Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham 1985

Orris
The Herbs

(Iris germanica var. florentina) G

Folk Names: Florentine Iris, Queen Elizabeth Root

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Deities: Aphrodite, Isis, Osiris, Hera, Iris

Powers: Love, Protection, Divination

Magical Uses: The orris root has long been used to find and hold love. The whole orris root is carried, the powder added to sachets, sprinkled on sheets, clothing and the body, as well as around the house. Orris root powder is sometimes known as “Love Drawing Powder.”

In Japan the orris was used as a protectant against evil spirits; the roots and leaves were hung from the eaves of the house and added to the bath water for personal protection. Suspend a whole root from a small length of cord or yarn and with this pendulum find answers to your questions.