Transplanting Mandrake Roots: A Hazardous Adventure for Uninformed Students

Introduction: Embarking on the task of transplanting mandrake roots at the Herbarium can be both thrilling and perilous. However, for students who lack knowledge about the necessary precautions, that thrill is amplified by the many surprises awaiting them. Mandrakes possess potent restorative properties, their dangers are also worth noting but the writer of this tutorial missed that class. In this step-by-step guide, we will explore the process of transplanting mandrake roots from this unique perspective, emphasizing the risks involved and the need for immediate medical attention. Perhaps in the process some important lessons may be gleaned between the lines.

Materials Needed:

1. Gloves
2. A sharp garden trowel or shovel
3. Potting soil
4. Pots or containers for the transplanted mandrakes
5. Watering can

Step 1: Uninformed Preparations

1. Unaware of the dangers, find a suitable location for transplanting the mandrake roots, preferably in a secluded area away from other students or individuals who might be affected by the mandrake’s cry or help the transplanter in case of emergency.
2. Neglect to wear ear protection, as you are unaware of its importance.

Step 2: Risky Extraction

1. Approach the mandrake root without any ear protection, unaware of the consequences.
2. Use the garden trowel or shovel to dig around the base of the mandrake plant, hoping not to damage the roots.
3. Once the root is exposed, carefully lift the plant out of the soil, unaware of the potential dangers associated with it.

Step 3: Ignorant Transplanting

1. This Step is best completed without writhing in pain and agony but can be accomplished that way if necessary.
2. Select a pot or container for the mandrake root without understanding the necessity of proper drainage.
3. Fill the chosen container with potting soil, underestimating the importance of appropriate planting depth.
4. Place the mandrake root into the pot, burying it haphazardly without considering the need for stability.

Step 4: Unforeseen Consequences

1. Unaware of the mandrake’s scream, water the transplanted mandrakes without understanding the risks involved.
2. Experience the piercing cry of the mandrakes, resulting in petrification or severe discomfort.

Step 5: Seeking Help and Recovery

1. Realize the grave mistake made and seek immediate medical attention from a knowledgeable individual or head to the infirmary.
2. Follow the prescribed treatment for petrification or the discomfort caused by the screaming mandrake roots.
3. Wait patiently for the restorative effects of the medical intervention and recover from the encounter with the mandrakes, reflecting on the importance of proper knowledge and precautions.

In the age of digital Genealogy it’s not that difficult to find connections.

Is there a family rumour that you have connections to one of the Salem Witch trial victims, or are you just hoping that there might be? Maybe you have relatives originally from the Massachusetts area (that certainly helps) or you recognized a common last name while reading about the events in Salem in 1692? Although discovering a connection between you and the defendants of the trials takes a bit of work, with the online tools and resources available it is easier than ever before.

DISCLAIMER! Genealogy is an immersive and fascinating hobby that can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. Although the entry point may be as simple as a free Ancestry/My Heritage/Wikitree account or an existing family tree hand-drawn by a family member, the amount of work that can go into this kind of research can be extensive when done correctly so don’t expect astonishing results without a decent amount of legwork. But as a jumping-off point looking for a long lost witchy relation is a great start and sometimes you’ll find that a large chunk of the work has already been done for you by some other genealogical aficionado, so lets get started!

Step one is assessing your own heritage (if you haven’t already); do you have British roots or are you firmly American (that is 3rd generation or further back), can you go back as far as finding the birthdays and locations of your great grand parents? If yes, then you are a few steps ahead already. The further back you can go with your own family the more likely it is that someone else has already added them to a family tree shared somewhere so it really helps to go back as far as you can. Ask your family, close and distant for any clues! Any of these clues unlock the possibility of finding that distant connection without that much digging, without them your results will be very limited and it might be that you would need a DNA test to actually find anything at all. So, get a list together of as many surnames (last names and maiden names) from your families history and let’s do a quick name comparison. Below is a list of names of the victims of the Salem witch trials, using your name you can do a search to see if any of your family names match:

Make a note of any possible name matches (again, if you know their history you will find it much easier to discover potential connections) to do a further search on one of these websites for each possible match. Using your ancestors name and any further info you might have (like birth dates, locations) try looking for records of them on these websites:

Ancestry Search

My Heritage Search

Familysearch Search

FindMyPast Search

If you come up with meaningful results from any of these searches, make a note of these as well – results that match your ancestor are a great place to begin searching for that connection. So let’s continue!

A quick aside – I use Wikitree to codify all of my completed research, it is public and free, basically one giant shared tree that you are trying to connect your own history to. Also, it requires sources and has a community that tries to ensure the entries are legit (people will call you out if you haphazardly add some relations without providing your proof).

Ancestry, My Heritage,FindMyPast and Familysearch are also great resources – with only the last one being free to use. The databases they have are much larger than the completed profiles on Wikitree so searching for an ancestor by name is more likely to yield results with those resources.

First of all, lets see if anyone has already entered your relative before on Wikitree (if your previous searches on the other sites gave you any potential matches you might have found them already). If another genealogist has entered your ancestor (or a shared ancestor) then your connection will be as simple as filling in the blanks that lead you to them! Try the Wikitree Search to see if they are listed on the site.

At this point it all depends on how far back into history you can reach with your existing information, again the further back you know your own ancestors history the more likely it is that they already exist on some tree somewhere else, even if they are just mentioned as a vague sibling, aunt or other relation. No luck finding matches? You have two paths now; go back to ANY family you can to find out those ancestor names; uncles, cousins, grandparents, put down every detail you can scrounge together to see if there a possibility of unearthing that history – basically in most cases you will somehow need to identify your Great Grandparents and find some record of them if you hope to get farther back in time. And the other path? DNA. If all potential leads have failed or you simply cannot gather enough details to figure out who your great grandparents were then an Ancestry DNA test might be your only option. I suggest Ancestry because for this purpose they have the largest user base of potential matches, it wouldn’t really make sense to go anywhere else for an initial dip into DNA Genealogy. Now before you do that ask yourself a few questions…

Is there a chance you don’t have any early American or British ancestry? Are you sure you’ve spoken with every possible lead to finding details about your ancestors?

If you did manage to find an ancestor matching a surname in the previous list it would be a good idea to go back to your notes now and see how likely a crossover match could be. Perhaps there is a Massachusetts connection, perhaps a family tree that has been shared can offer a link going further back. Here are a few of the Salem witches who have known descendants – finding a direct connection to them may be more likely than those whose lines have died out since then:

• Rebecca Nurse: Rebecca Nurse was accused of witchcraft and hanged in July 1692. She had eight children, and many of her descendants have been identified. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Nurse-32
• John Proctor: John Proctor was accused of witchcraft and hanged in August 1692. He had three children, and some of his descendants have been identified. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Proctor-736
• George Jacobs Sr.: George Jacobs Sr. was accused of witchcraft and hanged in August 1692. He had several children, and some of his descendants have been identified. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Jacobs-1673
• Sarah Good: Sarah Good was accused of witchcraft and hanged in July 1692. She had a daughter named Dorcas, and some of Dorcas’s descendants have been identified. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Solart-6
• Elizabeth Proctor: Elizabeth Proctor, the wife of John Proctor, was accused of witchcraft but was not convicted. She had six children, and some of her descendants have been identified. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Bassett-1100
• Sarah Wildes: Sarah’s nonconformist reputation and prior offenses may have made her an easy target – animosity among her in-laws most likely led to the initial accusation. Hanged as a witch, she died on 19 Jul 1692 at Proctor’s Ledge, Gallows Hill, Salem, Massachusetts Bay. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Averill-34

The entire list is available here on Wikitree where there are several Salem-related projects that could shed some light on your connections – it may be that following their lineages forward in time might also illuminate other relationships that you couldn’t see during your initial search and the details collected for these projects are fascinating reads all on their own (even if you can’t find that illusive ‘gateway’ ancestor). These Wikitree entries also have any known DNA relatives that were added to their bio’s so if you do go the DNA path it would be possible to upload your results to Wikitree and see if any matches pop up.

Hopefully this little sojourn into Genealogy will awaken some interest in your forebears, part of the mystique of this pastime is delving into the lives of those who came before you – the experiences they might have gone through that brought to this very moment in time and the

The word “Vegvisir” is derived from two Icelandic words, “Vegur” meaning “way” or “path,” and “visir,” meaning “pointer” or “guide.” The symbol is composed of eight rune staves that radiate outward from a central point, and it is surrounded by a circular frame. The eight staves are said to represent different directions or paths that a person may take in life. The symbol is sometimes referred to as a “Nordic compass” because of its ability to guide individuals through rough seas or unfamiliar territories. Some scholars have suggested that the symbol may have been inspired by the runic compass, a tool used by Norse navigators to determine the direction of the wind and whose creation likely predates the Vegvisir design.

The earliest known reference to the Vegvisir symbol comes from a manuscript called the Huld Manuscript, which dates back to the 17th century. The manuscript includes a drawing of the Vegvisir symbol along with a brief description of its purpose as a guide for travelers. The Vegvisir is believed to be derived from Norse mythology and symbolism, specifically the runic alphabet and the Icelandic magical staves. The symbol does not contain specific letters from the traditional runic alphabet, nor is it meant to be read or deciphered like a written text. Instead, the symbol is composed of a series of interconnected lines and symbols that are believed to represent different aspects of the natural world and the spiritual realm.

The Huld manuscript, also known as the Galdrabók, is a 17th-century Icelandic grimoire, a book of magic spells and incantations. While it contains a description of the Vegvisir symbol, the manuscript does not provide a specific timeframe for the symbol’s creation or use.

However, based on the style and motifs of the Vegvisir symbol, as well as its association with Norse mythology and culture, it is generally believed to date back to the medieval period, specifically the Viking Age, which lasted from the 8th century to the 11th century AD. The exact origin of the Vegvisir remains uncertain, but it is likely that it was used by Norse sailors and travelers to guide their journeys through difficult terrain and stormy seas, where navigation was a matter of life and death.

The eight directions on the Vegvisir compass are not the traditional North, South, East, and West that we are familiar with today. Instead, the eight directions are believed to represent different paths or directions in life.

While there is some variation in the interpretation of the eight staves, they are generally thought to represent the following:

1. North – Represents winter and the power of resistance and endurance.
2. Northeast – Represents the power of progress, regeneration, and rebirth.
3. East – Represents spring and the power of beginnings and renewal.
4. Southeast – Represents the power of growth, prosperity, and fertility.
5. South – Represents summer and the power of abundance and success.
6. Southwest – Represents the power of harvest, fruition, and reaping what you sow.
7. West – Represents autumn and the power of endings, closure, and rest.
8. Northwest – Represents the power of challenges, adversity, and the need for perseverance.

Together, these eight staves are believed to provide guidance and direction to those who seek it, helping them navigate through life’s challenges and find their way home.

The symbolic meaning behind each stave of the Vegvisir symbol can vary depending on the interpretation, but here are some commonly associated meanings:

1. The First Stave: This stave is said to represent the beginning of a journey or new chapter in life. It symbolizes creativity, inspiration, and the spark of life that sets us on our path.
2. The Second Stave: This stave is associated with the power of intuition, inner strength, and inner guidance. It is believed to help individuals find their way through difficult times, relying on their own inner wisdom and instincts.
3. The Third Stave: This stave represents courage, strength, and the ability to overcome obstacles. It is believed to give individuals the strength to persevere through challenges and to overcome their fears.
4. The Fourth Stave: This stave is associated with the power of healing, both physical and emotional. It is believed to help individuals find balance and harmony in their lives, promoting physical and emotional health.
5. The Fifth Stave: This stave is associated with the power of creativity and new beginnings. It is believed to help individuals tap into their own creative potential and to bring new ideas and projects to life.
6. The Sixth Stave: This stave represents the power of protection and defense. It is believed to provide a shield against negative energies or harmful forces, helping individuals feel safe and secure.
7. The Seventh Stave: This stave represents the power of renewal and regeneration. It is associated with the changing seasons and the cycle of life, symbolizing the need to let go of the old to make way for the new.
8. The Eighth Stave: This stave represents the power of perseverance and determination. It is associated with the challenges and difficulties of life, reminding individuals to stay strong and to never give up on their goals.

And how would the Vegvisir symbol be incorporated into a ritual or practice?

Well that is open to your own interpretation and goals for your ritual, some practitioners may choose to incorporate the Vegvisir into a larger ritual or ceremony that is designed to honor the gods or connect with the spiritual realm. Others may simply use the symbol as a focus for meditation or visualization.

Overall, the key to meditating on the Vegvisir symbol is to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to receive guidance and inspiration. Whether through visualization, deep breathing, or other meditative techniques, the Vegvisir can serve as a powerful tool for connecting with your inner wisdom and finding direction on your path.

Here are a few examples:

1. Symbolic Meaning: Each stave has a symbolic meaning associated with it, such as endurance, renewal, prosperity, and perseverance. By focusing on these meanings, individuals can gain insight into their current situation and find direction for their path forward.
2. Intuitive Guidance: The Vegvisir symbol is believed to have a mystical quality that can provide intuitive guidance to those who seek it. By meditating on the symbol, individuals may be able to receive insights or inspiration that can help them make important decisions or navigate difficult situations.
3. Spiritual Protection: The Vegvisir is also believed to provide spiritual protection to those who wear it or have it nearby. It can serve as a talisman to ward off negative energies or evil spirits, and to provide a sense of security and strength.
4. Connection to Nature: The eight staves of the Vegvisir are associated with the natural world, such as the changing seasons and the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water. By connecting with these natural forces, individuals may be able to gain a greater sense of harmony and balance in their lives.

So the guidance that the symbol can provide are dependent on how you wish to use it, and for better or worse the dearth of historical information that survived means it is up to us to interpret its benefit. One easy way to get started is a Vegvisir Coin, a talisman that you can always keep with you on your journeys both near and far.

Yes. The sky is falling. Yes. Nothing will be as it once was. Yes, although most Tarot readers will profess that all cards have a duality, they also secretly agree that the Tower is THE WORST. But wait. Let’s unpack that a bit before you run away screaming. What exactly is the Tower?

“The Tower” is a Major Arcana Tarot card that is often depicted as a tall, narrow tower being struck by lightning, causing its top to crumble and people to fall out. It exists in almost all modern Tarot Decks.

In traditional interpretations, “The Tower” represents sudden upheaval, chaos, and destruction. It can indicate a major crisis or disaster that shakes the very foundation of your life, and may result in feelings of shock, fear, and loss. However, it’s important to remember that even though this card can be frightening, it can also be a catalyst for positive change and transformation.

“The Tower” encourages us to be prepared for unexpected events and to face the truth, even if it’s painful. It can also serve as a wake-up call to reassess our values and priorities, and to let go of things that no longer serve us.

It is generally believed that the card was first included in the Tarot de Marseille, a French Tarot deck that dates back to the 17th century. The Tarot de Marseille was one of the first Tarot decks to include a standardized set of Major Arcana cards, which included “The Tower. “The Tower” card was not included in the Visconti-Sforza Tarot deck, one of the oldest surviving Tarot decks, created in the 15th century in Italy. It is a 78-card deck that includes the four suits of the Minor Arcana (swords, cups, wands, and coins) as well as the 22 cards of the Major Arcana. However, the specific cards in the Major Arcana vary slightly from later Tarot decks, and “The Tower” card is not among them.

Some Tarot scholars believe that the closest equivalent in the Visconti-Sforza deck is the card called “La Saetta,” which means “The Lightning” in Italian. “La Saetta” depicts a hand emerging from a cloud and holding a bolt of lightning, which is striking a castle or tower. While the imagery is not identical to “The Tower,” it does share some similar themes, such as sudden upheaval, destruction, and unexpected events. That’s an ever-so-brief history, but what about the panic the card tends to illicit?

Well, “The Tower” is absolutely considered one of the most challenging Tarot cards to receive in a reading. Here are some reasons why this might be true:

1. Sudden upheaval: As mentioned earlier, “The Tower” can indicate sudden and unexpected events that can cause upheaval and chaos in our lives. This can be difficult to deal with, especially if we feel like we have no control over the situation.
2. Destruction: “The Tower” is often associated with destruction, which can be frightening and unsettling. It can be hard to imagine a positive outcome when everything around us is crumbling.
3. Loss: In addition to physical destruction, “The Tower” can also represent emotional or spiritual loss. This can be especially difficult if we are attached to the things or people that we are losing.

But stepping back and assessing it’s subjective meaning, it’s important to remember that the Tarot is not inherently good or bad – it’s simply a tool for self-discovery and growth. Here are some reasons why receiving “The Tower” in a Tarot reading might not necessarily be a bad thing:

1. Transformation: “The Tower” can be a powerful catalyst for transformation and growth. When everything around us is falling apart, it can be an opportunity to reassess our values, priorities, and beliefs, and to make positive changes in our lives.
2. Awakening: Sometimes, we need a wake-up call to realize that we are stuck in a rut or living our lives in a way that is not aligned with our true selves. “The Tower” can be a powerful wake-up call that helps us see things more clearly and take action to create a better life.
3. Liberation: When we let go of the things that no longer serve us, we can experience a sense of freedom and liberation. “The Tower” can be an opportunity to release old patterns and beliefs that are holding us back, and to embrace a new way of being.

So can you be serenely subjective when someone gives you a second glance as they pull the Tower during your reading? Well, that’s up to you but remember that if you can’t glean meaningful insight from your reading then perhaps you aren’t open enough to find that message or it isn’t a lesson that you want to hear yet. There is some merit to the idea that ‘the harder the truth, the more important its message’ so a fear-inspiring card like the Tower might be the revelation that no one asks for but everybody needs.

You can peruse our Tarot Card section, and maybe you’ll get lucky and draw the Tower one day!

The Visconti-Sforza Tarot is considered one of the most important and influential tarot decks in history, and it has inspired many other decks that came after it.

They were commissioned by the Visconti and Sforza families, two powerful noble families from Northern Italy during the Renaissance period. The cards were created sometime in the mid-15th century, the accepted timeframe being around the Visconti-Sforza wedding ceremonies of 1441. It’s believed that they were commissioned as a luxury item for the families to use in their leisure time.

The Visconti family was one of the most prominent families in the city of Milan, and they ruled over the region from the early 14th century until the mid-15th century. The Sforza family was a wealthy and powerful family that rose to prominence in the mid-15th century, and they eventually took control of Milan from the Visconti family.

It’s unclear who specifically commissioned the Visconti-Sforza Tarot, but it’s believed that it was likely either Filippo Maria Visconti or Francesco Sforza. The cards were intended to showcase the wealth and sophistication of the families who commissioned them.

It’s believed that the deck was created by a team of artists and craftsmen, rather than a single individual. This deck consisted of 78 cards, divided into two main categories: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consisted of 22 cards, each depicting a different archetypal figure or significant life event. The Minor Arcana consisted of 56 cards, divided into four suits (Batons, Cups, Swords, and Coins). This division of cards was the template for almost all Tarot decks that followed, our modern decks still have the same card counts for Major and Minor Arcana. The cards are notable for their high level of artistic and technical skill, and they feature intricate gold leaf details, vibrant colors, and realistic portrayals of the figures depicted on the cards. The style of the artwork is consistent across the entire deck, suggesting that it was created by a cohesive team of artists.

Some scholars have suggested that the artists may have been members of the Sforza court, while others have proposed that they were part of a broader artistic community in Milan. However, because there are no surviving records of the creation of the Visconti-Sforza Tarot, the true identities of the artists remain a mystery. Filippo Maria Visconti was the Duke of Milan from 1412 until his death in 1447. He was known for being a complex and controversial figure, and his reign was marked by both successes and failures.

Visconti also commissioned several other works including the Certosa di Pavia ( a monastery and church complex), the Trivulzio Madonna (a painting of the Madonna and Child) and the Visconti Hours (an illuminated manuscript featuring intricate illustrations and decorations).

Francesco Sforza (the other possible source of the tarot deck) was a prominent Italian condottiero, or mercenary leader, who rose to power during the Renaissance period. He was born in 1401 in San Miniato, Tuscany, and began his military career as a young man fighting for various Italian city-states.

In 1431, Francesco Sforza entered the service of Filippo Maria Visconti, and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of his most trusted advisors and military commanders. In 1441, he married Bianca Maria Visconti, the daughter of Filippo Maria Visconti, which helped to secure his position in Milan. After Filippo Maria Visconti’s death in 1447, Francesco Sforza launched a successful campaign to seize control of Milan. He defeated the Visconti’s rivals and was declared Duke of Milan in 1450. Francesco Sforza was also a patron of the arts and culture. He commissioned several important works of art and architecture in Milan, including the expansion of the Castello Sforzesco and the construction of the Ospedale Maggiore.

Whether it was Visconti or Sforza that commissioned the deck, it’s design has stood the test of time – with all of the basic foundations having lasted nearly 600 years into the modern deck design. Equally interesting is that the same benefactors that gave rise to the ubiquitous Tarot Deck design were devout Catholics, who had several Catholic monuments commissioned as part of their legacies and whose creation would one day draw condemnation from the Catholic Church for its use in the heretic practice of divination.

Check out our current selection of Tarot Decks, the Visconti-Sforza is one that we carry but it does sell out frequently!

Tarot is a form of divination that uses a deck of 78 cards to gain insight into the past, present, and future. The tarot deck is divided into two main categories: the Major Arcana, which consists of 22 cards that represent significant life events and archetypes, and the Minor Arcana, which consists of 56 cards that are divided into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles) and represent everyday experiences and situations.

Tarot readings are typically performed by a reader who shuffles the deck and lays out a spread of cards, each card representing a specific meaning or aspect of the situation being examined. The reader then interprets the cards and their positions in the spread to gain insight and guidance for the person receiving the reading.

It’s important to note that tarot readings are not a form of fortune-telling, but rather a tool for self-reflection, introspection, and gaining insight into one’s own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

The Tarot Deck: Origins and Evolution

The tarot deck is a powerful tool for divination, self-reflection, and introspection. While its exact origins are shrouded in mystery, it is believed that the tarot deck was first created in the 15th century in Italy. Over time, the tarot deck has evolved, with new decks and interpretations being created by artists and readers all over the world. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the tarot deck, its origins, and how it has evolved over time.

Origins of the Tarot Deck

The origins of the tarot deck are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been created in the 15th century in Italy. The first known tarot deck, the Visconti-Sforza deck, was commissioned by the Duke of Milan in the 1440s. This deck consisted of 78 cards, divided into two main categories: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.

The Major Arcana consisted of 22 cards, each depicting a different archetypal figure or significant life event. The Minor Arcana consisted of 56 cards, divided into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles), with each suit representing a different aspect of life (creativity, emotions, intellect, and material possessions).

The tarot deck was originally created as a game, much like modern playing cards. It wasn’t until the 18th century that the tarot deck began to be used for divination and spiritual purposes.

Some Differences between the Original Italian Deck and Modern Decks

While modern tarot decks generally follow the basic structure of the original Italian deck, there are some notable differences between the two. Some of the differences include:

1. The Suits: In the original Italian deck, the suits were called Batons, Cups, Swords, and Coins, rather than Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles.
2. The Court Cards: In the original Italian deck, the court cards consisted of King, Queen, Knight, and Page, rather than King, Queen, Knight, and Page or Princess.
3. The Major Arcana: The original Italian deck did not have titles or numbers on the Major Arcana cards, instead relying on the images themselves to convey their meanings. In contrast, modern decks usually include titles and numbers on the Major Arcana cards.
4. The Illustrations: The original Italian deck featured simple, unadorned illustrations, while modern decks often feature complex, highly detailed illustrations.

Evolution of the Tarot Deck

Over time, the tarot deck has evolved, with new decks and interpretations being created by artists and readers all over the world. Some of the most significant changes to the tarot deck include:

1. The Rider-Waite Deck: The Rider-Waite deck, also known as the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, was created by artist Pamela Colman Smith and writer Arthur Edward Waite in 1909. This deck is one of the most popular and influential tarot decks in use today, and it introduced many new symbols and interpretations to the tarot.
2. The Thoth Deck: The Thoth deck was created by artist Frieda Harris and writer Aleister Crowley in the 1940s. This deck is heavily influenced by Crowley’s occult beliefs and includes many new symbols and interpretations.
3. The Marseille Deck: The Marseille deck is one of the oldest and most traditional tarot decks in use today. It is believed to have been created in the 16th century and features simple, unadorned illustrations.

If you are interested in exploring Tarot further check out our extensive Tarot Section – in store we have one of the largest selections in Canada. Wild Craft also has the good fortune to host our very own Tarot reader every Saturday (almost), Renate has been reading cards for over fourty years and is available Saturdays from 12pm-4pm. Drop in or schedule a reading (recommended, some weekends she books up quickly) for your next visit! Call us at 250-833-0458 to get your name on the list.

Mugwort, also known as Artemisia vulgaris, has been used in magical rituals for centuries due to its believed ability to enhance psychic abilities, induce vivid dreams, and provide protection. It is commonly used in various forms, including as a tea, incense, or as a smudge stick. In magical rituals, mugwort is often used to purify and cleanse a sacred space or to create a protective circle. It is also believed to aid in divination and to help one connect with the spiritual realm. Mugwort is often associated with the goddess Artemis and is said to possess feminine energy.

Mugwort is believed to possess various metaphysical properties that make it useful in magical rituals. It is said to have the ability to enhance psychic abilities, increase spiritual awareness, and open the third eye. Mugwort is also associated with the moon, which makes it an excellent herb for divination and dreamwork. Its energy is believed to be feminine and protective, making it useful for warding off negative energies and entities.

In addition, mugwort contains thujone, a compound that is known to have mild psychoactive effects. This compound is thought to be responsible for the herb’s ability to induce vivid dreams and enhance spiritual experiences. Mugwort is also believed to have purifying and cleansing properties, which make it useful for creating a sacred space or cleansing a person’s aura before a ritual.

Overall, the properties of Mugwort that make it useful in magical rituals are largely based on its historical use and cultural significance.

The earliest known mention of Mugwort can be traced back to ancient China, where the plant was known as “ai.” The Chinese have been using Mugwort for over 2,500 years for its medicinal properties.

The use of Mugwort in Chinese medicine is documented in the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine, a text that dates back to the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). The text describes Mugwort as a powerful herb that can help regulate the flow of Qi (energy) in the body and treat a variety of ailments, such as digestive issues, menstrual cramps, and respiratory problems.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Mugwort was also used in Chinese rituals and ceremonies. It was believed to have protective properties and was used to ward off evil spirits and negativity. It was also believed to enhance spiritual awareness and was used by Taoist monks to aid in meditation and lucid dreaming.

North American Indigenous peoples have a long history of using Mugwort for various purposes. The plant was known by different names among different tribes, such as “ai’na” by the Navajo, “luz” by the Cherokee, and “nokewi” by the Cree.

Some of the traditional uses of Mugwort by North American Indigenous peoples include:

1. Medicinal Uses: Mugwort was used to treat a variety of ailments, such as digestive issues, respiratory problems, fever, and menstrual cramps. It was also used as a natural insect repellent and to help ease the pain of childbirth.
2. Spiritual and Ceremonial Uses: Mugwort was considered a sacred plant by many Indigenous tribes and was used in various spiritual and ceremonial practices. For example, it was burned as incense or smudge to purify and cleanse the body and spirit, and to promote relaxation and peacefulness. It was also used in vision quests, sweat lodges, and other types of spiritual ceremonies.
3. Culinary Uses: Mugwort was used as a culinary herb by some Indigenous tribes. It was often used to flavor meat, fish, and other foods, and was also used to make tea.
4. Textile Uses: Some Indigenous tribes used Mugwort as a natural dye for textiles. The plant was boiled to extract its green color, which was then used to dye wool and other fibers.

The plant was known as “Beifuß” in Old High German, and was used in traditional Germanic medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, menstrual cramps, and respiratory problems.

Mugwort was also believed to have protective properties and was used in various forms of magic and divination by the Germanic peoples. For example, it was used as an incense to ward off evil spirits, and as a charm to promote lucid dreaming and astral travel.

Known as “málurt” in Old Norse was one of the nine sacred herbs mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Herbal, a 10th-century text that described the medicinal properties of various plants.

In Norse mythology, Mugwort was associated with the god Odin, who was said to have discovered the herb while hanging from the World Tree in his quest for knowledge and wisdom. It was also believed to have protective properties and was used in various forms of magic and divination.

In addition, there are accounts of Mugwort being used in traditional Scandinavian medicine. For example, it was used to treat fevers, digestive issues, and menstrual cramps, among other ailments. It was also used as a natural insect repellent and to flavor beer.

One well-known example is the use of Mugwort in the celebration of the summer solstice, also known as Midsummer or Litha, in pagan and Wiccan traditions.

During Midsummer celebrations, it is common to create a wreath or garland of herbs, which may include mugwort along with other plants like St. John’s Wort, lavender, and rosemary. The wreath is often hung over a doorway or on a window to bring protection and good luck to the home.

In addition, some practitioners may choose to burn mugwort as an incense during Midsummer rituals. The smoke is believed to have a purifying effect and may be used to cleanse the energy of the sacred space.

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