Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham 1985

Banyan
The Herbs

(Ficus benghalensis) G

Folk Names: Arched Fig, Indian Fig Tree, Indian God Tree, Vada Tree

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Jupiter

Element: Air

Deity: Maui

Powers: Luck

Ritual Uses: The banyan is reverenced by the Hindus, and the tree is planted outside around their temples. It is also connected with the worship of Maui in Hawaiian and Polynesian religions.

Magical Uses: To simply sit beneath or look at a banyan tree brings good luck, and to be married under one ensures the couple’s happiness.