Star anise (Illicium Verumun) unlike anise seed, has a sweeter, milder flavour, which likely lends to its association with sweetness and good fortune. It was often carried for good luck or kept in a wallet or purse to draw money toward the owner. As such, it can be used to sweeten spells, bring good fortune, attract money, or generally empower spells.

Star anise is associated with divination and astral travel. The origins of this are unclear, but star anise is often burned, simmered, or diffused to enhance psychic awareness, promote prophetic dreams, or reach an altered state of consciousness prior to hedge riding or other astral travel. The smoke can be used for scrying and the seeds are sometimes used as a pendulum.

It was also believed to ward off evil and bring good luck to anyone who found the spice with more than eight pods in a single star.

Gender:Masculine
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Air
Powers: Divination, Healing, Luck, Protection, Psychic Powers

Health Benefits:

Star anise contains shikimic acid, a chemical compound that is the primary precursor of Tamiflu, and flavonoid anethole. This makes star anise naturally antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal, and therefore it can be used to treat mild flus, colds, bacterial infections, and fungal infections. Star anise is also an expectorant and therefore can be used to treat respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, and coughs by helping to remove mucus and congestion. It also aids in digestion, reduces gas, prevents and heals stomach ulcers, and soothes an upset stomach by reducing stomach acid secretion.

Preparation and Dosage: Internally, star anise can be taken as an infusion or tincture. To create an infusion combine 3-4 star anise pods with 1 cup of boiling water. Infuse for 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 times a day. Star anise combines well with cinnamon and honey for treating both respiratory and gastrointestinal issues. As a tincture, take 1-2 millilitres up to 3 times a day.

1 package is approx. 10-13 grams