#mullein torch

[pagan-stitches]

This year I decided to make my thunder candle from a mullein stalk, inspired by the very inspiring Polish Folk Witch on her Instagram page. In both Poland and Czechia it was the tradition on Candlemas to have beeswax candles consecrated and then used in the household for a variety of folk magics—the most important of wich was protection against thunderstorms.

I melted a thunder candle from a couple years ago that no longer burned, using a makeshift double boiler from an old measuring cup that I use only for melting wax.

Then I slowly poured the beeswax over the mullein stalk in layers. On the last layer I sprinkled wisteria incense from Alchemy Works gifted to me by my dear friend @msgraveyarddirt who knows that my favorite spot in the spring is sitting in my lawn chair under the wisteria vine. The first picture in this post is taken at the foot of the vine.

Our wisteria:

An obligatory photo of the thunder candle in the window where it is supposed to burn in a thunderstorm to protect the house and a close up of the incense in front of the wisteria vine.

Here is a little history on the use of the mullein stalk as a torch (source):

There are two cultures from which Mullein earned its name as the ‘Candlewick Plant’. Once upon a time ago, ancient Romans dipped the dried flowering spikes of the Mullein plant in tallow or suet in order to make torches. Later, the Greeks found that the dried leaves of the mullein plant were ideal for use as a lamp wick. Prior to the introduction of cotton as a preferred wick material, mullein reigned supreme.

Hag’s Taper:

Mullein has long been a mysterious and mystical plant, favored by herbalists, holistic healers, and yes, presumably, even ‘witches’. There is a long-standing superstition that witches once used (or perhaps still use) mullein for illumination purposes during incantations.

[jillraggett]

Plant of the Day

Thursday 3 October 2024

In the first year the biennial Verbascum thapsus (great mullein, Aaron's rod, beggar's blanket, cow's lungwort, duffle, feltwort, flannel leaf, fluffweed, rag paper, torch lily, velvet dock) produces a rosette of large wooly grey-green leaves. In the second year a tall, upright, woolly stem is produced bearing yellow, saucer-shaped flowers popular with pollinators.

Jill Raggett

[lailoken]

I've always learned that it was traditionally the flower stalk—not the leaves—of Mullein that can be coated in wax and burned as a "Hag Torch" for necromantic workings. Is the idea of using a leaf like this a lost in translation thing, a making do thing, or a separate but related tradition?

Wild Witchcraft by Rebecca Beyer, pg. 108

[the-mortuary-witch]

CERBERUS

WHO IS HE?

Cerberus, often referred to as the hound of Hades, is a mythical three-headed dog. In Greek mythology, Hades was the God of the underworld and the dead, and Cerberus was his faithful servant who guarded the entry to the underworld to prevent the living from entering and the dead from escaping. Cerberus was a powerful guardian and was feared for his ferocity and strength. In Satanism, Cerberus is sometimes seen as a symbol of protection, commitment, and devotion to the deity Hades. Sometimes Cerberus can also represent the underworld itself or the connection between life and death.

BASIC INFO:

Appearance: In Greek mythology, Cerberus is typically described as a three-headed dog-like creature with a serpent-like tail. He is often depicted with a black or dark-coloured body, and he typically has sharp fangs and eyes. Cerberus is often described as being extremely aggressive and fierce.

Personality: Cerberus is often described as being fierce, aggressive, and extremely protective of the gates of Hades. In mythology and folklore, he is often depicted as being loyal and faithful to Hades, but also as being quick to anger. He is said to always be alert and on guard, with a strong sense of duty and protection. He is also said to be a wise and powerful being, with immense strength and ferocity.

Symbols: three-headed dog, Bident of Hades, keys, cauldrons, chains and binding, Gates of Hades, fire, and torches

Guardian of: the Gates of Hades

Culture: Greek

Plants and trees: wolfs-bane, yarrow, mint, cyclamen, nightshade, lilies, mullein flowers, black oak tree, mistletoe, and cedar trees

Crystals: black obsidian, black tourmaline, black onyx, black rose quartz, black labradorite, black kyanite, and black stone

Animals: dogs, wolves, black snakes, and goats

Incense: dragon’s blood, frankincense, black musk, patchouli, myrrh, sandalwood, and vetiver

Practices: protection, setting boundaries, animal magick, shadow work, healing, and transformation

Colours: black, white, red, green, and purple

Numbers: 3 and 7

Zodiacs: Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Pisces (not official)

Tarot: Death

Planets: Mars, Saturn, and Pluto

Days: Tuesday, Saturday, Monday, Cerberalia, Hades Festival, Halloween, and New Year

Parents: Echidna and Typhon

Siblings: Orthos, Lernaean Hydra, and Chimera

Partner: N/A

Companions: Hades and Zagreus

Children: N/A

MISC:

• Triple head: Cerberus' most prominent symbol is his three heads, which symbolizes his triad of ferocity, devotion, and intellect. The three heads also represent Cerberus' connection to the trinity and the cycle of life and death.

• Chains: Cerberus is often depicted as being bound by a chain, which represents his role as a guardian and a protecter to the underworld. The chain can also represent his connection to the underworld and darkness.

• Dogs: Cerberus is described as a dog-like creature, representing his loyalty and loyalty.

• Snake: Cerberus is often depicted as having a snake-like form, with three heads and a snake body.

• Fire: Cerberus is often associated with fire and intense, fiery energy, due to his role as a guardian of the underworld.

• Keys: Cerberus is often depicted with a key or a pair of keys, which represents his role as a guardian of the underworld and its gate.

FACTS ABOUT CERBERUS:

• Cerberus is named after the Greek word creoboros meaning "flesh-devouring". Another suggested etymology derives Cerberus from "Ker berethrou", meaning "evil of the pit".

• It is said that Cerberus guards the Underworld gates, waiting at the river of Acheron to stop all who try to enter the Underworld.

• He has been a part of Greek mythology since the earliest times, and has been seen as a symbol of protection, rebirth, and the protection of the soul.

• In some stories, Cerberus' three heads are said to represent past, present, and future, and his flaming breath represents the cycle of life and death.

• Cerberus is believed to be the offspring of Typhon and Echidna, but is also said to be the child of Hades and Persephone.

• He is said to have the ability to breathe flames, chew through metal, and see in the dark.

HOW TO INVOKE CERBERUS:

Start by addressing Cerberus with a respectful greeting, such as 

"Great Cerberus, guardian of the Underworld, I am here to worship and honour you." Make an offering to Cerberus. There are many different types of offerings you can make, such as food, drinks, herbs, crystals, flowers, incense, or other small treasures. Sit quietly and meditate on your connection with Cerberus. This could include imagining an image of Cerberus, visualizing yourself in his presence, or engaging in prayer or conversation with him. 

Show your devotion and respect to Cerberus by performing an act of service or helping others in some way in his honour.

End the worship session by giving a final offering and farewell and expressing gratitude for the experience and any blessings that were received during the session.

PRAYER FOR CERBERUS:

Great Cerberus, three-headed guardian of the underworld, I call upon you now to aid me in this time of need. I seek your protection and guidance as I traverse this treacherous journey. Please grant me your strength and wisdom and aid Me in navigating the twists and turns of the dark path I walk. I offer you this prayer as a sign of my devotion and respect. Hear my plea and lend me your power now.

Great Cerberus, I give thanks to you, who has granted me your protection and guidance. I am grateful for your strength and wisdom and the guidance you have offered me. I bid you Farewell for now, and look forward to meeting you again, Hail Cerberus!

SIGNS THAT CERBERUS IS CALLING YOU:

• Sudden and intense connection or fascination with him or his symbol.

• A strong feeling of warmth or comfort when you think about him.

• You have recurring dreams about him or his symbol.

• Noticing that you are drawn to research, study, or contemplate his domain.

• You start to see his symbol everywhere you go or in places where you don't normally expect it.

• Vivid or lucid dreams about Cerberus.

• Recurring thoughts and images of Cerberus during your waking hours.

• You feel a deep sense of connection and affinity with Cerberus, even without having had prior contact with him.

• You find yourself drawn to learning more about Cerberus's symbolism and mythology.

• You experience unusual coincidences or synchronicities involving Cerberus.

OFFERINGS:

• Herbs and plants.

• Meat.

• Water.

• Flowers and incense.

• Bones and other relics associated with the Underworld and death.

• Homemade goods.

• Things that are precious to you, such as jewelry, clothing, or other special items.

• Money.

• Gold or silver.

• Chocolate or other desserts.

• Honey or nectars.

• Beer and other alcoholic beverages.

• Depictions of dogs, three-headed dogs, and wolves.

• Dog toys, food/treats, collars, and/or leashes.

DEVOTIONAL ACTS:

• Caring for animals: as the guardian of the underworld, Cerberus is associated with animal life and protecting innocent creatures from harm. By providing protection and compassion for animals, you are mirroring the energy of Cerberus and honoring his role as a guardian.

• Protecting nature: Cerberus is a guardian of nature and the underworld, so doing acts to protect and preserve natural environments aligns with his divine energy. This could include planting trees, picking up litter, caring for gardens or parks, and exploring ways to reduce pollution and environmental damage.

• Meditation and prayer: taking the time to meditate and pray to Cerberus is always a great way to express devotion and connection. Sit quietly and focus your attention on him, imagine his presence and image, or engage in conversation with him.

• Rituals and ceremonies: creating your own rituals and ceremonies to honor Cerberus and his power is another meaningful way to show devotion and respect. Consider creating an altar to him or performing a spell to petition him for guidance or assistance in your life.

• Learning about dogs that are household protectors.

• Learning about wolves

• Playing with dogs.

• Making dog treats.

• Training/learning how to train dogs.

• Taking your dogs to the vet.

[theblackdahliaemporium]

Herbalism 101: Mullein Leaf

Fun fact: Mullein is a member of the Snap Dragon Family.

The Mullein plant has been around for years and has more than 200 species. The most popular type is common mullein (Verbascum Thapsus.) the leaves harvested near the bottom of the plant and used either dried or fresh.

Mullein flowers and leaves were used on animals and people for a variety of issues:

Cough

Congestion

Bronchitis

Asthma

Constipation

Pain

Inflammation

Migraine

Sleep

Gout

By the late 1800s, mullein became a popular treatment for people with tuberculosis in Europe, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Keep in mind that many of the benefits of mullein are based on anecdotal experiences. More human clinical studies are needed to understand the benefits of this herb. -Healthline

Mullein leaf is sold in various forms:

Tea

Extract

Oil

Powder

Capsule

Elixir

Some can be made into creams.

Some herbalists recommend mullein for respiratory and inflammatory conditions, but there is not enough scientific evidence of its effectiveness. -Healthline

Dioscorides, a Greek physician pharmacologist and botanist, practicing in the 1st century in Rome, who authored the herbal De Materia Medica, was one of the first to recommend mulleins use in lung conditions around 2,000 years ago. It was used as a hair wash in ancient Roman times; the leaf ash to darken hair, and the yellow flowers for lightening it. The leaves were dried, rolled and used as wicks for candles and the entire dried flowering stalks were dipped in tallow and used for torches, hence the names 'candlewick plant' or 'torches'. According to Maida Silverman in her book A City Herbal, " The great respect and love formerly accorded to mullein can be inferred from the number and variety of the folk names for it." -Mountain Rose herbs.

Mullein leaf, flower, and root, with its litany of folk uses ranging from 'nature's toilet paper' to an effective apotropaic (fancy word meaning that which wards off evil spirits), have been used extensively in folk medicine. Its magical qualities were numerous, going beyond simply warding off evil but also was thought to instill courage and health, provide protection, and to attract love. In fact, it was believed that wearing mullein would ensure fertility and keep potentially dangerous animals at bay while trekking along in the wilderness. Further, allegedly a practice for men in the Ozark mountains to attract love consisted of simply pointing the mullein's flowering stalk towards the direction of his love's house and seeing if the stalk went upright again indicating her reciprocated love. Mullein, like so many herbs of European origin, was introduced by the colonists and then incorporated into the Native American healing tradition. The root was made into a necklace for teething infants by the Abnaki tribe, the Cherokee applied the leaves as a poultice for cuts and swollen glands, and other tribes rubbed the leaves on the body during ritual sweat bathes. Additionally, the flowers were used internally as teas and topically as poultices. The Navajos smoked mullein, referring to it as "big tobacco" and the Amish were known to partake as well. Presently, mullein can be found at health food stores often prepared as soothing leaf tea or an ear oil made of the infused flowers. -mountainroseherbs

According to King's American dispensatory (a book first published in 1854 that covers the uses of herbs used in American medical practice), "upon the upper portion of the respiratory tract its influence is pronounced." Mullein was prescribed by Eclectic Physicians (a branch of American medicine popular in the 1800-early 1900's which made use of botanical remedies) who considered it to be an effective demulcent and diuretic, and a mild nervine "favoring sleep." -Mountain Rose herbs.

DISCLAIMER: Precautions Small hairs on mullein leaf may cause mechanical irritation in the mouth and throat if not filtered out of extracts prior to consumption. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

[stars4loki]

30 days of devotion to Loki

day 10: Offerings, both hysterical and UPG

- Coffee

- Chocolate (i’ve noticed he likes Kisses, and Kinder eggs)

Just food in general

- Cake

- Sweets / candy

- I’ve also noticed Lucky charms

Incense & candles

- Incense: Dragons blood, cinnamon, mulled wine or any sweet smelling incenses

- Candles: Preferably one of his colors (Green, Gold/Yellow, Orange, Red, and Brown), you can also draw a bind rune, on it or runes in general (due to the fact that he loves and uses runes)

- Alcohol (I’ve noticed that he likes fireballs)

Plants associated with him

- Mistletoe, with which he indirectly murdered Baldr.

- Birch, represented by Berkanan.

- Alder, which may be used to call him. (Whether he’ll decide to answer is another thing entirely.)

- Mullein, which can be lit like a torch and used to call out to Loki.

- Cinnamon, peppers, and other hot spices

Crystals associated with him

- Volcanic and sulfurous stones (e.g., obsidian, gypsum, hematite, etc.)

- Pyrite

- Color-changing stones (opal, labradorite) to represent shapeshifting

- Bloodstone

- Clear calcite, likely what the vikings used as their navigational "sunstones”

- Flint, because it's used to start fires

- Red stones (eg., red jasper, garnet, carnelian, ruby)

- Stones of any other color associated with Loki

Photo’s/Art/Items of him and Photo’s/Art/Items of the animals associated with him, for example I have a spider ring that is orange on his altar and an Oracle card with orange and yellow snakes.

Animals associated with him:

Snakes

Spiders

Flies

[contremineur]

6660.48 Ghosts which can be summoned with a mullein torch, the wooly grey-green leaves and five-petaled yellow flowers of Our Lady’s Flannel set burning

Jessie Lynn McMains, from Rust Belt Jessie’s Taxonomy of Ghosts

from here

[madmonksandmaenads]

Congrats on the milestone!!!!

Prompt & Number: Harvest, 7

Thanks in advance, and for doing these in general, they're really fascinating!!

I'm glad you're finding these readings interesting. They've been a great way for me to expand my divination knowledge and put theory into practice.

Let's got with one of the tastiest forms of divination I know, Taromancy, reading the tea leaves!

I prepared a lavender, chamomile, and mullein herbal infusion for this reading. The first two have divinatory associations, and I just want the mullein to help clear out some mucus. I greatly enjoyed the drink and found myself sipping from the serpent side of the cup naturally. When I had finished, I swirled the leaves 7 times and then dumped out the loose leaves. This left me with only those leaves that had stuck to specific locations on the cup.

The focus of the leaves on the inner cup is the Sun and Moon, with an additional clump on the four leaf clover. Those central leaves indicate good fortune. The Sun and the Moon together are an immediately evocative pair. It could refer to forces both seen and unseen, but I feel that in this reading, it suggests a cycle.

Around the walls of the cup, the leaves have settled most strongly on the serpent and the torch. The serpent traditionally means danger, but I view it with a more complicated ophite perspective. It plays into the themes of cycles, and the snake is a beast of constant renewal, regularly shedding its skin into a new existence. The torch is a guide in darkness. It reveals what is hidden and leads you through the night.

My interpretation is that a cycle of rebirth will reveal something new about yourself. I'd recommend you experiment with your expression of self and perhaps bring to the surface parts of yourself that have been buried. The leaves on the mountains suggest this will not be a process without obstacles, but that it also gives you an opportunity to reach new heights.

There is also a smaller patch of leaves bridging the divide between the hand and the heart. This suggests that you could find romance if you actively sought it out, but don't expect it to fall into your lap.

[iomadachd]

Necromantic Herbs: Plants of the Dead

Sourced from Grey Necromancer (deactivated) on Wordpress:

There are a number of plants which can be extremely useful to the necromancer. Among these are the following.

Mullein: Erroneously described as a substitute for graveyard dirt, this in fact is a misconception. Known as the “Hag’s Taper”. The soft leaves are used as candle wicks and the dried stalks are soaked in beeswax or tallow to make a torch for rituals of necromancy. It is also burnt to see manifestations of spirits of the dead at night, to see into the Otherworld, and communicate with the spirits and deities that dwell there. Can also be used in talismans.

Wormwood: Used for summoning spirits and to help them manifest.

Cedar: The dried needles when smouldered serve both as a sustaining feast and call for the blessed dead, and the smoke is used to exorcise malevolent shades. The wood works for this purpose as well when turned into a fetish or as a staff.

Dittany of Crete: Used to aid in the manifestation of the spirits of the dead. Also has somewhat of a nasty reputation because of where it tends to grow. Harvesters tend to fall from the cliffs and crags where it grows and plummet to their death.

Aconite: Also known as Wolfsbane or Monkshood. Because of its incredible toxicity it is better to not to harvest it. If one has the dried root it can be preserved in order to serve as a tutelary spirit. Not to be used by amateurs.

Yew: Known in European countries as the Death Tree, it is a symbol of death, reincarnation, and longevity. Is planted in graveyards to protect the spirits of the dead. It can be used to banish malevolent spirits of the dead. Often associated with sorcery and dark magic. It is considered the sister of the Tree of Life, the birch.

Apple: Considered the food of the Irish dead and the inhabitants of the Otherworld. Can be added to incense blends to feed the spirits of the dead and ancestors.

Mugwort: Ingested as a tea to aid in divination and talking to the dead. Also boiled in water and, then the liquid is used to wash divination tools.

Copal: Serves as a offering to the dead and can be used to appease the spirits who remain in states of trauma or confusion after death.

Willow: The wood of the willow is used in incenses and in the construction of fetishes dedicated to the dead.

Tobacco: May be presented as a herbal offering upon a ancestral altar or a grave in the form of a incense or sacramental smoke to honor the shades of the dead.

Cypress: The oil of this tree serves as a great addition to incenses and formula of the underworld.

Myrrh: The oil aids in all blends of a necromantic design. Can also be mixed into incenses.

Graveyard Mold: Technically no folklore or magical traditions associate this herb with necromancy of any kind. However I have included it here because I believe it can be used as a compound in necromantic incenses. Since it grows on graves it should contain some of the essence of the dead.

Mandrake: According to legend King Solomon carried a piece of this root in his seal ring to give him sovereignty over souls. Since one of its names is the “Little gallows man” it can be used as a poppet for laying curses of death, illness, pain, etc.

Birch: Petitions and blessings are written on the bark of this tree which is then burnt or buried in the grave of the spirit.

Bay Laurel: Used to communicate with the dead, possibly through use as an incense. Easily available in the form of bay leaves.

Chervil: Also known as garden chervil or “gourmet’s parsley” a tea or other drink made with it can be imbibed to aid in rituals of communion with the dead.

Lavender: Burnt as incense in order to bring peace of mind to the dead.

Marigold: Associated with funerals and used in funeral sprays.

Asphodel: In Greek legend is connected with the dead and the underworld. Sacred to Hades, Persephone, and Hekate. The roots were eaten by the poor of Greece and hence thought good enough food for the dead. Could be burnt as incense or the roots could be given as food offerings.

Thyme: Burnt as an incense helps ease the soul of a person who died a violent death.

American Sycamore: Known as “Ghost Trees” for their distinctive patchy appearance. Associated with the dead and poverty.

Elder: In Norse mythology the tree is considered the Guardian of the Road to Hel (and thus sacred to Hela, Goddess of the Dead). Also associated with the ancestors.

[30carmen75]

The Mullein Guardian

Folklore In the quiet valley of Eldermere, where the mist kissed the meadows and the rivers hummed lullabies to the stones, a single golden spire stood—the Mullein wildflower. It grew at the heart of the valley, its tall stalk crowned with golden blooms, glowing like a torch even under the silver moonlight. Few dared to pluck it, for it was said to be the dwelling place of an ancient fairy…

[pagan-stitches]

And here is a perfect example of my somewhat syncretic approach to my practice. I am descended from both Gaels and western Slavs and value both ancestries. My rituals incorporate both folk Christian and pagan beliefs.

Today kicks off what for me is basically a Holy Week, beginning with the Eve of St. Brigid’s Feast Day (important to the Gaelic ancestors) and ending on February 6th with the Feast Day of St. Dorothea (important to my Czech ancestors). In between the two dates are Hromnice/Candlemas, St. Blaise’s Day, and St. Agatha’s day.

Although I made the mullein torch as a thunder candle to honor my Czech ancestors which was an important part of their Hromnice/Candlemas celebration, I blessed it at the creek today on St. Brigid’s Eve to kick off the week.

@msgraveyarddirt it smelled divine with the wisteria incense.

[jillraggett]

Plant of the Day

Thursday 10 August 2023

The biennial Verbascum thapsus has an amazing collection of common names including: Aaron's rod, ag leaf, beggar's blanket, bullock's lungwort, candlewick, clown's lungwort, common mullein, cow's lungwort, duffle, feltwort, flannel leaf, fluffweed, hare's beard, hedge taper, Jupiter's staff, king's taper, lady's candles, lady's foxglove, light of the Lord, lucernaria, mullein dock, great mullein, rag paper, shepherd's club, torch lily, torches, velvet dock, woollens, woundweed.

Jill Raggett

[litrituals]

Holy Mullein Hag Torch by: Lit Rituals 

A dried mullein stock coated in a foresty fragrant beeswax, dipped in herbs and adorned with a flower <3

[stars4loki]

Offerings for Loki

- Coffee

- Chocolates (I’ve noticed he loves Kinder Eggs)

- Just food in general

- Cake

- Sweets / candy

- I’ve also noticed Lucky charms

Incense & candles

- Incense: Dragons blood, cinnamon, mulled wine or any sweet smelling incenses

- Candles: Preferably one of his colors (Green, Gold/Yellow, Orange, Red, and Brown), you can also draw a bind rune, (which is shown in the image beside this text) on it or runes in general (due to the fact that he loves and uses runes)

- Alcohol

Plants associated with him

- Mistletoe, with which he indirectly murdered Baldr.

- Birch, represented by Berkanan.

- Alder, which may be used to call him. (Whether he’ll decide to answer is another thing entirely.)

- Mullein, which can be lit like a torch and used to call out to Loki.

- Cinnamon, peppers, and other hot spices

Crystals associated with him

- Volcanic and sulfurous stones (e.g., obsidian, gypsum, hematite, etc.)

- Pyrite

- Color-changing stones (opal, labradorite) to represent shapeshifting

- Bloodstone

- Clear calcite, likely what the vikings used as their navigational "sunstones”

- Flint, because it's used to start fires

- Red stones (eg., red jasper, garnet, carnelian, ruby)

- Stones of any other color associated with Loki

Photo’s/Art/Items of him and Photo’s/Art/Items of the animals associated with him, for example I have a spider ring that is orange on his altar and an Oracle card with orange and yellow snakes.

Animals associated with him:

- Snakes

- Spiders

- Flies

- Anything else that you think Loki would like is an ok offering!

[agnieszka-wajda-illustrations]

Folktale Week - Solstice Mullein Torch

autor: https://www.instagram.com/agnieszka.wajda.illustrations/