Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham 1985

Fennel
The Herbs

(Foeniculum vulgare) G

Folk Names: Samar, Sweet Fennel, Sheeh

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury

Element: Fire

Deities: Prometheus, Dionysus

Powers: Protection, Healing, Purification

Ritual Uses: The thyrsus, which figured in Dionysian ceremonies, was often made of giant fennel stalks with pine cones attached to the ends.

Magical Uses: Grown around the home, fennel confers protection. Wearing a piece of fennel in the left shoe will prevent wood ticks from biting your legs. Fennel is also hung up at windows and doors to ward off evil spirits, and the seeds can be carried for the same reason.

Fennel is used in purification sachets, as well as in healing mixtures.