within. Corn can also be used in many forms of fertility magic. One Corn Fertility spell is used if you want to get pregnant.... it requires that you eat Corn on the cob while saying:
"Bless my womb,
Corn can be worn as jewelry or in amulets to make the wearer closer to the spirit of the earth. Corn can be used to divine the future. An old folk spell said that if a damsel found a blood-red ear of maize, she would have a suitor before the year was out. Remember that when harvesting Corn for magickal uses it is important to say thanks you to the grain spirits:
this seed of earth,
grant to me,
a healthy birth.""Mother of Corn
I harvest thee.
In spring thou wilt
A maiden be."