Witch Hazel is native to eastern North America and eastern Asia. Its folk name ‘snapping hazel’ relates to the tendency of the seed capsules to explode upon maturity. While the name ‘winter bloom’ came from its ability to be one of the first trees to bloom each year.

Associated with the Sun and the element of fire, this herb is a lovely sight in many landscapes. In herbal tradition, Witch Hazel is a famous material when crafting a divining rod. A divining rod made out of the forked branches of Witch Hazel is used as a guide in finding water or gold.

For some cultures, horses were protected by wearing hazel breastbands in their harnesses and double hazelnuts were thrown at witches. Hazel rods were also used to mark cattle particularly during Midsummer and Beltane fires to keep faeries away.

Many modern witches use Witch Hazel leaves and bark to keep away the evil eye and heighten occult powers. Witch Hazel is a popular personal hygiene and skincare product. Its protective energy shields witches against faery bewitchment, hexes, and harmful spirits.

Witch Hazel has an admiring versatility that witches refer to it as one of the most magical herbs. It can be worn to dismiss overwhelming emotions and cool the passions. Witch Hazel is an effective material for love spells and provides excellent aid in matters of the heart by healing a person’s broken heart.