About Juniper
Juniper was burned in Scotland to purify the house and its animals at the New Year. Its berries protect travellers and bring love.
Berries traditionally carried for protection while traveling at night.
History & folklore
In Scotland, juniper was burned at the New Year (Hogmanay) to purify the house, a custom called saining. Juniper berries flavour gin — the name comes from the Dutch jenever. In Italian folklore, juniper protected against witches, who were compelled to count every needle before entering.
Correspondences
- Traditional uses
- Protection, love, exorcism
- Latin name
- Juniperus communis
- Element
- Fire
- Planet
- Sun
- Best day
- Sunday
- Moon phase
- Waxing moon — for drawing things toward you
- Intentions
- Protection, Love
Ways to work with it
- Carry a few dried berries when travelling at night.
- Burn a sprig to cleanse your home at the New Year.
- Hang juniper over the door for protection.
Growing & gathering
Common juniper grows on heaths, hills and in gardens. Its blue-black 'berries' are actually tiny cones and take two to three years to ripen. Buy dried juniper berries from spice shops.
Avoid juniper if you are pregnant or have kidney disease. Some juniper species have toxic berries.
Spells to try
Pairs well with
DillProtection, love, money
VervainProtection, purification, love
HawthornProtection, love, Beltane
BasilProtection, prosperity, loveCorrespondences are traditional associations gathered from folk practice and modern craft books. They vary between sources, and they are not medical advice. Read our editorial approach.