Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham 1985

Buckthorn
The Herbs

(Rhamnus catharticus, R. frangula,

R. spp.) P N Lt I Ab Ii Ch-12

R. frangula bark must be aged two years prior to internal use.

Folk Name: Hart’s Thorn

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Saturn

Element: Water

Powers: Protection, Exorcism, Wishes, Legal Matters

Magical Uses: Branches of the buckthorn, placed near doors and windows, drive away all enchantments and sorceries, according to Dioscorides.

A charming legend concerning the buckthorn says that if one sprinkles buckthorn in a circle and then dances within it under a full Moon, an elf will appear. The dancer must notice the elf and say, “Halt and grant my boon!” before the creature flees. The elf will then grant one wish. I cannot make any guarantees this will happen, however.

Buckthorn is also used in legal matters (carried or worn to court, etc.) and as a general good luck generator.