The magick of the Willow tree

   

"Culpeper says in his Complete Herbal "The moon owns the willow" and it was known as the witches' tree and the tree of enchantment. Robert Graves suggests that witch, wicker and wicked are all derived from willow."

By Glennie Kindred ( www.whitedragon.org.uk ) 

   
     Willows are trees and shrubs from the genus Salix, found in cold to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Almost exclusively they’re all (around 400 species) hygrophytic to hydrophytic, which means they’ll be found growing on damp soil, in moist areas or straight out of the water.

     The leaves are typically narrow or lanceolate, though they can sometimes be oval as well, and occasionally with serrated edges. They have very strong roots, sometimes stoloniferous, very resistant, creeping, and even forming on the aerial parts of the plant. The Willows are dioecious, which means they have separate units bearing only male, and separate units bearing only female

White Willow ( Salix alba )

inflorescence known as catkins. Both type of flowers have reduced calyx and corolla, male flowers having typically 10 stamens, while the female ones having a single ovary, with a single seed. Another interesting taxonomic marker are the conspicuous paired stipules, which may or may not remain for a while during the late spring and early summer. Many willows also blossom before they form leaves. The catkins are tinted orange or purple once they fully form, and are usually well known even among the laypeople, as the Willow’s inflorescence type, being pretty and distinguishable that they are.

     People love to plant willows on “troublesome” grounds prone to forming pools, or puddles and retaining surface water for prolonged periods, as they will ameliorate this problem. They are in general very decorative so that helps too. They’ve proven themselves as an invaluable source to the natural versions of analgesic medicine and plant’s growth hormone.

     The analgesic compounds are salicylates, namely salicilin and salicylic acid found in the bark and leaves of the Willow (and also Poplar) trees. [1] Salicylic acid is a metabolite of Aspirin. Hippocrates suggested chewing on the bark to reduce fever and inflammation. The analgesic from the Willow seem to work slower than the Aspirin, but also seem to have a more lasting effect, particularly in treating headaches, lower back pain, osteoarthritis etc. [2] Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) which is abundant in new branches, and stems is a powerful growth hormone of the plants [3] and can be used for propagation of cuttings of willows and pretty much any other plant equally well. People make the so called; “Willow water” to use it as a natural plant growth hormone. The Salicylic acid present in the willow water has an additional benefit, or fighting the bacterial and also some fungal infection to which the cutting are very prone to become victims.

      The wood is used in the furniture industry, and branches are sometimes used as wicker for the baskets.

       Willow can act as hyper-accumulators on certain types of soil, and are therefore used for phytoremediation of the soil.

     Willows in magick and spirituality

      

     Many species, or even varieties are used in magickal workings. This is probably due to the fact that the most of the Willows are rather similar, and share the traits which are observed in the “Doctrine of Signatures” so people naturally tent to use whatever species was available in their part of the world. In the Europe, the Willow used in magick has been the “White” willow or Salix alba, but also Salix babyloniaca or the Weeping willow. The latter, due to its availability pretty much worldwide, is often being used nowadays in magick. It’s a popular horticultural tree, that’s quite tolerant to the differences in soil types and composition, so it’s grown profusely across the northern Hemisphere.

     The Weeping willow is though, sometimes seen as unlucky due to its use prominently as a symbol of sorrow or death in art. In Shakespeare’s “Othello” we have a “Willow song” sang by Desdemona

From the Monet's Water Lilies series,
notice the branches of  Weeping Willow arching
over the water and the Lilies

in an act of despair. Claude Monet painted ten Weeping Willow paintings in 1919. apparently as a mournfull response to the tragedies of the World War I. [4] It’s perhaps this, paired with the feminine and Lunar nature of the plant, that lends to its occasional use in magick to “make someone weep” or cry. A Hoodoo friend of mine, tells me she’ll use the powdered or crushed leaves on a skull candle to either make someone cry, or help someone morn over some loss and consequently heal and move on.

     Willow and the unconscious

     Willow, is the bridge to unconscious and understanding our own emotions. Ruled by Moon and water, it makes perfect sense for it to be an agent per excellence for such. The Latin verb “salire” which means “to leap”, and is one of the possible sources of the Latin name for the genus, illustrates the spiritual power of the Willow to help one leap the gap between emotion and understanding. Or emotions and cognitive processes. It brings clarity when the confusion is caused by imagery, emotional outburst, and helps us go through emotional turmoil in a natural and healthy way, keeping us balanced should we start to waver, hesitate or “run amok” the path we need to take in any given time.

     Many consider it extremely beneficial when facing a sensitive dilemma of any kind, or struggling with emotions, to sit under a willow tree, or to hug it. Especially during the nights of the Full Moon, ideally near the body of the water so you can watch its reflection. This is said to intuitively bring solution to the mind. From personal experience, I can testify that this is indeed of great help.

     Willow can also help us understand the abstract imagery, dreams, visions, and makes an excellent divining rods.

     In Slavic, and particularly Balkan Slavic witchery it’s used to heal and soothe a child which is overly emotional, usually the children that cry hysterically, and sometimes also those that suffer from night terrors.

     For this purposes one needs to find a branch of Willow that touches the water surface, dips it into a vessel with water*, and give some of this water to the child to drink. [5]

     Willow and the feminine

     Willow is deeply connected to the feminine and the female energies. It’s associated with the various female pagan deities like the; Artemis, Ceres, Hecate, Persephone, Hera, Belili and others [6] It’s seen symbolic and sacred to the Brigid during the Imboloc by some.

     Sallow, as also sometimes referred to (some species more than others, in Europe Salix carpea for example) appears also as a symbol of female sexuality, fertility and female power to fascinate, charm and bind;

     “Willow is used for charms of fascination and binding, and during the spring moon we have the power of the Spring Maiden who fascinates and binds the power of the young King. Aphrodite is associated with the spring and the bright half of the moon, courtship and the union which blesses the land with fertility. British and Irish mythology is also rich with legends of the beguiling, Willowy Spring Maiden who is called Olwen, Niwalen, Gwenhyver, Cordelia, Blodeuwedd and many others, who initiate the young King into a deeply sexual experience.” [7]

     In the Balkans, Willow is used profusely in folk healing rituals, but some of them are reserved only from the women, and are therefore tabooed for men.  The example is the ritual that women, especially maidens and young girls do on the feast day of the St. George. They make a “belt” using a willow branch and tie it around their waist to be “as slim and fair as willow”, which is also an example of sympathetic magick.

     For the Slavic people Willow is a place that the water fairies love to frequent and dwell around, so they can be contacted there, or an offering for them could be made there. Caution was needed, as in the Slavic folklore, most of the water fairies are very malevolent and cruel, and should only be contacted in some dire need. It was usually only the desperate or those extremely skilled in magick who’d work with the water fae.

    

     Willow as a healer and “axis mundi” for the Slavic folk

     Among most Slavic people, the Willow enjoys the reputation of a sacred tree, which is a bit like the Ygdrassil or the Tree of life of Kabala, for it’s transcendental and connects various planes of existence. It is therefore considered the embodiment of the archetypical “axis mundi”, much like the Oak tree that only gained such reputation later in the Slavic culture and myth, mostly due to the patriarchal ways of community, making it a “male” counterpart to the willow. [8]

     Because of this transcendental, and bridging (like mentioned before the word Salix, is derived from the terms reffering to leaping) power, the willow was used to banish diseases to the “Netherland”, or other specific place, where from they could no longer return to ail the one performing the ritual.

     An example is a ritual where a person afflicted with the fever, particularly a persistent one, must roast a whole garlic bud, early in the morning before the first roosters sound themselves. Then he or she, takes it to the willow, shakes it three times vigorously apologizing for it and saying:

“It is not the morning dew that I shake off from you,

But the fever that I shake off from myself” 

     A person then leaves the roasted garlic on the willow, and swiftly abandons the place, taking care not to turn back** and look at the spot, for any reason. [9]

     It’s still customary to hit children (mildly and affectionately, for it’s a symbolic gesture) in Serbia, Bulgaria, parts of Montenegro and Croatia on the Lazarus’ Saturday with willow twigs to ensure they remain healthy throughout the year. The willow branches are also commonly blessed in the Orthodox Christian churches on this day, to be used on the Palm Sunday, due to them being more readily available than the palm trees. [10] Young men and women will also customary hit each other with the willow twigs saying: “May you grow fair as willow”, in a belief that this will bring them vitality and fair appearance.

     Since this is meant to be a practical blog, here are a few ideas, that I’ve came up myself, on how to implement the power of willow in magick;

     The dream decoder spell

     Respectfully gather a small piece of willow bark, or a piece of Willow wood. You can use some branch and cut a small slice of it. Thank the tree and water it or leave it some kind of offering. This would ideally be done on a night of the full moon, or otherwise some Monday.

     When dry, some Monday, place this piece of this wood in a small blue, or a purple bag or sachet, preferably made of linen, along with a piece of Ulexite, Clear Calcite or Quartz. Light a blue candle and enchant the charm by holding it in the hands, breathing upon it and chanting;

     “Nightly scenes that perish with light

       Confusing, forgotten or out of sight

       I understand now your omens and sign,

       For Willow and crystal conjure you fine” 

     Place under pillow to overcome confusing, irrational dreams, and to understand dream omens and the symbols of the subconscious mind in them, helping this insight heal the mental struggles which caused them.

     The New chance spell

     When experiencing a failure of some kind, and wanting to turn it around by finding another way to do it, a new perspective, or simply new hope and willpower, go to where willows grow. Respectfully cut a small, healthy branch from the tree, preferably the new, green ones. This should be done in spring, during the waxing moon, ideal time being Ostara.

     Plant it in the wet soil. You may dip it in the growing hormone to ensure it sprouts new roots swiftly and safely. Envision the solution you need, or simply wish for it strongly, water the cutting and chant:

           “Cut away yet, far from dead,

              Even when stricken with the strife,

              I embrace the new chance instead,

              Growing towards better life.” 

     As the little cutting grows, so will you find the solution and a way to turn your failure into success.

     Hoodoo spell to make someone weep or heal them

   

     To make someone mentally unstable and make them weep and cry. Inscribe a skull candle with the name of the person you wish to affect. It should be a black skull candle. Dress it with some condition oil appropriate to your need. Then sprinkle the candle or entwine it with some Couchgrass ( or Witchgrass ) and sprinkle with some crumbled leaves of the Weeping Willow. You can arrange these just below the eye sockets of the skull candle so it appears as if the skull is crying. Burn and speak appropriate words or power.

     To help someone heal from grieving too much, dress a white skull candle with some Healing or Tranquility oil. Sprinkle it with crumbled or powdered Weeping willow leaves and Balm of Gilead. If it’s a broken heart they suffer from add some Violet leaf or Heartease leaf too. Burn during the hours of the Sun and read the following Bible verse:

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” ( Revelations 21:4 )

     Spirituality talisman

     It’s customary in some parts of Europe to collect some Willow tree juice on a piece of Linen fabric the day after Ostara , and then carry that a spirituality talisman. Here is what I think is an equally good alternative method.

     Cut a piece of willow branch, so you have a nice, small rounded slice. Gather respectfully on a night of the full moon, or some Monday while the moon is in the waxing phase. Inscribe one side of this talisman with the spiral. On the other you can inscribe an open eye, and your initials, or something of a sort. Let it dry, and when well dry, dress it lightly with some Master key oil, or other kind of appropriate spiritual oil. When the oil dries out, it’s ready. You can make it into a pendant or place in a small charm vial and use that as a pendant, and carry it on your behalf to raise your spiritual awareness, and help you connect to the spirit world more easily and swiftly. It will also help grow your natural spiritual talents. You can also put this in a charm or mojo bag with things like the Witches Burr, and Galangal root for example, for increase in spiritual power.

NOTE: This article was written and composed by myself. If you wish to use  any part of it  elsewhere online feel free but add credits: Shadow of the Shadows magick place, or "Shadow-333@hotmail.com , or a direct link to this page

CREDITS AND REFERENCES: * In traditional Balkan witchcraft this type of plant remedy is usually made by soaking the plant material, usually a whole plant if herbaceous, or a bark, root etc., in a vessel with water; most commonly a pan, or a bowl, and leaving it outside or a window sill over night to catch the “brightness”, that is the spiritual energy radiated by Moon and stars. The Willow remedy was probably also made this way.

** This is a frequent taboo in some Slavic magick rituals and spells, particularly the healing ones. It’s firmly believed that if the practitioner turned around, they could catch a glimpse of the forces or spirits which are making sure the ritual comes to fruition, and could go mad or die because of it.

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20509453

[2] http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/willow-bark

[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willow

[4] https://www.kimbellart.org/collection-object/weeping-willow

[5] Veselin Cajkanovic “Recnik Srpskih narodnih verovanja o biljkama” (lit. Veselin Cajkanovic “Dictionary of Serbian folk beliefs about plants”) Beograd 1994

[6] Cunningham, Scott “Cunningham’s encyclopedia of magic herbs”

[7] Retrieved from; https://www.whitedragon.org.uk/articles/willow.htm for explanatory, educational and illustrative purposes, without any ill will

[8] Acc. to http://www.lovesensa.rs/print/clanci/korak-dalje/price-o-neznoj-vrbi

[9] Acc. to the  same source listed under [8]

[10] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus_Saturday

IMAGE CREDITS: 

The first image, the botanical illustration is from: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/02/2b/a8/022ba89dd0769cadb7f92a95953ff24b.jpg 

The second one, which is the Claude Monet's image is from: https://d1inegp6v2yuxm.cloudfront.net/royal-academy/image/upload/c_limit,dpr_1.0,f_auto,w_950/joumqzbympg7vmxsqe4j.jpg 

both used here for illustrative purposes  without any ill intention

Verbena, the Herb of Pure magick

Verbena is  the common name for any of the plants from Verbena genus, in  the Verbenaceae family. This article, however deals with Verbena or Vervain, which is used in magick and will therefore deal with Verbena officinalis, frequent  common name also being Common Verbena. Other names include:  Herba Sancta, Holy Herb, Devil’s bane ( Welsh ), Enchanter’s plant, Tears of Isis, Tears of Juno, Herba Veneris, Altar plant and more.

Verbena officinalis ,
botanical illustration

It’s native in Europe, though it has been naturalized in States, and is found abundantly both in Europe and Americas, particularly on lime soils, and in urbanized areas.

It’s a herbaceous, perennial plant with an upright habitus, and  deeply lobed leaves, oppositely arranged, with toothed edges, and spike inflorescence bearing   many small flowers, with five petals,  ranging in color from pale blue to purple. While inconspicuous, regardless of being rather tall and growing up to a meter high, it’s  quite easy to memorize, and usually when people see it once, they are able to recognize it easily.

It has been used enough in folk herbal medicine to know that’s safe to ingest even in larger doses,  and there are some evidences to support its use as anthireumathic, diaphoretic, and galactogogue, and anti-inflamatory agent .[1]  A teacup on 150ml of boiling water is standard dose for tea/infusion, which is taken 2-3 times ( cups ) per day. It is however, highly contraindicated for use during pregnancy as it may cause miscarriage!  Folk herbal medicine use it for a wider range  of condition, including respiratory infections, and wounds that heal too slow, or skin ulcers topically.

Verbena in magick

Verbena is one of the most profusely used herbs in magick, and it’s uses range from purification and protection, to  transfiguration, the last at least mythically, with all the plethora of uses in-between.

It corresponds to planet Venus and the Element of Earth [2] It’s allegedly* a treasured Druid plant, used by Druid bards for inspiration, in initiation rituals. It is however, a speculated ingredient in Celtic goddess Kerdiwen’s Cauldron of Knowledge.

Verbena is ( again, according to Druidic teachings ) collected when the Dog star ( Sirius ) is on the rise, that is during the “dark of the Moon” when neither Sun nor Moon can be seen on sky. Either then, or on Midsummer.  Folk would dry Verbena over Midsummer fires and then spread them over the fields to ensure fruitful crops, and healthy plants, and even nowadays, it’s scattered throughout the gardens to ensure that the plants in it thrive. However, it can more than likely be equally efficient, If /when collected any other time really, though one should always approach such powerful plant with respect.

It’s a herb associated with knowledge, even in modern magick, particularly magickal knowledge or studious success. In Hoodoo, children are often bathed with Verbena infusion, or Verbena is placed bellow their pillows to help them memorize lessons better and be more  proficient in their studies ( kind of like Smartweed ), however the adults can use it the same way.

It’s juice, which is used often in magick, is sometimes smeared on palms and/or forehead prior to magick spells and rituals  for extra strength. Smeared on the body, the juice is said to make people soften towards You, and be more prone to agree with You and do You favors.  Smeared on the body, the juice of Verbena is also reputed to:  cures diseases, entices precognition,  turns enemies into friends, attracts lovers, and guards from enchantments.  Drunk, in a specific ritual, the juice is reputed to induce chastity;

“To remain chaste for long periods of time, rise before the sun on the first day  of the New Moon. Gather Vervain ( still before Sunrise ), press out it’s juice and drink it down.  According to ancient instructions, it will cause You to lose all desire for s*x for seven years” [3]

A tea is drunk to induce prophetic dreams, inspire to write ,   strengthen magickal powers and bring magickal knowledge, or halt nightmares and dreams. In fact some say that verbena infusion, drunk prior to bed ensures sleep “without” dreams.

Verbena is widely held to be magickaly curative,  and to holds the power to seal the wounds and stop bleeding, much akin to Lemon Balm. In Hoodoo, it’s believed to be able to cure “unnatural diseases”   that manifest as fever or poisoning.

“A packet of Verbena worn on the body is said to help those suffering from fever, or poisoning as a result  of  a curse” [4]

It’s also the herb in some Christian myths, that was used  to staunch Lord Christ’s wounds upon removal from the Cross.

But it’s greatest  spiritual value perhaps lies within its  splendid apotropaic powers, that enable one to defy the most powerful of evil spirits, and enchantments.  A crown of Verbena may be worn on head to protect the Conjurer that invokes spirits to come.  A infusion of the plant sprinkled in home, or dwelling will clear negative vibrations and  evil from it, including evil spirits, it’s a proper demonifuge. A nineherb blend  , including Verbena is said to uncross and protect from baneful witchcraft. In fact,  when combined with Trefoil, Clover and St John’s wort   in a charm bag it’s believed to make witches utterly powerless against one, and there is an old proverb about it ( see post about St John’s wort on here, to learn more about it ).  It can turn bad luck into good one, and help in times of dire need, if only carried on person, for the latter.  You can use it in a ritual to Turn the tables on bad luck  , where a double action candle is rolled in Verbena for this purpose.

With Eclampane, and Mistletoe leafs, it was believed to form a true love Middleage powder formulae. [5] It’s a powerful love herb even today, and is ingredient in lust and infatuation inducing infusions ( cooking a teaspoon in a glass of wine, for example ). It’s often mixed with 8 other Venus plants,and used in a love charm bag 

It’s also said to re-kindle a lost love, repel vampires if drunk, protect the home from bad weather if placed in it, and bring money when leafs are burnt as incense [6]

Following are some practical advices and tips

Bath to sweeten Your enemies up

The following bath is said to induce affection for You in Your enemies.

Pour infusion made with Verbena and Orissroot, in a basin ( tub ) with water, and add some essential oil of Myrrh and Sandalwood to it. [7]

Charm to find something lost, or to find direction

In a charm bag ( like mojo bag ) combine:

·         

       Verbena

·         A piece of lodestone, or a magnet

·         Blue Tourmaline

If You have lost a specific item, You can write something about it, or better yet, draw it,  on a piece of paper, place the paper on the saucer, or in some bowl, place lodestone on it, and then sprinkle it all abundantly with Verbena.  Place it on some elevated place in home until You find the item.

Sachet to hinder evil dreams

Whether they are plainly anxiety-induced nightmares that deplete You of quality sleep, or spiritual shrapnel of a curse or hex sent to torment You ( or any form of “attack while sleeping” psychic and occult attacks ), the following combo, placed in a sachet under Your pillow will do  with them terrifying nightmares away:

·         Verbena

·         Wood Betony

·         Chrisoprase crystal

Potion to restore magickal powers 

If someone has caused blocked condition in You, bound or blocked Your spiritual prowess, replenish Your skills with the following potion:

·         A teaspoon of Verbena, dry

·         A teaspoon of Alder leaves, dry

·         A small chunk of Ginger rhizome

Put all in 300-500ml  boiling water,  stir few times, remove from heat,  cover, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, that strain and drink every day  ( for few days, or week, until You notice the results ) a cup or two. You can sweeten with honey If You wish .

NOTES: This  article  was written and composed by myself,   so If You wish to use it elswhere  online, feel free, but add credits ; Shadow of the Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com ,  or a direct link to this post .

CREDITS AND REFERENCES:

* Being that Druidism is tradition which is spread orally ( and very discriminatively ), the little we know about it must  always be taken with a grain of  salt, more so if it comes from Roman scribes, who had been prone to misunderstanding or  intentionally twisting  the information they had been gathering  and writing down about Druids

[1] http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-88-verbena.aspx?activeingredientid=88&activeingredientname=verbena

[2] According to Scott Cunningham, as stated in his “Cunningham’s encyclopedia of magickal herbs” 252^nd page

[3] Retrieved from same source as listed under [2], quoted here for  educational purposes, as a brief quotation, with no ill will

[4] Quotation from “Hoodoo Herbs and Root magic;  a material magica of African American conjure” by Catherine Yronwode, quoted here for educational purpose, without any ill will

[5] According to: http://herb-magic.com/mistletoe.html

[6] According to: http://www.witchipedia.com/herb:vervain

[7] According to Judika Illes, as stated In her   “Encyclopedia of 5000 spells”, paraphrased here

IMAGE CREDITS:

The image is from  : http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Illustration_Verbena_officinalis0.jpg  , used here for    illustrative and explanatory purposes, without any ill will

St John's wort use in herbal magick

St John’s wort ( Hypericum perforatum ) is a plant of/in the family  Hypericaceae,  which is native in Europe and Asia, but exists as introduced, sometimes invasive species  in America, Australia, and in general, in all warm and temperate  climate zones.

The glabrous stalk can grow up to 1m high, branches in upper parts, bearing yellow flowers in terminal corymb/bostryx  ( type of cymose  inflorescence  )  .  Leaves are opposite, oblong, without

St John's wort botanical illustration

stalk , bearing  translucent dots, which are actually oil- containing glands, and can easily be noted when the herb is held  against the light, hence the species latin name “perforatum” ( lit. perforated )  .

Flowers are actinomorphic , with 5 petals  ( corolla ) and 5 sepal ( calyx ), petals  bearing black dots, mostly on the edges, which are , like those on leaves  oil glands.   They are around   2.5 cm in diameter.

Due to contents of hypericine, and hyperforine, it’s clynicaly proven to be efficient in treating mild to moderate depression, as well as some other neurological conditions such as anxiety, OCD and insomnia. [1]  Infused oil of St John’s wort is a traditional  European herbal  medicine for first degree burns, cuts and smaller bruises, and is proven to  have antibacterial effect. However, it also phototoxic , which means it causes  skin photosensitivity in some people, though in much lesser degree than Angelica essential oil or Rue.

Use in herbal magick

“ To drive away “phantastical spirits,” according to Robert

Burton’s 17th-century work, The Anatomy of Melancholy, St.

John’s wort should be gathered on a Friday and then “hung

about the neck.” “

  Gerina Dunwhich  in : “Herbal magick – a witches guide to Herbal folklore, enchantments and divination”

St John’s wort is a traditional Midsummer plant , and is thus   traditionally     plucked / harvested  on Midsummer / St John’s feast day which also happens to be the Holy day of Voodoo  .

It’s associated with St. John the Baptist through various Christian legends. One of them speaks how upon the beheading   of St John ,  the plant started excreting  red oil.  The Latin name for the genus “Hypericum” comes from old Greek “hyeprikon” which means “over apparition/icon”   reffrencing the custom of  hanging the dry plant wreaths  and bundles over Saint’s Icons among the Orthodox  Christians, who firmly believe that the plant has extremely strong apotropaic powers, that can repel even the Dev*l himself.

It’s no wonder then, that one of the names for it is also “Fuga daemonium” ( Latin, lit. chase away –demons ).  Another common name for the plant,  “Sol terrestis”  ( Latin lit. Sun of Earth,  or Earthly Sun , also Sun on Earth ) speaks of plant’s association with Solar power, and symbolically also the power of light to chase away darkness.  

“When placed in a jar and hung  by a window St. John’s wort protects  against thunderbolts, fire, and evil spirits” [2] says the Cunningham’s encyclopedia of Magical herbs . St John’s wort is particularly powerful  when picked on Midsummer and dried over Midsummer fires, it’s said to provide prophetic dreams about  Your future spouse ( when placed bellow pillow ),  and to repel ghosts, evil spirits, and hinders necromancers, and keeps them away from home.  It’s often burned to repel ghosts and evil spirits in form of incense.

According to Cunningham, the herb was in  ancient times used to detect witches, or rather force them to admit that they are of such, by holding it against their mouths.  [3]

It’s also a power herb,  that infuses practitioner with energy, both life energy ( “chi”, “prana” ) and the magickal one (“mana” ) hence it’s good for practitioner that feel drained or tired, or need extra “boost” for their work. It’s often mixed with Frankincense tears for this and burned as incense.  To make a power oil, You can combine St John’s wort  gathered on Midsummer, Frankincense tears and Heliotrope harvested during August. Mind though, that is an extremely  powerful stuff that will amplify spells strength and all the good, but also the bad that may come as a result of it.

St John’s infused oil can be used in funerary rites and mysteries, as well as in exorcism. Herb hung over bed of several people in the same house, can be used to fortel which of them will die first. It’s the person who’s herb has wilted  overnight , who was taught to be the first among the group to die.

In Balkan peninsula folklore, the herb is associated with Virgin Mary, but retains the same properties, as elsewhere in Europe. Additionally, it’s believed to be able to magickally cure infertility. For this purpose the herb must be gathered and not bought, oftentimes a child is sent to do it, and then blessed by Christian priest.  Then it’s used to make an infusion ( tea ) which women drink to cure infertility, particularly when the Moon is full or waxing.  The tea is drunk for a couple of consecutive days, and some of the herbs women should carry with her ( as a talisman ) at all times [4]

Recipes and formulas

Double John and evil’s gone oil

Just an idea that occurred to me when I was writing this. St John’s wort is not traditionally used  in Hoodoo, but this formula, containing it,   references Hoodoo symbolism and terminology  and uses High John the Conqueror root.

Combine

·         High John TC root and

·         St John’s wort

In some base oil, like Olive oil, macerate until it gets quite red in color, and then it’s ready to use.

Use to conquer evil, to defeat long standing or persistent curses, or defeat and exorcize demons, and adverse conditions. 

Some St John’s wort herb would make brilliant addition to “Run Dev*l run” Hoodoo oil, both as a dying agent and a powerful magickal adjunct to the formulae .

Power lifting incense

·         St John’s wort gathered at Midsummer

·         Frankincense tears

Burn during rituals or waft oneself with smoke for magickal empowerment, strength and endurance.

Herbal charm to hinder witches and render them unable to harm You

Combine Trefoil, Vervain, St. John’s wort and Dill, and carry in a mojo bag when You have to face, or fight evil witches. 

According to an old English saying : “Trefoil, vervain, St John’s wort and dill, hinder witches of all their will” [5]

 

NOTES:  This article was written/created by myself, therefore,  If You wish to use any part of it elsewhere   online feel free, but do add credits: Shadow of the Shadows magick place,     Shadow-333@hotmail.com  , or a direct link to this post.

CREDITS AND REFRENCES:

[1] Acc. to  the  http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-329-ST.%20JOHN'S%20WORT.aspx?activeIngredientId=329&activeIngredientName=ST.%20JOHN'S%20WORT

[2] “Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs” Llewellyn publications,  pg. 224^th and 225^th   

[3] As under [2]

[4] Veselin Cajkanovic “Recnik Srpskih narodnih verovanja o biljkama”  pg.10^th

[5] Rhyme retrieved from “Witchcraft and Black magick” by Montague Summers , page 179^th, used here for educational and explanatory purposes

IMAGE CREDITS:    St. John's wort illustration  is from  https://middlepath.com.au/plant/img/StJohnsWort_botanical-illustration.jpg used here for illustrative and explanatory, and educational  purposes  without any  ill will, or intent of copyrights infringement

Mimosa use in herbal magick

Mimosa is any of the plants of genus Mimosa ( around 400 species ) , varying in ecological form from herbaceous, over shrubs  to trees, the last form though being most frequent one.

Acacia delbata, blossoming branch

 

It had often ( likely due to it’s leaves and leaflets from ) been confused with other genus such as Acacia, and Albizia.  

Mimosas have  leaves divided in pinnate or bipinnate leaflets, much like in the case of fern. The flowers range in color, though  they are most often , pink or pale violet or combined. Flowers are arranged into globular clusters, which are often mistaken for the whole , single flower, much like people do when it comes to common Daisy, or Dandelions, from Asteraceae family, or with Clovers from Fabaceae family etc. Mimosas have 10 or less  stamens, which is important, because it can be used  as taxonomic marker to differentiate  them from similar Acacias and Albizia plants.  Some Mimosas are widely known as plants which are capable of making fast, nastic movements, such as the popular example of Mimosa pudica, which reacts to mechanical or heat stimulus , by folding it’s leafs, as If retreating or shaming. Hence why in Hoodoo, Mimosa pudica is often referred to as “Shame brier” and is used in ritual to make someone feel the shame.  Mimosa nuttalii , is sometimes referred to as “Shame boy”, and is a herbaceous or vine plant, with small purple flowers, with 5 very small petals, and 8-10 stamens, with a prickly pod fruit. It’s been used interchangeably in Hoodoo with Mimosa pudica, due to same  ability of  rapid nastic movements.

Mimosas are part of Fabaceae family now, and are often placed in Mimosideae subfamily. Most contain  some amount of hepatonic acid , which is not toxic, more so in minute amounts that Mimosa plants contain ( it’s a chemical that can be obtained from it’s precursor, ricinoleic acid, from castor bean oil, and is used in esterification of various substances used as  fragrances or additives ), but some like Mimosa tenuiflora, contain psychedelic dimethyltriptamine ( the “notorious” DMT, also known as “spirit molecule” ) and is hence used in some shamanic brews, like Ayahuasca. [1]

Use in magick

In magick Mimosa is a plant correspondent to the planet Saturn and Element of water. It’s considered a “feminine” plant [2]

People use both the actual Mimosas, which are more often herbaceous plants than trees, and what they refer to as “Yellow Mimosa” sometimes, which is actually Acacia delbata. In cases where the ability of rapid movements in magick is not required, these species seem to be used interchangeably.

It’s used in purification spells and rituals, mostly when sprinkled around the area, powdered or chopped even. The infusion can be used in similar manner, like a floorwash, but is most often used in form of bath, to annul hexes and curses, while also  providing protection from them.

It is said to confer prophetic dreams when placed bellow pillow, also protecting from nightmares and helping pleasant dreams come true, If one desires it.

Mimosa is added to all sort of love mixtures, as a touch of subtitle dominance, particularly by women. It’s has some influence and domination properties, and is thus  sometimes used in influence and control  and commanding formulas. [3] In fact  due to it’s Saturn-ian nature and power to confront, fight and deny power to evil, it can be used in formulas to protect from demons, help controlling them and decrease the powers they may use against one.

Connecting with the Mimosa tree energies, according to Cass Eason’s can help in: “Removes a sense of isolation, especially for older people; calms anxiety; relieves depression, gastric problems, cuts, and wounds, also nightmares” [4] Find out more, what are the ways of connecting and healing with tree energies more in her article “Healing trees”. Cass Eason gives binomial name “Acacia delbata”, hence she’s referring  to the tree, with fragrant yellow flowers.  Givenchy, has a perfume “Amarige – Mimosa harvest 2009” which uses the flowers as one of the dominant scents.

In Hoodoo Mimosa, or rather the  Shame brier species ( interchangeably few other Mimosas with

Mimosa nutalii, so called "Shame boy"

the ability of rapid nastic movement, such as   Mimosa nutalii and few others  )  is used to "(a)shame someone"  and  prevent them from harming You in future , get hired and have  success at job interviews, or get a lawsuit against You  dropped or to win it. Regardless of the aim, Mimosa has to be collected ritually, and “activated” by passing hand over it’s leaves ( often specific amount of times ) so that it will roll back it’s leaflets, and saying: “Be ashamed” .  Then it’s ready to be used ritually.

Acacia delbata flowers, are used in Hoodoo formulas such as “Master key” and “African Ju Ju”.  It’s commonly the fragrant yellow flowers  that are being used

Festival of Mimosa

 

In a country from which I am coming from , there is a festival dedicated to Mimosa ( Acacia delbata ), lasting a whole month, or rather the  whole February. The “Mimosa Festival” has been appropriated every year,  ever since 1969^th , and is a  type of carnival-like celebrations, including old traditional songs and music,  traditional Mediterranean cuisine, costume balls, parades , musical and other kind of artistic performances and so on. All of which, heavily referencing the Mimosa flowers theme,  and most often Mimosa flowers are actually, physically present during these activities, as a part of décor, of to be given away to visitors and participants. About the symbolism, and origins of this festivity, which is quite reminiscent of those, now mostly extinguished, local cults of plant worship, once very common throughout the Europe, locals can’t say much. In fact, Mimosa seems to spawn all sorts of subjective, personal  associations, which may differ from person to person. But one thing people here commonly agree  on, when it comes to symbolism of Mimosa, is  that it  symbolizes strength and power, to endure and succeed in something  , even when the terms of environment are unfriendly , opposing or harsh. In such manner that Mimosa blooms when most of the Europe is still covered in snow. In fact,    the seaside towns  that celebrate this festival, have pretty much pleasant microclimate during February, but just a few ( 2-4h ) hours of driving to the northern parts of the country, and You’ll meet the typical winter sceneries, with white, snow covered areas, smoking chimneys, people dressed up like they live on Alaska J,  ski-centers, winter spa centers, pine forests etc.  While all that is nice, in its own way, it’s at the same time monochromatic and quite absent of  vegetation, if we exclude  the aforementioned, enduring, frost and snow tolerant pines. Yet on the south, there is an explosion of yellow, fragrant flowers everywhere You go. Another thing people will often associate with Mimosa flowers here is happiness. I’ll tell You, ever since I was a little kid, I would wait the end of January with extreme anticipation, because then, I’d get the chance to enjoy these  amazing flowers, which were always there in February, much like the Festival. Regardless of who was the president, was the country doing well economically and politically, was the country threatened in some way, the Mimosa festival , and Mimosa flowers called the  people to unite, find the hope and celebrate the end of Winter.  You can read a bit about it  on here

 Spells and ritual suggestions

Triple Saturn charm and incense

In a small, purple or indigo charm bag, combine:

·         Solomon seal root

      ·         Mimosa flowers and
      ·         Mullein leaves

Use to protect from evil magick, and negate it’s power, as well as to ensure that You will not be fascinated or influenced by demons. It’s very good to fight and resist demonic oppression, and chase away the demons. It will also help You influence and dominate people.

Incense is used likewise, it can be also used to control demons and force them to do Your biddings, or command them to behave accordingly with Your desires. It makes a good “Higher magick” incense.

Shielded prophetic dreams mojo

In  a  blue or indigo mojo  bag, place some Mimosa flowers, Calendula flowers, and one seed of Star Anise.  Dress with “Power oil” if You wish ( optional ) and place under pillow, for prophetic dreams, and protection during sleep.  If You wish to make a mojo bag which You can use repeatedly, whenever needing prophetic dreams, and to carry on Your person for this purpose, hence a more of an actual, traditional mojo bag, You may add Bay Laurel leaf, and the Fifth pentacle of Jupiter drawn on parchment paper, from the Greater key of Solomon.  Likewise,  dress ( and thus “feed” ) occasionally with “Power oil”, or “Psychic vision oil”.  When I made this one for myself I used to dress it with “Spirit guide oil” for it can be used to protect and guide, while also having most of ingredients that go to the “Psychic vision oil” as well. 

Simple  bath to undo and stop the evil ( “black” ) magick

As Scott Cunningham suggested in his “Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of magical herbs”, plain, one ingredient infusion of Mimosa flowers, used as a bath, which can be poured over , or even sponged onto the body will serve to remove hexes and curses and protect from  them in future.

Simply add a handful of flowers ( or a bundle of branches with flowers ) to the  ½ liter ( about 16.5 fl oz ) of  boiling water, let it cook for 3 minutes while  stirring gently,  remove, cover and let it sit for about ½ - 1 h, pray Psalms 10^th and 89^th over the infusion, strain and use.

Scent of respect , for women

Make a strong infusion of the Mimosa flowers with the spring water, or distilled water, and strain well, using philter paper.  Strain twice.

In a half of the teaspoon of Castor oil, add 15 drops of Vanilla absolute essential oil, and 10 drops of Rosemary essential oil. Add this to 20ml of apothecary alcohol or vodka and shake well. Add about 7 – 10 ml of the infusion of Mimosa, You’ve previously made, shake well once again, and place in a glass, clean  bottle to which You have added a small piece of Angelica root. Place this in refrigerator for couple of months If possible prior to use, so the aroma would become very fixed and stable. Use as perfume, when You need others to respect You, when You wish to influence  them, and make them agree with You.

NOTES: This article was composed and written by myself, so If You wish to use any parts of it elsewhere online, feel free, but add credits  Shadow of Shadow's magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post

CREDITS AND REFRENCES:

[1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22209595

[2] Cunningham Scott, “ Cunningham’s Encylopedia of magical herbs”  2009^th,  page 173^rd , Llewellyn publications

[3] According to: http://www.pookapages.com/Gruenwold/Magical%20Herbs.htm  , makes perfect sense, considering the planetary ruler of the plan

[4] Quoted, from    :  http://www.cassandraeason.com/healing/healing_trees.htm

IMAGE CREDITS:

Images used in this post are from ( in order of appearance ):  http://www.fragrantica.com/news/Acacia-Yellow-Mimosa--2044.html ,   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SensitivePlantFlowers.jpg  and http://kontaktradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/mimoza-hn.jpg used here for  illustrative and explanatory purposes without any ill will

Elder the Tree of the Fae and the Dead in magickal herbalism

Elder is the small  tree or bush,  or shrub,   of Sambucus genus , in the family of Capriefoliaceae, or more  recently Adoxaceae, of order  Dipsacales.   In this article, we will be addressing the Sambucus nigra species,  commonly known as Elder, Elderberries, Black Elder or European Elder.

Botanical illustration of Elder
(Sambucus nigra L. )

It can grow up to 20m, when conditions are favorable,  it  really does prefer wet soils but can grow in sunny , dry, though well fertile soil ,  as well. 

The leaves are opposite, up to 30cm long , pinnate, and complex, divided into leaflets,  anywhere from 5 to 9 leaflets, though most often 5-7. The flowers are with five petals, small, ivory white , arranged into racemes,  and the fruit, formed in autumn are  dark purple or black berries, arranged in hanging clusters. Once You’ve seen an Elder, You should be able to recognize it anywhere easily, even If You are not really into botanic taxonomy and systematic J

It’s flowers and ripe berries , berries    processed ( cooked ), are medicine, and  are of great value in treating cough, upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, febrile conditions  such as influenza A and B ( studies  confirmed ), and in cosmetics it’s a very good astringent and skin tonic.  The syrup  is the most common supplement made with Elder , found in pharmacies, but can also be served as a refreshing, non alcoholic beverage.  The bark, roots, and leaves contain cyanogenic glycoside sambunigrin, which as other cyanogenic glycosides in contact with certain enzymes  release ( create ) hydrogen cyanide, much like with apple seeds. This goes to say, eating bark, leaves or roots, or making infusions of them, ingesting them, is  harmful, and  potentially lethal.

Now onto magickal and spiritual uses.

Elder is a tree with a lot folklore associated with it. It’s a Druid tree, in Celtic countries it was called Ruis, and of course it has it’s Ogham symbol. It is said that the Druid have used it for both good and evil, that us to both heal and protect, as well as to curse. Also folklore associated with the plant also either praises the plant , either  points out it’s bad influences, such as in following, old , English rhyme:

“Hawtorn bloom and Elder flowers

Fill the house with evil powers” [1]

Also  the Elder tree is believed to be inhabited by the entity called Elder Mother, which is apparently some form of Dryad, hence a fae, and a  protective spirit of the tree, which is heavily  angere d  If the tree is taken down, cut , or broken by people. Even harvesting it, should be done with care, and cunning folk, pagans and other people, even have a  custom of chanting a rhyme to the Elder mother, asking her to allow them to take a small piece of the tree.

This is also true in Balkan peninsula  traditional witchcraft, where the Elder enjoys quite a small cult, whatmore, other than Elder Mother inhabiting it, it’s a tree that is often inhabited by the spirits of the dead as well,  those that did not move on. They are also protective of the Elder and use it as mean of communication. In a fairy tale I heard as a child, girl kills her sister, out of rivalry to marry her husband, who just so happens to be a prince ( lol ) and  on the place where she buried her, an Elder tree grows, and some shepherd makes flute out of it. However anytime the flute would be played, the mournful voice of the killed girl would be heard, singing about her sad faith and blaming her cruel sister. On one occasion the prince hears this, and finds out the truth,  and chases the evil sister away.

In yet another fairy tale, this one being Slavic in origin, certain emperor Trojan has a goat ears which he kept well hidden and out of sight for whole his years. If anyone would see them he would  have them killed.  Which meant every single of his barbers could cut his hair or  shave his beard only once lol. One of them,  a cunning Young men, insisted that he did not see anything weird on emperors head, and this is what saved his life , and made him  king’s dear and “recurring” barber. Ah, but the secret troubled him badly,  and he complained to his master. Master told him, that whatever his secret is he should confess to someone who can not tell anyone else, or at least dig a hole in the groun d and say it in the hole. Which is exactly what the young men did. Only, on that place, from the ground, an Elder tree grew up. Again, some shepherd made a flute, but the only thing the flute would play, was a  very catchy, fascinating melody that would speak of King Trojan’s goat ears. The word spread out swiftly, and the  emperor eventually forced the young barber to tell him the whole truth. He had the poor Elder cut down to the last branch, and did not kill the  young barber, but did not keep him as his personal barber either. [2]

That was a nice intro into the magickal  belief , that flutes made of Elder,  are extremely valuable magickal tools. Other than that they can be used as wands, Elder flutes, when played can conjure the spirits of the dead,  or fascinate Fae , is the player is skillful.  Elder , of course makes a  great wood material for wand, and is mentioned as such even in some classical grimoires.

As mentioned earlier, Elder can be quite a “double-headed doctor” , so despite the fact that it can bring bad luck to home, when strategically spread throughout the house it can protect it from intrusion, enemies and lightning. In Hoodoo, it’s also strategically and ritually placed around the home, in specific manner,  to prevent Law officers to enter Your estate [3]

Elder can also , when carried protect one from attacks of all kind, and arranged strategically in home, can prevent evil from entering the house. And grown near home it protects it  from “ravages of sorcery, and shields it from lightning”   [4]

It has strong healing power , as it has magickaly used to treat many conditions, rheumatism, toothache, warts, fever and other.

Grown near home other than protection brings prosperity and conjugal happiness, and it is believed that carrying berries can help one resist need to commit adultery ( lol )  

It is correspondent to the planet Venus and element of Water.  Now let’s go through few suggestions on how to use Elder:

Simple healing spells with Elder

·         “Take an elder twig and knot it thrice. Enchant it by visualization

             and spoken spell, and then carry it in your pocket. Elder has

             long been held to be an effective charm against rheumatism. “[5]

·         You can charm a wart away by rubbing it with  small elder  twig, then leaving it in mud-y place to rot

·         You can alleviate or cure the  toothache  If You bite on / chew an elder twig , then place it in the wall saying : “Depart thou evil spirit!” [6]

·         Poke an elder twig in a complete silence into the ground to lose a fever  [7]

To curse a person

Write the name of one You wish to curse on a piece of paper, in red ink, 9 times. Fold it, press with Your dominant hand thumb and call out their name. Than place a stone on it.

Next, take some Elder flowers, or dried herb, and hold it in Your hand to charge it, feeling the anger and wish to cause trouble to the person or entity. Next , sprinkle some on the N, E, S, W not fare away from the stone and paper are,  as You   say ( each time )

“N.N. te madligo ! Senti dolorem , infelicitatem, insomnos ! Per triduum, postquam te exsolvo !”

Sprinkle the rest over the stone and the paper.  To undo, after three nights remove the stone, and torn the paper,  and scatter the m shreds  in  some  body of flowing water saying : “Te exolvo ,  te libero , menes, et corpora tua fiat sana. Fortunatus erit”  or simply express that You release them from the curse, and wish them no other harm.

The curse will cause pain, bad luck and nightmares for three days. Same can be achieved , If you just got to the crossroads and sprinkle some Elder to four corners while saying the same.

Now, I posted the curse , for informative and educational purposes, does not mean I advocate harmful magick, nor that You can blame it one me when something bad happens to You because You really wanted to get back to someone for just being annoying. Maybe You like to torture people, I don’t care, don’t need to know, If You decide to cast this, or any other curse it is Yours, and Yours only decision and responsibility.

Hoodoo spell, To force a magician to undo spell cast on You

Make a poppet to represent the enemy,  attach to it paper with their name, photo or personal concerns. If You  do not know their name write “enemy who crossed me” , “enemy who hexed me” or something similar. 

Light a purple candle, and tie the poppet’s   hands and legs behind their backs , so that the poppet  is in submissive kneeling position. Place it in some small box, where it can barely fit, and pouring little by little Elder flowers over it into the box  read the following:

Psalm 8^th

Psalm 18^th

Bible, Exodus 15:3 – 15:9

And you can add ( If it feels right to You ) Isaiah 14:5

Finally say,  three times :

“I command You, to release me of Your evil thoughts, evil deeds, and all evil  and harmful actions against me. I command and compel You to do this in the name of Father  (+) , Son (+) and Holy Spirit (+)! Amen !"

Make cross sign over the box where indicated.

If the person is really nasty, evil, and eager to harm You no matter what the price, alongside Elder flowers, add equal amount of Blackberry leafs, and use  it to cover the poppet in the box.

Close the box and place in some corner. When You feel like You can shake it, saying  the words from above.
 
Many Blessings, Shadow :)



NOTES: This article was written and composed  b y myself,  and If You wish to use any part of it  elsewhere online, feel free, but add  credits: Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com  ,  or a  direct link to  this post 
CREDITS AND REFRENCES:

[1] Rhyme can be found here : http://www.ecoenchantments.co.uk/myogham_hawthornpage.html , it’s an common, old English rhyme, probably well known to You anyway

[2] I read this tail as a kid, it’s  quite  popular here , in Estern Europe, and it has a nice twist  how the barber evaded the punishment of death, and You can find, the sugarcoated synopsis in English here : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Goat's_Ears_of_the_Emperor_Trojan

[3] According to Catherine Yronwode, as stated in “Hoodoo herb and root magic, a material magica of a African American conjure” , the ritual, requiring Elder twigs,  five inches long, and St. John TC roots,   to repel  the law officers Is given it this book, which I highly recommend
[4] Cunningham Scott,  “Encyclopedia of magical herbs”  page 109^th, Llewellyn publications, 2009^th
[5] Dunwich Gerina, “Herbal magick” page 74^th, New Pages Book, 2002^nd
[6] As under [4]
[7] As under [4]
CREDIT IMAGES :  Elder tree botanical   illustration  is retrieved from: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Illustration_Sambucus_nigra0.jpg   and posted here for illustrative ,   educational  and   explanatory purposes only, without ill will