Magical and Medicinal Properties of Blueberry

Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Abundance, Health, Luck, Money, Prosperity, Protection, Treachery
Magical Uses and History: Blueberries, native to North America, and bilberries, native to Europe, are members of the Vaccinium family and are known for their vibrant blue color. Blueberries tend to grow in clusters while bilberries grow alone or in pairs. Despite their differences, both have similar correspondences, hence their dual inclusion in this herbarium post.

According to Greek mythology, the blueberry/bilberry was the result of Myrtillus, Hermes' son, being turned into a berry bush. According to the legend, Oenomaus, King of Pisa and son of Ares, was told that he would be killed by his son-in-law. To prevent this, Oenomaus decided to challenge all of his daughter's suitors to a chariot race, a challenge he knew no one could win because his chariot was pulled by horses gifted to him by Ares. Oenomaus managed to stave off 18 suitors in this way before Pelops was able to best him. Pelops, knowing he couldn't beat Oenomaus, bribed Oenomaus' personal attendant, Myrtillus, to replace the linchpin's in his master's chariot with beeswax by offering him the chance to spend a night with his future wife, Hippodamia. When the race began, the wheels of Oenomaus' chariot fell off and he was dragged by his horses to death. With his dying breath, he tasked Pelops with avenging his death. Depending on the myth, one of two things happened after this. Some sources say Pelops immediately took action, killing Myrtillus and casting his body into the sea to avoid Myrtillus claiming his 'prize.' Other sources say Pelops, Myrtillus, and Hippodamia fled the city and during their trek, Myrtillus attempted to lie with Hippodamia, resulting in Pelops killing him and tossing him into the ocean. With this dying breath, Myrtillus cursed Pelops and his descendants and when his body washed to shore, Hermes, turned him into a blueberry bush. It's from this myth that the bilberry gets its scientific name, Vaccinium myrtillus, and its association with treachery in Victorian flower language. As such, blueberries can be used in spells related to treachery, such as finding a traitor, or for protection against treachery and ill will. Blueberry leaves and dried berries can be placed under a doormat or hung near an entrance to prevent evil, ill will, and undesirable people and entities from entering your home. String the dried berries onto a cord to create a protection talisman or charm or grind them up and combine with salt to create a potent protection powder that can be sprinkled around your home. Use crushed blueberries to draw protection sigils on yourself or paper. Blueberries can also be baked into pies, tarts, and other dishes, used in tea, or eaten fresh to protect against psychic attacks.

In the Americas, indigenous folklore says the Great Spirit sent the 'star berry,' so named for its star-shaped blossom, to relieve hunger during a famine. Blueberries keep longer than similar berries and are easy to dry, making them a staple winter food. It's believed blueberries were given to the European colonizers to help them through their first winter in North America and soon became a staple among the colonizer's diet. In Europe, the blueberry was often harvested right before Lammas, a festival of abundance and cultivation, and incorporated into Lammas celebration feasts. As such, blueberries are associated with abundance, prosperity, money, health, and luck and can be used in spells for such matters. Keep dried blueberries on hand to make sure you and yours never go without, place on your Lammas altar to honor the season, consume blueberries to promote health and wellness, add dried blueberries to abundance and money spells, or used blueberry powder to dress candles for prosperity magic.

Blueberry can be used in a number of spells including:

    Protection Magic
    Money Spells

    Luck Magic

    Healing Spells

Medicinal Uses: Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins and vitamin C, helping to protect against heart disease and cancer, reducing inflammation, and strengthening cell membranes. They are also rich in iron, phosphorous, calcium, and vitamin K, helping promote bone strength, growth, and regeneration. Much like the berries, blueberry leaves are also rich in antioxidants, including anthocyanins and procyanidins, and chlorogenic acid, which are naturally anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective, meaning they can be used to treat mild depression and anxiety, improve memory, and promote blood circulation.

Preparation and Dosage: To create an infusion, combine 1 tablespoon of dried blueberry leaves with 1 cup of boiling water. Allow the mixture to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink up to three times a day. Drinking more than 3 cups could result in nausea and diarrhea. As a tincture, take 1-2 milliliters per day. Externally, the infusion can be used as a hair wash to promote healthy hair growth. Blueberry leaves can also be used to create a poultice that is applied directly to minor cuts, skin infections, or bites to reduce inflammation.

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