Tabula rasa

⤷ Note: This article is about the spell. For the episode, see Tabula Rasa.

Tabula rasa
Name	Tabula rasa
Effect	Mind manipulation of forgetting
Requirement	Lethe's bramble Crystal Incantation
Performer(s)	Willow Rosenberg
Appearances
Debut	"All the Way"
Last seen	"Tabula Rasa"

"Tabula rasa" was the incantation of a forgetting spell, using mind manipulation to cause a target to forget recent negative feelings, memories, or occurrences.

History

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

After promising to go a week without using magic, Willow immediately went back on her word and cast the "tabula rasa" spell again, intending to erase all negative aspects of the spells she cast on Buffy and Tara from their minds. She also induced 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, and they all eventually ignited. It caused complete amnesia to the entirety of the Scooby Gang, including Willow, shortly before Bro'os and his vampire acolytes attacked the magic shop.

The "tabula rasa" spell was ultimately broken when Xander accidentally stepped on the crystal Willow had used in the spell.

Requirements

As the Lethe's bramble was set on fire, the first part of the incantation was spoken:

"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."

The caster should hold the clear quartz crystal against the flames until it turns black, continuing the incantation:

"When the fire goes out, the crystal turns black, the spell will be cast. Tabula rasa, tabula rasa, tabula rasa."

Effects

At its most extreme, the "tabula rasa" spell appeared to erase all episodic memory of its target without erasing their general memories. Despite the Scooby Gang having no memories of their pasts, they were aware of concepts such as the purpose of a university or how to read, write, etc. Anya also expressed awareness of the show Candid Camera.

The "tabula rasa" spell also left their psychological states and attachments relatively unaffected. As an 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 feeling made sense on its own.

Appearances

Canonical

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

Other

• Demons of the Hellmouth (Only mentioned)
• Bloody Fool for Love (Only mentioned)
• Buffy the Last Vampire Slayer Special (Only mentioned)