Each pod is a natural eight-pointed star with a seed in every arm, which has made it a favourite altar marker, pendant and charm.
Origin & Traditional Use
Illicium verum is an evergreen tree of southern China and Vietnam. Its dried star-shaped fruit is a staple of Chinese cooking and one of the ingredients of five-spice powder, and it was traditionally used in Chinese herbal practice.
Uses by Tradition
Witchcraft & Folk Magick
- Psychic incense: crush a pod and burn a pinch on charcoal before tarot or scrying.
- Seer’s charm: wear or carry a whole star as a focus for psychic work.
- Lucky piece: keep a whole star in a purse or wallet as a charm for good fortune.
A Simple Working
- Set out your tarot deck, a purple chime candle and a whole star anise.
- Light the candle and place the star in front of it.
- Break off one point and crumble it onto a lit charcoal disc.
- Breathe the scent and shuffle until the cards feel ready.
- Lay a three-card spread and read it.
- Keep the rest of the star with your deck between readings.
Pairs Well With
- Mugwort, the classic herb of psychic and dream work.
- Bay leaves, for divination incense.
- Cinnamon, a warm partner in luck sachets.
- A purple chime candle, for psychic workings.
Lore & History
Star anise reached Europe in the late sixteenth century along the trade routes from China. A related tree, Japanese star anise, is planted at Buddhist temples and graves in Japan and its branches burned as incense; it is a different species from the culinary spice.
What You Receive
Whole dried star anise pods, available in 1 oz, 2 oz and 1 lb.
Did You Know?
Shikimic acid extracted from star anise was the original starting material for manufacturing the antiviral drug oseltamivir.
| Weight | N/A |
|---|---|
| Size | 1 oz, 2 oz, 1 lb |
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