Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham 1985

Anise
The Herbs

(Pimpinella anisum) P

Folk Names: Anneys, Aniseseed, Yanisin, Sweet Cumin

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Jupiter

Element: Air

Powers: Protection, Purification, Youth

Magical Uses: Fill a small pillowcase with anise seeds and sleep on it. This will ensure that you have no nightmares. Use in protection and meditation incenses. Fresh anise leaves placed in a room will drive off evil, and they are sometimes placed around the magic circle to protect the magician from evil spirits. It also averts the evil eye.

Anise seed is also used in purification baths, especially with bay leaves. It is used to call forth spirits to aid in magical operations, and a sprig hung on the bedpost will restore lost youth.