Memory purge spell

Although this article is based on canonical information, the actual name of this subject is conjectural.

This spell caused the target to completely forget recent negative feelings, memories, or occurrences.

History

Willow Rosenberg first cast this spell to erase all memory of an argument concerning her growing misuse of magic from the mind of Tara Maclay, though she eventually discovered Willow's betrayal.

Later, after promising to go a week without using magic, Willow immediately went back on her word and cast this spell again, intending to erase all negative aspects of the spells she cast on Buffy and Tara from their minds. Although, she also managed to induce a delayed effect, so it would not be cast until she wanted it to. However, in her rush to get to the Magic Box, Willow unwittingly left an entire bag of the Lethe's bramble by the fireplace. They all eventually ignited and, instead of causing Willow's intents, gave the entirety of the Scooby Gang, including herself, complete amnesia, shortly before an attack on the magic shop by Bro'os and his vampire acolytes.

This spell was ultimately broken when Willow dropped the crystal used in the spell and Xander Harris accidentally stepped on it.

Ingredients and requirements

• Lethe's bramble
• Fire (as the recital is spoken, the Bramble is burned)
• Recital (native and Latin): "For [target(s)], this I char. Let Lethe's bramble do its chore. Purge their minds of memories grim, of pains from recent slights and sins. When the fire goes out, the crystal turns black, the spell will be cast. Tabula Rasa, Tabula Rasa, Tabula Rasa."
• Clear quartz crystal

Effects

Notably, at its most extreme, the spell appeared to erase all episodic memory of the subjects without erasing their general memories. Despite the gang had no memories of their own pasts, but were aware of concepts such as the purpose of a university or how to read, write, etc. Anya Jenkins also expressed awareness of the show Candid Camera.

The spell also left their psychological states and attachments relatively unaffected. As example of this, Dawn and Buffy were able to guess at their sisterly bond, despite Buffy not knowing her own name. Spike had no real desire to attack the rest of the gang, despite being a soulless vampire with no knowledge of his chip and no reason to care about anyone without his memory. Anya was struck by both her fear of bunnies and desire to take vengeance on Giles, even when neither fear or desire made sense on its own.

Appearances

• "All the Way"
• "Once More, with Feeling" (Only mentioned)
• "Tabula Rasa"