St Valentine
When St Valentine lost his head in 278AD, love had nothing to do with it. He was beheaded for some far less passionate business, if the 1830 dictates of the Catholic annual are to be believed.

Caesar banned marriages in his army as he believed married soldiers were keen to get back to their wives and family and wouldn’t take the same risks as single men St Valentine was secretly conducting marriages behind Caesar’s back he got caught and got the chop.

February the love month.

February is the love month. There are more weddings and engagements in this month than in any other .
It is also the best month for love spells. Here are a few.

Small silver bells hung in a window facing east attract a true and faithful lover and bring harmony into the household.

Ancient Celts believed that a drum made from the skin of a wolf, and the wood of a tree struck by lightening, would drum away any lovers’ quarrels or sorrows.
The Norse gods ate apples to keep love and beauty intact. It is also traditional fruit in love spells. Cut an apple in half,     and press your initials into the centre of the fruit. Put the two halves together again and without looking give one half to your lover and eat the other half yourself.

The Birch tree is considered the lady of the forest. Its timber is traditionally used in the making of the witch’s broom. It is known as the tree of conception and abundance its flowers were widely used in marriages and births.

If a rosemary bush grows in the front garden it usually means a woman is the boss of that household. This herb should always be used in bridal bouquets because of its believed ability to improve love and fertility. Legend has it the comb made from rosemary wood prevents baldness.

A revenge spell if your lover has been unfaithful and you caught them red handed. When you see a falling star say its not the star that falls but my lover. May they fall till they come by day or night or at dawn to bang at my door. Nor may they live or stand till they knock my door down.

To discover if your lover is faithful. Place hazelnuts, together on the barbecue. If they burned as one the love was assured.
Victorian maidens used to write the names of all the unmarried men on the nuts. One name per nut and whatever popped first was the expected lover.  

The wearing of rose quartz jewellery attracts true love and affection, inner peace and faithful lovers.
Cleopatra is believed to have covered her bedroom floor with rose petals when she expected Mark Anthony to secure his love and passion.  

Originally, it was believed that all roses were white until Aphrodite stood on one of their thorns and stained them with her blood. People used to cover the floors of their temples while praying for beauty and love.
Lads and ladies used to bath in rose water to increase their attractiveness and to improve luck. The colour of the rose is very important when bringing magic results. Pink for passion red for romantic love. Yellow for friendship.
 
Sarah Kulkens