Poppy blossoms attract good luck and fortune. Poppy seeds are said to grant the ability to become invisible.

Do you have a favorite actor or actress? How about a favorite movie or director? Want to give your favorite some help at the Academy Awards? What magical ways might influence the Academy’s choices on Sunday night?

One way is to carve your wish (that is, the name of the actor/actress, director, or movie) on a shard of bamboo and then bury it.

There are many herbs associated with obtaining good luck or success. Allspice or nutmeg can be burnt as incense to send luck to your movie favorites. Roses bring luck to those to whom they are sent, as can a blooming poppy. (You can also soak the poppy seeds in wine for fifteen days and drink the wine once a day for five days. If you eat nothing else during those five days, you will then have the ability to make yourself invisible!)

If the weather cooperates, you can pluck the first violet of the season to win the fulfillment of your wish.

Strawberry leaves attract luck to those who carry them in a pocket. Maybe you can send a message to your Oscar choices and suggest they put a handful of strawberry leaves in their pocket before walking down the red carpet on Sunday.