Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham 1985

Catnip
The Herbs

(Nepeta cataria) P

Folk Names: Cat, Catmint, Catnep, Catrup, Cat’s Wort, Field Balm, Nepeta, Nip

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Deities: Bast

Powers: Cat Magic, Love, Beauty, Happiness

Magical Uses: Given to your cat, catnip creates a psychic bond between the two of you. It is also intoxicating to the cat.

Catnip is used in love sachets, usually in conjunction with rose petals. If you hold catnip in your hand until it is warm, then hold anyone else’s hand; they will forever be your friend, as long as you keep the catnip you used for the spell in some safe place.

Grown near the home or hung over the door, catnip attracts good spirits and great luck. Catnip is also used in spells designed to enhance beauty and happiness.

Large catnip leaves are pressed and used as bookmarks in magical texts.