Mustard Seed (Black)
Meaning, Healing, and Magical Uses
Welcome to the Masters’ Grimoire of Magical Herbs page for Black Mustard Seed. Here you will learn everything you've ever wanted to know about this herb including cilantro's magical uses, Black Mustard Seed physical healing, and emotional healing properties, plus its use in meditation, Black Mustard Seed lore and legends, and much more!
Introduction to Black Mustard Seed
Black Mustard Seed varies slightly from its opposite counterparts Yellow and White Mustard Seed. Considering there are over 40 varieties of mustard, it can get a bit confusing. In modern witchcraft, these varieties are often interchangeable and carry the same relative meaning. In other conjure work, some magic practitioners consider white or yellow mustard seed to be carriers of light vibrations and best used in light magickal workings whereas black or brown mustard seed is used for shadow work and/or dark magic. Due to these varying cultural and magickal interpretations, we will be addressing how black mustard seed is generally used in modern witchcraft, which is for both light and dark purposes.
In cuisine, black and brown mustard seeds are often interchangeable, although brown mustard seeds may be a tad milder. They are spicy and a considered a staple ingredient in Indian cuisines. White mustard seed is sometimes called yellow mustard seed, but they are one and the same. White mustard seed is used in the American staple, yellow mustard and in brown mustard. They are a staple ingredient in African and Asian cuisines.
Black mustard, scientifically known as brassica nigra, hails from North Africa, some temperate regions of Europe, and parts of Asia. The leaves, stems, and flowers are all considered edible. Its is an upright plant, growing to about 3.5 feet in fertile, moist soil. The stems and leaves are green whereas the flowers are a bright yellow. In regions of Africa, the plant's shoots and leaves are cultivated as vegetables as well.
Black mustard seeds are tiny and intense when compared to others. They are hard round-shaped seeds and are removed from their seed coats. Initially, they are dark brown and turn black color after complete maturity.
Black Mustard Seed Sacred Number is 163.
Black Mustard Seed Magical Uses and Purposes
Key Uses: Black Mustard is an herb of opportunity. Use black mustard seed when you need the confidence, drive, and determination to pursue goals or to rally like-minded individuals towards a common cause. Black mustard seed is also an herb of integrity and strong moral conviction. Stand by your words and actions and be mindful in the process.
Black Mustard is a Capricorn-ruled herb, which may explain its ambitious, motivated vibrations. It is an herb that aids in finding the motivation to complete goals and promotes hardworking, enthusiastic energies.
Healing with Black Mustard Seed
Black Mustard SeedPhysical Health Benefits
Black Mustard Seeds are effective for treating toothache, neck pain, snake bites, and wounds. (1)
Black Mustard is often used to aid with seizure and respiratory disorders, and rheumatism. (2)
It is an effective anti-inflammatory medicine, often used topically. (1)
Black Mustard seeds are enriched with lots of minerals such as iron, copper, magnesium, and selenium which aids in the treatment of controlling blood pressure. (3)
It also aids in helping to reduce cholesterol levels. (3)
Black Mustard may help improve metabolism. (4)
Black mustard seeds improve digestion because they are enriched with dietary fibers that boost the digestive process. They will help improve bowel movements as well, thus upgrading the overall metabolism of the body. (5)
Mustard seeds are so good for your stomach and intestinal health. They have been used in traditional folk medicine as a natural laxative. (5)
There have been studies supporting the use of mustard seed in the reduction of cellular growth in cancer, especially lung cancer. (6)
Black mustard seeds have been shown to relieve congestion problems in the respiration system. Minerals like copper, magnesium, iron, and selenium present in black mustard seeds play a major role in easing Asthma symptoms. (7)
Also, mustard seed helps in decreasing mucus formation in the lungs which is the major reason for breathing problems. (6)
Mustard seed can also aid in relieving cough and cold symptoms. (8)
Black mustard seeds contain large quantities of sulfur content. Sulfur has anti-fungal properties that help you to get rid of skin infections like rashes, redness, etc.
Mustard seed helps with blood circulation to stimulate hair growth. They are also high in protein and rich in omega fatty acids that help with hair growth. (9)
Black mustard seeds are enriched sources of carotene, antioxidants like lutein, Vitamin A, C, and K. This makes it an ideal choice to help hydrate skin and reduce premature signs of aging. (1)
Spiritual Healing with Black Mustard Seed
Some practitioners use black mustard seed exclusively for shadow work or dark magic, whereas white (or yellow) mustard seed is used for light magic. Black mustard seed carries yang energy, whereas white mustard seed carries yin. (10)
Mustard Seeds are said to draw protection, ward off evil, and dispel negative energies.
Black mustard seeds are used in cursing spells, to keep the law away and in court case workings. It can also be used in reverse- to prevent someone who wishes you harm from cursing you.
It is used to confuse energies, and dispel troublesome and meddling people.
Bury under doorstep of home, or by front door to dispel negative spirits and energies.
They can also be sprinkled around specific areas of your home to offer protection or to keep unwanted spirits away.
Add them to pouches for fertility or if you dare (mustard is a spicy seed), you can chew them for this purpose.
Carry Mustard Seeds with you or use them in incense blends to keep your mind clear and focused.
They are often used in rituals and spells for mental clarity and focus.
Black Mustard Seed is a common ingredient in many Hoodoo recipes that remove, disrupt or confuse the law, enemies, or negativity.
In Hoodoo magic, practitioners may walk backwards sprinkling Black Mustard Seed and Sulphur Powder on an enemy's doorstep to entice misfortune or may throw the seeds in the yard to cause trouble.
Emotional Healing with Black Mustard Seed
Black Mustard Seed encourages the release of negative energies, hence its magickal ability to protect and dispel unwanted negative energies. It support a carpe diem state of being, living life in the moment and focusing on forward motion in pursuit of all your endeavors.
In regards to the negative influences in your life, Black Mustard Seed says, "Get rid of it!" Even if its individual people in your life, it is time to shed anything that is toxic to your spiritual progress and growth. There is a zero tolerance energy surrounding a spicy, bold herb like Black Mustard Seed. Let go of what isn't serving you and surround yourself with individuals that will be supportive and encouraging as you nourish your positive vibrations.
Black Mustard Seed for Chakra Healing
Black Mustard Seed is prescribed for treating imbalances of the Root, Solar Plexus, and Third Eye Chakras.
The Root Chakra is the first chakra also sometimes known as the Base Chakra, the red chakra, or Muladhara. It is located at the base of the spine and controls the kinesthetic energy for feeling and movement. It is the foundation of physical energy and spiritual energy for the body. It governs stability, security, and is the source of our survival instinct. It keeps us connected to the earth.
When the Root Chakra is physically out of balance the symptoms will manifest themselves as lethargy, feeling down, low levels of activity, low enthusiasm, and a need for constant stimulation. You may experience lower back pain, suffer from leg pain, or have immune system issues.
When the spiritual energies of the Root Chakra are out of balance, you will feel flighty, disconnected from reality, and distant. You may lack self-identity and have insecurity. You may begin to doubt your beliefs, stop being loyal to those around you, or find yourself deriving little joy from physical pleasures. You will also likely have a lack of motivation and drive.
A balanced root chakra will help you live in the present moment by grounding you to the earth. By being stable, your vitality and physical strength will improve along with your integrity and self-esteem. You will be stress-free, feel courageous, be more passionate, motivated, confident to take on life’s challenges.
The Solar Plexus Chakra is the energy distribution center, the first of the chakras of relationships. This chakra is located between the ribcage and navel. It controls the immune system and digestive systems. When in balance physically, you have strength to fight infections, are free of allergic reactions, and are able to use the nutrients you ingest.
When it is out of balance physically you will have low tolerance to infection, suffer from hormone disorders, or have low tolerance for many foods.
Spiritually, when the solar plexus is in balance you are free to interpret the world through your own thoughts and emotions and not live in fear of violating the dictums of others.
When the solar plexus is out of balance spiritually you will feel fear: fear of the displeasure of others, and disappointing others, or fear of subordinating your life and pleasures to the will of others. You will have confidence and make strong, intentional decisions. You will let your intuition guide in the direction of spiritual growth and progress.
The Third Eye Chakra is the center of perception and command. It directs our sight and everyday awareness of the world. Our consciousness is located here. This is the chakra that controls how we see ourselves and the external world. When the Third Eye Chakra is in balance, we can see clearly and understand what we see. This is our 'intuition center' so to speak. We are able to interpret visual cues and our awareness level is high.
When it is out of balance or blocked you will find yourself confused, difficulty seeing clearly, and a hard time differentiating what is important and what is not. You may feel as if you do not have command of your thoughts. Physical symptoms can include headaches, ear aches, and vision problems. Fear not though, even if your third eye chakra is blocked or out of balance, indigo colored crystals can make it better.
Color Energy of Black Mustard Seed
The color ray for Black Mustard Seed is Yellow. The yellow color ray give you the power to solidify new interests and new relationships. It helps you to see things in new ways and to become enlightened. This ray adds clarity to your life. It helps you wake things up and add zest, optimism, and meaning to your life and relationships.
The yellow color ray is happy, energetic, and optimistic. It is also wonderful for getting things organized around you and in your mind. The yellow ray can help you communicate better with others while becoming more alert and aware of negative, harmful energies.
Angels Associated with Black Mustard Seed
Black Mustard Seed is associated with Galgalleil, ruler of the Earth and Sun and Manakel, Protector and Ruler of the dates February 15-19 and the astrological sign of Aquarius. Black Mustard Seed is also associated by the angel, Tzaphiel, who is the Understanding Angel governing the Tree of Life, the Ruler of Saturn, and the Guardian of Thursday.
Black Mustard Seed and the Goddess
Black Mustard Seed is sacred to Hecate, the Greek Goddess of magic and witchcraft, Ma'at, Egyptian goddess of truth and justice, and Kali, Hindu Goddess of Time.
Hecate is the Greek chief goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, the moon, ghosts, necromancy, and spells. She is the daughter of the Titan, Perses, and the nymph, Asteria. Hecate was believed to have power over heaven, earth, and sea, therefore, bestowing wealth and prosperity to those who pray to her. She is also the goddess of crossroads and doorways, a guardian against evil spirits. In earlier texts, she is depicted as a single female figure wearing a long-clad robe, holding burning torches in each hand. Later depictions show her in her most popularized form, that of the triple-formed goddess, which consisted of three goddesses standing back to back, most likely so she could watch all directions of the crossroads that she guarded so diligently. Hecate, in her triple-form, was also accompanied by barking dogs, her familiars.
Ma'at is the Egyptian Goddess of truth, cosmic balance, justice and order. In ancient depictions, she is often pictured with an ostrich feather atop her head. Although it is unknown why the Egyptians chose the ostrich feather as a symbol for Ma'at, many historians believe that it may be due to its associations with balance and equity. (11) Ma'at was very significant in Egyptian culture for she was the goddess who kept the Universe in balance, encouraging Egyptians to live a life of morality and justice. She also presided over the Hall of Judgments, which, according to Egyptian Mythology, was the place that every soul had to pass through to get to the afterlife. In the Hall of Judgment, a person's heart was weighed in a scale against Ma'at's ostrich feather. If the deceased person’s heart balanced with Ma’at’s feather (the 'feather of truth'), they could continue their journey to the Afterlife. If not, their journey ended. In some texts, it was believed that Osiris, God of the Afterlife, placed the heart on a great golden scale and, if it was imbalanced, he consumed the heart. This tradition influenced the daily actions of the ancient Egyptians.
Kali is the goddess of time, creation, and death. She is often misunderstood by Western culture due to her violent and bloody physical depiction. She is often painted with red eyes, blue-black skin, partially or completely naked, with a long lolling tongue, multiple arms, a skirt or girdle of human arms, a necklace of decapitated heads, and a decapitated head in one of her hands. Without understanding, one may be fearful of this warrior goddess, but Kali is actually a representation of action, the decimation of the ego, and the wholeness of existence. Kali transcends both good and evil, teaching us that the lines between what we deem 'right' and 'wrong' are not definite and unchanging, but rather these notions are nebulous and ill-defined.
Kali is also a symbol of motherly love and shakti- the embodiment of feminine energy, creativity and fertility. She is often associated with Shiva, God of Fertility and Power, as one of his consorts. She plays an opposite role to that of Parvati. While Parvati soothes Shiva, neutralizing his destructive tendencies, Kali actively provokes and encourages him. In the 20th century, Kali has become geographically and culturally marginal, growing to become a symbol of feminine empowerment and sexual liberation in Western culture. (12)
Black Mustard Seed Birth Herb
Black Mustard Seed is one of the birth herbs for those born on April 18, August 18, and November 3. Those with birthdays on these dates will find they have special attraction to black mustard seed and the magickal energies of black mustard seed may be dominate in their personality traits.
Black Mustard Seed I Ching Hexagram
Black Mustard Seed is governed by Hexagram 35, Seizing the Moment. Key energies are: “Carpe diem, advancement, forward motion, progress, movement, fortuitous or auspicious time, favorable conditions, and serendipity.” (13).
Black Mustard Seed Astrological Sign
The zodiac sign associated with Black Mustard Seed is Capricorn, but some say Aries. (14). In Moon Astrology Black Mustard Seed is associated with the First Mansion of the Moon, the Mansion of the Sacred Flame and with the Tenth Mansion of the Moon the Mansion of the Storm.
Uses of Black Mustard Seed in Feng Shui
Black Mustard Seed brings us Water energy. Water energy is Yin, flowing, life giving, adaptable, nurturing and sacred. Use the seeds for feminine power, adaptability, overcoming obstacles, tolerance, keep the flow of life and money growing, and all efforts to nurture others and yourself.
Uses of Black Mustard Seed in Talismans and Amulets
Black Mustard Seed is used to make talismans and amulet for needs including: Addiction Therapy Support, Affection, Approval, Benevolence, New Beginnings, Rebirth, Generosity, Neutralizing Bitterness, Dealing with a Broken Heart, Caring, Compassion, Condescension, Consideration, Fighting Cruelty, Decency, Direction in Life, Despair, Dealing with Disrespect, Curing Emotional Blackmail, Dealing with Exploitation, Dealing with Feelings, Goodness, Dealing with Gossip, Dealing with Imperfection, Harmony, Brotherhood, Congeniality, Courtesy, Grace, Dealing with Abuse, Adaptation, Dealing with Adversity, Dealing with Aggression, Dealing with Anarchy, Dealing with Arrogance, Dealing with Confusion. Getting more Energy, Overcoming Fright, Guardian Stones, Dealing with Hate, Dealing with Hostility, Dealing with Lust, Masculinity Dealing with Pressure, Problem Solving, Psychic Protection, Dealing with Rage, Resistance, Dealing with Ruthlessness, Self-Reliance, Strategy, Valor, Victory, Dealing with Violence, Action, Physical Prowess, Dealing with Danger, Dealing with Harshness, Dealing with Adversity, Conquer Fear, and Courage.
Using Black Mustard Seed in Divination
Use Black Mustard Seed in Divinations for protection, executing a well-thought-out plan, making the most opportunities, and achieving the clarity that is necessary to act with full confidence and determination.
Meditation with Black Mustard Seed
“Strength is not measured in how you overcome others, but in how you overcome yourself. Those who master others have force; those who master themselves have strength.” (15)
Lore and Legends of Black Mustard Seed
Black Mustard Seed is mentioned in The Parable of the Mustard Seed in Theravada Buddhism. This parable is about a mother who loses her child. She seeks out the Buddha for help, asking him if he will bring her son back to life. The Buddha agrees on condition that she gathers a mustard seed from the village. “But,” the Buddha told her, “you must get the seed from a house that has not known death.” The woman was elated for mustard seeds very common. She went from house to house, all of which had mustard seeds, however, each family had experienced death in their families.
As she talked with the villagers, she came to the realization that she was not alone in her grief. Others had experienced what she was going through. “No house is free from death,” she realized. She finally let go of her son, laying him in a forest nearby, and returned to the Buddha.
The Buddha asked her, “Do you have the mustard seed?” “Dear teacher,” She replied, “I do not, but I saw that the living are few and the dead are many.”
There is another Parable of the Mustard Seed in the New Testament of Christianity wherein Jesus describes the Kingdom of God as like a mustard seed in that it is tiny, but grows into a great tree.
Jewish scholars compare the knowable universe to the mustard seed to demonstrate its insignificance– how can we think so highly of ourselves when we are so small, and part of small things?
In Islamic faith, the Ḥadīth recounts Muhammad warning that a person with even a mustard seed’s worth of pride in their heart would not be able to enter Paradise.
The witches' scene in Shakespeare's “Macbeth” describes a concoction that consists of “Eye of newt and toe of frog, Wool of bat and tongue of dog…” Luckily, these terms refer to plants, not actual animal parts. Eye of newt is a pseudonym for black mustard seed.
by Nicole Farmer
Nicole is the resident Tarot Master at Crystal Inner Circle. She studied English at the University of Florida and has been working in Crystal Healing including Divination, Feng Shui, and Alchemy for the past seven years. She specializes in herbs and is the co-author and teacher of the Crystal Master Herbalist Course offered by the Crystal Guild.
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References
1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324686#cardiovascular-benefits
2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3813178/
3 https://www.livestrong.com/article/490150
4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23021155/
5 https://www.natureword.com/tag/mustard-seed-natural-laxative/
6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7248788/
7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7001671/
8 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6017612/
9/https://maneaddicts.com/is-mustard-the-key-to-hair-growth
10 https://conjurework.com/product/mustard-seed/?v=1d20b5ff1ee9
11.https://iseumsanctuary.com/2020/12/29/the-feather-of-maat-and-shu/
12 https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kali
13 Mark McElroy. I Ching for Beginners: A Modern Interpretation of the Ancient Oracle (For Beginners (Llewellyn's)) (Kindle Locations 914-916). Kindle Edition.
14 https://www.findyourfate.com/astrology/plants/herbs/mustard.html
15 https://www.cafeausoul.com/oracles/iching/chin-progress
Sacred numbers of herbs are revealed in the “Ritual of the Sacred Number” ceremony performed monthly by Crystal Master Herbalist when the Moon is transiting the Mansion of the Herbalist.
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