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Angelica leaves have been known to stave off negative energy … just not in the manner shown in “Hocus Pocus 2.” Angelica archangelica is a plant used for various purposes dating back to the early 1600s (via University of New Hampshire). According to the same source, the plant’s roots, leaves, and seeds can make a pleasant tea reminiscent of licorice, and the leaves can be added to salads. As stated by Twinings, Angelica has also been used as medicine to help stimulate circulation, support the digestive system, and fight chest infections, which proved helpful against the plague. Even if Angelica can’t make stairs magically appear in the blink of an eye, it’s a powerful plant all on its own.
However, there is reason to think that Angelica leaves have been historically thought of as a charm to negate dark magic. Mrs. M. Grieve, author of a 20th-century botanical handbook titled “A Modern Herbal,” wrote that Angelica’s celestial name might derive from its tendency to bloom on the day of Michael the Archangel, leading to legends of the plant’s ability to protect against witchcraft and nullify evil spirits (via Botanical.com). Whatever the case, the plant’s supernatural association makes it a great addition to the narrative. There’s no shortage of enchantment in “Hocus Pocus 2,” so it’s a good thing that Becca and Izzy have some Angelica leaves up their sleeves.
