Orchids are named after the Greek word Orchis, meaning testicles. That’s because the bulb is twinned and resembles, well, testicles. As such, it’s been known as a potent love and potency charm throughout the ages. The Romans thought it grew where satyrs copulated. Huzzah!

Orchid is associated with Venus, which should come as no suprise given its aphrodisiacal nature. The most used part is the root, which can be powdered and used in potions, sachets, and other love and lust spell preparations. You can even carve a dried orchid root to make a powerful love talisman, or give an orchid as a gift to someone you intend to seduce.

Unfortunately, I’ve never had great luck keeping orchids alive after being given one as a gift, but for those that can, they are truly beautiful. We were fortunate enough to see an orchid display at the botanical gardens this weekend, and you could just feel the love in the air. <3

One part of the orchid that you may be familiar with is the vanilla pod, which comes from the Vanilla Plantifolia variety of orchid. These orchids must be hand pollinated to create the seed pods that we get vanilla from. The seed pod then goes through a complicated fermentation process to release the vanillin, which gives vanilla foods their flavor. It’s a powerful aphrodisiac. (It blows my mind when people use the word ‘vanilla’ to describe something that is plain or boring.)

Vanilla pods can also be used as a component in aphrodisiacal incenses such as this:

Vanilla Lust Incense

• 2 tsp Benzoin Resin, ground to a powder
• 2 tsp dried Vanilla Pod, ground to a powder
• 2 tsp dried Tonka Beans, ground to a powder
• 3 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil