#wortcunning

[spiralhouseshop]

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Check out all the Troy Books titles we carry here!

[cursecuelebre]

Anglo Saxon Nine Herb Charm

Ancient charm that is rooted in Germanic paganism and witchcraft, it’s very helpful for those interested in herbalism, Folk magic, Germanic folk magic and paganism, or just simple herbal magic. It's said that it was taught by Woden or Odin (Norse) who is the god of healing. It’s in the form of a poem, a form of Galdor which is basically is incantation when reciting this poem you’re evoking these herbs. By how the poem is written the plants are spoken like another person or living thing with a conscious mind. It’s one of good sources of wortcunning or medicinal knowledge of herbs. The blog can be helpful for those who wishes to bond with these herbs this poem can really bring good insight.

Some points to take note in this poem, most of these herbs are to be used in a healing context against poison. The Saxons believed that diseases were caused by corruption of evil spirits, elf-shot, most commonly in form of “Worms” not worms we see today in the soil but more like dragons or serpents. “Nesso” is the Anglo Saxon term and Wyrm is High German where Worm derives from which means dragon. That to cast the “worms” out is essentially getting rid of the poison. When you find yourself reading Anglo Saxon charms with “Worm” that is what is being refer to. The number 9 is very sacred in Germanic paganism and witchcraft, also the use of christian elements is suppose to be there. In medieveal context of folk magic in general a common concept is to mix pagan deities with Christianity Woden and Christ is not uncommon in German folk magic to be seen together. The green is the herbs mentioned and after the poem I'll put what some of the herbs are in modern day in english. I should also note there is multiple translations but this version is what I'm most familiar with.

Traditionally to perform the ritual a witches would chant over the herbs and applied to the patient’s body then the witch would blow into the targets ear and mouth to get rid of the evil/harmful spirit.

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, Waybread, 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, attorlaðe (poison hater), 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 Stinging Nettle. 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 fennel, 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

mucgwyrt - Mugwort

wegbrāde - Waybread - Plantain

Stune - Lamb Cress

Stiðe - Nettle

mægðe - Chamomile

wergulu - Stinging Nettle

æppel - Crab Apple

fille - Chervil

finule - Fennel

*Stiðe most likely means nettle as a type of plants that is used very broadly, whilst stinging nettle refers to the actual plant such as the leaves, stems, etc. Nettle can also mean the roots. Some translations have attorlaðe instead of Stiðe, but in my opinion it's talking about how nettle is perceived here attorlaðe means 'poison hater' link to Fumitory. Perhaps Fumitory to the Saxons was related to Nettle I'm not sure just a theory of mine. Most likely than not the fourth herb in the charm is Nettle in the board sense of the family of plants. Unless someone can give me a more insight on the translation, I be more than happy to be corrected.

I really hope this helps people and it may inspire others on the path and learning of Anglo Saxon culture and Traditions. :)

[wytchwyse]

Have you worked with Hellebore (Helleborus ×hybridus) ?

What was your experience like mundanely speaking? dried, did it still cause skin irritations? im working on an Obfuscation Dust but i want to be safe as Hellebore is a poison.

PS I have experience working with other plant toxins, such as water hemlock, and foxglove. I also use flying ointments in my personal practice as well. So I don't want anyone to think that I'm getting in over my head or anything. Although I totally appreciate all of the cautious reminders. 🤗

[koscheys-skull]

Death Working Plants to Grow on your Altars or in your Home:

I wanted to encourage the idea of a list of herbs and plants that can be somewhat easily grown in the home or on an altar or small space. I have provided some house plant options for death working witches or practitioners. There are many herbs and plants associated with death work however you may not see them listed here as they are not well grown indoors or may be difficult to grow indoors. I have a masterlist that exists already however, I wanted to list herbs and plants that would be easy to somewhat easy for practitioners as well as common, affordable, and accessible to people with varying skills, experience, or knowledge of plants. In this effort I hope to encourage people to take a leap and try out some plants!

Parsley -  Difficulty: Easy Light Requirements: Full Sun Water: Weekly (Do not over water) Notes: Is said to please spirits of the dead and ward away the spirits of the dead of whom are malignant or angry. 

Rosemary -  Difficulty: Medium Light requirements: Full Sun Water: Do not over water. Water when Top Inch of soil is dry. Notes: Rosemary cleanses and banishes as well as is used to honour the dead. There are recipes for rosemary bread. Bread is often used as an offering for ancestor veneration and to the dead. Notes: Rosemary itself is also associated with remembrance of the dead and the memories of the lives they have lived.

Thyme -  Difficulty: Medium Light requirements: Full Sun Water: Allow to dry out *completely* before watering. When watering, saturate thoroughly. Notes: Thyme is used to sooth the spirits of the dead of whom experienced great suffering. Thyme is used in Necromancy when communing with the dead and its oil has been historically used in embalming!

Peace Lily - Difficulty: Easy to Medium Light Requirements: Won’t die in low light but prefers bright indirect light. Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and allow water to drain through the bottom of the pot. Notes: The Peace Lily is actually a rather hearty plant to grow indoors and lives a rather long life. The plant itself is said to sooth the dead and the spirit of those experiencing grief and is a wonderful plant to maintain harmony with the dead. You may also use it in a space while making efforts to reconcile with the dead.

Basil -  Difficulty: Easy (Though is prone to pests when grown outdoors) Light Requirements: at least 6 hours of bright light either direct or indirect. This is a light happy plant. Water: Can be grown hydroponically (completely in water). Allow top inch of soil to be completely dry. Water thoroughly. Leave to dry.  Notes: Basil is an excellent herb to have growing for communication with the dead. Basil is an excellent herb for all spirit communication and is recommended to be in all arsenals. 

Lemon Balm - Difficulty: Easy - Medium Light requirements: Allow 5-9 hours of direct or indirect bright light. This is a light happy plant. Water: Similarly to Mints and Basil, Lemon Balm can be grown hydroponically. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Water thoroughly. Notes: Lemon Balm is used in Necromancy and Psychopomping work to help aid in the passing of souls and to get to the root of what may be holding the spirit of the dead back. Aids in the spirit’s memory recall especially when used in companion with Rosemary.

Orchids -  Difficulty: Not As Hard As You Think Light Requirements: Most enjoy 6-8 hours of indirect light a day. Some prefer more some prefer less. Water: When growing and flowering it may need water twice a week. Use the “One inch of dry soil” method to determine when it needs water. Do not over water it. When it is done flowering, it needs less water. Simply soak the roots in water for 15-20 minutes or let a trickling amount of water pass through them. Notes: Orchids have historical background with the story of Orchis whom was killed by maenads but was turned into an Orchid upon death. The Orchid is an excellent herb to represent the cycles of life and death but also love and love within death and the death of loved ones including romantic.

Mint -  Difficulty: Easy Light requirements: 3-5hours of indirect sunlight to partial shade. Flexible with light. Water: Can be grown hydroponically. Likes water but should not be regularly saturated. Notes: Mint oil is a stable of Necromancy reagents and is commonly used to communicate with the dead. Said to carry the messages of the dead when made into inks and used in sending parchment messages to the dead. Necromancy Inks often use mint as a part of its structure. 

(False) Rose of Jericho - Requires similar but different cares. Difficulty: You Cannot Kill This Plant Light Requirements: Low light prefers indirect light. Does not require Soil. Water: Can be kept in a bowl of water. Will curl up as it dries out. Can be potted but must be in well draining soil. Notes: The Resurrection Plant is in its name. This plant goes through symbolic life and death as it cycles through incredible cycles. It goes into various states of stasis. This is a wonderful plant representing life, death, and rebirth. Both Rose of Jericho and False Rose of Jericho are incredible motifs of this theme. 

Yucca -  Difficulty: Easy Light Requirements: Prefers Indirect Bright light Water: Water Deeply during spring and summer when the soil is dry. Decrease water intake during dormancy (winter and fall) Notes: Yucca has a folkloric history of being associated with rebirth and transformation in indigenous American Tribes. It also holds symbolism of purity and growth through trails. The Yucca retains water in its roots and links to the Motifs and symbolism of rivers of the underworld. It is has been culturally given as a houseplant to represent growth through grief and difficulty after great loss. 

[theherbwitchshoppe]

ᚦᛖ ᚻᛖᚱᛒ ᚹᛁᚦᚳᚻ ᛋᚻᛟᛈᛈᛖ

Here to serve you! Wes Hal ᚹᛖᛋ ᚻᚪᛚ !

[quintessentialarts]

Etsy | Facebook | Instagram

New Rue Sprig Necklace with Aquamarine I went a little wild with the fancy chain. Oxidized for an antiqued rustic style~

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1532089366/ruta-graveolens-rue-sprig-aquamarine

[poisonerspath]

Stoked to be chatting with @spiritus_arcanum live tonight 🖤💀🖤 Join us for an open discussion about baneful herbs, necromancy and the upcoming @botanicaobscuraconference I like to leave the chats open and see what they blossom into 🥀 and I have a feeling this is gonna be a good one 😉 - #necromancy #folknecromancy #poisonpath #thepoisonpath #salemwitches #witchesofsalem #folkmagic #folkmagician #wortcunning #greenwitchcraft #thepoisonpath #poisonpath #veneficium #necrobotany https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpc8PRrL-KP/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[gone-witchin]

A witch and her mugwort cannot soon be parted.

[monriatitans]

ARTIST SHOUT-OUT #592

Monday, June 17, 2024

"Botanist" by Tricia Pathy

SOCIAL MEDIA

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**Don’t forget to give Tricia Pathy a follow!**

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The Artist Shout-Outs are given to human artists to combat AI art theft. #createdontscrape For more details, and to view previous ones, click here! See the piece on ArtStation here! See where else the Artist Shout-Out has spread here! The shout-out choice was inspired by the Oxford English Dictionary‘s Word of the Day: wort-cunning, which is, “pseudo-archaic. Knowledge of the properties of herbs and plants.” For more about the word, click here! Like what you see and want to know when there’s more? Click here to subscribe for updates and/or hit the Follow button!

[machinebeast]

we've all been there

[friend-crow]

Silly alternative names for common plants!

agrimony - sticklewort

borage - bee bread, cool tankard 😎

comfrey - ass ear

dandelion - piss-a-bed, swine's snout

foxglove - cow-flop

hawthorn - bread and cheese

henbane - dog-piss

hops - beer flower

lavender - nard

mugwort - muggers, muggons, felon's herb

nettle - hokey pokey

parsley - devil's oatmeal

pennyroyal - run-by-the-ground, lurk-in-the-ditch (I am going to suggest the addition of slam-in-the-back-of-my-dragula)

plantain - rat tail

rue - herbygrass

skullcap - madweed

tansy - stinking willie

valerian - bloody butcher, pretty Betsy

Source: Wortcunning, by Nigel G. Pearson

[spiralhouseshop]

Restocks on Troy books!

[casper-spills]

✧ ℌ𝔞𝔩𝔩𝔬𝔴𝔢𝔢𝔫 𝔖𝔭𝔢𝔠𝔦𝔞𝔩: 𝔚𝔥𝔞𝔱 𝔨𝔦𝔫𝔡 𝔬𝔣 𝔴𝔦𝔱𝔠𝔥 𝔞𝔯𝔢 𝔶𝔬𝔲? ✧

01. Green witch

The Green Witch embraces nature by drawing on the energies from the earth and of untamed things. They commune with the land, with stones and gems and they reley on plants, flowers and herbs. They call to nature for guidance and respects every living being and they have a strong belief that humans must give back to world and protect it. They tend to be animal/environmental activists and they will go the extra mile to spread awareness.

The Green Witch makes their own ritual tools from found objects in nature and they make sure these are ethically sourced materials. They might also work with Animal Guides and Plant Spirits. The forest is the Green Witch's sacred temple and they often spend time hiking or visiting parks and gardens.

Books I recommend:

The Green Witch ~ Arin Murphy-Hiscock

Encyclopaedia of Magical Herbs ~ Scott Cunningham

Occult Botany ~ Paul Sedir

The Treadwell's Book of Plant Magic ~ Christina Oakley Harrington

Wortcunning ~ Nigel G. Pearson

02. Crystal Witch

Crystal Witches focus their magick on healing and manifesting. Crystals are known for their healing energies due to their ability to raise one's own vibration. Crystals emit this constant vibration, that when met with a lower vibration, has the ability to raise, in turn, providing healing qualities through an energetic level, which can therefore fast track our own physical healing.

Crystal Witches may also be drawn to rocks and stones alike and generally appreciate the gift of nature. They may also be attracted to the study of geology and often work with chakras/practice chakra meditation.

Books I recommend:

The Power of Crystal Healing ~ Emma Lucy Knowles

The Zenned Out Guide to Understanding Crystals ~ Cassie Uhl

The Crystal Workshop ~ Azalea Lee

Crystals for Witches ~ Eliza Mabelle

03. Kitchen Witch

The Kitchen Witch’s potion is a soup and they’re magical wand is a trusty wooden spoon. Cooking becomes a sacred art for the Kitchen Witch. A Kitchen Witch may not often dedicate a specific time and resources to ceremony, instead they work intuitively rather than ritually to find the magic in everyday life.

Kitchen Witches personalise their space with great intention and care. They instantly know when a space resonates with them or not. They often cook with whole, organic foods and they may also grow their own food. They also tend to enchant ingrediants before using them in a dish and they might sometimes make dishes to treat illnesses.

Books I recommend:

Potions, Elixirs & Brews ~ Anais Alexandre

The Wicca Cookbook ~ Jamie Wood & Tara Seefeldt

Wicca in the Kitchen ~ Scott Cunningham

The Magick of Food ~ Gwion Raven

`04. Sea Witch

A sea witch is a practitioner of witchcraft whose spiritual focus and magical practices are closely tied to the sea and its elements. They use the potent energy of the ocean as a force to drive spellcraft, cleanse the soul and renew the spirit. Sea Witches forge a deep bond with the sea and its inhabitants, working with its energy to manifest their intentions and achieve their goals.

Sea Witches are naturally sensitive and empathetic. The ocean is their sacred space and often times they might live near the ocean or are very drawn to it. They are also very drawn to stroms and enjoy the rain. They might study oceanic mythology and sea animals. They also often collect seashells, pebbles or other beach treasures and may use them in their craft.

Books I recommend:

Sea Witch's Companion ~ Levannah Morgan

Sea Magic ~ Sandra Kynes

Water Witchcraft ~ Annwyn Avalon

Mermaids ~ Skye Alexander

05. Divination Witch

The Divination Witch focuses primarily on divination practices such as tarot & oracle, pendulum, scrying, runes, tea leaf reading, meditation, and connecting to your inner guides/higher being. To them, it’s most important to incorporate these divination practices to their everyday life, or at least in ceremonial rituals.

A Divination Witch may draw power from the earthly elements, mediation, or with the help of seasonal changes that open portals and lower the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds. For those highly in-tuned with their intuition, have the ability to hear, see, or sense what others can’t, find themselves as an empath, and have the uncanny ability to predict the future.

Books I recommend:

The Book of Divination ~ Michael Johnstone

I Ching or Book of Changes ~ C.G. Jung & Richard Wilhelm

Tarot Card Meanings ~ Brigit Esselmont

Chakra Healing ~ Margarita Alcantara

06. Lunar/Cosmic Witch

A Lunar Witch has a fascination and connection with the skies, stars, moon and planets are unparalleled. With the fundamental belief that what happens above in the cosmos is a direct correlation to what happens on Earth, Cosmic Witches focus their study on astrological transits, moon phases, and intertwining that with their own natal birth charts. A strong belief is that as we are born, we are given a blueprint, a snapshot of the skies, that presents past, present and future forecasts of not only ourselves as an individual, but as a collective, sometimes generational viewpoint too.

They draw their power from the Moon and perform certain spells and rituals depending on the phase of the moon.

Books I recommend:

Moon Magic ~ Aurora Kane

Moon Spells ~ Diane Ahlquist

Moon Magic ~ Diane Ahlquist

Witchs Moon ~ Edain McCoy

✧ 𝔗𝔥𝔞𝔫𝔨𝔰 𝔣𝔬𝔯 100 𝔣𝔬𝔩𝔩𝔬𝔴𝔢𝔯𝔰! ℌ𝔞𝔭𝔭𝔶 ℌ𝔞𝔩𝔩𝔬𝔴𝔢𝔢𝔫! ✧

Special thanks to @rainychibikko @googiekook @attymi @miraclekay97 @julyourwitch @honeytarotmind @honnuey @notakitsune @mercurialstime @artscapismsworld

[wytchwyse]

Come Ye, Oh Goodly Spirits Incense

To pull close your benefic spirits for veneration. goodly spirits are ancestors, and any spirit or god that shows you a gentle hand. This could also be used to settle spirits that are worked up.

Lavender

Sandlewood

Honey/Honey powder (op)

Frankincense and/or Benzoin (op)

As with any recipe please make it your own.

[koscheys-skull]

Death Working Herbs

Lavender Thyme Coriander Cinnamon Oregano Frankincense Balm of Gilead Licorice Root Mistletoe* (toxic) Monkshood* (toxic) Wormwood Mullien Yew (my personal favourite and always used in my necromancy)(toxic) Cumin Poppy Orris Root Parsley Borage Asphodel (toxic) Rosemary Cypress Marigold Honey* (Not a Herb)

[theherbwitchshoppe]

Keeping the old ways alive at The Herb Witch Shoppe