Garden Witch's Herbal (24 page)

In the old days, magickal spells listed wild ingredients with macabre, bloodcurdling names. My theory is that this was done for a couple of reasons. First, should someone discover the ingredients for a Witch's spell, they would have no idea what the real herbal components were. Second, as very few people could read or write, giving the plants outrageous names helped folks to remember their spell ingredients.

I honestly could not write on gothic herbs and forbidden plants without including this list; it was simply too entertaining to pass up. Here is a list of these dramatically named herbal spell components and the actual plant they describe, then the botanical name for proper plant identification. Once again, these plants are listed for informational purposes only. Some of these plants you will recognize as common garden plants, like the snapdragon, pansy, willow, chamomile, and holly. Meanwhile, other plants in this list are classified as toxic, even though they may be popular landscape specimens, and the poisonous plants are denoted with an asterisk.

It's up to you to use your own good sense and to handle all botanicals correctly and carefully. After all, even the innocent-looking azalea shrub and the morning glory vine are both poisonous—but I trust that you won't go and munch on those either.

Adder's tongue:
plantain (
Plantago major
)

Bat wings:
holly leaf * (
Ilex
spp.)

Bat's wool:
moss

Bird's eye:
pansy (
Viola tricolor
)

Bloody fingers:
foxglove * (
Digitalis purpurea
)

Calf's snout:
snapdragon (
Antirrhinum majus
)

Corpse candles:
mullein (
Verbascum thaspus
)

Dragon's scale:
bistort leaves (
Polygonum bistorta
)

Druid foot:
common club moss (
Lycopodium clavatum
)

Eyes:
English lawn daisy (
Bellis perennis
)

Five fingers:
cinquefoil (
Potentilla
spp.)

Gagroot:
lobelia * (
Lobelia
spp.)

Ghost flower:
datura * (
Datura stramonium
)

Ghost herb:
St. John's wort (
Hypericum perforatum
)

Graveyard dust:
mullein (
Verbascum thaspus
)

Ground apple:
chamomile (
Anthemis nobilis
)

Ground bread:
cyclamen * (
Cyclamen
spp.)

Hag's Tapers:
mullein (
Verbascum thaspus
)

Heaven's key:
primrose (
Primula veris
)

Jove's nuts:
oak (
Quercus
spp.)

Knit bone:
comfrey (
Symphytun officinale
)

Lion's foot:
lady's mantle (
Alchemilla vulgaris
)

Lion's tooth:
dandelion (
Taraxacun officinale
)

Nosebleed:
yarrow (
Achillea millefolium
)

Old lady:
elder tree (
Sambucus canadensis
)

Old man:
mugwort * (
Artemisia
)

Piss-a-bed:
dandelion (
Taraxacun officinale
)

Quickbane:
rowan tree, aka the mountain ash (
Sorbus acuparia
)

Scaffold flower:
carnation (
Dianthus
)

Skull:
skullcap * (
Scutellaria incana
)

Snake weed:
bistort (
Polygonum bistorta
)

Sorcerer's violet:
periwinkle * (
Vinca minor
)

Stinging nettle:
nettle (
Urtica dioica
)

Stinkweed:
garlic (
Allium sativum
)

Thorn:
hawthorn tree (
Crataegus mollis
)

Tree of Enchantment:
willow (
Salix
spp.)

Tree of Evil:
English walnut tree (
Juglans regia
)

Tree of Love:
apple tree (
Pyrus Malus
)

Winter bloom:
Witch hazel (
Hamamelis virginiana
)

Witches' bane:
rowan (
Sorbus acuparia
)

Witch's elm:
European white elm (
Ulmus laevis
)

Witch's egg:
Fly agaric mushroom * (
Amanita muscaria
)

Wound wort:
yarrow (
Achillea
spp.)

Yellow henbane:
Flowering tobacco * (
Nicotiana
)

Hecate and Herbalism

O night, faithful friend of mysteries;
and you golden stars and moon,
who follow the fiery star of day;
and you Hecate, goddess with the threefold head,
you know my designs and come to strengthen
my spells and magic arts …

ovid,
prayer of medea to hecate

As I am sure you have noticed, many of the featured herbs in this chapter are sacred to the triple goddess Hecate—especially the yew tree. The yew symbolizes wisdom, death, and re-birth, just as Hecate does herself. Hecate, or Hekate, was the only Titan to retain her powers when the twelve Olympians took over. According to legend, Zeus respected Hecate so much that he gave her dominion over parts of the heavens, the earth, and the sea. Not only was Hecate a triple goddess, she could appear as a beautiful maiden, a seductive and mature woman, or as an old woman.

Often described as “tenderhearted and loving,” there is much more to her than many people realize. She was also known as the queen of sorcery, queen of ghosts, and of course as the patroness of Witches and magicians. Hecate is a multifaceted deity. She is the guardian of the crossroads, a light-bringer, a midwife, and the goddess of death. It is important to realize that Hecate does not bring death—it is she who is waiting for you when you cross over to lead you on to the afterlife.

In ancient times, the first herbalists were Witches, or wise women. Hecate has always been connected to Witchcraft, fertility, and agriculture, just as the two other goddesses she is often associated with—Persephone and Demeter—are connected. In this trinity, Persephone is the Maiden, Demeter is the Mother, and Hecate is the Crone.

Hecate as a goddess of fertility, death, and rebirth makes sense to me, for as a seed falls to the ground from a declining plant, that seed goes through its dark days and germinates in the black soil. Then, after a time, it begins to grow toward the light, so from the dark earth springs life. As any gardener or Witch knows, death is not the end. It is only part of the cycle.

Over the years, when I have taught classes to the public, I find people have very strong reactions to Hecate. They either adore her or she scares the hell out of them. For myself, I have found that as I grow older, the more Hecate appeals to me. I have always been comfortable with her, but as my children have grown into adults and are leaving the nest to go off to college, Hecate calls to me even more. And I know many other Witches who feel the same way.

Medea, a famous sorceress from ancient times, was a priestess of Hecate. Medea prayed to Hecate for knowledge and skill when it came to handling her herbs and poisons for her Witchcraft. It is part of her prayer that is the quote at the beginning of this section. In the
Orphic Song of the Argonauts
, a garden of Hecate is described, along with her sacred plants, some medicinal and others not.

A few more herbs that are sacred to Hecate and that were grown in her garden are dandelions, date palm, garlic, germander, lavender, mallow, mint, mugwort, myrrh, pea, pennyroyal, peony, pomegranate, saffron, sarsaparilla, and thyme. These additional trees fall under her patronage as well: black poplar, cedar, cypress, hazel, juniper, silver poplar, and willow.

I have to say, by the time I finished writing this chapter, I felt like I should be sitting in my office, twiddling my fingers and saying, “Mwha-ha-ha.” Maybe that's because I find it very interesting that the classic Witch's garden of plants was thought to be filled with the most potent of poisons. Or perhaps some clever Witches got the rumor going to keep people out of their gardens.

In some books, Witches are still portrayed as being absolutely wicked, and their gardens are described as places that the rest of humanity recoils from. There are some gothically creepy descriptions of Witch's gardens as dark, foreboding grounds filled with the most evil of plants. I imagine the person who wrote such ominous prose decided that we were all out there skulking about—under the cover of darkness, no less—gathering our plants and plotting something sinister while we threw our heads back and cackled at the waning moon.

Oh, please. Now I will admit to feeling rather sinister from time to time, but that's usually just my PMS talking. But to say that a plant is “wicked” is ridiculous. In nature, nothing is “good” or “evil.” Nature is a neutral energy, just like magick. And both nature and magick are a force and a power that is to be respected and revered. It's how this force is used that is the deciding factor as to whether the magick is beneficial or detrimental.

In closing, here is a prayer to Hecate. May she grant you the perception and the wisdom to use all of your herbal magick skills wisely.

A Prayer to Hecate

Hecate Phosphorous, the light bringer, shed your illumination down on me,

Hecate Trivia, triple faced, protect me whether I am in air, on land, or at sea.

Hecate Nykterian, lady of the night, guide my hand and heart,

Teach me to use your sacred plants wisely and grow in my Witch's art.

[contents]

Chapter 8

Herbs and Plants
of the Sabbats

Herbs, like everything in the universe,
have an aura, an invisible charge of energy
that radiates from within and without.

laurie cabot,
celebrate the earth

At the different sabbats during the Witch's year, there are certain botanicals that align with the energies of the season. In this chapter, we will take a look at some of the herbs, plants, and flowers that are associated with each sabbat and their magick and folklore. Included in this category

will be their magickal and planetary associations, florigraphy information, and an accompanying spell or flower fascination for each sabbat.

Remember that for a plant to be classified as an herb, some part of the plant—such as the flower, fruit, seed, leaf, bark, or even the wood—must be used for scent, food, flavorings, dye, or medicine. This is the classic definition of the word
herb
.

Admittedly, some of this botanical information may surprise you. For example, in the Yule section, I did not want to rehash information that was previously given in chapter five, like how holly and ivy, while being two of the featured trees from the Celtic year, also play a significant role in Yuletide festivities—which I am sure you are already aware of. So in order to present some fresh information, the focus here will be on other plants that are available to you at this time of year in nature or herbs and botanicals that you can easily procure.

Magick happens during all of the seasons. Take a new look at these herbs of the sabbats, and let this information inspire you to create even more herbal spells of your own design.

Samhain

Halloween

O hushed October morning mild,
Begin the hours of this day slow.
Make the day seem to us less brief.

robert frost

Rosemary (
Rosemarinus officianalis
)

The herb rosemary symbolizes remembrance. I think this herb is highly appropriate at Samhain, as we remember our loved ones and the women and men who died for our religious freedom. If rosemary is burned during a ritual, it has a powerful cleansing effect. Sprigs of rosemary may be worn or braided into your hair to boost personal protection. It may also be used as a more affordable substitute for frankincense. This is a must-have herb for any sunny herb garden. The very fragrance of rosemary smells like Witchcraft to me.

A tea made from rosemary is thought to boost your psychic powers and to open up the third eye. In the art of florigraphy (also known as the language of flowers), the rosemary says, “Your presence revives me!” It also symbolizes fidelity, devotion, and good luck in the new year.

Magickal associations of rosemary include protection, love, sleep, boosting psychic power, exorcism, and healing. Rosemary is classified as a masculine herb. The astrological correspondence for rosemary is the sun, and the element is fire.

Lesser Periwinkle (
Vinca minor
)

This popular evergreen can be found in most garden centers across the country. This popular nursery plant can grow up to twelve inches in height, and it widely spreads out to form a dense mat of groundcover for shady areas in the garden. The folk names of this plant are many, but my favorite has to be the sorcerer's violet. Periwinkle blooms twice a year: once heavily in the spring and then again lightly in the autumn. The flowers are purple and have five petals with a white star in the center—which is how the plant got its folk name, after all; the five-pointed magician's star was right there for everyone to see.

Please do not confuse the annual sun-loving flower vinca for the periwinkle. I get letters from gardening Witches about this question every year. The botanical name of this
enchanting
herb is
Vinca minor
, and it is often how this magickal plant is identified and sold. You will find it in the shady groundcover section at the nursery.

Old plant lore claims that this herb should only be gathered on the night of the new crescent and the night before the full moon, for gathering an herb during the waxing moon would only increase its protective powers. This herb has ties to Samhain, as legend has it the periwinkle was commonly grown across graves in France, which means it was often gathered by magickal practitioners at the local cemeteries (and probably under the cover of darkness so folks would be able to gather the herb discreetly for their various magickal workings).

Magickal associations include protection, love, prosperity, banishing, and bindings, and as you would imagine, the herb neatly wards off the evil eye. The periwinkle is considered to be a feminine plant. Its astrological influence is Venus, and the elemental correspondence is water.

Pumpkin (
Cucurbita
)

The vining annual plant is native to the Americas. It bears fruit in late autumn. The plant creates large, broad leaves and shoots out with trailing vines that blossom. Technically, the male flowers are in leaf axils, while the female, fruit-bearing flowers are born along the vine. At the base of the blossom, a tiny pumpkin will grow.

The pumpkin is indeed considered to be an herb because parts of the plant (the fruit and the seeds) are edible. Pumpkins replaced the traditional turnip in Samhain festivities, as they are much easier to carve into lanterns for frightening away those roaming spirits. If created with intention, a carved jack-o'-lantern is indeed a powerful and protective tool.

The magickal associations of the plant are protection, harvest, abundance, and lunar magick. The pumpkin is considered a feminine plant. Its astrological correspondence is the moon, and the elemental association is water.

Recently, I was in Salem, Massachusetts, during late October for an author event. It was wild—think Mardi Gras with a witchy theme. To my amusement, I noticed people buying pumpkin seeds by the bagful in various magickal shops. When I asked one store's proprietor, who happened to be Laurie Cabot, what was up with the pumpkin seeds, she responded that if a Witch carried pumpkin seeds in their pockets, they would be invisible.

With a clever smile, she basically explained to me that when she carried the pumpkin seeds in her pocket, she could then go about her business and walk home to her apartment without being bothered or even noticed by others. The enchanted pumpkin seeds cast a glamour of sorts on the carrier, enabling them to blend in and not draw attention to themselves. Brilliant! When you think about it, this would come in damn handy during all the tourism and Witch-wannabe craziness that hits Salem in October. That information has been tickling my imagination ever since, so here is a pumpkin seed spell inspired by my trip to Salem.

Salem Pumpkin Seed Glamour

For best results, perform this glamour during a waning moon. As the moon becomes smaller, so too will your chances of being noticed. If you like, you can place the enchanted seeds inside of a sachet bag or tie them inside of a three-inch square of plain black fabric (a very appropriate color for Samhain), and then tie it up with a satin ribbon. I would recommend using a grey-colored ribbon, both to represent the glamour and that you are working to blend in and go unnoticed.

Hold up the seeds in your hands, and visualize them glowing with a bit of your own personal power. Now, see in your mind's eye what it is you want these pumpkin seeds to do, which is to make your actions go unnoticed and to allow you to blend in to your environment. Now, repeat the following spell verse three times:

The pumpkin is the fruit of the Lady Moon,

Now enchant these seeds and grant this Witch a boon.

My movements go unnoticed and I pass easily by,

Be it bright sunshine or midnight's mysterious sky.

A trick from a clever Salem Witch, I'll seem invisible to all.

With a bit of glamour in my pocket and the magick of the fall,

By all the magick of three times three,

As I will it, then so must it be.

When you have finished the spell, slip a few of the seeds into your charm bag and tie it closed, or simply tuck a few seeds into your pocket or purse. Now, just go about your witchy business, confident in your spellwork.

Yule

Winter Solstice

I have forgotten much, but still remember
The poinsettia's red, blood-red in warm December.

claude mckay

Poinsettia (
Euphorbia pulcherrima
)

A very popular tropical plant for the winter holidays, some folk names for the poinsettia include “most beautiful spurge” and “flower of the holy night.” The poinsettia has some very interesting Pagan lore. The poinsettia symbolized purity for the Aztecs and was known as Cuetlaxochitle. The plant was used both medicinally and to produce a reddish dye. Tradition has it that the Aztec king Montezuma enjoyed the poinsettia so much that he would bring the plants into his home. According to the Mayan folklore of South America, the poinsettia is considered to be a sort of divine life form.

As you would expect, the poinsettia is a native plant of Mexico and Central America, where the plant may grow as tall as a tree. The flower part of the plant is the small, golden-colored buds in the center of the colored leaves. These golden buds are correctly called cyathia. The red “flower petals” of the plant are actually not the flowers at all—those are, in fact, colored bracts, or leaves.

While the poinsettia, a member of the
Euphorbia
(spurge) family, is not edible, it is not as toxic as you may have heard. Spurges in general tend to be harshly laxative; while the poinsettia may make you ill, it is typically not deadly—an upset stomach is more likely. The sap of the plant may cause contact dermatitis (skin irritation), and allergic reactions to the plant, such as sneezing, are not unusual. To avoid problems, I would simply keep this plant well out of reach of nibbling pets and small children.

The poinsettia plant is a fairly new addition to winter holiday customs here in the United States. It was brought to the United States in the early 1800s by Joel Robert Poinsett, the first ambassador to Mexico. The story goes that while living in Mexico, he was so impressed by the showy plant that he brought cuttings back to his home in South Carolina, where it then thrived in his greenhouse, as poinsettias will not survive in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The flowers did so well that Mr. Poinsett gave the tropical plants away as gifts to his friends.

Today, hybridizers have gone crazy with the traditional red poinsettia, and now you can find these plants in shades of red, pink, white, and yellow. Also, speckled varieties in a mixture of colors are common. One of my favorite things to do on a gloomy day in early December is to visit a local greenhouse and see all the thousands of poinsettias in all their various colors all lined up on tables and waiting to be purchased.

There are no “traditional” magickal associations of this tropical plant, so I'd say it's about time to assign it some. Due to the plant's tropical nature and ties to the Aztecs and Mayans, the astrological association of the sun would be very complementary. The element of fire also fits nicely, since this plant is originally a flame red color and demands warm temperatures.