Now, this was originally written as a section for an anthology, to be arranged by a very well known publisher. However, I wasn’t provided with a contract. A bit of back and forth occurred, and I said, “you know what? No thanks, my editorial independence and protection of copyright mean a lot to me. Get someone else.”
And that was that. Their loss, right? With that out the way, let’s get on with it…
“All things are poison, and nothing is without poison; the dose alone makes a thing not poison.” – Paraclesus.
Imagine strolling through a shadowy forest, where the air is thick with whispers of ancient secrets, and the plants seem to murmur sly invitations to those daring enough to listen. If you haven’t yet danced with danger, allow me to introduce you to the dark and deliciously dangerous side of herbalism—where belladonna, datura, and henbane reign as the unruly (and occasionally disgraceful) monarchs.
These are no ordinary plants; their histories are deeply woven into the cauldron of ancient magic. Witches and healers have long called upon them not just to heal, but to hex, curse, and commune with the spirits lurking just beyond the veil. Welcome to the Poison Path, a realm for those who dare to walk the razor’s edge between life and death, fully aware that every cure comes with a potential curse tucked neatly into its leaves.
An insightful chap named Paracelsus—a Swiss physician, alchemist, and Renaissance man—knew a thing or two about walking that very edge. He famously penned this chapter’s opening notion, sticking it to the overly rigid medical teachings of his day. This nugget of wisdom applies just as well to the magical as it does to the medical. Essentially, Paracelsus was saying that anything can be toxic if you overdo it, but even the deadliest substances can be beneficial when used just right. Clever, right?
At its core, the Poison Path is about building a relationship—albeit a risky one—with plants that aren’t exactly the friendly daisies of your grandmother’s garden. We’re talking about powerhouses like belladonna, henbane, datura, and Brugmansia. These plants are brimming with alkaloids that can nudge your brain across the fine line between therapeutic and toxic. It’s this tantalising balance of risk and reward that makes them so utterly captivating.
In the magical arena, Paracelsus’s principle is your guiding star, reminding you to tread carefully. The real magic in these plants lies in their ability to shift consciousness, protect, and heal, but that power doesn’t come without strings attached. The secret to using these plants effectively in your craft? It’s all about the dose—both in the physical world and the mystical one.
When you’re tapping into the energy of a baneful plant like datura or henbane, you’re playing with some seriously potent vibes. These energies can spark transformative changes in your life, but—as with any good potion—getting the mix just right is crucial. Overdo it, and you could find yourself overwhelmed by the very forces you sought to control; underdo it, and you might not feel anything at all.
Take belladonna. If you’re concocting a protective spell, you might want to “dose” it carefully by deciding how much of the plant’s energy you’ll invite in. This could mean the number of times you repeat an incantation, how long you meditate with the plant spirit, or the amount of the plant’s essence you use in your work. The goal? Hit that sweet spot where your intention and the plant’s power are in perfect harmony—no more, no less.
Or consider henbane in a banishment spell. Henbane doesn’t mess around—it can cut ties with unwanted energies like a sharp knife. But be warned: if you “overdose” on henbane’s power—pouring too much energy into your spell—you might banish more than you intended, causing ripples across other areas of your life. That’s why understanding and respecting the plant’s power, and applying it in just the right “dose,” is key to mastering this treacherous Path.
The Poison Path itself is a living embodiment of Paracelsus’s principle. It’s a journey through the duality of nature, where the toxic and the healing, the light and the dark, constantly intertwine. Those who walk this path must navigate these dualities with skill, wielding the power of these plants with the precision of a seasoned alchemist.
From the bewitching belladonna to the haunting henbane, the mysterious datura and ethereal Brugmansia, you are invited to dance with plant spirits that hold the keys to ancient wisdom—along with the potential for a perilous misstep. Handle with care, but never forget to enjoy the thrill of the journey.
Safety First: Before You Dive In…
Stop right there! I see you – back up for a minute!
These plants are powerful, and they’re not the type to fuck around. They carry real, tangible dangers that extend beyond the mystical and into the physical—death being the major one here. But fear not! I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve that let you harness their energy without needing to cultivate your own garden of doom.
Remember, even though my photo’s litter these pages and I talk about these plants like best friends, I do this shit everyday. I don’t fuck about with safety, neither should you. Be safe, not dead. Okay?
Not Your Average Garden Green
The plants we are going to explore are not just inert objects; they’re vibrant, living beings with spirits—often called devas. Baneful plants like belladonna, henbane, datura, and Brugmansia pack a punch with their strong, distinct spirits, each brimming with its own personality and energy. When you work with these plants, it’s crucial to build a relationship with them, that way they can offer you insights, protection, and even a heads-up when you’re veering off course. But, like any meaningful relationship, it takes time, patience, and a sprinkle of effort to build trust and understanding.
One of the most critical aspects of walking the Poison Path is finding your balance. This isn’t just about embracing the darker side of nature—it’s about understanding that darkness and light are just two sides of the same coin. It’s not about choosing one over the other, but rather acknowledging the power and necessity of both. Seek out ways to balance the energies in your practice. You might pair a baneful plant like belladonna with a soothing herb like lavender, creating a spell that blends protection with a touch of peace.
The beauty of the Poison Path is that it can seamlessly weave into many different forms of witchcraft. If you’re a green witch, baneful plants can be your go-to for creating protective wards around your sacred space. Hedge witches might find these plants invaluable in their work with spirits and the Otherworld, serving as guides through the veil that separates our world from the next.
For the creatives among you, art can be a powerful way to connect. Whether you’re painting, drawing, channelling the energy of these plants into your art can deepen your connection and understanding. Imagine a painting that captures the eerie beauty of belladonna or a digital piece that explores the dark allure of datura. You might also try your hand at poetry or storytelling—perhaps a poem from the perspective of a plant spirit, capturing its voice and energy. Or you could create a story that weaves together folklore and personal experience, exploring the mythic and magical aspects of these plants.
The trick is to discover ways that can complement and amplify your existing practice. Don’t be shy—experiment, play, and push your boundaries. The Poison Path is all about exploration and daring to step outside the familiar, so give yourself the freedom to explore and discover what resonates with you.
Practical Tips for the Dark Witch
Here’s a few helpful snippets to get you started:
Start Small: Begin with one or two baneful plants that speak to you. Get to know them inside and out before expanding your collection of deadly delights.
Create a Dedicated Space: Set up a special altar or workspace just for your darker herbalism adventures. This is where you’ll keep the tools of your trade.
Practice Mindfulness: When working with these plants, always be mindful of your intentions and actions. Respect is key—these plants demand it, and your safety depends on it.
Keep Learning: The Poison Path is a lifelong journey of learning and discovery. Stay curious, keep experimenting, deepen your connection with these powerful allies, and, if you get as far as growing your own garden of doom, always wear gloves.
Enchantments from the Twilight Realm
When it comes to using baneful plants in spells, intent is everything. These plants are powerful amplifiers of energy—they don’t just knock politely on the magical door and wait; they kick it down and set it on fire. So, being clear and focused on your intentions is absolutely crucial. Whether you’re protecting or banishing, the energy you put into the spell will be supercharged by the plant’s potent vibes.
Creating your own spells with baneful plants can be a deeply personal and empowering experience. The first step is to choose a plant that vibes with your intention—whether it’s to ward off negativity, banish an ex (or a bad habit), or dive deep into dreamland.
Next, think about the form your spell will take. Will it be a sachet, a potion, or maybe a candle ritual? Once you’ve got that sorted, craft your incantation, focusing on the outcome you desire. As you perform the spell, visualise the plant spirit working alongside you, infusing your work with its unique energy.
Ready? Let’s cast some spells!
Spell One: Protection from a Lady
Ah, Lady Belladonna—the queen of the Solanaceae, the apple of every dark witch’s eye. I might be a little biased, but when it comes to protection and warding off negative energies, her spirit is second to none. So, let’s harness her power in a protection sachet that’ll keep the bad vibes at bay without bringing about our own demise.
You’ll need a symbolic representation of the Lady—maybe a picture printed from the internet, or better yet, something you’ve created yourself (extra points for creativity!). You’ll also need lavender for peace and black salt for grounding. As you assemble the sachet, recite an incantation like this:
“Belladonna, nightshade strong,
Shield me now from all that’s wrong.
With lavender’s peace and black salt’s calm,
This charm deflects, leaving me unharmed.”
As you chant, visualise a protective barrier forming around you, with Belladonna’s spirit standing guard, ensuring no negative energy can penetrate. Think of her as your very own nightshade bouncer—no bad vibes allowed.
Spell Two: The Necromancer’s Boot
Henbane has some serious historical cred when it comes to necromancy and the spirit world, which is why this spell’s got such a cheeky name. But don’t worry, there’s no actual necromancy involved—just some good old-fashioned banishing. Henbane is your go-to plant spirit for kicking out unwanted influences, whether it’s a bad habit, a toxic relationship, or a lingering spirit. Basically, if you need something (or someone) out of your life, Henbane’s your guy.
To perform a banishing spell with Henbane, gather the following:
- – A black candle (for banishment)
- – A piece of paper and a pen
- – Henbane (use a symbolic representation, like a drawing or a small sachet filled with Henbane-inspired materials)
- – A fireproof dish
Start by writing down what you want to banish from your life. Be specific—Henbane’s spirit appreciates precision. Light the black candle, and as you do, focus on the flame consuming and transforming your intention.
Hold the paper over the candle’s flame and say:
“Henbane, spirit of the night,
Banish this from my sight.
As this flame consumes and burns,
No longer shall it return.”
Drop the paper into the fireproof dish and let it burn completely. As the smoke rises, visualise Henbane’s spirit carrying away the unwanted energy, leaving you cleansed and free from its influence. Our lad Henbane doesn’t mess around—he enjoys kicking problems in the ass.
Spell Three: The Nighttime Tango
Datura’s a bit of a cheeky lass/lad (I actually think Datura is non-binary, but I will go with feminine pronouns for now)—calm and soothing, lounging happily in the garden, until one day she pops open those gorgeous trumpet blooms and suddenly, there’s magic flying everywhere. Ms Datura is often associated with visionary experiences and deep subconscious work, making her perfect for dream magic. Ancient shamans knew a thing or two about Datura’s saucy skills, using it to enter altered states of consciousness, chat with spirits, or even divine the future. Datura’s power was—and still is—immense.
So, if you’re looking to explore the depths of your dreams or get a little advice from the spirit world, a dreamwork spell with Datura can open those doors wide.
For this spell, you’ll need:
- – A small dream pillow or sachet
- – Dried mugwort (for enhancing dreams)
- – A symbolic representation of Datura (a small drawing, charm, or even just a written word)
- – Lavender (for peaceful sleep)
Fill the pillow or sachet with the dried mugwort and lavender. As you do, place the Datura representation inside, focusing on your intention to connect with Datura during your dreams. Hold the pillow or sachet in your hands and say:
“Datura, trumpet of the night,
Guide my dreams with your sight.
Through the veil and beyond,
Let your wisdom now respond.”
Place the pillow under your head or next to your bed, and keep a dream journal nearby. Before you drift off, focus on your intention and invite Datura’s spirit to join you in your dreams. In the morning, jot down any messages or visions that came through—who knows what secrets you might uncover?
Spell Four: The Trumpet of Revelation
Behold! The show-off Brugmansia, with her giant flared skirts and fancy imposing leaves. Incidentally, she’s also known as the Angel’s Trumpet, which isn’t very creative really. But, if you’re undergoing a significant change in your life or seeking to initiate a transformation, she’s got your back —throwing off epic yet nurturing vibes of profound revelation left, right, and centre. She’s one ethereal mama!
For this ritual, gather:
- – A white candle (for transformation and purity)
- – A bowl of water (symbolising the fluidity of change)
- – A small vial of oil infused with herbs like rosemary (for clarity) and yarrow (for courage)
- – A symbolic representation of Brugmansia
Begin by anointing the candle with the infused oil, focusing on your intention to transform an aspect of your life. Light the candle and place the Brugmansia representation next to it. As the flame burns, hold the bowl of water and say:
“Brugmansia, trumpet of light,
Guide me through this night.
Transform and renew,
As I walk this path true.”
Dip your fingers into the water and anoint your forehead, heart, and hands, symbolising the integration of this transformation into your thoughts, emotions, and actions. Allow the candle to burn down safely, and carry the Brugmansia representation with you as a reminder of the transformation you’re undergoing.
So, there you have it. A peek into the darker aspects of esoteric herbalism. An invitation to embrace the full spectrum of your magical potential. If you choose to walk this path, do so with confidence, curiosity, and respect. After all, in the world of magic, it’s often the darkest paths that lead to the brightest revelations.
