Snapdragon

Botanical Name: Antirrhinum majus (common snapdragon, garden snapdragon); also includes wild species like Antirrhinum orontium (lesser snapdragon) in some folklore. Folk Names: Snapdragon, snapdragon flower, lion's mouth, lion's snap, dragon's mouth, bunny rabbit, toad's mouth, dog's mouth, calflips, conejitos (Spanish), conejillo (Spanish), bunny mouth, mouth flower. Parts Used: Dried flowers (most common magically, colorful tubular blooms); occasionally fresh flowers, leaves, or seeds (external/symbolic use). Forms Used: Dried flowers for sachets, protective/love charms, spell jars, teas (external magical use), baths, incense, or offerings; fresh flowers for altars, bouquets, or symbolic work; seeds for protection/prosperity jars.

Note on Identity Snapdragon is an annual or short-lived perennial in the Plantaginaceae family with tall spikes of tubular, lipped flowers in bright colors (red, pink, yellow, white, purple) that "snap" open when squeezed (hence the name). In occult traditions, snapdragon is a Mars/Mercury herb of protection, strength, courage, banishing, exorcism, psychic power, communication, and warding—renowned for its "dragon's mouth" shape that roars against evil, repels negativity, and provides fierce defense. It is used to "snap" open opportunities, break curses, and protect against gossip or deception. Snapdragon is non-toxic and completely safe for external and moderate culinary use (flowers edible as garnish in small amounts).

History and Etymology

The name "snapdragon" comes from the flower’s resemblance to a dragon’s head that snaps open when squeezed at the sides (like a puppet mouth). Latin Antirrhinum from Greek anti ("like") + rhis ("nose/snout"), for the flower’s snout-like shape.

Ancient Greeks and Romans used snapdragon in love charms and as a protective herb—flowers squeezed to "silence" gossip or open mouths for truthful speech. In medieval Europe, snapdragon was carried to ward off evil, witches, and the evil eye; placed in beds to prevent nightmares or ensure courage. It was believed to "snap" open locked doors or reveal hidden truths.

In British folk magic, snapdragon flowers were used in love divination and protection rituals; seeds carried for luck and strength. In Hoodoo and conjure, snapdragon became a key herb for protection (especially against gossip or the evil eye), courage, and "snapping" open opportunities—often in baths, powders, or carried for boldness.

Correspondences

Magical Uses

Snapdragon is a Mars/Mercury herb for protection, courage, banishing, psychic power, truth-speaking, and strength—its "dragon's mouth" shape roars against evil and "snaps" open opportunities or hidden truths. Traditional and folk-magic applications include:

• Strong protection from evil spirits, curses, hexes, gossip, or psychic attack (flowers carried or hung)
• Promoting courage, boldness, and personal power (snapdragon carried before challenges)
• Banishing negativity, deception, or "biting" influences (flowers in reversal spells)
• Enhancing psychic abilities, clairvoyance, and clear vision (flowers under pillow)
• Promoting truth-speaking, eloquence, and clear communication (court cases, negotiations)
• Healing emotional "wounds" or "silenced" voices (symbolic baths or offerings)
• Warding against betrayal, lies, or "false" influences
• Attracting luck and "opening doors" to opportunities (seeds sprinkled or carried)

Sample Spells and Rituals

All rituals are for external use only. Snapdragon is safe externally (flowers edible as garnish in small amounts); patch-test washes or oils.

1. Protection & Courage Charm

• Carry dried snapdragon flowers in a red pouch with carnelian or tiger's eye.
• Anoint with frankincense oil while saying:

“Dragon's mouth, courage south, evil flee, strength with me.”

• Use before confrontations, challenges, or tests of will.

2. Banishing & Reversal Sachet

• Fill a black pouch with dried snapdragon flowers, black pepper, rue, and obsidian.
• Tie shut and anoint with protection oil while declaring:

“Snapdragon bite, curse alight, harm reverse, blessings first.”

• Carry or hang near entrance for reversal and banishing.

3. Psychic Vision & Truth-Seeing Ritual

• Place dried snapdragon flowers on altar with purple candle and clear quartz.
• Light candle and affirm:

“Snapdragon bright, open sight, truth be shown, visions known.”

4. Warding & Purification Offering

• Place fresh or dried snapdragon flowers on altar with white candle.
• Light candle and say:

“Snapdragon pure, evil cure, cleanse and guard, peace reward.”

Cautions and Toxicity

Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) is generally safe for external use and moderate culinary amounts.

• Edible: Flowers used as garnish or tea in small amounts; mild flavor, safe in food quantities.
• External: Safe as washes, sachets, carried dried, or incense. Rare allergic reactions (Plantaginaceae family—patch-test if snapdragon allergic).
• Internal: Safe in food amounts; no major toxicity concerns.
• Not recommended in excessive amounts for those with Plantaginaceae allergies.
• Safe around children/pets (non-toxic plant).
• Sustainable sourcing: Widely cultivated—grow or source organically.
• Always positively identify (avoid confusion with toxic look-alikes).