Ireland's OWN Myths & Magic

The mandrake root (Atropa mandragora) grows naturally in the shape of a human being, and is believed to have great magickal properties. Its Latin name means "dragon man."

At one time, the more it looked like a human being, the higher the price the herbologist could get for it. In fact, some magicians would modify the plant as it grew. They would find a young mandrake and carefully dig it up. Examining it, they would cut away small pieces to make it look more human, even carving a face into it. Then they would place it back in the earth for a month and dig it up again, and modify it again if they thought it necessary. This process might be repeated several times before the plant was full grown.

Many believe the plant shrieks when torn from the ground. Legend has it that anyone who hears the plant's cry, dies or goes mad. It was therefore a custom to tie a hungry dog to the plant by a cord and place a piece of meat beyond its reach. To get at the meat the dog tugged at the cord and dragged up the plant, while its master remained safely out of hearing.

The plant is easy to identify because of its single stem and umbrella-like leaves. It grows in wild, damp places. Its fruit is sometimes known as mayapples or Devil's apples. The fruits are edible, but the root contains a powerful cytotoxin.

The mandrake root is thought to enhance the powers of protection, fertility, money, love and health; a whole mandrake root placed on the mantel in a house will give these qualities to the home and its inhabitants. The root is sometimes carried for protection. And it is often used in exorcisms. The root must be "activated" before use. Place dried mandrake root in water for three days before using to bring out it out of hibernation.

Alraun

In European folk magic, we find a small good-luck charm is shaped from the root of the mandrake or from byrony, and called the Alraun. According to tradition, the Alraun can be dress in clothing and even presented with daily offerings, such as, food and wine (libations). If not treated properly, the Alraun may bring bad luck to the possessor or the whole household. It is believed the word Alraun takes its name from the shape-shifiting sorceress of Teutonic myth, known as Alrunes.

Sources include:

Buckland, R: Signs, Symbols & Omens, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN, 2003.
Cunningham, S: Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN, 2002;
Dunwich, G: Wicca A to Z: A Complete Guide to the Magickal World, Citadel Press, Toronto, 1999; and
Personal knowledge.