Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham 1985

Bodhi
The Herbs

(Ficus religiosa)

Folk Names: Bo-Tree, Peepul Tree, Pipul, Sacred Tree

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Jupiter

Element: Air

Deities: Buddha, Vishnu

Powers: Fertility, Protection, Wisdom, Meditation

Ritual Uses: The plant is sacred to Vishnu who, like Buddha, was said to have been born beneath it. In the East, sacred fires are fed with its wood. Since Buddha also sat beneath this tree in meditation for six years, it is sacred to Him, and the heart-shaped leaves still tremble remembering the divine vibrations.

Magical Uses: If you feel evil near, simply circle this tree several times and the evil shall flee in terror.

Barren women walk naked beneath a bodhi tree to become fertile.

Use the leaves in meditation incenses and all mixtures designed to give wisdom.