10 Herbs for Prosperity, Money, Success, and Employment

By Ana Vice

Magickal herbs, plants, and roots to help find a new job, bring in money, and add more prosperity to your world.

Winter's Bark illustration © Ana Vice/ Enchantments NYC

Many of you may already have some of these plants in your magickal apothecary or cabinet, but they can also be purchased at your local supermarket, farmer's market, or at Enchantments (which has a botanica of over 150 herbs for your spiritual needs). Please note that they are not for ingestion, but for magickal use only. Some plants are poisonous to both humans and animals and should be handled with care (i.e. High John the Conqueror and Horse Chestnut). In conjunction with all magickal practices, be sure to consult your physician before using plant-based medicine to aid in your physical and/or mental health. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the magickal use of herbs (especially for love, healing, and protection), check out our new Herbal Series here. 

Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) 
The banyan tree (aka Arched Fig, Indian God Tree, and Vada Tree) is associated with the planet Jupiter, air element, and often used in luck magick. Some believe that just to sit beneath or look at a banyan tree brings good luck. Others believe that getting married under a banyan tree means the marriage will be a happy one. 

The banyan tree is planted outside and around places of worship in India by Hindus. Many believe the banyan tree to be Kalpavriksha, a Tree of Life that grants wishes and brings wealth and abundance. It symbolizes Trimurti: Lord Vishnu is the bark, Lord Brahma the roots, and Lord Shiva the branches. Buddha was also said to have sat under a banyan tree when he gained enlightenment. 

Banyan trees are included in Ayurveda because many of the herbs that are associated with the tree of life are sacred to this ancient practice. Ayurvedic medicine, a holistic healing system developed more than 3,000 years ago in India, is based on the belief that well-being and good health depends on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. 

There is also the Hindu Story of Svetaketu: A father had his son gather fruit from the sacred banyan tree and look at the seeds inside. The boy told his father that he saw nothing. His father uses this concept as a way to describe the idea that great things can come from very little or nothing at all. 

Others believe that banyan is eternal and its roots never stop growing as they make their way down into the Earth. Because of its extensive root system, when a banyan tree is cut down, it will use its powerful roots to rebirth or renew itself. The Chamorro of Guam believe in tales of Taotao Mo'na and other spirits of old. Taotao Mo'na are guardians of banyan trees – not ghosts or living dead, but instead ancestral spirits that are said to live in banyan trees. The trees are believed to change direction every night because their roots allow them to move.

Many people also make annual visits to the Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees (Banyan Trees) at the Tim Hau Temple in Hong Kong. They make a wish by writing their name, birthday, and a wish on yellow paper and throwing it in the air. If it gets caught on a branch, then their wish will come true.

Witchy Tip: If you are unable to physically be near a banyan tree then use creative visualization to imagine each root, leaf, and aspect of the banyan tree in all its glory. Imagine yourself seated below it and safe. Focus on welcoming in abundance and good luck to your life.

​Lucky Hand (Orchis spp.) 
Lucky Hand (aka Hand of Power, Hand Root, Helping Hand, and Salap) is associated with the planet Venus, water element, and used magickally to bring employment, luck, protection, money, and safe travel.  

This root is obtained from an orchid root and has different properties than the flower. Lucky hand is a general staple of New Orleans magical and botanical shops and it’s often added to sachets and conjure bags for luck and overall success. Carrying a lucky hand can attract gainful employment opportunities and to provide protection. 

Lucky hand can be ground up and used to prepare powders for incense or to dust money, lottery tickets, or the corners of a room where a game of chance might take place. Lucky hand oil can be made from lucky hand root to anoint candles and/or your person. Any left over powder could be used in a bath or combined with laundry detergent to wash your clothes. 

Lucky Hand is considered by those who work with it to be one of the most powerful ingredients that can be added to a gris gris (mojo bag) used specifically for luck in gambling or success in finding employment. When doing hoodoo, the lucky hand can be combined with five-finger grass and High John the Conqueror root for success, luck, and money drawing. Some practitioners also add a lodestone to attract money. 

Placing a Lucky Hand Root along with High John the Conqueror Root in your conjure bag can bring power, wealth, and wish fulfillment. While reciting Psalm 23, hold the root while setting an intention/praying for what you want. Add the lucky hand inside a blue cloth charm bag and tie off with a white ribbon. Carry this for good luck. 

Witchy Tip: Try filling a jar with rose essential oil and placing a few lucky hands into the rose oil and let them soak for a while. Take one of them and wear it as needed. For example, if you wish to travel put it in your shoe or if you need money, carry one in your wallet or handbag.

Lucky Hand Root illustration © Ana Vice / Enchantments NYC

​Alfalfa (Medicago saliva) 
Alfalfa (aka Buffalo Herb, Lucerne, and Purple Medic) is associated with the planet Venus, earth element, prosperity, money, and luck. Money drawing spells sometimes include alfalfa and it can be kept in the home to protect against poverty and hunger. Some believe scattering the ashes of burnt alfalfa around your home’s property aids in maintaining prosperity and wealth. 

Alfalfa originated from the Middle East and was known as al-fac-facah, which means "Father of all Foods." It contains many vitamins and minerals and was brought from Persia to China by General Chang Chien of the Han dynasty (around 2000 ACE) and called Mu-su in Chinese medicine. It eventually made its way to England and South Africa, where it was called Buffalo Herb. 

Alfalfa is believed to have the spiritual power to bring prosperity, draw money and good fortune in business matters. It is said that alfalfa can bring good luck in gambling, as well. This symbolism may come from its use as a food to keep farm animals fed in times of need. Often found on foothills and mountainous areas, Alfalfa leaf tea is said to improve appetite, alleviate peptic ulcers due to its diuretic properties. 

Witchy Tip: Fill a small mason jar with alfalfa and put it in your kitchen cabinet to welcome prosperity, money, and protect against hunger. Add a bit to a sachet and keep it at your place of business to bring good fortune.

Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum; A. spp.) Poison
Horse Chestnut (aka Buckeye) is linked to the planet Jupiter, fire element, and used for money drawing and healing. It can be carried to ward off aches and pains. If three horse chestnuts are carried at the same time, it’s said they can ward off giddiness. Alternatively, if you wrap a dollar bill around a horse chestnut and put it in a sachet to carry around with you, money will come. Carrying a horse chestnut is thought to bring for success in everything you do.

The horse chestnut tree produces fruit encased in a burr (similar to a chestnut) but the fruit is not edible. The nuts contain aesculin which can be toxic to humans and animals. Native Americans used the horse chestnut's toxic ability to stun fish by grinding it into a powder. 

In England horse chestnuts are called conkers and were used in a game by the same name. Kinger, a version played in parts of North Dakota in the United States, is played with Ohio Buckeye nuts. In America, traditionally, carrying a buckeye brings good luck. 

Witchy Tip: Obtain a Horse Chestnut and polish it. Carry it with you for good luck.
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Horse Chestnut illustration © Ana Vice/ Enchantments NYC

Devil’s Shoestring (Vibumum alnifolium, Vibumum spp.) 
Devil's Shoestring is actually a general name for a few plants that grow in the United States and Canada. A popular good luck charm amongst gamblers, it's used for protection, gambling luck, and employment, and also believed to keep away all evil when worn and protect its bearer against accidental poisoning. 

A suggested way to use this herb root is to cut it into tiny pieces and put them into a jar filled with spirits of camphor and whiskey. Take out a piece of root to rub on your hands when needed. Carrying Devil’s shoestring can help you obtain gainful employment or smooth out any difficulties at your job. It can also be put into a wallet or handbag to draw money. 

An additional use for Devil's Shoestring is that it is said to help in preventing the bearer from being affected by Goofer dust. Traditionally, Goofer dust is a hexing dust used in hoodoo originating from the Southeastern part of the United States. Devil’s Shoestring is also a common ingredient used for mojo hands (voodoo amulet or charm). Mojo hands act as a material manifestation of power to bring about a desired outcome. Viburnum alnifolium, Viburnum opulus, and Viburnum prunifolium are all in the honeysuckle family and appear stringy. The roots of all three are used medically as antispasmodics and sometimes used to relieve menstrual cramps. 
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Witchy Tip: Try making a blended anointing oil: Use pecan oil, a lucky hand, and some devil's shoestring (which you can purchase here) and let them sit for several days in a cool dry place. This can be used in a bath, to wear, or to anoint candles for the purpose of success, attaining employment, gambling luck, or protection.

Bergamot, Orange (Mentha citrata) 
Bergamot (aka Orange Mint) is associated with the planet Mercury, air element, and money draw and success spells. The leaves of the orange bergamot can be put into sachets, wallets and purses to draw in money. Fresh leaves can be rubbed directly onto money before making a purchase in order to promote the money to return. It can also be incorporated into baths, soaps, baths, etc. since the scent is uplifting and promotes joy.

The bergamot orange rind can be used to make essential oil and is commonly used in the perfume industry. It’s also used for massage therapy and various forms of aromatherapy; The oil may also be directly inhaled and act as an expectorant or decongestant during an illness. 

Earl Grey tea, a popular black tea blend with bergamot orange, was invented in the 1830s. British Prime Minister Charles Grey began drinking black tea infused with the citrus-scented oil. Legend has it that a Mandarin Chinese man bestowed the gift of bergamot-orange flavored tea upon the Earl for saving his child, however Jacksons of Piccadilly claims that they invented the original Earl Grey blend in the early 1800s. Also for any of you Star Trek fans, Earl Grey tea is Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s favorite.

Witchy Tip: Carry some bergamot in your wallet to draw money or use a few drops of essential bergamot orange oil (which you can purchase from Enchantments here) in a bath to promote success and lift your mood.
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Bergamot Illustration © Ana Vice/ Enchantments NYC

High John the Conqueror (Ipomoea Purga or I. jalapa​) Poison
High John the Conqueror is associated with the planet Mars, fire element, and money, love, success, and happiness. There are many spiritual uses for this root, but please note that it is highly poisonous and not to ingested.

You can carry High John with you to attract money and success in all that you do, since it's said to lift one’s mood, attract love, protect the wearer from curses and break hexes. It can be burned, put into oils, incenses, poppets, conjure bags, or sachets.

High John the Conqueror anointing oil can be used for many purposes and is made from cut roots that are left to soak in olive or mineral oil for a few weeks. This is great for anointing candles to be used for Candle Magick (but again, do not anoint your body with it). 

High John the Conqueror was named after a once-enslaved African prince who was sold into slavery. He was said to be very clever and had an enduring spirit. He tricked his master into freeing him, and upon being liberated, the Prince left his power and strong spirit inside a High John root. He did this for the people of Africa that had been made slaves so they would have a sense of empowerment and protection. High John the Conqueror root has become very well known because of this legend. High John the Conqueror is known as an all-powerful trickster that is likened to the God Loki of Norse mythology and the Coyote spirit of Native American beliefs. 

Witchy Tip: Combine High John the Conqueror root with High John the Conqueror oil and carry it in a green bag to bring money, luck, success, happiness, and love.

Winter’s Bark (Drimys winteri) 
Winter’s Bark (aka True Winter’s Bark, Wintera, Drimys Bark, and Winter’s Cinnamon) is used spiritually for success in all areas and can be put into sachets, baths, blended into incense, or carried on one’s person. 

When Sir Francis Drake sailed around the world in 1577-1580 AD in the Golden Hind, the only other ship to make it around Cape Horn with him was the ship named Elizabeth (whose Captain was John Wynter). Illness befell the crew and so Wynter sent a boat ashore in order to find medicinal herbs. He was successful and returned in 1579 with a good supply of Winter's Bark. It was used to treat scurvy before vitamin C became a known remedy. 

Winter’s Bark also sustained Captain James Cook and his crew in the South Pacific. A naturalist by the name of Johann Reinhold Forster on board was the first person to actually describe and name Drimys winteri.

Witchy Tip: Burn some winter’s bark and set the intention of success in all that you do – or create a sachet to carry wherever you go in order to promote success.
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Winter's Bark illustration © Ana Vice/ Enchantments NYC

Pecan (Carya illinoensis) 
Pecan (aka Hickory, Butternut or Sweet Pecan) is associated with the planet Mercury, air element, and money, employment, and prosperity spells. Growing as tall as 75 feet, pecan trees can be fruitful for up to 300 years.

The pecan tree symbolizes wealth and financial stability. The word pecan comes from an Algonquin word that has to do with nuts that have shells to be cracked. It has been said that Native Americans gathered pecans primarily as a food source. However, pecans had other uses too: some were used to make dye and oil. 

The genus name carya is based on the ancient Greek word karya meaning “nut.” Karya is derived from Carya (Lady of the Nut Tree), who later became known as the Olympian Nature Goddess Artemis Caryatis. 

Native to the southern United States and parts of Mexico, pecans were also useful in trading: In 1541 AD Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto wrote about pecans and eventually brought them to Spain. The pecan spread as far as Asia and Africa. The French settlers in Louisiana took the pecan into their culinary culture, creating pecan pie (which is my fave). 

How about some kitchen witchery? Make a pecan pie with the intention of welcoming wealth and prosperity (you can find a recipe here). 

Basil (Ocimum basilicum, O. tenuiflorum, O. sanctum) 
There are 21 different names for basil including, Sweet Basil, Holy Basil, and Witches Herb. Often associated with the planet Mars and fire element, it can be used to attract wealth, prosperity, harmony, luck, money, love or used in protection, flying, and exorcism spells. It also can be used to attract customers or clients to a place of business (this is done by putting some in the cash register or at the door). You can also use basil in in sachets, baths, incense, floor wash, sprays, and in kitchen witchery. It is utilized spiritually in a number of spiritual traditions including Santeria, Voodoo, Hoodoo and ones associated with Hinduism.

Basil has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammation and other illnesses. It is speculated that it originally comes from Asia but is now found in all over the world. 

Holy Basil in particular (O. tenuiflorum or sanctum) is an annual plant and has clove-like scented leaves that can grow up to 2 feet tall. Sacred to the Hindus, who use it in both cooking and medicines, it also shows up in sacred mythology. Holy basil (aka Tulsi) symbolizes the manifestation of the Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Good Fortune) and wife of Vishnu (God of Preservation and Protector of Good), and can be used as an offering to her. Vishnu has been said to wear a garland of holy basil leaves and for these reasons holy basil is grown in many Hindu homes and cultivated at temples. Once the plant withers, the woody stems can be used to create beads for rosaries (japa mala). 

Witchy Tip: Plant a holy basil plant in your home to invite wealth and good fortune into your life or as tribute to Lakshmi. Another tip would be to create a money drawing box: Fill a small wooden or cardboard box with basil leaves (which you can purchase from Enchantments here), a five dollar bill, and anoint it with a money draw oil or prosperity oil. Place your petition inside the box to draw in money.
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Basil illustration © Ana Vice/ Enchantments NYC

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