Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Powers: Abundance, Happiness, Healing, Love, Lust, Money, Prosperity, Wealth
Element: Air
Powers: Abundance, Happiness, Healing, Love, Lust, Money, Prosperity, Wealth
Magical Uses and History: The pistachio was domesticated at least 7,000 BCE in what is now Afghanistan and Iran, and cultivation quickly expanded westward, becoming a staple crop in the region. During the Achaemenid Empire, Darius the Great was said to have stocked his royal roads with pistachios for marching troops, thus establishing it as an important food found in the imperial storehouse. They were often served during royal feasts as desserts as a sign of wealth and generosity. Around the tenth century, the Queen of Sheba declared that all pistachios were only to be enjoyed by royalty and even declared all pistachio crops belonged to her. Like most plants of this time, the pistachio traveled along the Silk Road, spreading into China and parts of Europe. Also like many plants, it traveled through conquest. In the 4th century, Alexander the Great brought the pistachio to Greece, Rome, and Egypt, where it too was highly sought after by the wealthy as a luxury item. The scarcity of the nut, its unique coloration, and delightful flavor added to its price tag, preventing most people from affording it. The pistachio continued to be a luxury nut well into the Middle Ages and still remains a more expensive nut compared to others. As such, pistachios are associated with abundance, money, prosperity, and wealth and can be added to spells, rituals, and remedies for such purposes. Add pistachio shells anointed in money-drawing oil to your purse, cash register, or small coin pouch to attract wealth, money, and business. Leave a small dish of pistachios on your altar during money workings or in your place of business to attract money and prosperity. They can also be added to spell jars or sachets for similar purposes.
The pistachio, however, was not just a status symbol. It was also tied to happiness, love, lust, and fertility. In China, the pistachio was known as "Happy Nut" due to the partially open shell resembling a smiling face. They were often given out during the Chinese New Year to ensure happiness, health, and good fortune in the coming year. Similarly, pistachios were given out during Diwali to celebrate light's triumph over darkness. In some Middle Eastern cultures, the pistachio was given to newlyweds to bless their wedding. The bride and groom would eat the nuts together, believing it would bring them a happy and harmonious marriage, and maybe even increase the chances of a successful consummation. Pistachios were believed to be an aphrodisiac and were even used to increase fertility and treat sexual dysfunction. According to some sources, they may have been used in 'love potions.' Contrary to this, the pistachio was also eaten to break love spells. Needless to say, pistachios can be used in spells, rituals, and recipes to bring happiness, love, and luck. If using in love spells, pistachios are best used in dessert recipes or drinks and served to the person you wish to attract or increase lustful feelings.
Finally, like most plants, the pistachio was revered for its health benefits. Pliny the Elder wrote that the nut could be eaten as a cure for bites and stings of serpents, while in Ancient Egypt, China, Greece, and Rome it was prized for its ability to alleviate digestive issues such as stomach aches, indigestion, and constipation. In China, it was also used to improve respiratory health, helping to reduce asthma symptoms and alleviate dry coughs. In Ancient Persian, the pistachio was regarded by physicians as a valuable remedy to strengthen the heart, improve circulation, and boost vitality. Most cultures where the pistachio took root used it in medicine in some way, shape, or form, and it can still be used for such purposes today. Add pistachios to healing spells, place them in the room of a sick person to promote health, and add them to foods served to ill individuals to encourage a speedy recovery.
Pistachio can be used in a number of spells, including:
Healing Spells
Money Spells
Prosperity Magic
Love Spells
Medicinal Uses: Pistachios are naturally rich in antioxidants, especially lutein and zeaxanthin, which concentrate in the retina and macula of the eye to filter harmful blue light and protect against oxidative damage. These antioxidants help slow age-related macular degeneration and cataract formation while also enhancing contrast sensitivity and vision in dim light. Pistachios also contain carotenoids and phenolic compounds that help support healthy blood sugar levels and are recommended for those experiencing high blood sugar. Furthermore, pistachios contain high amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which help stabilize cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease, and lower blood pressure.
Preparation and Dosage: Unlike other plants I have covered, pistachios are not generally used in conventional herbal remedies such as infusions, tinctures, or salves. However, they are often blended into drinks such as lattes or golden milks, eaten raw, or cooked into foods for their unique nutrient profile. Do not consume if you are allergic to tree nuts.
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