Sesame

Botanical Name: Sesamum indicum Folk Names: Sesame, sesamum, benne (African-American/Southern U.S.), benne seed, til (Hindi), goma (Japanese), simsim (Arabic), sesame seed, open sesame. Parts Used: Dried seeds (most common magically); occasionally sesame oil (for anointing); sesame stalks or whole plant (symbolic or external use). Forms Used: Dried sesame seeds for sachets, protective charms, prosperity jars, spell packets, anointing, or offerings; sesame oil for anointing candles, tools, or self; seeds sprinkled for warding or abundance rituals.

Note on Identity Sesame is an annual plant in the Pedaliaceae family with white or pink tubular flowers and capsules containing small, flat, oil-rich seeds (white, black, brown, or mixed). In occult traditions, sesame is a Sun/Jupiter herb of prosperity, luck, protection, exorcism, opening doors, abundance, fertility, and manifestation—famous from the phrase “open sesame” (Ali Baba) symbolizing unlocking opportunities, wealth, and hidden treasures. Its seeds represent abundance (tiny seeds produce much oil) and are used to “open” paths, ward evil, and attract success. Sesame is non-toxic and completely safe for external and culinary use (seeds edible as food/oil; widely used in cooking).

History and Etymology

The name "sesame" derives from Latin sesamum, from Greek sēsamon (σήσαμον), from Akkadian šamaššammū ("sesame seed"). "Open sesame" from the Arabian Nights tale of Ali Baba, where the phrase magically opens a treasure cave.

Ancient Sumerians, Egyptians, Indians, and Chinese used sesame seeds for food, oil, medicine, and rituals—considered sacred for strength, longevity, and fertility. In ancient Egypt, sesame was placed in tombs as an offering for the afterlife. In India, sesame seeds are used in Hindu rituals for purification, offerings to ancestors, and prosperity.

In European and Middle Eastern folklore, sesame was carried to attract luck and money; sprinkled to ward off evil or "open" opportunities. In Hoodoo and conjure, sesame (especially black sesame) became a key herb for luck, money-drawing, protection, and "opening the way"—often sprinkled at doors or carried in mojo hands.

Correspondences

Magical Uses

Sesame is a Sun/Jupiter herb for prosperity, luck, protection, manifestation, fertility, abundance, and opening paths—its seeds symbolize tiny beginnings leading to great wealth, and the phrase “open sesame” is used to unlock opportunities. Traditional and folk-magic applications include:

• Attracting money, prosperity, wealth, and good fortune (sesame seeds in money jars or sprinkled)
• Opening doors to opportunities, success, or blocked paths (sesame sprinkled at thresholds)
• Promoting luck in games, business, or endeavors (seeds carried or in luck charms)
• Gentle protection from poverty, misfortune, or "closed" energy
• Enhancing fertility, creativity, and growth (seeds in fertility spells)
• Banishing scarcity, lack, or "stuck" situations (sesame in reversal work)
• Uplifting vitality, energy, and positive outlook
• Sweetening spells or situations (sesame with sugar/honey in jars)

Sample Spells and Rituals

All rituals are for external use only. Sesame is safe externally (seeds edible as food); patch-test washes or oils.

1. Prosperity & Abundance Jar

• Fill a jar with sesame seeds, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, coins, and a green candle.
• Seal and shake while saying:

“Open sesame, wealth to me, abundance grow, blessings flow.”

• Keep on money altar or in kitchen for steady prosperity.

2. Opening Paths & Opportunity Charm

• Carry sesame seeds in a green pouch with a small citrine or tiger's eye.
• Anoint with frankincense oil and affirm:

“Sesame seed, open the need, paths be clear, success near.”

• Use for job interviews, new ventures, or blocked situations.

3. Luck & Protection Sachet

• Fill a red or green pouch with sesame seeds, rosemary, and a small hematite.
• Tie shut and anoint with protection oil while saying:

“Sesame guard, luck reward, evil flee, fortune free.”

4. Abundance & Fertility Offering

• Place sesame seeds on altar with green candle and grains.
• Light candle and affirm:

“Sesame grain, abundance reign, fertility rise, blessings wise.”

Cautions and Toxicity

Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is completely safe in culinary amounts and external magical use.

• Edible: Seeds widely used as food/oil; generally safe in food amounts.
• External: Safe as sachets, incense, washes, or carried seeds. Rare allergic reactions (Pedaliaceae family—patch-test if sesame allergic; sesame allergy is common in some populations).
• Internal: Safe in food amounts; no major toxicity concerns.
• Not recommended in excessive amounts for those with sesame allergies (can cause severe reactions).
• Safe around children/pets in external applications.
• Sustainable sourcing: Widely cultivated—prefer organic.
• Always positively identify (avoid confusion with toxic look-alikes).
• Consult a qualified healthcare provider before internal use.