Preparation for magical activities

Tradition requires that all green mandrake leaves be cut off, and the root be placed in a "bed" of red earth. An orange or red mandrake berry is placed to imitate the mouth, and two juniper berries to imitate the eyes. It is recommended to do all this in a glass jar, which should be exposed to sunlight, and the plant should be constantly washed with human blood. It was believed that after three days, the mandrake would come to life, and after four, it would begin to speak and be able to foretell the future. The dried mandrake root should be placed in a coffin or secret cabinet, or carried in a small bag around the neck. In Podolia, mandrake root was washed in red wine, cared for, and dressed in shirts. In the Middle Ages, there was a widespread belief that as long as the roots were "beautifully wrapped in noble silk or linen cloths" by their owners, they themselves would never be poor throughout their lives. Such magical practices, combated by the Church, must have been popular, as preachers repeatedly returned to this topic, condemning superstitious behavior.