Hedge Witchcraft: A Beginner Hedge Witch’s Guide to Practicing Hedgecraft, with Herbal Magic, Hedge Riding and Trance Methods, Magical Recipes and Spells, and the Hedge Witch’s Altar and Tools by Lisa Chamberlain & Stacey Carroll

Author:Lisa Chamberlain & Stacey Carroll [Chamberlain, Lisa]
Language: eng
Format: azw
Publisher: Chamberlain Publications (Wicca Shorts)
Published: 2023-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

Herbs of the Hedge Witch – The Banes

“Oh, I have been beyond the town, Where nightshade black and mandrake grow, and I have been and I have seen What righteous folk would fear to know!”

—Doreen Valiente, “The Witch’s Ballad” (1978)

This hedge witch’s herbal wouldn't be complete if we didn't look at some of the more famous herbs used by witches throughout history to create flying ointments to help slip the skin and cross the hedge. This section is by no means an endorsement to try any of the herbs described here—they require an experienced hand and the guidance of someone very knowledgeable in the application and use of baneful herbs.

Baneful herbs are named so because of their nature—they are poisonous and deadly, known throughout history for their hallucinogenic properties. They were herbs not lightly used but often abused, especially by those who did not understand or know the spirit of the plants and what they were capable of.

These were herbs of such power and spirit that the ordinary folk would shudder at the mention of their names, herbs that could poison or heal, depending on how they were used, and herbs that would allow the witch to fly from her body and journey the length and breadth of the Universe. These are the herbs known throughout history as herbs of witches, and have been thought to grow in every witch's garden.

The information offered here is deliberately sparse in terms of usage, simply because without proper guidance or experience, there can be extremely harmful and serious consequences from using these baneful herbs. Traveling with the spirit of any of the plants described here could spell disaster or death for the unwary, untrained or unknowing.

There is a legend that tells of a brigade of English soldiers out of Jamestown in Virginia who mistook Datura stramonium for edible greens and spent 11 days experiencing some truly powerful hallucinations. Some thought they were monkeys; others simply sat in their own excrement and drooled. Without proper experience, guidance and knowledge, the herbs contained in the Banes part of this chapter will teach you harsh lessons that will affect you for the rest of your life.

It is simply not enough to read about the herb and consider yourself ready. You must get to know the plant, its quirks, its personality and most of all, its deadly nature. Start with Mugwort or Wormwood; learn the energy of each before you consider moving on to their stronger compatriots. The foremost lesson of the Banes is to never forget to respect the plant; for its nature is powerful, wild and dark, and capable of incredible and devastating acts.

CAUTION: The following descriptions are for informational purposes only, I highly recommend that you do not work with, grow or touch any of these plants unless you are experienced in working with herbs of a toxic and deadly nature and know what you are doing. If you work with these herbs without the necessary training or knowledge, you risk poisoning, grievous injury and death.

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