#wortcunning

[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. 🤗

[spiralhouseshop]

Restocks on Troy books!

[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 !

[poisonerspath]

Ink of the Green Devil A magical ink imbued with the verdant spirit of the wild adversary. This magical ink is specifically for wortcunning and spells involving the natural world. Use it to write recipes for potions, create plant spirit glyphs and make pacts with plant spirit familiars. Infused with deerstongue, mandrake, fern, oak, elderberry and woodruff. - #poisonersapothecary #banefulherbs #witchingherbs #poisonpath #hexingherbs #plantmagick #greenwitch #witchcraft #wortcunning #folkmagick #witchmade #witchsgarden #ritualadornments #occultjewelry #witchyjewelry #chthonicsorcery #poisonpath #demonolatry #darkherbalism #lefthandpath #occultherbalism #veneficium #ritualincense #ritualoils #poisonpath #thepoisonpath (at Saint Petersburg, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnHxuPvrgMy/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[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

[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

ArtStation Post

Portfolio

LinkedIn

**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!

[thejaggedpoisonpath]

Fly Agaric Anointing Oil⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Looking for a flying oil, rather than an ointment, for ritual work? An anointing oil, perhaps?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ These have the same properties and medicinal benefits as my ointments, minus the solidifying wax agent, making them perfect for ritual or ceremonial use.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Belladonna: Gender: Feminine Planet: Saturn Element: Water Deities: Hecate, Bellona, Circe⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Henbane: Gender: Feminine Planet: Saturn Element: Water Deities: Hecate⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Datura: Gender: Feminine Planet: Saturn Element: Water Deities: Venus⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Mandrake: Gender: Male Planet: Mercury and Saturn Element: Fire Deities: Aphrodite, Circe, Diana, Hathor, Hecate, Saturn⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Artemisia: Wormwood and Mugwort Gender: Feminine Planet: Venus Element: Earth & Air Deities: Artemis and Diana⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Hemlock: Gender: Feminine Planet: Saturn Element: Water Deities: Hecate, Cronus, Saturn⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Fly Agaric: Gender: Male Planet: Mercury Element: Air Deities: Dionysus, Mercury⠀⠀ *Statements not reviewed by the FDA. Information not meant to take the place of medical advice. Sold as curio only.*⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #theaggedpath #flyagaric #anointingoil #wisewoman #seer #cunningwoman #wortcunning #poisonpath #lefthandpath (at Galveston, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnEvWeKLaqx/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[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

[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.

[spiralhouseshop]

Big restock of Troy Books in our shop!

Check out all the Troy Books we carry online

Or

Check out the actual books in our shop in person in Portland, Oregon by scheduling a time to browse with this link.

[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