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The common garlic bulb has long been associated with powers of protection from evil and disease. Thought to have originated in ancient Siberia, and indigenous to the South of Europe, especially the South of France and Italy, the medicinal and magical properties of garlic have been known since ancient times. It has been used in the ancient Indian Ayurvedic healing system and as part of Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
Ruled by the fiery planet Mars and the fire element, and of the Vedic tamastic quality, garlic is considered to have a masculine quality. In Taoist belief, it enhances the circulation of chi, the vital force that animates all life. Every part of the plant — the bulb, stem, and flowers can be used in spells and as an amulet for protection.
Eating and wearing garlic is said to improve agility, courage, and physical endurance. Many ancient civilizations, including the Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians, believed in the magical powers of garlic. Roman soldiers ate it to give them courage in battle. Garlic was also given to slaves in the past to protect them from disease and enhance their strength.
In ancient Rome it was also thought to be an aphrodisiac and was often a major ingredient in love potions, because of its power to induce lust. Men wore garlic to protect themselves from evil influences that could take away their sexual prowess.
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Garlic is placed under the pillow, worn inside an amulet around the neck, or made into a wreathe placed on the bed, to protect from evil spirits while sleeping. The ancient Egyptians used it in this way to protect their children from ghosts while they slept. In Slavic folklore, the magical powers of garlic are used to guard against vampires, witches, sorcerers, and evil spirits at night. There are also similar beliefs in China and the West Indies. In the well-known story of Dracula, garlic is most effective at keeping away the bloodthirsty vampire.
Protection against bad luck is another magical property of garlic. Used in the home and hung in doorways and around windows, garlic can keep out thieves, evil influences, and unwelcome visitors. Carrying garlic when traveling over water prevents drowning. Sailors have been known to take it on board ship to protect against being shipwrecked.
The use and faith in garlic down through the ages shows it to be a most versatile, powerful, and trusted magical herb, and it would be wise to always keep some for your own self-protection from evil, bad luck, and ill-health.
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