Plant Healer September Issue

Featuring experience-based & adventurous writings by teachers, practitioners & plant lovers combining inquiry, inspiration & skills in artful celebration of the evolving folk herbalism culture

“This is the first publication I've seen in my 38-year career that captures the wild diversity of herbalism in North America while still reflecting excellence and high-level practice… points of view from many regions, traditions, and schools of North American thought.. For the practicing herbalist from entry level to advanced, inclusively.”

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Doll's Eye: White Baneberry

 Botanical: Actaea spicata (LINN.)

Family: N.O. Ranunculacea

Synonyms: Baneberry, Herb Christopher, Bugbane, Toadroot
Part Used: Root; berries. Extremely poisonous aptly named 'bane'berry

Habitat: White baneberry prefers coarse and loamy soil, hardwood and mixed woodland, full shade, good drainage. Native to eastern North America.

Perennial: Dark green without hairs, black, creeping root-stock, grows on erect stems, 1 to 2 feet high stems triangular in shape. Leaves are long, branching from root, dividing into  three smaller foot-stalks, re-divided that each leaf is composed of eighteen, or even twenty-seven, lobes or leaflets. 

 Flowers: spiked and white. Flowers are in oblong clusters on thick, red stalks in June.

Berries: Prominent Feature: white spherical berries with black dot on tip, hence the common name, Doll's Eye. Fruit appears in autumn 1/2 inch in diameter.  There is also a red variety.  There is an immediate sedative effect on human cardiac muscle tissue causing possible cardiac arrest and death. However the berries are harmless to birds and this is the primary way the seeds are dispersed in nature.

Planet: Saturn

Medicinal Action and Uses: * Not advisable; use extreme caution. Antispasmodic. To only be used by physician herbalist. Roots have been used in very small amounts to relieve headache, coughs and colds. Doll's Eye once thought to benefit the circulatory system.

 Note: Leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and berries may cause gastrointestinal inflammation and skin blisters.

The American species is considered by the native people use against snake-bite and to  drive away insects due to its smell.  American name: Bugbane.

Witchcraft Association: Toads attracted by the aroma giving it the name Toadroot. found. Used in poppets for harm, placing the white variety berries in the place of eyes of the doll enabling it to 'see' the distance to its victim.

Both the berries, root is considered the most poisonous however the entire plant should be respected.

Other Use: Juice of the berries, mixed with alum, yields a black dye. (caution can blister skin)

http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/medicinal_plants/pages/home.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actaea_pachypoda

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/banebe11.html

Plant Spirit Familiar Class

with Christopher Penczak

Many witches, magicians and shamans work with the concept of the animal familiar, the totem or fetch beast, but many are also allied with spirits from the plant world. The spirits of herbs, flowers and trees can act as divine guides, protectors and tutors in magick, healing and transforming the witch.  Each one has its own spiritual medicine, that is in harmony with magickal work and purpose in the world. Survey many of the traditional plant allies of the witch, including the spirits of the banes and the healers. Learn how to find your own plant familiar from the green world, and develop a strong connection. Based upon Christopher's book, The Plant Spirit Familiar.

Date: July 18, 2014

Location: Hermetic Arts Learning Center

105 Bridge St. Salem MA. 01970

Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Price: $ 30.00

              For more information contact:

            DavidNewman@hermeticarts.com or call 772-380-2725

Amanita bisporigera

 Synonyms: Destroying Angel; Angel of Death: Death Angel

Family: Amanitaceae

Parts: First the volva, a cuplike structure at the base of the stalk; it is the bottom part of the universal veil, an ovate membrane that envelops the lower part of the mushroom during growth phase and remains attached.  The second important feature is the gills that are deep allowing spore dispersal, with a veil tears around its circumference. The absolute whiteness and smoothness of the cap, stem and gills are striking.

Planet: Culpepper places mushrooms under Mercury in Aries. 

Element: Air

Gender: Masculine

Deity: Dionysus or Hekate

Description: Described by Bill Russell in his 'Field Guide to Wild Mushrooms of Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic' as having a "strange luminous aura that draws the eye" that is "easily visible from one hundred feet away with its serene, sinister, angelic radiance."

The cap described as 'glabrous' and 'viscid when wet' distinguishes it from most Amanita genus that have warty patches on their universal veils.

Size: Cap width: 2–5 inches; stalk length: 3–8 inches; stalk width: ¼–¾ inch.

Habitat: Common. Grows alone on the ground opposed to on wood, in the grass and under trees June–November.

Note: An important fungus species; symbiotic connection with tree roots; fibers of the fungus multiply tree roots' ability to absorb nutrients and water. Tree shares nutrients with the fungus.

 Lookalikes: Meadow mushroom has pink gills that turn brown.  Spores are brown, lacks saclike cup at base of stem.

Caution:  Young destroying angels that are still enclosed in their universal veil can masquerade as puffballs,.  Know your death caps and destroying angels in all stages of growth prior to harvesting any white gilled mushroom for consumption.

Toxicity: The destroying angel (Amanita bisporigera) and the death cap (Amanita phalloides) are responsible for the majority of deaths due to consumption poisoning. The toxin is 'amatoxin'. Symptoms appear within 5 to 24 hours.  Destruction of the liver and kidneys is irreversible and has already begun prior to symptoms.

Toxic Consumption Quantity: As little as half a mushroom can be fatal.  Animals, including pets and livestock, are not immune to the toxin.

Symptoms include: vomiting, cramps, delirium, convulsions, and diarrhea.

References:

A Modern Herbal (two volumes) by Mrs. Grieve

Herbal Medicine Maker's Handbook by James Green

Culpepper's Complete Herbal - Nicholas Culpeper

Plant Healer Magazine

Enlivening the practice, culture, & art of folk herbalism!

Featuring  experience-based & adventurous writings by teachers, practitioners & plant lovers combining inquiry, inspiration & skills in artful celebration of the evolving folk herbalism culture.

Departments & Topics Include:

Therapeutics • Plant Monographs • Historic Herbal Traditions • Early American Herbalism • Curanderas & Medicine Women • Plant Mythos & Folklore • Medicine Making • Cultivating Garden Herbs • Wild Foods, Foraging & ReWilding • Energetics & Constitutions • Tools & Tips for Herbalists • Field Botany • The Herbalist Mother • Herbal Articles For & By Kids • Fiction for Herbalists • Creating an Herbal Livelihood  • Plant Conservation & Herbal Activism • Herbalist Art, Fashion & Culture

“This is the first publication I’ve seen in my 38-year career that captures the wild diversity of herbalism in North America while still reflecting excellence and high-level practice… points of view from many regions, traditions, and schools of North American thought...for the practicing herbalist from entry level to advanced, inclusively.”

-Paul Bergner, North American Institute of Medical Herbalism

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Reverence for Bees

Incense Blend I

"Betwixt"

Sandalwood    1T

Frankincense  1 Tsp

Myrrh            1/2 Tsp

Bay              1/2 Tsp

Clove            3/4 Tsp

Benzoin         1/2 Tsp

Honey           2 Tsp

Ingredient Background

Sandalwood : Santalum Album

Planet - Moon

Gender-Feminine

Element - Water

Basic Powers: Sacred, consecration, protection, exorcism, divination, meditation.

Attributes: Warm, The heartwood is a bit spicy, sweet, and distinct; blends well with others combining the notes with a gifted capability.

Mindful Use: It is endangered due to modernization and strictly controlled by the Indian Government.  Sandalwood oil is one of the most valuable and expensive raw materials used in perfumery and often referred to as 'liquid gold'.  The wood used in incense comes from the heartwood of the tree.

Frankincense:  Boswellia Carterii

Planet: Sun

Gender: Male

Element: Air and fire

Basic Powers: Cleansing, sacred, exorcism, consecrations, empowering, protection.

Mindful Use:  Resin drips from gash made by the harvester in the tree which causes it to bleed and harden.  The bits and pieces when gathered are called 'tears'.  Endangered due to its over harvest.

Myrrh: Commiphora Myrrha

Planet: Moon

Gender: Feminine

Element: water

Basic Powers: Meditation, purification, exorcism, death, consolation.

Mindful Use:  Best burned with other woods and resins due to it's bitter aroma.

Bay: Laurus nobilis

Planet: Sun

Gender: Male

Element: Fire

Basic Powers: Protection, Healing, Psychic Powers, Strength, Purification

Clove: Eugenia Carophyllus

Planet: Jupiter

Gender: Masculine

Element: Fire

Basic Powers: Protection, Exorcism, Romance, Prosperity, to End gossip, Bereavement

Benzoin: Styrax benzoin
Planet: Sun

Gender: Male

Element: Air

Basic Powers: Purification, prosperity, concentration, astral projection protection, success.

Honey: Mel Mellis

Planet: Earth & Sun

Gender: Feminine and masculine

Element: Fire

Basic Powers: Used as a binder in incense formulas enabling ingredients o blend together and be shaped as needed.  Healing, cleansing, victory, purity, strength, protection, love.  Sacred to the Gods.  Honey use is throughout the world and deep into ancient history. Honey is frequently used as a talisman and symbol of sweetness.

Mindful Use: Honey produced from flowers of oleanders, rhododendrons, mountain laurels, sheep laurel, and azaleas may cause honey intoxication and should be avoided. Symptoms can include dizziness, weakness, excessive perspiration, nausea, and vomiting.

Scott Cunningham Magickal Herbalism

A Druid's Herbal Ellen Everett Hopman

Botanical.com

Wikipedia.org

Marseilles Vinegar

Four Thieves Vinegar also known as Marseilles Vinegar, which traditionally is a blend of red wine, white wine, cider, or distilled white vinegar.  With the addition of certain herbs, garlic and spices is credited to protect users from the disease, especially, The Plague. The earliest recipe included five specific herbs that were added to vinegar and left to steep for several days. The most notable recipe hung in the Museum of Paris in 1937.

A Little History

Used during the European Black Plague, Four Thieves Vinegar is only one of similar vinegar blends used as medicine back to the time of Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician who was born 460 BC, in Kos, Greece and who is considered one of the most outstanding figures in the history of medicine. In ancient Babylon, vinegar was made from wine as early as 5000 BC where it was used as medicine and to preserve food.

From ancient times, through the middle ages and into the 18th cen, the use of vinegar was commonly used in the treatment of infection and for the treatment and cure of pleurisy, fever, ulcers, and constipation; it was also used by the ancient Egyptians to kill bacteria. Vinegar combined with honey creates the active ingredient oxymel, which we now know was used to treat the common cough during this time in our history.

One particular recipe called for three pints of white wine vinegar, a man's handful of meadowsweet, wormwood, wild marjoram and sage.  To this forty or fifty cloves, two ounces angelica, two ounces campanula roots, two of horehound, two of angelica, two of rosemary and three large measures of camphor along with ample handfuls of garlic. All the herbs were then to be placed in an earthenware container and left to cure for fifteen days.  The mixture was then strained and bottled.  When approaching a plague victim the parts of the body of the doctor to be washed were the hands, temples, and ears.

Myth & Magic

In the city of Marseille, robbers took advantage of the population by robbing the dead those who were ill and unable to defend themselves, especially during the plague.  These devious men were able to be in close contact without fear due to the use of Four Thieves' Vinegar in which they coated themselves liberally as a defense.  Ah but alas, they were eventually apprehended to which they robbers offered the recipe in exchange for leniency from the court of which there is no known account.  Another version states that the recipe was developed after their capture by the robbers themselves in order to survive the sentence of burying the dead.  It seems unlikely that they would have been granted the time or the ingredients to make this given their crime.

Magically Four Thieves Vinegar is best known for it's ability to protect the wearer from hexes and reported curses of 'length and strength' by endowing the target with the ability to weaken not only the spell but also the spell weaver creating havoc in their own lives by either taking the recipe by mouth, as an ingredient in a soaking bath or by sprinkling it around home and hearth.

Current Use

Four Thieves Vinegar is still sold in Provence France and in Italy where it is called Seven Thieves Vinegar, it's primary use as a variety of smelling salts for dizziness and fainting.

A Recipe

Ingredients

2 tbsp chopped fresh lavender flowers

2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary

2 tbsp chopped fresh mint

2 tbsp chopped fresh sage

2 tbsp chopped fresh marjoram

2 tbsp chopped fresh anise hyssop

4 cloves garlic (crushed)

1 quart white wine or apple cider vinegar

Instructions

 Mix herbs and garlic in a one-quart ceramic or glass jar, add vinegar filling the jar to 'the shoulder' which allow for expansion of the herbs. Leave in a cool dark place for two-weeks.  Using chop sticks or a similar tool, stir the mixture a little everyday to allow the gases to dissipate. After allotted time, strain the vinegar through cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve into a second, sterile 1-quart glass jar and store at room temperature until ready to use. It may be used like salad dressing or to season stews.

References

1.Illes, Judika (2008). Magic When You Need It. Weiser Books.

2. Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, Gattefosse’s Aromatherapy

3. Hopkins, the Scientific American Encyclopedia of Formulas, 1910

4. http://www.wikipedia.org/

5. Legend of Four Thieves Vinegar

The Witches Herbal

by Michael Howard

ISBN-978-0-9568114-2-4

“Throughout human history the often secret and sometimes forbidden knowledge of herbs and plants has always been the special province of those practising witchcraft and the magical arts. Although it tends to be a neglected study among those modern witches who live in an urban environment divorced from nature, in the past an understanding of plants that have medicinal properties, are poisonous, or have hallucinogenic qualities was the stock-in-trade of the old cunning man, wise woman, witch, warlock and wizard.”

The Witches’ Herbal is a guide to the subject of magical herbalism in three parts. Part one: a concise history of herbal healing and the use of folk remedies from ancient times to the present day. Part 2: a comprehensive A-Z herbal and plant glossary, providing the reader with a list of herbs and plants common to the British Isles with their botanical, cultural, magical, folkloric and medicinal significance. Part 3: information on the magical, folkloric and pagan religious role of common British trees based on Robert Graves’ famous Celtic Tree Alphabet.
Michael Howard is editor of long running The Cauldron magazine and author of many books on occult and related subjects.

Michael Howard has been the editor of The Cauldron witchcraft magazine since 1976. He has written numerous articles for other occult and neo-pagan magazines and since the 1970s has had over thirty books published on the runes, witchcraft, angelic magic, folklore, herbal remedies, and occult parapolitics.

Amazon carried it but still lists it as 'out of print'.

Contact: Red Thread Books for purchase http://www.redthreadbooks.co.uk/

Botrychium lunaria

Common Name: Moonwort from moon shaped leaflets.

Family: (Plants) various ferns of the genus Botrychium,esp B.lunaria, which has crescent-shaped leaflets; (US): grape fern.

Name Origin: Botyrichium, from the Greek botrus (botrys), "grape"; the Grape Ferns; lunaria, from the Latin luna, "moon "

Parts Used: leaves and root

Planet: Moon and Mercury

Element: Water

Metal: Silver

Deities: Diana, Hekate

Life Cycle: Spring, fades in June.

Zone: 2; Perennial from rhizome (rootstalk).

Habitat: Open turf or gravelly slopes, shores, meadows, woods, disturbed sites, usually on basic soils with calcium content. Found Greenland to Alaska; south to parts of the extreme northern United States to Eurasia, Alaska to Greenland. In Southern Hemisphere, South America and Australia. Prefers moderate light. In Maine found where mussel and clam shells leave deposits on shore.

Identification: Like most members of the genus Botrychium (Grape-ferns), B. lunaria is distinguished both by its succulent texture and fertile frond which appears above the sterile frond.  Cluster of golden-brown globular sporangia. Stem only about 2" long, hollow and fleshy.

Lunaria variety differs from the other succulent Botrychium species due to it possessing the sterile blade only once-pinnate (divided), with the segments distinctly fan-like (lunate) in shape.

Entire plant usually stands less than 3+" high.  Sterile frond a 5" single leaf closely spaced, subdivided into four to six pair, smooth edged; Leaf appears in spring, dying in latter half of summer; rootstalk upright; roots few, short, horizontally spreading.

Rare: Thinly found.

Magic & Folklore: Ancients regarded B. lunaria greatest magical power to be key to the time of it's gathering which must by moonlight. Used in incantations by necromancers, the mere mention of the word imbued the work with greater power.

Blacksmiths used it to unshod horses with ease.  Thieves carried it to make 'picking a lock' silent. Lunaria's crescent shaped leaflets were an ingredient used by alchemists to convert mercury into quicksilver.

According to the Doctrine of Signs, Moonwort cured lunacy, epilepsy, and sleep walking, if ailment was associated with the phases of the moon.

Folk Medicine: Mashed leaves in oil produced a salve to stop bleeding.  Botrychium plants boiled in red wine have been used as stomach medicines, tonics and to stop bleeding. There are references of its application for diarrhea and tuberculosis. A wash or poultice has been used regarding eye inflammations, sores and wounds, bruises, fractures, and skin dislocations.

Modern day medicinal use has fallen from favor.

http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=BOLU

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botrychium_lunaria

http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/features/botrychium_lunaria.pdf

http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/features/botlun.htm

The Nine Herbs Charm

The following charm is from the Old English found in the 10th century Lacnunga Manuscript. It is designed as a treatment for infections or poison by using the following nine herbs.

The numbers nine and three are important numbers in Germanic folklore. References are made containing both Christian and English Pagan elements, hence the inclusion of the most important god, Woden.  Woden or Wodan (Old English) is a major deity of Anglo-Saxon and Continental Germanic polytheism. His Norse counterpart is the god, Odin.

According to R.K. Gordon, chanting the poem aloud results in a "marvelously incantatory effect".

The following excerpt describes Woden coming to aid the herbs through his use of nine twigs.  Each twig has been inscribed with a rune where each one has the runic first initial of that specific plant.

A snake came crawling, it bit a man.

Then Woden took nine glory-twigs,

Smote the serpent so that it flew into nine parts.

There apple brought this pass against poison,

That she nevermore would enter her house.

 "Mugwort, plantain open form the east, lamb's cress, venom-loather, chamomile, nettle, crab-apple, chervil and fennel, old soap; pound the herbs to a powder, mix them with the soap and the juice oaf the apple.

Then prepare a paste of water and of ashes, take fennel, boil it with the paste and wash it with a beaten egg when you apply the salve, both before and after.

Sing this charm three times on each of the herbs before you (he) prepare them, and likewise on the apple. And sing the same charm into the mouth of the man and into both his ears, and on the wound, before you (he) apply the salve."

Nine Herbs Charm in Modern English

Remember, Mugwort, what you made known,
What you arranged at the Great proclamation.
You were called Una, the oldest of herbs,
you have power against three and against thirty,
you have power against poison and against infection,
you have power against the loathsome foe roving through the land.

And you, Plantain, mother of herbs,
Open from the east, mighty inside.
over you chariots creaked, over you queens rode,
over you brides cried out, over you bulls snorted.
You withstood all of them, you dashed against them.
May you likewise withstand poison and infection
and the loathsome foe roving through the land.

'Stune' is the name of this herb, it grew on a stone,
it stands up against poison, it dashes against poison
Nettle (?) it is called, it attacks against poison,
it drives out the hostile one, it casts out poison.
This is the herb that fought against the serpent,
it has power against poison,  it has power against infection,
it has power against the loathsome foe roving through the land.
Put to flight now, Venom-loather, the greater poisons,
though you are the lesser, until he is cured of both.

Remember, Chamomile, what you made known,
what you accomplished at Alorford,
that never a man should lose his life from infection
after Chamomile was prepared for his food.

This is the herb that is called 'Wergulu'.
A seal sent it across the sea-right,
a vexation to poison, a help to others.
it stands against pain, it dashes against poison,

A worm came crawling, it killed nothing.
For Woden took nine glory-twigs,
he smote the the adder that it flew apart into nine parts.
There the Apple accomplished it against poison
that she [the loathsome serpent] would never dwell in the house.

Chervil and Fennell, two of much might,
They were created by the wise Lord,
holy in heaven as He hung;
He set and sent them to the seven worlds,
to the wretched and the fortunate, as a help to all.
It stands against pain, it fights against poison,
it avails against 3 and against 30,
against foe´s hand and against noble scheming,
against enchantment of vile creatures.

Now there nine herbs have power against nine evil spirits,
against nine poisons and against nine infections:
Against the red poison, against the foul poison,
against the white poison, against the pale blue poison,
against the yellow poison, against the green poison,
against the black poison, against the blue poison,
against the brown poison, against the crimson poison,
against worm-blister, against water-blister,
against thorn-blister, against thistle-blister,
against ice-blister, against poison-blister,

If any poison comes flying from the east,
or any from the north, [or any from the south,]
or any from the west among the people.
Christ stood over diseases of every kind.

I alone know a running stream,
and the nine adders beware of it.
May all the weeds spring up from their roots,
the seas slip apart, all salt water,
when I blow this poison from you.

Mugwort, plantain open form the east, lamb's cress, venom-loather, camomile, nettle, crab-apple, chevil and fennel, old soap; pound the herbs to a powder, mix them with the soap and the juice oaf the apple.
Then prepare a paste of water and of ashes, take fennel, boil it with the paste and wash it with a beaten egg when you apply the salve, both before and after.
Sing this charm three times on each of the herbs before you (he) prepare them, and likewise on the apple. And sing the same charm into the mouth of the man and into both his ears, and on the wound, before you (he) apply the salve.

Erythronium Americanum

Adder’s Tongue

Folk Names: Dog-tooth Violet, Erythronium, Lamb's Tongue, Rattlesnake Violet, Serpent's Tongue, Snake Leaf, Trout Lily, Yellow Erythronium, Yellow Snakeleaf and Yellow Snowdrop

Description: Perennial lily.  Found deep rich soil, the ovoid corm root is 1/3 to 1 inch long, light brown outside and white and starchy inside. Lanceolate, pale green leaves approx 2 1/2 inches long and 1 inch wide with purplish/brownish spots. Drooping or bowed head, funnel-shaped flower bud developing into a yellow or white flower outside with yellow inside, backward curving petals.

When: March to May on a long stalk growing from between the leaves. Grows in community of its peers.

Location: Nova Scotia to Oklahoma, Georgia, and Florida.  Open woods or open areas with rich, moist soil.

Planet: Moon

Element: Water
Gathering Time: Waning for ailments, full for magical attributes.

Magic: Lust or to combat frigidity. Bulbs and leaves may be used for tumors and boils. Apply to a wound or bruise until the herb is warm, then bury it.  As the plant rots the condition with fade. Used for protection when adding ground dried leaves to salt and sprinkled around the home.  Heightens spiritual connection.  Infusion of leaves applied to forehead to instill courage.

Medical Indications: Parts used: bulbs, leaves.
An infusion of this herb may be use as an emetic. Emollient for ulcers. (use caution)

Sanguinaria Candensis

Common Name--Indian Paint. Tetterwort. Red Pucoon. Red Root. Paucon. Coon Root. Snakebite. Sweet Slumber. 

Family- N.O. Papaveraceae

Parts Used---Root, whole plant. 

Habitat---United States of America and Canada, found in rich open woods from Canada, south to Florida and west to Arkansas. and Nebraska.

Planet - Mars, Jupiter

Element - Fire

* Warning: This plant has appeared on the 'endangered list' best to cultivate than remove from the wild.

Description -Perennial. Single white flower, golden stamens with single downy leaf that drapes around it like a cape and approx. 6 inches high. Leaves palmate 6 inches. Once the plant has flowered the leaves will increase in size and present prominent veins. Seed found in elongated pod approx. 1 inch. Root stock has rounding appearance, thick and fleshy with tapered ends; long orange rootlets. Bloodroot juice appears orange-red. Collect the root in the fall once the leaves have passed.

Constituents-Alkaloids Sanguinarine, Chelerythrine, Protopine and B. homochelidonine; Sanguinarine forms colorless crystals. Chelerythrine is also colourless and crystalline. Protopine (same constituent as found in opium). The rhizome contains red resin; abundance of starch.

Poison Indications: Doses are mildly sedative, overdose easily done and is fatal. Juice and root are caustic and can damage tissue wherever applied. Poison symptoms include: faintness and vertigo, intense thirst, a burning stomach, vomiting, dimness of eyesight.

Parts Used: Roots collected in autumn, allow to dry completely, watch for mold. Tender root can lose potency quickly.

Active Properties: Diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, escharotic, expectorant, febrifuge, sedative, stimulant, tonic, purgative. * Caution needed. Powder used as poultice for aches and pains, joint inflammation, fungoid tumors, warts, ringworm, sores, and eczema.

Early Use: The root has long been used by the American Indians as a dye for their bodies and clothes and has been used successfully by American and French dyers.

*Reminder: can also cause severe skin irritation and destruction.

Cultivation:  Most moist wooded areas.  Plant prefers shade.  Early spring flower.

Rootwork Magic - Used as a substitute for blood in spellcraft (use powered form with liquid added) and referred to as Diabolic Wine.

Protective of marriages, imparts harmony in the home when hung in attic mixed with rosemary and thyme. Promotes satisfying marital sex and potency. For spouse fidelity sew dried bloodroot into pillows.

Carried for love in a red flannel pouch close to the body; placed over lintel and windows for home protection.  To break a hex, hide a small piece of dried blood root in the home or under the threshold of the perpetrator.

Sympathetic Magic: Rootworkers use the dark red roots to represent the male and the lighter pink roots for the female.

Diabolic Wine Recipe:  Mix powered bloodroot in a container with a full bodied wine.  Let stand covered with a red cloth for one full cycle of the dark moon.  When ready strain through cheesecloth into the final bottle.

Method:

Place bottle between two deep red beeswax candles dedicated to your particular patron.  Light the candles, still your mind, extend both hands, thumbs and first fingers touching forming a triangle, over bottle and repeat three times while lowering hands over bottle stopping short of touching the surface the bottle rests on.  Emphasize the words that are capitalized in order to knead the spell into the subconscious where, from there, it can be birthed:

"You are not wine but Blood,

 Living blood, Scarlet blood,

 Living Scarlet Blood of mine. (3X)"

References:

A Modern Herbal (two volumes) by Mrs. Grieve

Herbal Medicine Maker's Handbook by James Green

Culpepper's Complete Herbal - Nicholas Culpeper

The Black Toad Limited Edition

Troy Books is pleased to announce that fine hand-bound limited editions of some of our titles are to be added to our catalogue. Following the enthusiastic reception of The Black Toad by Gemma Gary, we have decided to launch our fine editions by retrospectively issuing a limited edition of this title. This is to be expertly bound in Cornwall by master book-binder Tom O'Reilly M.A.

The book will be presented as a black cloth, leather and toad skin half binding, with goat leather to the spine; gold blocked to the side with a double toad device, and with black cane toad skin to the corners, gilded edges, maroon end papers, black head and tail bands and marker ribbon. An optional slipcase in full black cloth, embossed on one side with a toad device, will be available, prepared to order.

The Black Toad fine edition will be limited strictly to 83 signed and hand numbered copies only. Numbers to be assigned in ascending order on a first come first serve basis. Orders are strictly limited to a maximum of 2 copies per customer.

Gemma Gary's second book; The Black Toad - West Country Witchcraft and Magic, with foreword by Michael Howard, is also available in paperback, hardback editions.

The Black Toad explores potent examples of the folk-ceremonial magical practices and witchcraft of the south-west of England; dealing especially with Devon and the author’s homeland of Cornwall. Within the West Country, the popular belief in witchcraft and its attendant charms, magical practices and traditions continued to be observed and survived long after such ways had faded in most other parts of the British Isles.

 Described within The Black Toad is a collection of some of the fascinating magical practices and lore of the West Country’s cunning folk and early modern witches;  ways that have survived and evolved within the rarefied Craft of the area’s modern day witchcraft practitioners of the old persuasion. As this book affirms, these ways of the Old Craft and Cunning Arte include a belief in and working relationship with the spirit forces of the land, the Faerie, animal and plant lore, as well as the magical use of Psalms to cure or curse, the invocation of Christ and the power of the Holy Trinity.

“For all those who are interested in learning about the Old Path as it is taught and practiced today by West Country witches this book of practical magic and sorcery will be a revelation. As the late Cecil Williamson, founder of the witchcraft museum in Boscastle, North Cornwall and a modern cunning man himself, said and Gemma Gary’s excellent book proves – “It still goes on today.”

Michael Howard

The above image is a digital impression of the completed binding for illustrative purposes. Each book will be hand crafted using natural materials, and therefore unique.

To find out more contact: Troy Books