Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was a primary reason ancient civilizations sought to harness the powers of plants?
What was a primary reason ancient civilizations sought to harness the powers of plants?
- For curing diseases and connecting with Deity (correct)
- To develop agricultural techniques
- To create new plant species
- For recreational purposes
Ancient Egyptians burned myrrh as a pleasing offering to the gods.
Ancient Egyptians burned myrrh as a pleasing offering to the gods.
True (A)
Name one plant that was revered in ancient Egypt.
Name one plant that was revered in ancient Egypt.
Lotus
The practice of using plants for ________ and spiritual connections dates back to ancient civilizations.
The practice of using plants for ________ and spiritual connections dates back to ancient civilizations.
Match the ancient civilization with their plant-related beliefs:
Match the ancient civilization with their plant-related beliefs:
Which of the following plants was commonly associated with offerings to the gods in ancient Egypt?
Which of the following plants was commonly associated with offerings to the gods in ancient Egypt?
Many poisonous plants were believed to possess a spirit, while non-poisonous plants were not thought to have spirits.
Many poisonous plants were believed to possess a spirit, while non-poisonous plants were not thought to have spirits.
What was the significance of the papyrus reed in ancient Egyptian culture?
What was the significance of the papyrus reed in ancient Egyptian culture?
What should a female do to divine her future husband on Halloween?
What should a female do to divine her future husband on Halloween?
The appearance of a coffin while performing the Halloween divination indicates an upcoming marriage.
The appearance of a coffin while performing the Halloween divination indicates an upcoming marriage.
What does it mean if a bay leaf turns brown after being pinned to a person's heart at bedtime?
What does it mean if a bay leaf turns brown after being pinned to a person's heart at bedtime?
To divine if your sweetheart will marry you, place a bay leaf with their initials in your ______.
To divine if your sweetheart will marry you, place a bay leaf with their initials in your ______.
Match the divination method with its purpose:
Match the divination method with its purpose:
Which flower is considered unlucky if brought into a house during the month of May?
Which flower is considered unlucky if brought into a house during the month of May?
Bringing any type of white flowers into a house is believed to result in death in the family.
Bringing any type of white flowers into a house is believed to result in death in the family.
What plant is known for causing children to be warned not to gather it due to its association with bad luck?
What plant is known for causing children to be warned not to gather it due to its association with bad luck?
Many people believe that bringing ______ indoors at Christmas will lead to a family member's demise within the next 12 months.
Many people believe that bringing ______ indoors at Christmas will lead to a family member's demise within the next 12 months.
Match the following plants with their associated belief:
Match the following plants with their associated belief:
What is one of the beliefs surrounding the speedwell flower?
What is one of the beliefs surrounding the speedwell flower?
Witches in the Middle Ages were believed to derive their powers from the Christian's devil.
Witches in the Middle Ages were believed to derive their powers from the Christian's devil.
Name one flower that invites bad luck when it blooms out of season.
Name one flower that invites bad luck when it blooms out of season.
An old English saying goes, 'Hawthorn blooms and elder flowers, fill a house with ______ powers.'
An old English saying goes, 'Hawthorn blooms and elder flowers, fill a house with ______ powers.'
Match the flower with what it is associated with:
Match the flower with what it is associated with:
What does the smoke of incense that gathers like a date-palm signify?
What does the smoke of incense that gathers like a date-palm signify?
What form of herbal divination did the ancient Celts primarily practice?
What form of herbal divination did the ancient Celts primarily practice?
Phyllorhodomancy is a form of divination that involves interpreting the sounds produced by rose petals.
Phyllorhodomancy is a form of divination that involves interpreting the sounds produced by rose petals.
What will indicate an affirmative response in the rose petal divination method?
What will indicate an affirmative response in the rose petal divination method?
The smoke that touched the earth was interpreted as a favorable omen.
The smoke that touched the earth was interpreted as a favorable omen.
What plant was specifically mentioned as being used in the practice of dendromancy?
What plant was specifically mentioned as being used in the practice of dendromancy?
A petal with a ______ form is selected for phyllorhodomancy.
A petal with a ______ form is selected for phyllorhodomancy.
The fabled Greek nymph Daphne was changed into a ______ tree.
The fabled Greek nymph Daphne was changed into a ______ tree.
Match the divination method with its corresponding description:
Match the divination method with its corresponding description:
Which flower is historically associated with phyllorhodomancy in ancient Greece?
Which flower is historically associated with phyllorhodomancy in ancient Greece?
Match the divination method with its origin:
Match the divination method with its origin:
Counting the number of breaths needed to blow seeds off a dandelion is an example of phyllorhodomancy.
Counting the number of breaths needed to blow seeds off a dandelion is an example of phyllorhodomancy.
Which direction of smoke indicates that you will prevail over your adversary in libanomancy?
Which direction of smoke indicates that you will prevail over your adversary in libanomancy?
Herbal divination was solely practiced by the Druids.
Herbal divination was solely practiced by the Druids.
On which occasion should you perform the cherry tree divination?
On which occasion should you perform the cherry tree divination?
In Cherry Tree Divination, the number of cherries that fall while shaking the tree will tell you how many ______ you will live.
In Cherry Tree Divination, the number of cherries that fall while shaking the tree will tell you how many ______ you will live.
What was the significance of the laurel grove in Roman divination?
What was the significance of the laurel grove in Roman divination?
What is the purpose of shaking the cherry tree in the divination process?
What is the purpose of shaking the cherry tree in the divination process?
Priests skilled in the reading of ______ interpreted the smoke from burning herbs.
Priests skilled in the reading of ______ interpreted the smoke from burning herbs.
What omen was interpreted if the smoke from burning plants hung close to the altar?
What omen was interpreted if the smoke from burning plants hung close to the altar?
What does a white Molukka bean turn into when it identifies a sorcerer or evil eye?
What does a white Molukka bean turn into when it identifies a sorcerer or evil eye?
Mugwort is considered sacred to the Pagan goddesses Artemis and Diana.
Mugwort is considered sacred to the Pagan goddesses Artemis and Diana.
What ancient tradition is associated with the proper activation of a mugwort's magical properties?
What ancient tradition is associated with the proper activation of a mugwort's magical properties?
According to superstition, cutting down a mistletoe-bearing tree is believed to result in a most ______ situation.
According to superstition, cutting down a mistletoe-bearing tree is believed to result in a most ______ situation.
Match the following plants with their associated beliefs:
Match the following plants with their associated beliefs:
Which herb was believed to grant woodpeckers the strength to pierce iron?
Which herb was believed to grant woodpeckers the strength to pierce iron?
Christians in the Middle Ages avoided uprooting mugwort without making the sign of the cross.
Christians in the Middle Ages avoided uprooting mugwort without making the sign of the cross.
What unusual belief surrounds the Molukka bean regarding childbirth?
What unusual belief surrounds the Molukka bean regarding childbirth?
Moonwort was believed to possess the power to ______ or break locks.
Moonwort was believed to possess the power to ______ or break locks.
Mugwort is primarily used in culinary dishes and has no association with magical properties.
Mugwort is primarily used in culinary dishes and has no association with magical properties.
What does the appearance of a moon symbol in tea leaves indicate?
What does the appearance of a moon symbol in tea leaves indicate?
A coffin seen in tea leaves signifies a warning of treachery and betrayal.
A coffin seen in tea leaves signifies a warning of treachery and betrayal.
What does a star symbolize in tea leaf readings?
What does a star symbolize in tea leaf readings?
A ______ represents a faithful friend in tea leaf readings.
A ______ represents a faithful friend in tea leaf readings.
Match the symbols with their meanings in tea leaf reading:
Match the symbols with their meanings in tea leaf reading:
What was believed to be the method for cutting mistletoe for effective magickal spells?
What was believed to be the method for cutting mistletoe for effective magickal spells?
Mistletoe was thought to bring bad luck if it touched the earth after being cut.
Mistletoe was thought to bring bad luck if it touched the earth after being cut.
What was one of the beliefs surrounding mistletoe in ancient Celtic tradition?
What was one of the beliefs surrounding mistletoe in ancient Celtic tradition?
The druids sacrificed a pair of white _____ during the mistletoe-cutting ritual.
The druids sacrificed a pair of white _____ during the mistletoe-cutting ritual.
Match the plant with its associated belief:
Match the plant with its associated belief:
Which of the following deities is mistletoe said to be sacred to?
Which of the following deities is mistletoe said to be sacred to?
In England, it was believed that kissing under the mistletoe was a sign of fertility for women.
In England, it was believed that kissing under the mistletoe was a sign of fertility for women.
What was the effect of hanging mistletoe over doors and windows, according to old Pagan herb lore?
What was the effect of hanging mistletoe over doors and windows, according to old Pagan herb lore?
What is dendromancy primarily associated with?
What is dendromancy primarily associated with?
Smoke that rises straight up is interpreted as an unfavorable omen.
Smoke that rises straight up is interpreted as an unfavorable omen.
Which plant was ritually cut with a golden sickle for divination?
Which plant was ritually cut with a golden sickle for divination?
The practice of oracle readings through smoke interpretation is known as ______.
The practice of oracle readings through smoke interpretation is known as ______.
Match the divination method with its origin:
Match the divination method with its origin:
What does it signify if incense smoke drifts to the left during libanomancy?
What does it signify if incense smoke drifts to the left during libanomancy?
The early Greeks practiced a form of herbal divination known as phyllorhodomancy.
The early Greeks practiced a form of herbal divination known as phyllorhodomancy.
What was believed to be a warning sign during divination?
What was believed to be a warning sign during divination?
The death of Emperor Nero in 68 A.D. was foretold by the withering of a sacred grove of ______ trees.
The death of Emperor Nero in 68 A.D. was foretold by the withering of a sacred grove of ______ trees.
What was a favorable sign in libanomancy regarding incense smoke?
What was a favorable sign in libanomancy regarding incense smoke?
What flower should be gathered during the divination ritual performed on Midsummer Eve?
What flower should be gathered during the divination ritual performed on Midsummer Eve?
According to the divination practice on Saint Agnes' Day, it matters which sprig of rosemary and thyme goes in which shoe.
According to the divination practice on Saint Agnes' Day, it matters which sprig of rosemary and thyme goes in which shoe.
What incantation is recited during the Saint Agnes' Day divination?
What incantation is recited during the Saint Agnes' Day divination?
On Christmas Eve or Midsummer Eve, the seeds of the ______ plant are used in a divinatory ritual.
On Christmas Eve or Midsummer Eve, the seeds of the ______ plant are used in a divinatory ritual.
Match the divination method with its corresponding occasion:
Match the divination method with its corresponding occasion:
What is the purpose of removing the rose from the paper at sunrise on December 25th?
What is the purpose of removing the rose from the paper at sunrise on December 25th?
The legend about the rose divination occurs on Midsummer Night.
The legend about the rose divination occurs on Midsummer Night.
What are the two herbs used in the Saint Agnes’ Day divination ritual?
What are the two herbs used in the Saint Agnes’ Day divination ritual?
To divine her future husband, a woman must use ______ at the witching hour.
To divine her future husband, a woman must use ______ at the witching hour.
What is believed to happen if the hemp divination is performed correctly?
What is believed to happen if the hemp divination is performed correctly?
What day is associated with the legend of the devil going 'nutting'?
What day is associated with the legend of the devil going 'nutting'?
Ague root is commonly known as unicorn root.
Ague root is commonly known as unicorn root.
What tree is said to be disliked by 'Old Scratch'?
What tree is said to be disliked by 'Old Scratch'?
According to tradition, a bonfire during the Beltane celebration must be made from ___ different kinds of wood.
According to tradition, a bonfire during the Beltane celebration must be made from ___ different kinds of wood.
Match the following plants with their associated beliefs:
Match the following plants with their associated beliefs:
Which plant is called 'dragon’s blood'?
Which plant is called 'dragon’s blood'?
The devil is believed to accompany anyone gathering nuts on a Sunday.
The devil is believed to accompany anyone gathering nuts on a Sunday.
What is the nickname for the plant Calliandra eriophylla?
What is the nickname for the plant Calliandra eriophylla?
What term refers to the practice of divination by plants?
What term refers to the practice of divination by plants?
White Witches were generally more respected than Black Witches during the Middle Ages.
White Witches were generally more respected than Black Witches during the Middle Ages.
Name the two types of Witches mentioned in historical beliefs regarding their use of herbal magick.
Name the two types of Witches mentioned in historical beliefs regarding their use of herbal magick.
Many accused Witches needed to practice their craft in the shadows to avoid ______ from witch trials.
Many accused Witches needed to practice their craft in the shadows to avoid ______ from witch trials.
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Which plant was mentioned as being used by Rachel to increase her fertility?
Which plant was mentioned as being used by Rachel to increase her fertility?
Herbal magick has no relation to contemporary practices and is solely rooted in ancient civilizations.
Herbal magick has no relation to contemporary practices and is solely rooted in ancient civilizations.
What is the term used for herbal magick that emphasizes healing?
What is the term used for herbal magick that emphasizes healing?
The practice of using various plants for evil deeds was associated with ______ Witches.
The practice of using various plants for evil deeds was associated with ______ Witches.
Which group of individuals brought European botanical lore to the United States?
Which group of individuals brought European botanical lore to the United States?
What should a female do to divine her future husband on Halloween?
What should a female do to divine her future husband on Halloween?
If the bay leaf remains the same color after being pinned over the heart, it indicates that the lover has been faithful.
If the bay leaf remains the same color after being pinned over the heart, it indicates that the lover has been faithful.
What is the significance of seeing a coffin during the Halloween divination?
What is the significance of seeing a coffin during the Halloween divination?
To learn if her sweetheart will marry her, a female must place a bay leaf in her ______ and observe it the next morning.
To learn if her sweetheart will marry her, a female must place a bay leaf in her ______ and observe it the next morning.
Match the divination method with its associated outcome:
Match the divination method with its associated outcome:
What does the number of fallen cherries indicate in divination?
What does the number of fallen cherries indicate in divination?
In ribwort divination, the initials of your future spouse will appear on the root if you are destined to marry within the next 12 months.
In ribwort divination, the initials of your future spouse will appear on the root if you are destined to marry within the next 12 months.
During which time of year should the ribwort divination be performed?
During which time of year should the ribwort divination be performed?
To perform a divination regarding future children, go to a field of oats at ______ hour on Halloween.
To perform a divination regarding future children, go to a field of oats at ______ hour on Halloween.
Match the divination method with its purpose:
Match the divination method with its purpose:
What should you observe during acorn divination?
What should you observe during acorn divination?
If the acorns remain stationary during the divination, you should not repeat the process.
If the acorns remain stationary during the divination, you should not repeat the process.
What will happen to indicate that you will not marry your fiancée according to acorn divination?
What will happen to indicate that you will not marry your fiancée according to acorn divination?
A woman's good name is associated with the ______ being attached to the oat stalk in divination.
A woman's good name is associated with the ______ being attached to the oat stalk in divination.
What does it mean if the top of the oat stalk is missing?
What does it mean if the top of the oat stalk is missing?
Which of the following plants is considered unlucky to bring into the house?
Which of the following plants is considered unlucky to bring into the house?
It is considered lucky to bring a bunch of primroses totaling any number less than 13 into the house.
It is considered lucky to bring a bunch of primroses totaling any number less than 13 into the house.
What belief exists regarding picking a leaf or flower from a plant growing atop a grave?
What belief exists regarding picking a leaf or flower from a plant growing atop a grave?
Bringing a blossoming branch from the ______ plant is believed to cause illness or death in the family.
Bringing a blossoming branch from the ______ plant is believed to cause illness or death in the family.
Match the following plants with their associated meanings:
Match the following plants with their associated meanings:
Which of the following plants is known to attract good luck according to herb lore?
Which of the following plants is known to attract good luck according to herb lore?
Rosemary is exclusively known for attracting bad luck.
Rosemary is exclusively known for attracting bad luck.
Which two plants are cited as the luckiest to bring indoors according to English herb lore?
Which two plants are cited as the luckiest to bring indoors according to English herb lore?
An old belief states that bringing ______ indoors will cause a family member's demise within the next 12 months.
An old belief states that bringing ______ indoors will cause a family member's demise within the next 12 months.
Match the following herbs with their effects on luck:
Match the following herbs with their effects on luck:
What does a girl reportedly see when performing the hemp seed divination if she is destined for marriage?
What does a girl reportedly see when performing the hemp seed divination if she is destined for marriage?
Hearing a bell while performing the hemp seed divination is a sign of an upcoming marriage.
Hearing a bell while performing the hemp seed divination is a sign of an upcoming marriage.
What should the girl do to see the image of her husband-to-be during the hemp seed divination?
What should the girl do to see the image of her husband-to-be during the hemp seed divination?
The number of _____ on a holly tree is examined to predict winter weather.
The number of _____ on a holly tree is examined to predict winter weather.
Match the following divination methods with their purpose:
Match the following divination methods with their purpose:
What is one of the primary functions of herbal magick?
What is one of the primary functions of herbal magick?
Herbs can only be used for healing purposes.
Herbs can only be used for healing purposes.
What can the parts of a plant (roots, buds, flowers, stems, bark) be considered in the context of herbal magick?
What can the parts of a plant (roots, buds, flowers, stems, bark) be considered in the context of herbal magick?
Herbal magick can connect humans with ______ and the Divine.
Herbal magick can connect humans with ______ and the Divine.
Match the following uses of herbs with their corresponding purposes:
Match the following uses of herbs with their corresponding purposes:
Which of the following is NOT a way herbs have been used?
Which of the following is NOT a way herbs have been used?
Only certain cultures believe in the magickal properties of herbs.
Only certain cultures believe in the magickal properties of herbs.
What did Grandma Rose bring with her from Italy that became significant in the content?
What did Grandma Rose bring with her from Italy that became significant in the content?
Herbs can assist in transforming bad luck into ______.
Herbs can assist in transforming bad luck into ______.
Match the type of influence with its associated outcome through the use of herbs:
Match the type of influence with its associated outcome through the use of herbs:
Which plant is associated with the nickname 'unicorn root'?
Which plant is associated with the nickname 'unicorn root'?
It is said that the devil enjoys gathering nuts on Sundays.
It is said that the devil enjoys gathering nuts on Sundays.
Which day is known as 'Holy-Rood Day'?
Which day is known as 'Holy-Rood Day'?
The plant known as 'dragon's blood' is associated with the species ______.
The plant known as 'dragon's blood' is associated with the species ______.
Match the following plants with their nicknames:
Match the following plants with their nicknames:
What is the primary function of monkey puzzle trees in folklore?
What is the primary function of monkey puzzle trees in folklore?
A bonfire during Beltane must be made from six different kinds of wood.
A bonfire during Beltane must be made from six different kinds of wood.
What is one plant associated with dragons in herb lore?
What is one plant associated with dragons in herb lore?
What is the purpose of placing a two-leaved clover inside a right shoe?
What is the purpose of placing a two-leaved clover inside a right shoe?
An unmarried woman can dream about her future husband by placing nine ivy leaves under her pillow.
An unmarried woman can dream about her future husband by placing nine ivy leaves under her pillow.
What should a person do if the apple peel breaks upon falling?
What should a person do if the apple peel breaks upon falling?
To dream of their future spouse, a woman may sleep with a sprig of ______ under her pillow.
To dream of their future spouse, a woman may sleep with a sprig of ______ under her pillow.
Match the divination practice with its description:
Match the divination practice with its description:
On what day and time is it suggested to perform the holly leaf divination?
On what day and time is it suggested to perform the holly leaf divination?
The chant recited while peeling the apple is supposed to help reveal the initials.
The chant recited while peeling the apple is supposed to help reveal the initials.
What object should a woman wear in her bosom throughout the day to dream of her future husband?
What object should a woman wear in her bosom throughout the day to dream of her future husband?
When performing the apple peel divination, the peel should be cast over the ______ shoulder.
When performing the apple peel divination, the peel should be cast over the ______ shoulder.
Match the type of leaves to their associated divination:
Match the type of leaves to their associated divination:
What is believed to happen if ivy grows near a house?
What is believed to happen if ivy grows near a house?
Catching a falling autumn leaf is believed to bring good luck.
Catching a falling autumn leaf is believed to bring good luck.
What is said to happen when a mandrake plant is pulled from the ground?
What is said to happen when a mandrake plant is pulled from the ground?
Picking a leaf from an ivy plant growing on a church wall will cause you to fall _____ .
Picking a leaf from an ivy plant growing on a church wall will cause you to fall _____ .
Match the following plants with their associated beliefs:
Match the following plants with their associated beliefs:
What does it signify if a mandrake plant's shriek is heard?
What does it signify if a mandrake plant's shriek is heard?
Bringing home a hydrangea plant is considered an omen of good luck for young women.
Bringing home a hydrangea plant is considered an omen of good luck for young women.
According to superstition, how many leaves must you catch in October to receive a year of good luck?
According to superstition, how many leaves must you catch in October to receive a year of good luck?
When ivy withers for no reason, it's said to indicate a forthcoming _____ .
When ivy withers for no reason, it's said to indicate a forthcoming _____ .
What does catching a falling leaf while making a wish on Halloween guarantee?
What does catching a falling leaf while making a wish on Halloween guarantee?
What does the smoke of incense that gathers like a date-palm signify?
What does the smoke of incense that gathers like a date-palm signify?
Phyllorhodomancy involves interpreting the sounds produced by rose petals during clapping.
Phyllorhodomancy involves interpreting the sounds produced by rose petals during clapping.
What age will the cherry tree divination indicate?
What age will the cherry tree divination indicate?
In phyllorhodomancy, a rose petal with a ______ form is selected.
In phyllorhodomancy, a rose petal with a ______ form is selected.
Match the following divination methods with their characteristics:
Match the following divination methods with their characteristics:
Which of the following methods is commonly used by Italians to combat the evil eye?
Which of the following methods is commonly used by Italians to combat the evil eye?
Eating rue was believed by ancient Romans to provide immunity against the evil eye.
Eating rue was believed by ancient Romans to provide immunity against the evil eye.
What is one method that involves herbs to protect against the evil eye?
What is one method that involves herbs to protect against the evil eye?
A popular charm among Italians to combat the evil eye is shaped like a ______.
A popular charm among Italians to combat the evil eye is shaped like a ______.
Match the following herbs with their protective qualities against the evil eye:
Match the following herbs with their protective qualities against the evil eye:
What is the effect of the ritual burning of frankincense, myrrh, and sandalwood?
What is the effect of the ritual burning of frankincense, myrrh, and sandalwood?
Wearing red ribbons is not considered a method of combating the evil eye in Italian culture.
Wearing red ribbons is not considered a method of combating the evil eye in Italian culture.
What charm do some Italians wear as a preventive measure against the evil eye?
What charm do some Italians wear as a preventive measure against the evil eye?
What event is associated with bad luck concerning blackberries?
What event is associated with bad luck concerning blackberries?
Garlic is known for its ability to repel vampires and evil spirits.
Garlic is known for its ability to repel vampires and evil spirits.
What legendary curse is associated with the blackberry plant?
What legendary curse is associated with the blackberry plant?
In England, it's believed that sweeping the house with blossomed ______ in May brings bad luck.
In England, it's believed that sweeping the house with blossomed ______ in May brings bad luck.
Match the following plants with their associated beliefs:
Match the following plants with their associated beliefs:
What is said to happen if the first daffodil you see hangs its head towards you?
What is said to happen if the first daffodil you see hangs its head towards you?
Only garlic harvested in May is considered effective against evil spirits.
Only garlic harvested in May is considered effective against evil spirits.
Which plant is traditionally associated with witches and is named 'hagthorn'?
Which plant is traditionally associated with witches and is named 'hagthorn'?
The consumption of ______ is believed to trap and destroy negative vibrations.
The consumption of ______ is believed to trap and destroy negative vibrations.
Match the plant with its legend:
Match the plant with its legend:
What was the method called that involved the burning of oak branches or mistletoe plants for divination by the ancient Celts?
What was the method called that involved the burning of oak branches or mistletoe plants for divination by the ancient Celts?
Smoke that rises straight up to the heavens was interpreted as an unfavorable omen.
Smoke that rises straight up to the heavens was interpreted as an unfavorable omen.
What substance was believed to bring bad luck if brought indoors during May?
What substance was believed to bring bad luck if brought indoors during May?
Daphnomancy is connected to a sacred grove of ______ trees.
Daphnomancy is connected to a sacred grove of ______ trees.
Match the following divination methods with their descriptions:
Match the following divination methods with their descriptions:
What does it signify if the incense smoke drifts to the left in libanomancy?
What does it signify if the incense smoke drifts to the left in libanomancy?
The color and direction of smoke from burning plants were not considered important in divination practices.
The color and direction of smoke from burning plants were not considered important in divination practices.
What was the outcome believed from the Libanomancy practice if the incense smoke clusters?
What was the outcome believed from the Libanomancy practice if the incense smoke clusters?
In the practice of dendromancy, priests used a ______ sickle to cut plants.
In the practice of dendromancy, priests used a ______ sickle to cut plants.
What tree was notably important to the Druids in their herbal divination practices?
What tree was notably important to the Druids in their herbal divination practices?
What is believed to offer protection against venomous beasts?
What is believed to offer protection against venomous beasts?
Finding a peapod containing nine peas is considered a good luck sign.
Finding a peapod containing nine peas is considered a good luck sign.
What is the old Scottish rhyme associated with mugwort?
What is the old Scottish rhyme associated with mugwort?
A wart could be cured by rubbing it with a pod of nine peas while reciting a special ______.
A wart could be cured by rubbing it with a pod of nine peas while reciting a special ______.
Match the following plants with their associated belief:
Match the following plants with their associated belief:
What is considered a grim omen in farming superstitions?
What is considered a grim omen in farming superstitions?
Driving a horse with a stick of willow is believed to induce good luck.
Driving a horse with a stick of willow is believed to induce good luck.
What magical properties were attributed to the shrew-ash tree?
What magical properties were attributed to the shrew-ash tree?
The act of throwing a pod of nine peas over the right shoulder is associated with making a ______.
The act of throwing a pod of nine peas over the right shoulder is associated with making a ______.
Match the belief with the related plant:
Match the belief with the related plant:
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Study Notes
Magickal Herbalism Across Cultures
- Ancient civilizations used plants for healing, divination, spellcasting, and connecting with deities.
- Many cultures believed plants possessed spirits, both benevolent and malevolent (poisonous plants).
- Ancient Egyptians revered plants like lotus, papyrus, and onion, using them in religious and magickal ceremonies.
- Myrrh, though not native to Egypt, was burned daily as an offering to the sun god Ra and in Isis temples.
- Ancient Greeks and Romans linked plants and trees to their gods and goddesses, with many myths surrounding plant transformations.
Plants Associated with Bad Luck
- Certain plants were believed to bring misfortune if brought indoors, including broom (especially in May), dog rose, elder, gorse, hawthorn, heather (except white), ivy, lilac, lily-of-the-valley, pussy willow, snowdrops, and out-of-season blossoms.
- Speedwell was considered unlucky, with some believing it caused blindness.
- White flowers were associated with death and were not to be given to the ill.
- Yew brought indoors at Christmas was believed to foretell a family death within the year.
Herbal Folklore and the Devil
- Medieval Christians associated witchcraft with the devil, influencing herbal folklore.
- Plants used by witches were linked to the devil and given diabolical nicknames.
Celtic Herbal Divination (Dendromancy)
- Druids practiced herbal divination, particularly with oak, vervain, and mistletoe.
- Dendromancy involved burning ritually cut oak branches or mistletoe and interpreting the smoke's direction and color.
- Upright smoke was favorable; smoke near the altar was less so; smoke touching the earth indicated a needed course correction.
Roman and Greek Herbal Divination
- Romans used daphnomancy (with laurel branches) and Greeks used phyllorhodomancy (rose petals).
- The death of a laurel grove in 68 A.D. was seen as foreshadowing Nero's death.
- Phyllorhodomancy involved clapping a rose petal to get yes/no answers based on whether it burst.
- Rosa gallica (autumn damask rose) was a common flower for phyllorhodomancy.
Libanomancy (Incense Divination)
- Ancient Babylonian magicians used incense smoke direction to predict outcomes.
- Smoke to the right meant victory; to the left, defeat.
- Clustered smoke favored success; fragmented smoke indicated financial loss.
- Other smoke patterns predicted hard times or insanity.
Modern Herbal Divination
- Modern practices include daisy petal plucking, four-leaf clover finding, and dandelion seed blowing.
Cherry Tree Divination
- On Midsummer Eve, running around a cherry tree three times, shaking it while reciting a rhyme to determine lifespan based on fallen cherries.
Sage Marriage Divination
- On Halloween, silently picking twelve sage leaves at each hour reveals the face of your future spouse (or indicates no marriage within twelve months).
- Seeing a coffin during this divination foretells an early death.
Bay Leaf Divinations for Lovers
- On St. John's Eve, pricking a lover's name on a bay leaf and pinning it to one's clothing; browning indicates their faithfulness.
- Placing the leaf in a shoe overnight; darkening indicates marriage, fading indicates no marriage.
- Pinning a bay leaf to one's pillow on St. Valentine's Eve reveals the future spouse in a dream.
Mandrake
- The legend of the screaming mandrake may originate from psychically sensitive individuals experiencing the plant's distress during harvesting.
- This experience could cause intense fear, potentially leading to insanity or heart failure in vulnerable individuals.
Mistletoe
- For magical effectiveness, mistletoe must be cut with a single gold sickle stroke during the Summer Solstice, Winter Solstice, or sixth day after the new moon.
- It mustn't touch the ground to maintain magical potency.
- Celts believed oak-growing mistletoe promoted healing, fertility, and protection from evil; rituals involved sacrificing white bulls.
- Also known as all heal, devil's fuge, golden bough, and Witches' broom, it's sacred to Apollo, Freya, Frigga, Odin, and Venus.
- Hung from chimneys or doorways, it wards off lightning and storms; it repels fairies.
- In England, unmarried individuals not kissed under mistletoe before marriage faced infertility.
- Cutting down mistletoe-bearing trees is considered unlucky, sometimes linked to violent death.
Molukka Bean
- A nut from the Molukka Islands, used as an amulet in Scotland's Western Isles.
- When worn, a white bean turning black indicates nearby sorcerers or those with the evil eye.
- Believed to protect against death during childbirth and drowning.
Moonwort
- Medieval Europeans believed it opened locks, loosened nails, and unshod horses that trod upon it.
- Woodpeckers rubbing beaks on its leaves supposedly gained the power to pierce iron.
Mugwort
- Sacred to Artemis and Diana, it's a significant magical herb with occult folklore connections.
- For optimal magical properties, it must be picked on Summer Solstice eve.
- Medieval Christians made the sign of the cross before harvesting to ward off evil spirits.
- A "coal" (old acid roots) found beneath its roots is considered a powerful amulet.
- Must be uprooted at noon or midnight on St. John's Day for full magical potency.
Herbal Divination - General Practices
- Druids performed dendromancy, interpreting smoke from burning oak branches or mistletoe to divine omens.
- Straight upward smoke was favorable; smoke near the altar less so; smoke touching the earth indicated a needed course change.
- Romans used daphnomancy (laurel branches) and Greeks used phyllorhodomancy. Daphnomancy's connection to a Roman laurel grove's death in 68 A.D. is noted.
- Libanomancy involved incense smoke interpretation: right drift meant victory, left drift meant adversary's victory, clustering smoke indicated success and financial gain.
Rose Divination
- On Midsummer Eve at midnight, gather the reddest rose silently, wrap it in white paper, and hide it.
- On the Winter Solstice, place it on your chest; your future husband will take it.
Saint Agnes' Day Divination
- On Saint Agnes' Day, sprinkle rosemary and thyme with urine thrice, place one sprig in each shoe, and position the shoes by your bed's head.
- Recite "Saint Agnes that's to lovers kind, Come ease the trouble of my mind" thrice before sleep to dream of your future spouse.
Hemp Seed Divination
- On Midsummer Eve or Christmas Eve, use hemp seeds to divine the appearance of one's future husband.
Tasseography (Tea Leaf Reading)
- Examine tea leaves for symbols; hearts indicate happiness (two hearts mean upcoming marriage), churches, rings, or bride and groom symbols signify marriage, daggers represent danger, coffins indicate death, moons represent life changes, rings (or circles) signify changes (sometimes failure), snakes warn against betrayal, birds indicate news or journeys, dogs represent faithful friendship, cats represent false friends, dots or dollar signs represent money, brooms represent moving, stars are fortunate, horseshoes indicate good luck, triangles or pyramids predict great success.
- Evenly scattered leaves are a good omen; leaves concentrated at the bottom are bad.
- Symbol interpretation is subjective; intuitive skills matter greatly.
Devil's Dislike of Trees and Nuts
- Monkey puzzle trees are believed to deter the devil from entering burial grounds.
- The devil is said to go "nutting" on Holy-Rood Day (September 14th).
- According to Poor Richard's Almanack (1670), children should avoid nutting on Holy-Rood Day to avoid encountering the devil.
- Nutting on a Sunday is also associated with the devil's companionship.
Plants Associated with Supernatural Creatures
- Numerous plants have nicknames relating to fairies, dragons, and other mythical creatures. Examples include: Ague root (unicorn root), Arisaema (dragon tail), Calliandra eriophylla (fairy duster), Cowslip (fairy cup), Foxglove (fairy fingers, fairy petticoats), and many others.
Beltane Bonfires and Herbal Magick
- Beltane bonfires traditionally use nine different kinds of wood, three pieces of each.
- The Bible contains numerous references to herbal magic and botanomancy.
- During the Middle Ages, witches were believed to use plants for both good and evil.
- "Black Witches" used poisonous plants for curses, while "White Witches" used herbs for healing and love magic.
- "Gray Witches" practiced both.
- Much botanical witch lore comes from witchcraft trial transcripts.
- American magical herbalism combines European, Native American, and African traditions.
Lucky and Unlucky Herbs
- Plants considered lucky include: allspice, aloe vera, bamboo, rosemary, St. John’s wort, white heather, and rowan tree.
- Rosemary and St. John's wort are also believed to repel demons and ghosts.
- Unlucky plants include blackthorn (believed to cause illness or death if brought indoors), primrose and daffodil (less than 13 is considered unlucky), hydrangea (curses daughters with spinsterhood), and parsley (brings bad luck to giver and receiver).
- Picking plants from a grave is considered unlucky.
Herbal Divination: Determining the Number of Children
- A Scottish divination method uses oat stalks to determine the number of children one will have.
- The number of grains on the third stalk represents the number of children.
- A missing top grain on the stalk for a woman signifies loss of virginity before marriage.
Herbal Divination: Determining Marital Fate
- Acorn divination uses two acorns, marked with initials, floated in water to predict marriage.
- Acorns drifting together signify marriage. Acorns drifting apart signify separation. Stationary acorns require a repeat divination.
- Ribwort divination involves placing a ribwort root under a stone overnight. The initials of a future spouse will be found on the root the next morning, if a wedding is to occur in the next 12 months. A dark ribwort is traditionally for women, light for men.
- Sage divination involves picking 12 sage leaves at the witching hour on Halloween. Seeing a man's face shows marriage; a coffin signifies an early death; no vision means no marriage in the following year.
- Bay leaf divination pricking lover's name or initials on leaf signifies a test of fidelity, turning brown signifies truth, staying the same means deception. A bay leaf in shoe confirms marriage or not depending on the change in appearance of the name. A bay leaf pinned to pillow on Saint Valentine's Day reveals future spouse in a dream.
Devil's Dislike of Trees and Nuts
- Monkey puzzle trees are believed to repel the devil, preventing him from entering burial grounds.
- Conversely, the devil is said to enjoy nuts, particularly on Holy Rood Day (September 14th).
- A 1670 Poor Richard's Almanack entry warns against nutting on Holy Rood Day due to potential devil encounters.
- Nutting on Sundays is also associated with the devil's companionship.
Herbs Associated with Supernatural Creatures
- Numerous plants are linked to fairies, dragons, and other mythical creatures. Examples include:
- Ague root (unicorn root)
- Arisaema (dragon tail, dragon's head)
- Bistort (dragonwort)
- Calliandra eriophylla (fairy duster)
- Calochortus (fairy lantern)
- Calypso bulbosa (fairy slipper)
- Cat tail (fairy woman's spindle)
- Cephalanthera austiniae (phantom orchid)
- Ceratopteris spp (water sprite)
- Cowslip (fairy cup)
- Daemomorops draco (dragon's blood)
- Datura (ghost flower)
- Devil's bit (false unicorn root)
- Digitalis (foxglove; fairy fingers, petticoats, thimbles, weed)
- Disporum smithii (coast fairy bells)
- Dracaena spp (dragon's blood)
- Dracunulus vulgaris (dragon root)
- Elecampane (elf dock, elfwort)
- Elm (elven)
- Epipogium aphyllum (ghost orchid)
- Eucalyptus papuana (ghost gum)
- Juncus effuses (unicorn)
- Lavender (elf leaf, silver ghost)
- Molukka bean (fairy's eggs)
- Moringa ovalifolia (phantom tree)
- Mohavea confertiflora (ghost flower)
- Peristeria elata (ghost orchid)
- Polypompholyx (fairy aprons)
- Primula malacoides (fairy primrose)
- Proboscidea louisianica (unicorn plant)
- Proserpinaca pectinata (mermaid-weed)
- Ragwort (fairies' horses)
- Rosemary (elf leaf)
- Toadflax (dragon bushes)
- Wood sorrel (fairy bells)
- Zephyranthes (fairy lily)
Beltane Bonfire and Herbal Magick
- Beltane bonfires traditionally use nine different kinds of wood, three pieces of each.
- Herbs are used in various magical practices: amulets, incense, ointments, and potions.
- Their uses range from protection against evil to conjuring or banishing supernatural entities.
- All parts of a plant are considered magically significant.
Herbal Superstitions
- Hydrangeas are considered unlucky for young women seeking husbands.
- Ivy is associated with bad luck, especially if it withers unexpectedly near a house.
- Finding leaves blown into one's house or catching falling leaves is considered good luck; catching 12 leaves in October promises 12 months of good luck.
Mandrake and its Legends
- Mandrakes were believed to be inhabited by "mandragoras" (man-dragons).
- Pulling a mandrake from the ground was said to cause an ear-piercing scream and bleeding.
- Hearing the scream supposedly led to madness or death, leading sorcerers to use dogs for uprooting.
Divination Methods
- Bay leaves: Placed under a pillow on St. Valentine's Eve to dream of one's future spouse.
- Apple peeling: Peeling an apple in one strip and examining its shape to reveal the initial of a future spouse's last name. A broken peel suggests remaining unmarried.
- Two-leaved clover: Placed in a shoe, revealing the first name or initials of one's future spouse based on the next young person encountered.
- Ivy, mistletoe, or myrtle: Placed under the pillow of an unmarried woman to dream about her future husband.
- Holly leaves: Plucking nine leaves from a female holly plant and knotting them in a handkerchief to dream of a future spouse. Failure to see a spouse's image might indicate spinsterhood or even death. Many berries on a holly indicate severe winter weather.
- Hemp seeds: Tossing hemp seeds over one's shoulder while reciting a rhyme to materialize one's future spouse.
Tasseography (Tea Leaf Reading)
- Tasseography, or tasseomancy, is divination through tea leaves.
- Also known as "reading the cups," it's practiced by various fortune-tellers and witches.
- It's an ancient method of divination.
Combating the Evil Eye (Malocchio)
- Italians use various methods to combat the evil eye, including spitting, wearing red ribbons, reciting biblical passages, and making phallic hand gestures.
- A popular charm is a golden horn filled with sage, worn as a necklace.
- Herbs like anise seeds (burned or strewn), and rue (eaten or used in eye baths) were believed to ward off or cure the evil eye.
- Frankincense, myrrh, and sandalwood were burned or strewn to prevent entry and harm from those with the evil eye.
- Mojo bags containing angelica, betony, anise, castor beans, henna, lady's slipper, lavender, lime twigs, pennyroyal, periwinkle, rue, and sage offer protection.
Herbal Superstitions and Omens
- Picking blackberries after October 11th (Michaelmas) was considered bad luck in England.
- Sweeping with a blossomed broom in May was believed to cause harm to the head of the house.
- Whipping a boy with green broom stunted his growth (England).
- A drooping daffodil is a bad omen (Great Britain).
- May-gathered garlic is most effective against evil spirits.
- Garlic and onions are believed to absorb disease and negative vibrations.
- Hawthorn was considered sacred to pagan deities and associated with fairies and witches.
- Mugwort "coal" offered protection, healed ailments, and induced prophetic dreams.
- Finding a nine-pea pod is good luck; a single-pea pod, even luckier. A wish made while throwing a nine-pea pod over your right shoulder might come true (if not repeated).
- Leaving unsown earth in a field predicted a family death.
- Imprisoning a shrew in an ash tree created a “shrew-ash” with healing powers.
- Burning willow wood on Bonfire Night invites bad luck; using willow to strike a horse or child stunts their growth. Willow branches offer protection.
Herbal Divination
- Divination using smoke from burning herbs (capnomancy, dendromancy) was practiced by Druids and others. Oak branches and mistletoe were commonly used. Straight-rising smoke was favorable; smoke touching the earth was a warning.
- Libanomancy (incense divination) indicates success with rightward smoke, and failure with leftward smoke. Clustering smoke is favorable financially. A date-palm shaped divided smoke warned of hard times and loss of sanity.
- Phyllorhodomancy used rose petals to answer yes/no questions. A bursting petal meant yes; a non-bursting petal meant no. Sound variations were also significant.
- Modern botanomancy includes daisy petal plucking, four-leaf clover finding, and dandelion seed-blowing.
- Cherry tree divination on Midsummer Eve. Running thrice around a cherry tree, shaking it, and counting fallen cherries reveals one's lifespan.
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