Alpena, Goddess of Flowers
17
Tlants, like all natural objects, possess a .Numen, or spirit consciousness. They are not singularly as "powerful" as stones, but they are more versatile, and can be used in more varied ways.
from the text
In the long and rich tradition of herbs associated with the Old Religion, two herbs may be singled out for special mention: rue and fennel. In this chapter we will examine each herb, its properties, and its associations with the ancient Craft, and we will explore the symbolic and magickal aspects of various plants.
RUE (RUTA GRAVEOLENS)
Rue is an herb native to Italy and southern Europe. It is a hardy evergreen perennial, growing to a height of approximately three feet. Rue contains a powerful stimulant known as rutin. Herbalists have long employed rue as a stimulant and antispasmodic. Ancient writings attribute the curing of many illnesses to rue, as well as restoring good eyesight. Piperno, a physician in Naples (1625), recommended rue as a treatment against epilepsy and vertigo. Hippocrates considered it an essential ingredient in antidotes to poison.
Along with its many physical attributes, this herb also has a rich magickal and religious history. An Italian Witch charm called the Cimaruta (sprig of rue) depicts a rue branch hung with symbols (see Figure 1). During the Middles Ages, it was a symbol of recognition for witches. Each branch divides into three offshoots, symbolizing the Dianic Triad: maiden, mother, crone. Ironically, the Catholic Church used a branch of rue to sprinkle holy water on its followers, and referred to rue as "the herb of grace."
Rue is used in several rituals where it represents the God (as well as the power of the God). The Mythos of the God, as reflected in planting, growing, and harvesting, is played out using the herb in a series of seasonal rites. Various parts of the plant are employed as they relate to the symbology of the God. The following are a few of the traditional associations connected to rue:
Ruler: Sun
God Form: Faunus
Goddess Form: Fana
Medicinal: Healing
Magickal: Protection
Ritual: A God-form plant
FENNEL (FOENICULUM VULGARE)
An herb indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean, fennel was well known among the ancients, and was cultivated by the Romans for its aromatic fruits and succulent edible shoots. It also had a reputation for strengthening eyesight. In medieval times, fennel was hung over doors on Midsummer's Eve to ward off evil spirits. In the Cult of Dionysus the fennel stalk was capped with a pine cone, symbolizing fertility, and was used as a wand by ancient priests and priestesses.
Fennel has a thick root stock, growing to five feet or more in height. Roman fennel is distinguished by its greater length, and stronger, anise-like fragrance. Florentine fennel is a smaller variety, growing only a few feet in height, and being more "bushy" in appearance. In the midsummer festivals of Adonis, fennel was among those seeds planted in pots for the rituals, depicting his death and resurrection. The seeds sprouted quickly, and then the sprouts were allowed to wither from sun and drought.
Rue
During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, Italian witch trials revealed a curious tradition associated with fennel. Certain Witches, calling themselves Benandanti, gave accounts of ritual battles (performed in "dream states") which occurred four times a year. These battles were waged against an evil cult, the Malandanti, over the harvest yields. The Benandanti fought with long stalks of fennel, and the Malandanti with sorghum stalks. In these battles, the Benandanti carried a standard bearing a banner of white silk with a gilded lion embroidered upon it. During medieval times the fennel stalk was a symbol of St. Lucy, a patroness of the blind, and the Benandanti employed the stalk to evoke St. Lucy and seek her aid in granting night vision as the Benandanti battled in the darkness.
The Malandanti carried a banner of red silk emblazoned with four black devils. A very detailed account of this appears in The Night Battles: Witchcraft & Agrarian Cults in the 16th & 17th Centuries, by Carlo Ginzbu1g. In Roman mythology, fire was stolen from the gods on a staff of fennel, and fennel was associated with Lucina, a Roman goddess of light. In Italian Craft rituals today, fennel is used as a symbol of victory and is presented at each of the elemental quarters during the Spring and Summer rites. At these times, it represents a successful harvest empowered by the magick of the coven. The following are traditional associations of fennel:
Ruler: Mars
God Form: Dianus
Goddess Form: Diana
Medicinal: Stomach problems
Magickal: Protection
Ritual: Victory, success, dominion
Fennel
TREE LORE
In ancient times trees were worshipped as gods and goddesses. This is also reflected in Greek and Roman mythology where we find many tales of individuals being transformed into various trees. In the oldest tales of European folklore we find legends where evil spirits can be imprisoned in trees. This may be the foundation in the folkore of later periods where wooden stakes are used to destroy vampires.
In this section we will consider several trees that appear frequently in material related to the Old Religion. Italian Witchcraft employs many types of trees, some of which were imported to Italy during ancient Rome's occupation of other European regions. The following trees have special ritual and magickal associations connected to the Old Religion.
Ash:
The flowering ash (fraxinus ornus) is native to Italy. Each leaf has seven leaflets, a symbol of the seven worlds in occult cosmology. Some witches prefer to make their wands from the ash tree because of its association with the creation of the occult worlds. In Greek and Roman mythology, Nemesis carried an ash branch as a symbol of divine justice. Therefore the ash wand is also a symbol of the higher self.
Beech:
The beech tree was one of the sacred trees at Lake Nemi in Italy. In part, its magickal nature is linked to the fact that each husk contains three triangular shaped nuts. Both the triangle and the number three in Italian Paganism represent manifestation. In the seventeenth century Italian work titled Compendium Maleficarum, Francesco Guazzo writes that Witches use beech twigs to trace ritual circles on the ground.
In Greek and Roman mythology this tree was a symbol of ancient wisdom and knowledge. Connected to this theme is some evidence to indicate that thin slices of beech wood were once used to make book pages.
Elder:
Elder was used by the ancient Greeks to make a wind instrument known as the sambuke. Because of this the elder is sacred to the woodland god known as Pan. In ancient lore the elder was favored by Nature spirits as a dwelling place. In some traditions the elder is preferred as the material for making wands because of this association.
Oak:
Before the ancient Romans cleared much of the forests that once covered Italy, oak stood mixed with other trees in the Sacred Grove of Diana at Nemi. The oak was worshipped as a god among Italic peoples just as it was in other parts of Europe. At Nemi the oak tree was the God and the lake was the Goddess, a divine marriage. Acorns were dropped into a stream that flowed into Lake Nemi as a magickal act to invoke fertility. This stream was sacred to Egeria, a nymph serving in the Sacred Grove.
Mountain Ash (Rowan):
Mountain ash is found now mainly in northern Italy and is an old tree associated with Witchcraft. It is mentioned in Greek and Roman mythology where legend says it sprung from drops of blood shed by a wounded eagle sacred to Zeus/Jupiter.
Ancestral guardian spirits were said to live in ash trees, and the red berries of the tree were signs of the ancient blood link.
Olive:
Olive is one of the sacred trees mentioned in Greek and Roman mythology. Athena created it in a contest against Neptune to rule over the city of Athens. The gods of Olympus were pleased with the tree because Athena told them that olive oil could be burned by humankind in offertory lamps for acts of worship. Therefore, the olive tree is a special link to the gods, bearing the fruit that unites divinity with humankind.
Walnut:
The walnut tree has long been associated with Italian Witchcraft. In the ancient Aegean/Mediterranean cultures the walnut tree was believed to possess and impart the gift of prophecy. It was also believed to grant fertility, and traditionally a walnut tree was planted when a female was born into a family. When the daughter married, the tree was cut down and her marriage bed was made from the wood. In the ancient city of Benevento, a great legendary walnut tree once stood. According to legend, Witches from all over Italy would come to gather beneath the tree for seasonal festivals. In Roman mythology the walnut is sacred to Proserpina, Diana, and Hecate.
HERBAL MAGICK
Generally, when considering any plant for Magickal use you must break it down into symbolic aspects. Its coloring, habitat, fragrance, taste, peculiarities, and chemical properties are all important to correspondences. It is necessary to understand the Elemental associations, as well. The root is earth, the stem is water, the leaves are air, and the flower is fire. Fragrance is considered to be the fifth element of spirit. Determining any correspondence for a plant to a zodiac sign, planet or whatever, will relate to the part of the plant used.
The moonflower plant is a good example of the mixed symbolism of plants. Its leaves are heart-shaped, which, together with their green color, links the plant to Venus. Its flower is white and opens only after sunset, linking it to the Moon. If it bore thorns, then this would show a Mars influence. The seeds of the moonflower are hallucinogenic, making it a truly shamanistic plant. Most of the powerful magickal plants have either tranceinducing, or hallucinogenic properties.
Plants, like all natural objects, possess a Numen, or spirit consciousness. Singularly, they are not as "powerful" as stones, but they are more versatile, and can be used in more varied ways. In magick, the plant (or, more properly, its Numen) is employed to add power to spells or rituals. The plant can be used as an incense, an ingredient in an oil, or to empower a potion. The plant can also be used as a Familiar, which is an older and lessknown aspect of plant magick.
THE PLANT FAMILIAR AND MAGICKAL PLAN'T'S
The purpose of the following technique is to "raise," or grow a plant, as a Familiar (serving spirit) or as a magickal plant. In ancient times, a circle of small stones was set around the chosen plant, to "bind" the Numen there. Then a hole was dug toward the roots (being careful not to damage them), and a chosen power stone was set in place, to "charge" the plant.
Today's method is somewhat different, but equally effective. You can begin with a seed, or young sprout or plant. Choose a secluded area that is suitable for the needs of the plant (sunlight, drainage, etc.), and prepare the soil for planting. Bury the stone or crystal of your choice about three inches-or more-deep in the soil. Quartz crystals are best. Next, fill in the soil over the crystal and plant the seed (or plant) as is appropriate. Lay a circle of eight stones around the plant site. At each of the four quarters (of the circle) place a crystal of the same type as the one you buried. The other four stones may be of the same type, or may be assorted, as long as they complement each other. The spacing of the stones is determined by the physical needs of the plant.
Method One
If you planted a seed, wait seven days after a sprout appears to proceed with the following steps. If you started with a young plant, wait seven days after planting. Remove the stones between the quarter stones and plant a seed at each point. These seeds may be of the same type as the plant within the circle or may be an assortment. Next bury the quarter stones where they lay, at least an inch deep.
Each day place both palms upon the ground within the circle, forming a triangle with your fingertips (index fingers and thumbs touching). The stem of the plant will be in the open center of the triangle. Using your imagination and visualization, sense your power flowing out through your arms and into the soil. The "source" of the power can begin from one (or more) of your personal power centers, or you may employ techniques for drawing or raising power.
You must also talk to the plant and send it visuals, communicating your needs and desires through mental pictures. You must take good care of the plant, watering, fertilizing, and protecting it from damage. To create a strong bond with your plant Familiar, add three drops of your own blood to a quart of water, using this to water your plant as needed.
Magickally, you have first increased the level of the Numen through the crystal. Second, you have extended its power and influence to the other plants, because these plants became alive under the influence of the center crystal and plant. They were also bathed in a crossquarter current of energy, controlled from the center entities, through the quarter crystals.
If you need to use the physical properties of the plant for spells, potions, or whatever, use only the circle plants (never the center). The center plant is the Familiar, the other plants are simply extensions.
The final step in creating this plant Familiar is to establish your "linking" and rapport. To do this you must sit comfortably before the plant, at the north quarter facing south. Stare at the plant and allow your vision to slightly blur. In this state, observe the general shape of the plant, trying to leave your mind blank. The plant will send you a mental image as you gaze. You will receive this "formed thought" as a distortion of the plant; in other words, its "shape" will resemble something else. This could be an animal, insect, or some other creature. Whatever shape is revealed to you will be the "Familiar" spirit.
The Familiar will give you extra power in any magickal work whenever you summon it. House plants can become protective entities for your home through this technique. Plants given as gifts can be very useful for magickal purposes as well.
To summon your Familiar, you simply imagine your plant in its setting, and visualize it becoming the image of the spirit Familiar. Mentally draw it to yourself and allow it to merge within your thoughts. Experience the entity form, imagining that you are that creature. See yourself as the entity form, be the form, act like the form. This is how it becomes a "Familiar" spirit. Once you can perform this successfully, then you truly possess the Familiar.
Method Two
On the New Moon, plant a seed over the buried crystal. Each day, after sunset, focus your power through your hands (as in Method One). Your "source" of power must be "drawn" before you begin, as follows: Sit comfortably before the plant, at the west quarter, facing east. Close your eyes and visualize the Full Moon above you. Mentally draw the Moon down until it sits just above your head. Next, visualize its light glowing brightly, then draw the Moon down to your stomach area. Finally, visualize the Moon expanding until it encloses you totally. The image would be similar to you sitting inside a glowing white balloon. At this point, you will begin to pour the light out through your hands. You may drain the light out completely if you wish, or just a portion of it, releasing the rest back into the air. In any case, you must rid your body of the gathered power.
At this point, send your visual communications to the plant, establishing what is desired of the Familiar. This method works extremely well for the formation of magickal plants. Create an "image play" for the plant, running through how you will use the plant (or Familiar) and showing it the successful outcome of the spell, potion, or whatever. In other words, focus a "day dream" upon the plant. Include the summoning of the Familiar, and the work of the Familiar, in your visual communication. As in Method One, you must take good care of the plant. You also may add other plants to the stone circle if you desire. Talking to the plant is important, as it will aid in the bonding.
On the night before the Moon is full, perform the following: Beneath the Moon, set out an open jar of the water you are using for the plant. If possible, use a green glass jar or a green filter over the jar. Leave this out for the night, but be sure to remove it before sunrise. On the night of the Full Moon, pour this water out upon the plant. Then take some white flour and mark the symbol of the Power of the Moon (see Symbols & Sigils, Figure 13) upon the soil. The plant will occupy the center of the "X" mark, with the stones of the circle surrounding the sigil. If you desire, you can set a crystal at each end of the "X," to enhance the power focused upon the plant.
Method Two will make the chemical properties of the plant more potent and increase its magickal potential. Being attuned to lunar energy, Method Two allows the plant to be more active within the astral and subconscious spheres of influence. It is a method well suited for the Craft of Witches.
Working with the Plant Familiar
In Method One, you were shown the technique for summoning the Familiar. Now we will look at some techniques for using the Familiar.
Potions - In the case of herbal potions (or other liquids), you can charge them with the aid of your Familiar. Set the potion before you and summon the spirit Familiar; then mentally project the Familiar out into the potion. See it enter the potion, swimming and diving within the liquid. As it performs these acts, see the liquid begin to glow with a color that corresponds to the desired magickal effect.
Incense - For powdered or herbal bulk incense, summon the Familiar and send it to rest upon the material. Mentally see it walk upon the surface, occasionally digging down into the material and reappearing through the surface. See the material begin to glow with the symbolic color of the desired magickal effect, until it seems fully charged. Then recall the Familiar and return it to the plant.
Healings - Summon the plant Familiar and project it into the body of the person (or animal, etc.) concerned. First visualize it being the size of the patient, and see it merge with him or her. Mentally see the patient glowing with the symbolic color of the desired effect. If a specific area of the body is concerned, then focus the Familiar there. See it move in and out, removing and discarding the illness. This can be visualized as bits of dark material, or whatever may seem appropriate. Intensify the magickal color in this area for the healing. Finally, recall the Familiar and return it to the plant.
Amulets and Talismans - Plant Familiars can be used to add power to an amulet or talisman, but they usually are not powerful enough to "break" someone else's. Summon the Familiar and project it onto the object. Visualize it grasping onto the edges, and see it glowing with the symbolic color of the desired effect. Carry the amulet or talisman with the Familiar attached to it. However, be sure to return the Familiar to the plant within two days.
Minds - Familiars can be used to influence the thoughts and emotions of other people. Through your Familiar you can lend someone else some "creativity," "inspiration," "motivation," or whatever. Normally, this is most effective when the person is asleep or under the influence of a drug, as in the case of major surgery. Even when the person is fully conscious this method can still be effective.
Summon your Familiar and project it into the mind of the person you want to influence. See it "perched" upon the crown of the head, then mentally have it enter through the "Third Eye" power center. Leave your Familiar within the person's mind while they sleep (or for several hours if the person is conscious) and then recall it, returning it to the plant. As always, you must instruct the Familiar mentally (or verbally) as to what you want it to accomplish, and you must direct it during the work.
HERBS AND RITUAL TOOLS
Herbs can be used to enhance the power of ritual tools. This can be in the form of incense, potions, charms, etc. The following are some techniques that can be used to accomplish this.
Loading
This technique involves the placing of certain herbs within a ritual tool. Most commonly this is done with candles and with the ritual wand. For candles, hollow out the bottom of the candle, about an inch or so deep. It is best to do this with a hot metal shaft, pushing and twisting it gently into the candle. Place the herbs in the hole, and seal them over with wax.
For wands, hollow out the shaft, or you can hollow the head of the wand out and later glue it back to the shaft. Herbs are then placed inside (traditionally with a power stone) and sealed. In ancient times, tree sap was used to glue wands together, and to seal them.
The following herbs are only a few of the possibilities:
For Matters of Love: Balm of Gilead, coriander, lovage, laurel
For Protection: Angelica, bloodroot, cinquefoil, fennel, rosemary, rue, wormwood
For Extra Power: Periwinkle, pennyroyal, Solomon's seal, Dittany of Crete, mandrake
Potions
This aspect concerns the brewing of an herbal potion into which a ritual tool may be placed. To prepare the potions, bring water to a boil in a suitable pan, and steep the appropriate herbs in the water. After a few minutes, the ritual tool may be dipped into the potion. Depending upon your needs, you may wish to use several different potions for each tool.
To Purify
Use equal parts of vervain, basil, woodruff, hyssop, and myrrh. Add a pinch of salt to the water and herbs. Allow them to steep for five minutes, then bathe the tool in the mixture (the water will still be hot, so be careful!). Rinse the tool with fresh water when you are finished.
For Added Potency
Use equal parts of periwinkle, Solomon's Seal, and mandrake. Place the herbs in the pan, and drop a loadstone in with them. Let the herbs steep for five minutes, then plunge the tool into the mixture.
If you are using a knife or metal amulet you will find it effective to heat the object before plunging it into the herbal potion. The reaction of the water and the hot metal will add an extra charge. Rinse with fresh water afterwards.
To Bless - A General Blessing
Use equal parts of pennyroyal, rosemary, hyssop, and acacia. Steep for five minutes, then strain the liquid through cheesecloth. Add the herbal liquid to another bowl, half-filled with pure spring water. Add a few freshly picked roses to the water, letting them float. Wait a few minutes, then bathe the ritual tool. Rinse with fresh water afterward.
To Bless - Lunar/Goddess Blessing
Use the same mixture of herbs as above, and strain in the same manner. To the new bowl of herbal liquid, add nine drops of almond extract. Next drop in three moonflowers (or white jasmine or lotus flowers). Then bathe the ritual tool, and rinse it off when finished.
Incenses
This involves the grinding or powdering of herbs, which are burned upon charcoal blocks as incense. The ritual tools are passed through the smoke to purify, bless, or empower.
Purification: Dragon's blood, myrrh, mint, vervain
Extra Potency: Dittany of Crete, periwinkle, pennyroyal, mandrake
Blessing: Acacia, rosemary, orris root, hyssop, moonflower
MAGICKAL FAIRY DUST RECIPE
This mixture can be used to charge ritual tools for Nature or fairy magick. It is also used to sprinkle over fairy stones, and according to legend helps one to see fairies through the hole in the stone.
1. The contents of three ripe foxglove seed pods
2. A pinch of scrapings from the stone rhyolite (A fine grain of volcanic granite)
3. A pinch of pollen (from selenetrope or evening glory)
4. Seven vervain blossoms
5. A pinch of lavender blossoms
6. A pinch of sand (west shore)