Magical and Medicinal Uses of Dragon's Blood

Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Exorcism, Healing, Love, Protection, Purification

Magical Uses and History: Despite its name, dragon's blood is a resin commonly harvested from trees such as Daemonorops draco, Dracaena cinnabar, Dracaena draco, and Croton lechleri. Each variety has slightly different chemical and aromatic properties, but all share the characteristic crimson hue and are, therefore, used interchangeably in spiritual practices.

One of the earliest mentions of dragon's blood dates back to the 1st century, where it is noted in Periplus Maris Erythraei as a product of Socotra, a large trading center. Dragon's blood was used as a dye and paint pigment, as well as medicine. Traditionally, dragon's blood was used to cure a variety of respiratory and gastrointestinal problems as well as to treat minor wounds and abrasions across the world. The Greeks and Romans used it to halt bleeding and promote coagulation, and later as an astringent, a practice shared by those across Asia and Central America. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is believed to promote circulation and stop bleeding while warding off evil spirits. It continued to be used well into the medieval and Renaissance periods, its name and historical uses being the subject of significant debates. 

Around 50-80 AD, Pliny and Dioscorides refer to a cure-all known as cinnabaris or cinnabar. According to Pliny, cinnabar was the product of elephants and dragons fighting to the death and their blood mingling. It wasn't until the late 1400s that anyone sought to question Pliny's description, with multiple naturalists, physicians, and botanists arguing over what cinnabar actually was. Today, modern translations believe cinnabar is a reference to the tree Dracaena cinnabar, the Socotra dragon tree, which produces dragon's blood resin. According to Greek myth, the tree originated from the blood of the dragon Ladon, who was slain by Hercules. Upon the dragon's death, the blood seeped into the ground, resulting in the dragon tree being born. Needless to say, dragon's blood is perfect for spells and rituals involving healing and protection. Sprinkle around your home, burn as incense, or add to protection spell bags to create a protective barrier and promote health and well-being. Dragon's blood can also be added to oils to anoint candles, entryways, or yourself for similar purposes.

Due to its red color and its association with dragons, dragon's blood is also believed to enhance personal power and amplify one's magic. It can easily be added to spells and rituals to boost the energy of the spell as well as the energy of other ingredients within the spell or ritual. Because of its ability to amplify, dragon's blood is the perfect resin to use when consecrating ritual items, invoking spirits, or awakening spell ingredients and tools.

Apart from its use in medicine, dragon's blood was highly sought after as a dye and pigment for paint. It was used to stain furniture and violins, to create paint, and even in photoengraving. As a result, dragon's blood makes a great magical ink to write spells with or to use in your grimoire. It can also be used as a blood substitute due to its rich hue.

Dragon's blood can be used in a number of spells, including:

   Protection Spells

   Healing Magic

   Purification Rituals

Medicinal Uses: Dragon's blood is derived from multiple tree species, but Dracaena cochinchinesis and Daemonorops draco are the most commonly used in medicinal applications, although all varieties have been found to be generally safe. Dragon's blood is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, providing protection against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Studies have shown promising results in dragon's blood use for treating topical ulcers due to conditions such as herpes, as well as minor wounds and cuts. Internally, dragon's blood is antidiarrheal and is sometimes used to treat diarrhea or dysentery.

Preparation and Dosage: Externally, dragon's blood can be used as an ointment or a diluted tincture to treat ulcers and minor skin abrasions. To dilute, combine 3 to 5 drops of dragon's blood tincture with one ounce of water. Rinse the ulcer or wound up to three times a day. As a tincture, take 1 milliliter with 2 ounces of water or juice up to three times a day. 

Want to print a copy of this for your Book of Shadows? Click below for your free copy!

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Book Review: Celtic Hedge Witchery by Joey Morris

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am so thankful Weiser reached out asking if I would like to review Celtic Hedge Witchery: A Modern Approach by Joey Morris. I will never turn down a book on hedgecraft as I am always looking for new perspectives. There are so few resources out there for the budding hedge witch as it is, so when one comes along, I know I have to review it.

Celtic Hedge Witchery focuses on Morris's personal gnosis with Celtic influences. Most books on the market on hedge craft focus more on the Celtic side of things, so it's not surprising Morris does as well. However, Morris takes a more academic approach, analyzing the historical literature, similar to what I do here on my own blog. I absolutely loved her approach, but it makes for a denser read than other occult books for sure.

Morris delves into Celtic folklore, including the tale of Taliesin, the Cauldron of Poesy, and more, to establish the foundation of her practice. This includes a hedge witch's connection to the natural world, the three realms of the Otherworld, plant spirits commonly used by hedge witches, and even shapeshifting. Within several chapters are exercises, mostly visualizations, to help you ground, center, and release, connect to the three realms and the cauldrons within you, and even build your sacred grove, which I refer to as my garden. These visualizations are beautiful and will certainly help those of you who need more direction to help you get into hedge riding. 

There are also multiple chapters on connecting and working with plant spirits, which I thoroughly enjoyed, especially the inclusion of some of my favorite plants to work with as a hedge witch, such as nettle and dandelion. These chapters use the Ogham along with visualizations to build connections as they relate to hedge riding and spirit work. I can't wait to spend more time with these chapters and start incorporating them into my own practice. While I am leaning further away from Celtic-inspired hedge craft and more towards a Norse-inspired practice, the approach and skills outlined in Celtic Hedge Witchery are easily transferable. That's part of what makes most occult books worth reading, even if you do not share the author's practice. The lessons, skills, perspectives, and general practices are easily transferable to any practice, and can open your mind to more creative pursuits.

Morris also covers basic protection, wearing of a mask (loved this chapter), and offers practical hedge riding advice, but I felt there was more theory and less practice in this book. This is an excellent introduction, to be sure, but it needs to be paired with other works and potentially a teacher to help you effectively begin hedge riding. For this reason, I ended up rating the book 4.5 stars instead of 5.

If you like my approach to analyzing historical texts as a way to explain the theory behind the practice, this is definitely the book for you. I am going to go back and reread Celtic Hedge Witchery simply because I enjoyed Morris's approach so much, and I did not feel I was in the correct headspace to completely process all she had to offer on my first read through. This book is definitely one you need to sit with and process to fully grasp the concepts being taught.

Despite wishing there was a little more in Celtic Hedge Witchery, this is probably one of the best foundational hedgecraft texts currently on the market, especially if you already practice a Celtic-inspired Craft. Morris lays out the historical evidence and adapts them to modern life flawlessly. This book is certain to please all of you hedge witches out there and hopefully adds context to your craft.

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A Complete Guide to Mannaz, the Humanity Rune

Today, we continue our runic study journey by looking at Mannaz (MAHN-nahz), the Humanity rune. While this rune appears much later in the runic poems, I felt it important to cover it now, considering all that is happening in the world. Mannaz (ᛗ) is associated with collective effort, humanity, and connectivity, which is critical in times of crisis.

As seen in my previous runic guides, today's post will include a deep dive into the runic poems, Mannaz's cultural significance, its correspondences, how to work with it, its meaning in a spread, and its relationships with runes. Also included is a free printable for your Book of Shadows or Grimoire!

Mannaz's Portrayal in the Rune Poems

Mannaz ᛗ is the fourth rune in the final ætt, which belongs to Tyr. This ætt is characterized by justice, courage, heroic glory, and balance. Mannaz encompasses Tyr's spirit of justice and balance by reminding us that we must form and keep community with each other. Like Jera and Isa, Mannaz appears in all three runic poems, suggesting similar cultural meanings across the continent.

Icelandic Rune Poem                                  Translation:

Maðr er manns gaman                                  Maðr, delight of man

ok moldar auki                                              and augmentation of the earth

ok skipa skreytir.                                           and adorner of ships.

homo mildingr.                                              

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem                            Translation:

Man byþ on myrgþe his magan leof:            The joyous man is dear to his kinsmen;

sceal þeah anra gehwylc oðrum swican,     yet every man is doomed to fail his fellow,

forðum drihten wyle dome sine                    since the Lord by his decree will commit 

þæt earme flæsc eorþan betæcan.              the vile carrion to the earth.

Norwegian Rune Poem                               Translation:

Maðr er moldar auki;                                    Man is an augmentation of the dust;

mikil er græip á hauki.                                 great is the claw of the hawk.

From each of these three poems, a pattern emerges. First and foremost, Mannaz ᛗ is referred to as "Man" which, in more modern times, has been referred to as 'humanity.' This is where Mannaz gets its modern English name "Man." However, it is more than just a reference to humanity and mankind. The Anglo-Saxon rune poem in particular hints at Mannaz's deeper meaning of community, collective effort, and connectivity. "The joyous man is dear to his kinsmen" suggests that we are each an integral part of our families and communities, but we will all eventually "fail his fellow" through death, which is divinely ordained. 

This allusion to community is further supported in the Icelandic and Norwegian rune poems, which offer a more positive perspective on man's condition. Both poems highlight man's role as an augmentation of the earth or "dust," suggesting we are not only part of this world, but made from it. Our connection to the Earth and all her creatures is within us, part of us. The Icelandic rune poem further suggests that not only are we made of earth, but humans are also the "adorner of ships." This focuses on the positive aspects of human interaction and our accomplishments. We are able to contribute to the greater good of our community and create beautiful things when we work together. The Norwegian rune poem supports this potential for great achievement in the final line "great is the claw of the hawk."

In Norse mythology and folklore, the hawk is associated with wisdom, observation, and knowledge. Veðrfölnir, a hawk, is often depicted perched on Yggdrasil, the world tree, between the eyes of an eagle. Its position symbolizes his role as a messenger and scout, thus associating the hawk with wisdom and insight. The reference to the hawk in the Norwegian rune poem likely represents human ingenuity, especially when working together, just as the hawk works with the eagle.

Needless to say, all three poems reference our interconnectedness to each other, importance in our community, potential or destiny to do great things, but also our eventual death.

Apart from the rune poems, we can also look at the composition of the Mannaz rune itself. Mannaz consisted of a double Wunjo rune- ᛗ. Wunjo signifies joy, happiness, and fulfillment, a state of harmony within oneself and their relationship with others. Generally, Wunjo is seen as joy and happiness within a family. By putting two Wunjo runes together, Mannaz now represents multiple families or the community. Therefore, Mannaz can be viewed as joy, happiness, and fulfillment within the community or society.

Mannaz's Cultural Significance

Norse culture placed strong emphasis on community and the family, which can be seen through the Eddas, sagas, and archeological evidence. A large family was fundamental, particularly on farms where additional help was needed. An individual's status within the community and their destiny were directly tied to family land ownership. While more land meant higher status, it also required more helping hands to manage it, so it wasn't uncommon for multiple generations to live together in longhouses. These longhouses could house 30 to 50 people and served as multifunctional spaces. Individuals would live, work, and gather within these houses. 

Community and social cohesion were strongly valued as families relied on each other for survival. Larger assemblies of families were often known as "things" that were usually ruled by a chieftain. Together with their chieftain, the community would discuss political matters, make laws, and resolve disputes. Strategic marriages were planned, and communal victories were celebrated together. These were held often and played an essential role in maintaining social order while simultaneously strengthening communal bonds. It was an opportunity to display generosity, exchange gifts, and celebrate each other.

As previously mentioned, Things would also decide and pass laws, which were largely oral in nature. As such, enforcement of the laws relied on the community. Failure to follow the laws resulted in ostracization and even exile from the community, which often meant a death sentence, as without the help of your community, it was unlikely you would survive the harsh winters.

Björketorp Runestone by Joachim Bowin

While the Mannaz rune doesn't often appear in the archeological record, it was no doubt highly valued among the Norse as it represented one of their core cultural values-- community. Where we often see the Mannaz rune is on Stentoften stones, whose meaning is debated among scholars. It is widely believed these stones relate to death, possibly as a commemoration of the dead. Given Mannaz's association with community, it comes as no surprise that it would be found on such stones, possibly symbolizing collective grief or possibly as a community blessing to ensure the deceased rest peacefully. 

While the evidence of Mannaz's cultural significance is scarce in the archeological record, there can be no doubt that it was honored and revered as a key tenant of Norse society.

Mannaz's Correspondences

It should be noted that general correspondences are not mentioned in any Nordic text. Instead, these are a best guess based on experiences from both myself and others. In fact, most of these are of modern invention, pulling inspiration from Wicca. As with all correspondence lists, you can add and subtract based on your experiences.

• Upright Meaning: humankind, humanity, social order, interconnectedness, connection, social harmony, support, assistance, collaboration, community, memory, wisdom
• Reversed Meaning: loneliness, isolation, obstacles, interference from the outside, self-delusion, manipulation, lack of support, disconnected, stagnation
• Letter: M
• Element: Water
• Zodiac: Aquarius
• Planet: Jupiter
• Animal: hawk/goshawk, raven, fox
• Colors: purple, blue, dark red
• Deities: Tyr, Odin, Mimir, Heimdall
• Plants: ash, vine, sage, nutmeg, caraway, ginkgo, lemongrass, rosemary, spearmint
• Crystals: garnet, amethyst, apatite
  
  

How to Work with the Mannaz Rune

Incorporating runes into your magical practice can be incredibly rewarding and bring new energies to spells and rituals. But how exactly can you use Mannaz in your workings?

1. Meditate on Mannaz to better understand your role within your community and discover your strengths and weaknesses.
2. Use in spells or rituals to strengthen existing relationships and build new connections.
3. Wear or carry the Mannaz rune to promote friendships, cooperation, and build connections.
4. Chant Mannaz to raise energy to connect with your higher self or connect with divinity, especially Mimir, Odin, Tyr, or Heimdall.
5. Sleep with Mannaz under your pillow to invite dreams that offer guidance on your purpose, relationships, and identity.
6. To promote harmony and mutual respect, write the names of the people you wish to build community with on a piece of paper and draw the Mannaz rune over all of them.
7. Draw the Mannaz rune in anointing oil, chalk, or smoke in a community space to promote harmony and collaboration.
8. Include the symbol of Mannaz (ᛗ) in collaborative assignments, projects, or documents to ensure a harmonious collaboration. You can draw or type the rune into the document in white so it goes unnoticed.
9. Draw the Mannaz rune on packaging or storage of donated food and resources to bless them as acts of solidarity.
10. Incorporate the Mannaz rune into signs, banners, and murals used in activism and protest art.
11. Use in spells and rituals for community protection, collaboration, harmony, and interconnectedness.
12. Draw on a candle while praying for protection and justice for marginalized communities.
13. Use in spells and rituals to elevate marginalized voices.
14. Include on mutual aid altars or other community altars to bring balance and harmony.

Mannaz's Meaning in Rune Spread

What does it mean if Mannaz appears in a rune spread? Mannaz holds various meanings depending on its position and relation to other runes in the spread.

Below are some examples of how to interpret Mannaz when it's next to or near other runes:

• Next to Wunjo or Gebo suggests that working with others and leveraging collective strength will be beneficial.
• In proximity to Isa suggests isolation, stagnation, and a need to re-evaluate your path and motivation.
• Near Dagaz suggests a relationship with a strong foundation built on mutual support.
• If Mannaz is reversed near Nauthiz, it indicates waiting until decisions are made.
• In combination with Sowilo suggests future success for your community and yourself.
• If Mannaz is reversed and found in proximity to Tiwaz or Uruz, it is likely not a good time to show aggression or assertiveness, and instead, take a step back and approach the situation with empathy and understanding.
• Paired with Kenaz suggests personal enlightenment

Mannaz's Relationships with Other Runes

Mannaz, when upright, embodies the concepts of social harmony and personal integrity, while also representing humanity as a collective force. In relation to other runes, Mannaz represents either our relationships or our inner self, and its meaning is influenced by the runes around it. It does not directly oppose or support other runes but instead offers further insight into the meaning of the runes around it.

Reversed, however, Mannaz embodies manipulation and isolation, that you or your community is disconnected from each other. Its full meaning in the reverse position is supported by the runes around it.

***

Mannaz invites us to remember that we are a small part in a larger picture and that our role in society is important. We are greater together. Below you will find a printable, cheat sheet that includes a summary of all important information that you can incorporate into your Book of Shadows or Grimoire.

Click the image below to download your free cheat sheet for your Book of Shadows or Grimoire.

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Wall of Justice Spell to Block ICE or Other Unjust Forces

Watching things unfold the way they have since January 21st in the United States has been both disheartening yet confirming. I had been telling people for months prior to the election what to expect with a second term, and the number of people insisting it wouldn't be this bad was alarming. It is exactly as bad as we said it would be, and every day I feel like we are flooded with more bad news. The ICE raids, in particular, have hit me the hardest as I watch my students hide in their homes, terrified to go to work, pick up groceries, or play outside. I am talking about children being terrified to even exist in brown skin. As a result, I decided to design a spell to help protect my students and their families, along with some practice mundane actions as well. No spell will completely keep you safe, but when paired with common sense and activism, it creates a potent combination. Know Your Rights has an amazing guide for If You Encounter ICE, as does Immigrant Legal Resource Center and ACLU Texas, that perfectly pairs with this spell. I also highly recommend downloading ICEBlock to your phone.

What You'll Need

• Brick or stone
  
• Black paint pen (or water-resistant permanent marker)
• Dish of water (large enough to hold brick or stone)

What to Do

This spell is best performed during the waning or full moon.

Begin by grounding, centering, and cleansing your space and materials using your preferred methods. On one side of the brick or stone, write words representing ICE, white supremacist structures, or other unjust forces you want to block, such as "ICE," "oppression," “hate,” or “fear”. On the opposite side of the brick or stone, draw an Algiz (ᛉ) rune.

*Not pictures of my actual spell

Place the stone or brick in the dish of water and chant, “This wall stands strong, blocking hate, rejecting fear. ICE shall not enter here. So I will it, so shall it be.” Hold your hands over the brick or stone as you visualize this brick or stone as part of a greater wall that blocks oppressive energies from entering your community or space. Feel your energy and visualization entering the brick or stone, empowering it with your intention. Continue chanting and visualizing until your intuition tells you the brick or stone is charged.

Remove the brick or stone from the water and place Algiz rune up in one of the following locations based on your intention:

• Your or a friend's entryway (door or window)
• On your altar
• In a community space such as a public park, garden, community center, or other public space, specifically near a fence or wall, if you can
• In a wall or fence you or the community is building
• around a map of your city or town (as suggested by a commenter below)

Do not bury the brick or stone, as it needs to be recharged monthly by the waning or full moon, after major events such as protests, incidents of hate or political unrest, or emotionally intense events, or as needed.

To recharge, pour fresh water over the brick and say, "Fresh water renews this wall's strength; no hate shall pass. ICE remains blocked from this space. This wall holds justice."

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• Remember, visualization is not necessarily seeing an object in your mind, but instead an incorporation of all senses to bring about the object or intention. When visualizing, it's more about creating those feelings than necessarily seeing the object or outcome in our mind.
• If placing in a public or semi-public space, try to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Do not do anything illegal in the process of placing this brick or stone.
• This spell is great to do in groups, whether with your coven or as part of a community event. Each member makes their own brick or stone, which can then be used to erect a wall to protect a designated area. Combining all of your energy and intention strengthens the spell. This is especially useful in protecting a specific family or community member.
• To customize this spell, you can add herbs such as St. John's Wort, rue, angelica, rosemary, or mugwort.
• For additional protective strength, drip protective oils such as hyssop or dragon's blood.
• Instead of plain water, consider adding Florida water for additional protection.
• This spell alone will NOT keep you or others completely safe. It must be combined with mundane actions to work, so don't make this brick or stone and think you are suddenly invisible and can do whatever you want. That isn't how magic works, no matter how much we may want it to.
  
  

Why You Did It

Understanding the whys of a spell (or ritual or recipe) is just as important as performing it. It helps you understand the process so you can modify the spell or ritual to suit your needs, and helps guide you in writing your own. It's my intention to provide these explanations so that you can build a better understanding of how spells are written and executed, so you can modify and build your own spells (the goal of my Spellcrafting Series). 

*Not pictures from my actual spell

First and foremost, this spell is best performed during the waning moon, which is strongly associated with banishment. Since we are trying to repel these forces or entities, the waning moon is the best time to do this. However, this spell can also be performed during the full moon or even the waxing moon. The full and waxing moons are both associated with strength and amplification and can therefore strengthen the wall you are building. In times of dire need, you can ignore the moon phase altogether and work the magic you need to.

Bricks and stones were the most commonly used materials to build walls and fences, and in many places they still are. The brick or stone symbolizes strength, foundation, and permanence, the same elements you want in a wall, fence, or fortress that resists oppressive ideologies and institutions, such as ICE and white supremacy.

Writing the oppressive force or agency onto the brick or stone in black not only externalizes the issue and gives you power over it, but also helps banish or block them, as the color black is associated with banishment and protection. The Algiz (ᛉ) rune is a symbol of protection, especially against outside forces. By writing words associated with ICE, white supremacist structures, or other unjust forces you want to block on one side, and the protection rune on the other, you effectively block the force from coming any further. This is further strengthened by placing the words associated with what you are blocking face down, placing them away from you, and making yourself hidden from them.

*Not pictures of my actual spell

Water is associated with purification, fluidity, and protection. By placing a brick or stone in the water, you energetically contain the harmful forces named and purify your life of them. The brick or stone can remain in the water for further protection or be placed somewhere it can serve as a direct protector.

Finally, the chant and visualization charge and empower the spell and connect it to a larger wall of collective resistance. Fighting against oppression and breaking down oppressive forces requires communal efforts, and linking your strength with that of others greatly reinforces the wall of protection around our most vulnerable. Even if others are not making bricks or stones like you, I know others are praying, raising energy, lighting candles, protesting, calling their representatives, writing new bills, representing immigrants in court, and taking other social justice actions. All of these examples raise energy that blankets our communities, and your brick is just another addition to the growing wall.

Want to break this spell? Simply remove the stone or brick from its location and scratch through both the words and rune while saying, "I release the energy contained within." You can also leave the spell to wane naturally over time. Without upkeep, the spell will naturally degrade and fade into nothingness. 

Remember to record this ritual in your Book of Shadows or use my Spell/Ritual Worksheet for reference later.

***

Things are tough right now. It's important that we continue to remain hopeful and joyful, as both are revolutionary acts. Look out for each other. Get involved when you can. Don't be afraid to use your magic to fight oppression. After all, that is what witches have always done, and I am proud to be a witch. Stay safe out there, my friends.

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Magical and Medicinal Uses of Rowan

Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Powers: Death, Healing, Perseverance, Protection, Psychic Powers, Strength

Magical Uses and History: Commonly known as Mountain Ash, Rowan has long been associated with witches, both as a tool of witches and as a defense against them. In order to fully understand where these properties arose from, we need to look no further than rowan's many names.

The name rowan is derived from the Scandinavian rauðr, meaning "red", and likely originates from Viking settlements in Scotland and northern England. This name refers to the bright red berries characteristic of rowan trees. Archaeological evidence suggests red was associated with protection and was often used in ceremonial burials, paintings, and even religious artifacts like the rosary. Furthermore, the berries feature a five-pointed star or pentagram, a well-known symbol of protection. The berries alone denote powerful protective properties, and as such, the berries and branches were often used in protection rites, rituals, and spells.

Rowan trees are often found near ancient burial sites, and are thought to provide protection against spirits of the dead. Rowan sprigs and berries were often worn or carried as protection, and even tied to livestock for the same purpose. Archaeological evidence suggests loops and crosses of rowan may have been hung in homes, especially above entryways, to protect against evil, negativity, and witches. In Celtic countries, rowan was commonly used to stir milk to protect it from curdling. There is even an old rhyme which states, "Rowan tree and red thread, Make the witches tine their speed." This suggests that rowan, in conjunction with the color red, protected against witches and would slow them down. They were so favored that it was frowned upon to cut down rowan trees, and removing one from your property was to invite bad luck. In many Celtic cultures, they were so revered that sprigs and berries could only be harvested using specific ritual tools and ceremony. In Norse mythology, it is the rowan that saves Thor from a fast-flowing river. All of these myths, folklore, and uses confirm that rowan is a powerful protector and can be used in rituals and spells for that purpose. Carry rowan on your person or in your car to ensure safe passage. Hang above doors and windows to prevent unwanted entries and negativity from entering your home. Use in spells and rituals to protect against curses or even break them, or prevent another witch from finding you. Include the berries and leaves in protection bags and spell jars. I have added 3 rowan berries to my hedge riding sachet to keep me safe while traveling to the Otherworld. Its uses in protection magic are truly endless.

Outside of Celtic countries, the rowan was also highly favored for its magical properties. In Greek mythology, Hebe, the goddess of youth, had her magical chalice stolen. The gods sent an eagle to retrieve it, and in the process, it was injured. Wherever its blood was spilled, rowan trees arose, which is said to explain its feather-like leaves and red berries. As such, the rowan is associated with blood, strength, and perseverance, and therefore can be used in spells and rituals for the same purpose.

In many countries, particularly in Scandinavia, the rowan is known as mountain ash because it commonly grows in craggy areas and in the most unlikely of places. It thrives in a wide range of zones, from 3-7, surviving the harshest of climates. As such, the rowan is associated with perseverance and strength. This makes rowan the perfect addition to spells requiring perseverance, allowing it to last longer and under harsher conditions than the spell normally would. The berries, leaves, and bark can strengthen the spell and ensure the best outcome while simultaneously protecting against backlash.

Finally, rowan is often associated with psychic powers and divination. This most likely arises from its use in making rune staves among the Norse. Use rowan branches to create your own runes or add the leaves to divination incense to increase your psychic awareness. It also makes the perfect incense to use during hedge riding or other astral travel. 

There is so much folklore surrounding rowan that it is impossible to include it all here. I highly recommend checking out the many resources detailing its uses across multiple cultures to add to the information found here.

Rowan can be used in a number of spells, including:

   Protection Spells

   Strength Spells

   Divination

Medicinal Uses: Wild rowan berries contain parascorbic acid, making them mildly toxic when consumed raw. In high enough quantities, especially in children, consumption can result in death. Their toxicity, however, is why rowan berries were often used as a laxative, as they induce diarrhea and vomiting. Modern varieties of rowan, however, have been bred to be more edible, and heating wild rowan berries turns parascorbic acid into sorbic acid, rendering it harmless. In folk medicine, rowan berries were commonly used to treat gout, digestive issues, menstrual cramps, and kidney disease. However, there is no current research to support these uses, and in many cases, wrongfully prepared berries can result in furthering these diseases. If you plan to use rowan berries in your herbal medicine practice, I highly recommend consulting with a licensed herbalist first.

Preparation and Dosage: To create a rowan berry infusion, combine 1 cup boiling water with 1 tablespoon dried rowan berries. Allow the mixture to infuse for 15 minutes. Drink up to three times a day. As a tincture, take 1 milliliter up to 3 times a day. Again, proceed with caution as rowan berries in high amounts can cause digestive upset, diarrhea, vomiting, kidney failure, and even death. 

Want to print a copy of this for your Book of Shadows? Click below for your free copy!

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