A plant that even witches fear- Cleanse the aura and attract happiness

In all magical traditions of the world, herbs are considered a healing but also a mystical weapon against the forces of evil. Among the many beautiful embryophytes, a special, almost sacred place is occupied by the most famous plant in Bosnian beliefs, which our people call sedef trava or sedefil, while in other countries it is known as a ruta or rutvica. How powerful it is will be most credibly witnessed by its privileged status among the Roman peoples. Namely, the Italian saying "La ruta ogni mala stuta" that is, translated into English: „sedefil burns all evil“, and this best describes the potential it possesses.

It was noted that Roman women, especially those from the wealthier class, never went out on the street without a twig of sedefil  in their hands or tucked behind their ear, convinced that in addition to enviable looks they would be protected from disease. Sedefil is considered a natural amulet that is traditionally claimed to be especially powerful against evil eyes, especially if its leaves are carried in a red bag.

The sedefil  gained such a reputation thanks to the specific appearance of the leaves, which resembles five fingers, which is a traditional amulet in the Middle East against the most widespread evil in the world - evil eyes. Because of that, but also because of its unusual aromatic scent, mother-of-pearl was very popular as an amulet, so its branches were sold by traders on the streets, and on one branch there are enough leaves to make an amulet for five or six people or for the whole family.

This amulet, given by God, was believed to be good to carry with you, hung around your neck, against epilepsy, dizziness, hysteria and other neuroses. Similarly, it has been suggested that it has the power to protect against demon attacks and nightmares, so very often the leaves of this plant were placed in a pillow. Sedefil is traditionally grown near the front door or in the garden to protect the house from evil.

Precisely because of this common practice, it was once very easy to recognize a Bosniak house by this beautiful detail. A similar custom exists in Latin American countries where bouquets of sedefil  grass can still be seen today at the front door, to protect the family from dishonorable forces and magic. In addition, mothers there usually hang a bouquet of sedefil on the wall to hang near the baby's bed, in order to protect the baby's crib from witches' attacks.


A cure for evil

Apart from the fact that in many cultures of the world sedefil is given exceptional prophylactic power, it is also an excellent cleaner of space from negative energy. Namely, with its presence, sedefil expels opposing energies and contributes to the creation of harmony. The ritual is very simple; a bouquet of sedefil  is dipped in a bowl of spring water and sprayed on all corners of the rooms.

All those who are familiar with the miraculous properties of this plant agree in the statement that there is no better cure for evil eyes than this one.

The Spaniards used sea water and a twig of sedefil  against diseases caused by evil eyes. After dipping it in water, the person performing the exorcism sprays the patient with it and says:

Evil from the air, evil from the sea,
evil from fire, evil from the moon,
evil of the stars, evil of noon,
evil from midnight.
If there is an evil eye on you,
sorcery or witch's hand,
in the name of God and the Virgin Mary,
let them take it all away
the waves of the holy sea
where the rooster does not sing,
chicken does not poop,
a small child does not cry
nor does a baptized Christian live there.

After that the twig is put back in the glass and if it sinks it is a sign of strong evil. He is then thrown into the sea, but so that the patient stands with his back to the sea and the sedefil is thrown over his head into the water.

Sometimes an old woman (a white witch) would be invited into the house to bring freshly picked sedefil twigs and place them next to the patient or on his chest, and pray quietly and persistently until the leaves were completely dry. This would complete the ritual and free the patient from the evil eye. In a similar way, "air sickness" is thus treated, as the Spaniards call facial paralysis, be it partial or complete. The white witch dips a waist of sedefil in a vessel of sea water and, making it a sign of the cross above the patient's face, says:

I bless you from the dead air,
from the living air, from the sun's rays,
the rays of the moon, the rays of the stars,
noon and midnight air
and the rays of Ave Maria.

This formula is pronounced three days in a row, during the day only. It is forbidden to perform the described exorcism on Sundays. Also, after the treatment, the patient would be required to carry a canvas bag with a sprig of sedefil  in it as an amulet against evil winds.


A ritual for happiness in all fields


But, although the most common prop of local witches and folk healers, sedefil can also be used without their assistance. Special power is given to a bouquet of sedefil to which a few sprigs of rosemary have been added.

The people in Portugal believe that these are plants that can save everyone and remove the destructive effects of any evil eye and cleanse the aura of accumulations of negative energy. For this purpose the following very simple rite is practiced; first bathe and wash your hair and then the whole body, from head to toe, sprinkled with tea from a boiled sprig of sedefil  and one sprig of rosemary. After that, cut the fresh lemon into four parts and rub the body with it. When dry, throw the leftovers down the river. In addition to humans, witchcraft can also be placed on animals, especially pets, so if you notice that your dog or cat has suddenly become lethargic, without appetite, or has been upset for some time, take one large twig of sedefil  and gently cross it over the animal's body. saying:

Holy Juraj,
as thou hast slain the enemy of good,
so take away these evil eyes from this animal.

Repeat this a few times and finally with a twig make a sign of the cross on your pet’s head.

Since ancient times, both in Europe and in Africa, sedefil has been considered a magical plant in the fight against the evil eye, to defend against infectious diseases and to achieve what is desired. That is why I left for the end a very powerful ritual that originates from the Brazilian cult of macumba and with the help of which you can activate positive energy in all fields of life.

It is necessary to take a handful of mother-of-pearl leaves and put it under your pillow, so that it stays there for 21 days. On the morning of the twenty-second day, you should make tea from these leaves and wash yourself with it from the neck to the toes, avoiding water contact with the head. During those days, while your leaves are under your pillow, don't forget to light a candle to your guardian angel, who will provide you with protection and accelerate the effects of this ritual.

A plant that even witches fear- Cleanse the aura and attract


Sedef trava or Sedefil (Ruta graveolens) is a plant with a characteristic smell and specific appearance, which I have already written about twice. But she is also, very miraculous, so she rightly deserves more attention and time. It is extremely popular in the folklore of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal, but also throughout Latin America, and as such it is accompanied by many beliefs and ritual practices. Among the many examples, we can mention Mexico, where sedefil is used to treat various diseases, from headaches, menstrual cramps, epilepsy to ailments that can be caused by evil eyes.

It is a well-established rule of the local folk healers (curandero) that in the rituals of annulment, the consequence of enchanting eyes, the patient is first "swept" with a fresh hen's egg, and a bouquet of rosemary, sedefil and basil just before the massage. In this way, the bouquet accumulates a good part of the negative energy and weakens it in the patient's body while the egg absorbs the rest.

lso, it is known that with a bouquet of freshly picked sedefil grass, the aura is cleaned so that a person "sweeps" it from head to toe, and then goes to a river or stream, turns his back on it, and throws the used bouquet over his head into the water. After that, the person goes home without turning back.

Due to its natural prophylactic appearance, sedefil leaves in Brazil are considered the perfect amulet against black magic and evil eye attacks. This knowledge is shared by those Bosnian hodjas who make amulets. Namely, traditionally, when packing amulets, a sheet of sedef trave is placed in it, in order to double the strength of protection. In addition, if its leaf is carried in a wallet, it attracts happiness and well-being, while if it is kept and carried in a small canvas bag, it protects against witchcraft.

In a house where there is no progress and bad things are happening, it is recommended that a friend or relative give a sedefil as a gift to any member of that family. If the donated plant in the pot remains healthy, that is, it does not dry out, which can happen despite the care around it, it is a sign that bad luck has been expelled from that house and from the family.

The only rule that should be followed in the described ritual is that no one from the household had had contact with the donated sedefil before, that is, that he did not touch it with his hands, bought or watered it. In addition to this, it is interesting to say that in Bosnia it is believed that sedefil only grows, that is, it takes root only in a pious or good-natured person, which in addition to alluding to its sanctity, shows how the plant responds exclusively to positive energy.


The fear that makes witches tremble

The people of Puerto Rico traditionally have great respect for sedef trava because of the belief that it can save a person from witches and black magic. According to the island's tradition, the Virgin Mary ascended to heaven, climbing a bush of mother-of-pearl, and for this service to the Mother of God she was blessed and endowed with divine virtues. Respect for it is argued in the general belief that the plant should not be treated badly under any circumstances, breaking its branches or pruning it unnecessarily. Furthermore, it is believed that its leaves or stems in the preparation of medicines should not be boiled, which is a common practice in Puerto Rican folk medicine, because if this is done the plant is depleted or literally - killed.

The people there also believe that if a few twigs of sedef trava, on which there are hard fruits of seeds, are placed under a pillow or under the bed, it prevents any negative entity from approaching the sleeper during the night. For the same purpose, old people in that part of the world used to carry a twig of sedefil with them, especially on Tuesdays and Fridays. Also, in the past, it was not uncommon to use small branches of this plant to maintain a home fireplace. Usually a twig was hung above the front door, or in the immediate vicinity of the front door, with the aim of mortally intimidating witches and evil spirits, who then should not dare to step into such a sheltered house.

According to folklore, several witches once talked about things that spoil and prevent their spells, not realizing that a village girl was listening to them from the sidelines, who then revealed herself to them in the middle of the conversation and asked them what good sedef trava is for. The witches, frightened that the girl had heard and recognized them, and thus deprived them of the power to harm her, replied that they would reveal it to her, but only if she promised not to reveal their identity to other villagers. After the girl swore to keep the secret, the eldest of the witches said, "It is good to keep a sedef  in a crib against witches, it is good for the mother to burn incense with it, it is also good for women's diseases, as well as for the woman not to lose her fetus ". This is why the saying is often heard in other Latin American countries: "If there were no sedef trave, there would be no children."

There is even a story about how the witches themselves sing this saying while dancing at their nightly meetings, and the devil replies, "The organ is good, the organ is good," revealing to them that the evil forces prefer church singing to the leaf of sedef trave. Elsewhere it is said: "If the barracuda did not speak, it would not know what sedefil  is good for", like a curious witch who once complained to the people, pretending to be good, in order to persuade them to reveal to her the virtues of this miraculous plant.

Raif Esmerović

Common rue is better protected than a child!

Among the Bosniak people, common rue or herb-of-grace (Ruta graveolens) is a cult plant that accompanies an individual from birth to death. Namely, it is well known that pregnant women carried the stem of the common rue with them to protect them from miscarriages and it was also placed near a young child as a countermeasure to evil eyes and diseases. Probably because of this, old women have always warned that "common rue is better protected than a child!", wanting to emphasize its importance in the traditional life of our people. Furthermore, people would reach out for the common rue whenever peace and harmony was needed in their marriage, bring prosperity, create love luck, cure diseases.

Common rue is also traditionally planted in cemeteries and it used to be customary to place the stem of the common rue above the head of a woman or a man who had passed away as a symbol of their innocence and purity, while the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua) was used for the rest.

During the weddings a bouquet of common rue had a strong place in this ceremony, it was used in order to protect the bride and the groom from all evil.

It is notable that the aforementioned plant has connections with Holy authorities, in the Mawlid chapter “Birth of the Prophet” in the first verse we can read the following:

Amina, majka Muhamed-pejgambera,
ona sedef rodi zrno bisera…

But the connections of the plant with Holy elements does not stop here which, after all, is shown by the magic formula which is pronounced aloud upon picking out this plant: “I picked this plant from the garden of Hazrat Hawwa…” It is interesting to note how there are a few version of this short fable dedicated to the common rue but they all have the same beginning, while the second part is changed, but in essence it is all similar such as the following:

I picked this plant from the garden of Hazrat Hawwa
to give me the medicine that she knows.

or

I picked this plant from the garden of Hazrat Hawwa,
to be of use and remedy to me until the Day of Judgment.

Other than that, it is custom among women to pick out 33 hard seeds of common rue each year right before fall and line them on a thread, that way they create the so-called common rue rosary, which is then placed on a wall so it attracts prosperity into the house.

According to some folk healers, every man can independently get rid of sorcery and negative energy on their own using the apotropaic power of this natural amulet and the destroyer of evil. In a bowl filled with spring water place nine flowers, nine leaves and nine twigs of common rue and then, while standing above the bowl, chant nine time each of these prayers: El-Fatiha, Ihlas, Falaq, En-Nas and El-Leheb. After that blow on the water three times. Leave the bowl of water outside overnight under the stars, but be careful so that a dog or a cat doesn’t come near it, tomorrow morning before the Sun is out, pour the water on yourself from head to toe. Dirty water, alongside with the remains of the plant, is scooped up from the bottom of the bathtub and is then spilled somewhere where humans do not cross, usually underneath some hedge. Afterwards one slice of bread is crumbled up into that bowl that was used for the ritual and placed outside so that birds can eat out of it.


Angel’s blessing

Other than Bosnia and Herzegovina, when it comes to this plant a lot of beliefs and practices can be found in Latin America. Women there, much like the Bosnian ones, have the established practice of placing a twig of common rue underneath the sheets after giving birth, this is done in order to protect themselves from envy and evil eyes. The local people of Latin America associate this plant a lot with fertility which is demonstrated by the practice of the natives where if a woman cannot conceive a child she should eat two leaves of basil, a three centimeter long branch leaf of common rue and boiled chocolate every morning on an empty stomach.

In addition to this information, the old healers record an important recommendation which reads that at the time of a plague there is nothing better for a man than to take a stem of common rue and sniff it. It is noticeable that a great deal of attention is given to the unusual smell of the plant, which not only has the ability to scare away evil spirits, it also heals diseases. In the old book from the year 1722 under the name of “Book about the secrets of agriculture” written by Miguel Agustin, in one part of his description of the common rue he advises the following: “In order for the common rue to be beautiful, aromatic and have a seductive smell, it needs be planted under a fig tree or put in its bark, as its sweetness diminishes the sour smell of the common rue.”

Common rue is well known even dating back to the antic times when it was widely used as a reliable tool but also as an amulet against evil eyes, spirits, diseases and magic. It is written that Roman judges would carry the stalk of common rue with them when going to trial to criminals and wrongdoers. Namely, at that time it was believed that individuals from those social miles possessed evil eyes so they used this method to defend themselves. The bouquet of this plant was also hung above the entrance door, not only to repel witches and evil, but also due to the old common belief that says “ an angel will stop and bless the house that has common rue inside it”.

Based on a presented belief which is probably based on the saying that goes that this plant is a plant of positive mood, in other words this plant creates positive energy in its surroundings, which is the best recommendation to have it planted in your house, in some flowerpot which you will place in the corner of your room or at your window.

It is very good and useful to cultivate this plant in your yard especially at the front door. It is an old rule that the common rue must be planted on the right side of your door which allows the plant to soak up all the envy, in other words all the negative vibes which certain visitor radiate. All individuals who suffer from the lack of positive mood and spiritual energy, who look at life and reality in a highly pessimistic way or are filled with issues and frustrations fall into this category of a visitor with negative vibes. There are a lot of people like this today which is in itself a good enough reason to sincerely take in the advice and cultivate common rue at your house.

Another very important detail which discovers the wonderous prophylactic properties of the aforementioned plant is the fact that Chango sorcerers, which rule the African black magic, one of the most dangerous forms next to voodoo, hate and call this plant their worst enemy. A House that has this plant growing in the yard or simply placed on their balcony, their witchcraft which is also known as Nfoki cannot penetrate it. It is also believed that it’s very preferable to have the common rue on your balcony, especially if you live in an apartment, since you can never know who’s living right next to you. This rule is especially applied to families that have young children.

Although it is considered the most powerful plant against negative energy, it can also be teamed up with basil and rosemary, they are considered to have similar powers. Therefore, in the ritual of sweeping the sick with a bouquet made of common rue, basil and rosemary, a prayer known as the "Blessing of the Three Grasses" is said. Its power is to help you heal or cleanse your body of negative energy for nine days. The prayer reads:

Common rue, basil and rosemary, from the ground and the Holy God in all its virtues, you were not planted by human hands. Common rue, basil and rosemary, because of the secret that God bestow upon you, remove all that is enchanted in my home and bring the health that God gave us. Common rue, basil and rosemary, with your first smoke cast out all evil spirits.

This prayer is also used to protect the home from black magic and evil spirits, it is chanted on two holy days, Wednesday and Friday, it is also a well known method of bringing in positive energy.

Raif Esmerovic