Yucca filamentosa - A Compendium of Plants

Plant Witchery: Discover the Sacred Language, Wisdom, and Magic of 200 Plants - Juliet Diaz 2020


Yucca filamentosa
A Compendium of Plants

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ESSENTIAL PROPERTIES

purification, protection

Yucca got her name from my ancestors, the Taíno people, though she is a staple in food, medicine, and spirituality for many native peoples. She is native to North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, and has around 40 species and 24 subspecies. She is also known as Adam’s needle. Almost all of the yucca plant can be used as food, though the stems or trunks can be toxic unless handled properly.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Yucca roots are not only delicious and highly nutritious, they also offer a variety of benefits to your general health. Yucca can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol and can relieve migraine headaches. You can also make her into a balm to help with sprains and joint pain, and to calm dandruff. According to a study done by NASA, yucca is one of best plants for filtering the air, so keep her in your home to improve air quality.

Yucca Root Cleansing Bath

This cleansing process will either clear you before spellwork, or dissolve any residual effects of a casting after a Magical practice.

WHAT YOU NEED

3 to 4 yucca roots

1 tablespoon grated ginger

1 garlic clove, smashed

1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt

Yucca powder

3 to 4 yucca leaves

White candle

Charcoal

WHAT TO DO

· Cut your yucca roots into halves and add them to a pot of boiling water.

· After 5 minutes, add the ginger, garlic, and salt. Boil for another 5 minutes.

· Remove from the heat, strain, and allow to cool.

· Chop the yucca leaves into small pieces and mix them with the yucca powder to make an incense.

· Run a bath, and add the yucca tea.

· Light your candle, and place your yucca incense on your charcoal to burn.

· Relax in the bath and allow yucca to clear all that is attached to you. If you feel that an excess of negative energy has latched on to you, or if you need to banish evil eye, you can repeat this bathing ritual every day for 3 days.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES

For purification, you can cleanse yourself by taking a few yucca leaves and tying them together at their base. Using a sweeping motion over the body, sweeping from the top of your head and out the bottoms of your feet. If you feel an excess of energy, for instance if you’re anxious, stressed, or are having trouble focusing, cut a piece of yucca root and rub it over your belly, then meditate while holding the root. She will draw that energy out of you.

PLANT WISDOM

My ancestors worked with yucca, and so she is near and dear to me. Simply having her in the home protects those who live there—and she will shake her leaves if there are ill-willed spirits near. The more you work with yucca, the more she will speak to you, physically, spiritually, and energetically. If your ancestors worked with yucca, she will visit you in your dreams and help you speak with them there. If not, she will bring you peace and harmony while you sleep.