#botanical magic

Lotus Embryo A seed lays dormant in the mud—only the heavens know how long it’s been there. One day soon it will burst through that unrelenting mud, a beautiful lotus flower, delicate and pure. Welcome to Sapphire Learns Herbs!—a series where I take something out of our herb collection and research the hell out of it! Today we’re diving into the mystical world of the Lotus Embryo. Well…sort…

Today, I went to visit an area where I've observed colonies of Monotropas, such as Ghost Pipe and Pinesap. They are some of my closest botanical allies, and I like to check on them to make sure they haven't been damaged or prevented from re-seeding.

I was happy today to find them beginning their upward climb through the soil, and took the spent flower stalks and seed pods from last year to use in this year's devotional work with the Ghost Pipe.

Fennel

From The Herbal Alchemist’s Handbook by Karen Harrison:

Scientific name: foeniculum vulgare

Other name: fenkel

Element: Water

Planets: Mercury, Moon

Parts used: seed, leaf, essential oil

“Like white Sandalwood, fennel enjoys the dual ruleership of Mercury and the Moon. It aids in obtaining psychic impressions (Moon) and interpreting those impressions accurately (Mercury). Fennel is also used in protection rites – strew the whole seeds in each room, burn in an Incense blend, or make an Infusion with the seeds and wash the walls and floor. Burning fennel in Incense or anointing the Third Eye also clears the mind and aids in memory. Fennel seeds are tossed at a wedding couple like rice for health and abundance in the relationship.”

From Entering Hekate’s Garden by Cyndi Brannon (repeat information omitted)

Genius: foeniculum

Classification: Vegetable

Spiritual properties: Communication, courage, healing of the mind, sexuality

Physiological properties: armomative, digestive, pesticide

Magickal properties: breaking curses and bad luck, clarity, communication, courage, dealing with authority and govt, prevention, psychic witchcraft, visions

Elemental correspondences: Air [note that the previous entry listed water]

Archetype: Rixipyle (Breaker of Chains)

World: Upper

Zodiac: Aquarius, Gemini

Color: blue

Stone: blue agate

Animal: magpie

Indications: Generally safe in small doses, but not for use during pregnancy. Take caution with children and pets.

**Select Notes**

“ An ancient member of Hekate‘s garden, this licorice-flavored plant was consumed for courage, protection, and strength, and for victory in competitions by the ancients. Fennel is a breaker of chains meaning that it has the power to remove blockages, especially for all forms of communication.

“Fennel is sometimes used in love philters, to encourage sending off the right signals regarding romance and sex, giving it a reputation as a sexual stimulant. It’s applications extend to all manner of communication problems, from breaking curses to removing barriers for successful engagement with authority figures and government, rendering it in apothecary necessity.”

Formulations:

* The seeds are very easy to work with. Release their properties by lightly grinding them in a mortar with a pestal. To enhance communication, grind clockwise; to remove barriers, reverse the direction.

* Five is the number most associated with fennel. Release its property by using multiples of five when grinding and use seeds and multiples of the same number.

* Fennel is excellent as part of a tonic, although continued daily use beyond six weeks is not recommended. To make a tonic, add 1/2 tsp to a cup of boiled water. Let the mixture steep for 15 minutes, as fennel is a bit slow to release. Use on its own or mix into your daily tonic.

* Carry fennel seeds in a glass vile. They’re excellent for digestion and for on-the-go witchery. Slip a few seeds in where needed. Chew the seeds to ease digestion and to speak the truth. Five will do the trick.

* Fennel is strongly associated with Mercury. Adding this planetary symbol to any working will increase its potency.

Pharmakeia:

“Fennel is a very specific botanical that is eager to help with a variety of situations involving breaking barriers to communication. It is excellent for breaking down resistance. Drink a tonic and watch your procrastination dissolve.

“Fennel at the threshold ensures that only the truth is spoken within. Add it to your home wards—those protective barriers placed at the entrances or around the perimeter…”

Rosemary

From The Herbal Alchemist’s Handbook by Karen Harrison:

Scientific name: Rosemarinus officinalis

Other name: elf leaf

Element: Air

Planet: sun

Parts used: leaf, essential oil

“ The reviving scent of rosemary stimulates the memory and thought process. Its scent when burned or added to any herbal preparation adds an energy of protection and purification to a space. The oil applied directly to rashes and skin blemishes clears the area, and when inhaled, its aroma aides the memory and brain functions. Sprinkling rosemary leaves over a grave brings comfort to the dead and memories for the ones left behind. Rosemary placed in the bath before bedtime wards away nightmares, and when carried in an Herbal Amulet, it gives confidence and courage.”

From Entering Hekate’s Garden by Cyndi Brannon (repeat information omitted)

Genus: salvia rosmarinus, formerly rosemerinus officinalis

Classification: herb

Spiritual properties: Cleansing of the spirit, contentment, invigoration, recollection, restoration

Physiological properties: rub sore muscles and joints with rosemary oil, rub on temples to ease headache, drink a tonic to improve sleep and ease nightmares. Since it is so beneficial, it makes an excellent ingredient in a daily infusion. Balances the menstrual cycle and eases symptoms.

Magickal properties: awareness, banishing, cleansing, comfort, confidence, contentment, focus, loving spirits, memories, renewal, youth

Part used: leaves

Planetary correspondences: Sun

Elemental correspondences: Fire [note: previous entry indicated air]

Archetype: Ergatis (Energizer)

World: Middle

Zodiac: Virgo

Color: Pink

Stone: pink quartz

Animal: toad

Indications: generally safe for all. Large quantities may cause stomach upset.

**Select Notes**

“Rosemary is a kitchen herb with potent magical properties. It was used by Hekate‘s ancient whitches to ward off evil, improve memory, and for invigoration. The traditional lore is that, where Rosemary grows, the woman of the home will be in charge and well. It is not surprising that some husbands ripped the plant from the ground to prevent this from happening. Nowadays, we women can rule the home as much as witches with Rosemary as one of our familiar spirits.

“Rosemary is strongly associated with the sea, given its natural habitat along the shores of the Mediterranean, making this a suitable offering to Hekate Einalia, in her role as a goddess of the sea. Rosemary brings clarity to emotions, tempering the saltiness and depths of the deep blue. It is a warming plant that restores our inner fire without causing an inferno. It is suitable for loving remembrance of the departed, but note that Rosemary is not a botanical used alone for summoning the departed or spirits. Add Sage and Mugwart to a bundle for these workings.”

Formulations:

* Rosemary is an essential in a witch’s apothecary, for it stands alone as the supreme bringer of loving purification and protection. It’s like Hekate’s arms, enveloping you in fierce love.

* oils, tinctures, infusions, and waters can all be made with rosemary.

* Rosemary poultices placed on a sad heart will help it mend.

Pharmakeia:

“ To ensure an untroubled home, free of stress and conducive to health for the occupants, grow rosemary by your main entrance. It’s one of my ultimate witch tips. Rosemary grows well without our involvement. Make sure the plant is big enough to be comfortable. Since this proud member of Hekate’s garden is so hearty, my Rosemary is a bellweather for our home. If the plant shows signs of distress, I investigate to see who isn’t doing well or if there’s a problem with the house or land. A bath infused with rosemary lets you soak in protection and contentment.”

 Both of these books are fantastic and indispensable references in my witchy library. Entering Hekate’s garden provides workings with each plant entry. My notes have been truncated to allow for space. I highly suggest investigating both books on your own.

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“Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia spp.). Formerly classed as "Tree Daturas", these arboreal Nightshades are grown as ornamentals in tropical, subtropical, Mediterranean-climate regions. In the Sibundoy Valley of Colombia, Angel's Trumpets were used for divination, prophecy, therapy, and for learning sorcery. Elsewhere in South America, B. sanguinea, Bloody Angel's Trumpet, was employed for Tonga, a narcotic Philtre imbibed by priests of the Temple of the Sun at Sogamoza. In other traditions, the Herb was ingested to reveal treasures concealed in ancient graves. Brugmansia potions were also administered rectally to male initiates until a coma or Visionary Sleep resulted, wherein Spirits of the Ancestors would appear to give guidance to the boy for his new life as a man.! Traditionally, the seeds are powdered and used to compound sundry magical brews. After the drinking the potions there follows a violent narcosis, thereupon crowned by sleep interspersed with waking visions of the Spirit Realms and the Dead. Effects on the Physium are characterized by confusion, often follow'd by stupor, slavering, trance or violent convulsions. This gives way to narcosis or sleep lasting up to 4.days, intermittently mingled with the appearance of Spirits, Gods, phantasms, and Shades of the Dead. Other philtre-brewing praxes using this fragrant Celestial Horn include scraping the Pith from the inside of stems and making a decoction thereof.

Brunfelsia (Brunfelsia spp.). Another visionary Nightshade, the precious juices of this Herb are employed as a visionary Philtre by the Kachinaua of the Brazilian Amazon. Those drinking of the potent beverage are catapulted into the Spirit Realm, where they must do battle with Dragons, Jaguars, and other animal souls, in order to determine outcomes in the Material World.

Cup of Gold (Solandra spp.) Twigs of Solandra brevicalyx and S. guerrerensis have traditionally been brewed as a visionary Philtre by the Huichol. As this is another honored member of the tropane-bearing nightshades, caution is advised. A Vine of great Beauty and profound presence, it may be grown with ease in the sorcerer's medicine-garden, given a subtropical or Mediterranean climate and a sun-blessed location.

Hawaiian Woodrose (Argyreia nervosa) The Seed of this convulvulaceous plant may be considered a Visionary whose potencies are well-extracted into water to create a very peculiar Sacramentum. The seeds are best used phytognostically for Chronomantic Journeying, those black arts by which the very strictures of Time are bent as a withe by the Sorcerer. The Seeds may be employed as well for atavistic invocation and distant memory retrieval. Their essence also aids in the voluntary projection of the Dark Body through the Aether, known to the Wise as Sabbatick Flight. 5-13 seeds should be removed from their respective pods, and ground. The powder is steep'd in 50 ml. cold water for several hours, then drunk. The seeds engender a languid visionary state sympathetic to various thaumaturgic and theurgic magics. The Herb may induce induces mild nausea or dizziness in some persons in the first hours prior to the Phytognostic state; as such, a strong tea of fresh Ginger, may be used to check disturbances of the physium. Persons with a history of liver disorders should avoid internal use of this Herb, as should pregnant women. Feelings of restfulness and tranquility may persist for up to a day following the consumption of the Sacrament.

Henbane (Hyoscyamus spp.) Like other nightshade kin such as Mandrake and Belladonna, Henbane is rich in hyoscyamine, scopolamine and other visionary tropanes. As an Elixir Sacramentum, it is best suited for potions of theurgic shape-changing, lycanthropy, and work with Bestial Atavisms. Taken internally, Henbane bewitches the Central Nervous System: initially stimulation arises, soon followed by confusion, stupor, and disturbing visions. Overdose gives rise to central narcotic paralysis, coma, and death. If leaves are desired for tincturing or drying for Magics or Medicines, the tops of the Plant should be collected while in full flower; if the species being grown is biennial, leaves and flowers of the second year are preferable to those of the first. Bilsenkraut, the German name, gave the Bohemian city of Pilsen its name, whose strong be, augmented with the seeds of Henbane, later became famous as Pilsener. Modern formulae for this Beer omit the intoxicating Herb.

Ledum (Ledum palustre, L. groenlandicum). Also known as Wild Rosemary or Marsh Tea, Ledum appeared in ancient European beers as a delirium-producing adjunct. These beers have been proposed as a sacrament of the raging, zealous Berserkers of Northern Europe. Ledum has been used in folk medicine to destroy external parasites; pregnant women should avoid Ledum, as also should those wishing to employ it as an abortifacient, as the effective dose is often a hair's breadth from the lethal dose.

Mandrake, True (Mandragora officinarum). Philtres made from the Witch-Root were at one time esteem'd aphrodisiacs. In some medieval recipes for magical brews, the Root was prepared by rotting in water for two complete lunar cycles, until it was transmogrified into a malodorous green pulp; then it was used in this form, or in a gruel, or added to a brew with sundry ingredients. A virtuous Tea, brewed from the Leaves, was also made. If integrity of taxonomy and potency is assured, tincture by covering the dried, sliced Root in supreme quality spirit, allowing the Virtues two moons to infuse. The resulting golden tincture is then be tested sparingly for its goodness, and its use in potions judged accordingly.

Psilocybe Mushroom (Psilocybe spp.) The Psilocybe kin are many and varied, in personality, predilection, and preference. Of especial joy to the Green Sorcerer is Psilocybe azurescens, very small, aureate of cap, dark blue to black of stipe. In Powers they may be considered to fall under the resplendent, ignified domain of Lucifer, the celestial light-bearer bringing all the good gifts that illuminate and empower our Arte. The qualities so expressed may be termed both empyrean and infernal; angelic, illuminating, transgressive, and quickening unto the fires of the Royal Arte. To exalt the Celestial Fire of this, our Holy Bread, fourteen grams of the dried mushrooms should verily be reduced to a powder, then interred in a Ritual Bottle having a capacity of 250-350 ml., and covered with the finest honey. Let this elixir be stirred once a day for a week, then set to rest for a moon's time. As an illuminating nocturnal Sacrament of Solitude, two to three spoonfuls should be mindfully savour'd. 'Witches' or Crows's Bread is a term of the Curren generically applied to a wide range of sacramental materials which may be ritually consumed in juxtaposition to the Vinum Sabbati. Of such Bread is Our Mushroom, ancient of Mystery and Aureate of Light.

San Pedro Cactus (Trichocereus pachanoi). The use of the cactus as a vision- sacrament in Peru dates to at least 1300 BC. Centuries after christianization, folk healers still prepare ritual brews known as Cimora, employing sundry other cactaceous species-and at least one Campanulaceous Herb whose identity as yet is a mystery- as admixtures. The Cactus is easily grown, and is a most potent Ally. Many different species of Trichocereus are mescaline-bearing; the rarer T. peruvianus is more potent and worth the rigours of a plant-pilgrimage. For preparation, the outer skin and the first five millimetres of white flesh beneath it are removed and simmered in triple its volume of water for at least 5 hours, adding water as needed. In general, when brewing of the plant a phytog- nostic decoction, use 1.5 feet of the Cactus per celebrant.

Scopolia (Scopolia carniolica). In the Middle Ages, the Herb was used in folk medicine as a narcotic and an ingredient in love potions. It was an important drug in Renaissance apothecaries; the plant was also used as a lethal poison. Scopolia is associated with magic of a licentious sexual nature in the folklore; in Romania, the roots were used as a substitute for Mandrake. Its place in the Nightshade family suggests it may have been an ingredient in witches' unguents and brews.”

Ars Philtron:

Concerning the Aqueous Cunning of the Potion and its Praxis in the Green Arte Magical

Elder leaves and flowers, if they are still in bloom, can be gathered after dark on Midsummers Eve, with appropriate offerings made. These can be dried and used later for fumigations, amulets pouches or protective powers where wisdom and access to hidden realms is sought. Also, the earth from around the roots of an old elder tree can be 'harvested' with permission from the tree and intentions explained. This earth can be used in charms, powders or any magical preparation where the aid of the elder tree is needed. The berries can be burned in fumigation mixtures during the winter months when extra protection and information is sought.”

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Under the Witching Tree:

A Folk Grimoire of Tree Lore and Practicum

‘The Black Earth Medicines of Autumn: Elder’

Green Witchcraft: Strawberry Quartz and Strawberry (fruit)!

Wild Strawberry – fragaria vesca Hello my witchy friends! I’ve got a new sketchy herb and magic rock here for y’all, inspired by last night’s strawberry moon – STRAWBERRY QUARTZ AND STRAWBERRY! Strawberry quartz is a new stone to me, one I just started working with when I began to research crystals that could be sacred to the goddess Voluptas. Though classic rose quartz is definitely also on…

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“I wish to here put forward a few notes on the roles that lichen can fulfil within a magical context, though I write this with much trepidation. Many lichen are becoming increasingly threatened and endangered, and as such, I solemnly ask you to use the utmost discretion if you do harvest any of these lovely beings. I also encourage any interested to read the magnificent essay by Robin Wall-Kimmerer ‘Umbilicaria: Belly Button of the Earth.’

To start, let me speak of the biopoetry of lichen. We have here, not an organism, but an ecosystem. Or possibly an alliance—a marriage—a society. Maybe even a hostage situation. Lichens are the result of the symbiosis of a fungus and an algae, cyano-bacteria, or both—these organisms contain multitudes. Some have argued that they act in accord; the fungus protects the algae from the sun and dry conditions, and in return, the algae provides photosynthesized energy that the fungus cannot create on its own. Others argue that the fungus has captured the algae and enslaves, or farms, it. However it is that the scientific ‘poem’ tells the tale of these organisms, it is safe to say that they are multidimensional and able to survive in ways that neither would be, left to their own devices.

Ethnolichenology is a small field, and the known use of lichens by humans is fairly limited, though, they do serve certain anthropological purposes. The compounds that lichen provide us are created in their symbiosis, and are often found only in the conditions provided by their union, so it makes sense that they would be sought out in specific circumstances. Primarily, lichens have been utilized in the perfume industry, in the creation of dyes, and in the field of medicine. However, along with these uses, almost nothing has been written about their place in the scheme of magic. Accordingly, what follows is primarily derived from my own exploration, experimentation, and intuition.

Dehydration and Renewal:

Lichen have the unique ability to survive long periods of extreme dehydration. The crustose lichen that can be found growing on desert rocks may only receive water once a year (or even less.). Neither the individual fungus, nor the algae, could survive—much less, thrive— in some of the harsh climates their lichen symbiotes can be found. I encourage you to find a piece of lichen that has fallen from a tree or boulder, let it dry, and then wet it again. Watch as the stalwart lichen absorbs the water and blooms back into its full form; for practitioners, this can become a powerful symbol of renewal and perseverance. I believe that any work which utilizes a Rose of Jericho can use a mass of Lobaria spp. or Peltigera spp. as a worthy substitution. In a spell for the renewing of a relationship, write the names of both individuals upon a dry thallus of lichen and rehydrate each night from the Dark of moon to Full of moon. In a similar vein, for a business that has slowed, pin a lichen above the door and spritze each day at opening.

Wolf Lichen — Poisonous Protector

A most charismatic species, Letharia spp. and Vulpicida spp., have been used in many cultures for their potent protective poison (vulpinic acid). In both northern Europe and North America, where this species grows, it has been used to ward against predators, hence the common name of Wolf Lichen. Crushed and mixed with meat, it can easily kill a wolf or fox. Using it to coat an arrow can quicken an enemy’s death. But, like all poisons, this has also been used to heal. The coastal peoples of Western North America have used a poultice of L. vulpina for boils and bruises. Furthermore, the bright yellow coloring can be used to craft a vibrant dye.

For the practitioner, if you are lucky enough to find these species (often found in high, exposed places) harvesting a small piece can be used as a potent protective charm. Let me reiterate that you should only harvest a small piece, never taking the entire specimen. The harvested piece can then be tied into a bundle with other protective herbs and hung on the door or about one’s personage. Better yet, the powdered lichen can be mixed with egg yolks, creating a bright yellow paint, and used to inscribe sigils of defense upon relevant items and structures. In short, it serves best against the influence of predatory dangers, such as those who wish to harm you, your home, and/or your property.

Usnea — Purification and Healing

The commonly termed lichen ‘Old Man's Beard’ (Usnea spp.) contains the compound Usnic Acid. This is a powerful antimicrobial and antibacterial chemical, and a poultice formed of these species can aid in the healing of wounds. In Himilayan cultures, the long strands of Usnea logissima are to clean cerimonial utensils, such as wiping out bowls and goblets. Apart from purification, the long threads of Usnea spp. can be used to bind together materials, both practically and ceremonially.

Evernia — Perfume of the Earth

The most economically significant role lichen plays in today's world is as a base-note in some of the finest perfumes. The lichen frequently known as Oakmoss, Evernia prunastri, grows in almost all northern latitudes, and it is from this lichen that the heavy, earthy notes in many french perfumes are derived. In a home-practice, the essential oil (which I beg others to source sustainably) can be used as a base note for basic grounding perfumes. For the promotion of tranquility, one may mix oil of Oakmoss with the oils of Clary Sage, Mugwort, and Lavender, bury the bottle on the evening of a Dark Moon, and allow it to steep in the shadows for one week. Thereafter, it can be used as a scent that imbues the wearer with the peaceful blessings of chthonic darkness.

The dried specimens can be powdered and burned as an incense; a mixture of Cedar leaves, Oakmoss, and Copal is excellent for drawing good spirits to the home. Blend and. Urn Oakmoss, Rose resin, and Myrrh to bring draw blessings of good health.

Pseudoevernia - The Everlasting

Finally, the species of Pseudoevernia (along with myrrh, cassia, and certain spices) was used by the Egyptians to embalm the dead. Similarly, other cultures have used this and other species for tanning leather. In relation to this preservative capacity of the lichen, I have found that these species can be incorporated innorsernto to amplify and prolong the effects of most any magical working.”

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‘Lichenology in the Context of Magic’