The Goddess Hekate Herbarium for Baneful Plants and Mushrooms
The Goddess Hekate Herbarium for Baneful Plants and Mushrooms covers poisonous plants, healing and protective herbs, and waning moon witchcraft with Plants by Laurali! Out of the darkness comes light, as Hekate lights the fairy-lighted path into the poison garden.
Since Samhain holiday is right around the corner, I figured it was the perfect time to write about Goddess Hekate’s poison garden, filled with toxic mushrooms and dangerous plants. Working with the goddess of herbal witchcraft is a regular part of my plant spirit witchcraft practice.
Hekate is a well-rounded goddess who shows up in your life when you least expect her. She’s the goddess of graveyards, ghosts, crossroads, witchcraft, and lunar magic. She’s the goddess who shows you that there’s nothing to be afraid of except fear itself.
She’s also the keeper of keys. Learn how to make a DIY Goddess Hekate Mushroom Key when you need to unlock something in your psyche. She shows up for the road opening spells you perform during the full moon.
Goddess Hekate feels quite comfortable in the darkness. She holds a torch to light the way. She’s the perfect goddess to work with when it’s time to do shadow work. She will use the opportunity to help you look inward, deeper into the dark recesses of your mind.
If there are any skeletons in your closet, she will pull them into the light. Hekate doesn’t deal in secrets and lies. Hekate is here to reveal the truth, no matter how harsh it may be.
She is the goddess you turn to when nothing else works and everything around you is failing. She will lift you up, but she will not carry you. Goddess Hekate will pull you up by the bootstraps, so that you can carry on.
This makes her the perfect goddess to call on when you find yourself in troubled times. If you have an enemy that’s draining you of your power, she will be there to help you take your power back.
Goddess Hekate uses mushroom witchcraft and poisonous plants to ward off danger and keep those who mean to do you harm away. Protection amulets made from a baneful plant spirit will create a protective shield around you for all the days of your life.
In equal measure, Hekate’s baneful herbs can become a potion of healing, whether it be in salve or tincture form. Even healing a broken heart by rubbing aloe vera gel from a plant over your heart each day will mend the grief and loss locked inside your soul.
When a witch has a bad habit, addiction, or something they want to rid from their life, Hekate’s baneful plant spirits come in handy. She might guide the witch to use carnivorous plants, such as a pitcher plant or a Venus flytrap. These plants will gobble up the things that no longer serve you.
Goddess Hekate is here to open roads for you, through the old baneful cunning witch ways. The materia medica of witches’ past is filled with the plants, herbs, trees, weeds, and fungi of the dark, baneful variety. Let Hekate guide the way into her herbarium of baneful plants and mushrooms!
The Goddess Hekate Herbarium for Baneful Plants and Mushrooms
When you walk the poisonous path, you find yourself moving deeper into your magic. It is a dangerous path, filled with dangers, toils, and snares. It is also the path many elder witches take on their journey.
The poison garden is downright magical, like power coursing through your veins. I would liken it to the first time I performed graveyard magic. The baneful plant material is made from medicine, magic, and deadly things.
Baneful plants and mushrooms are also made from potent chemical compounds that create an altered state of consciousness or, in rare cases, madness. Many of these herbs and plants are used to make flying ointments for hedge riding in hedge witchcraft.
Poisonous plants can be made to heal or to kill, giving them a powerful energy fueled by the magic of baneful moon witchcraft. It lends itself to left-handed witchcraft, where curses, hexes, and bindings come to life.
You can also use baneful ingredients for everyday, mundane magic! They can be used to amplify beauty, charm, and attraction, as well as botanical perfume oils. There’s something enchanting about poisonous botanicals.
Working with dark botanicals makes one feel heady! What do baneful things do? They destroy, dissolve, and annihilate whatever is in their path for the highest good.
Hekate’s Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms
Deadly poisonous plants can be considered lethal; therefore, it’s important to take precautions when working with them. These kinds of plants can cause harmful physiological effects if ingested.
If ingested, pupils dilate, and one might experience blurred vision, strange dreams, and delusions. In some cases, certain plants can cause a painful manner of death. To be poisoned to death is to have your organs shut down, extreme vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of bodily functions.
If this path is calling you, you’ll want to take safety precautions. Wear gloves, a face shield, and protective clothing. You can also topically apply barrier creams to protect your skin from poisonous contact.
Goddess Hekate is a chthonic goddess, meaning she dwells in the underworld, and is the goddess of dark things. Many of the plants she works with have a similar nature.
That being said, let’s deep dive into Hekate’s poisonous plant garden! Many on the list will be difficult to get your hands on. It’s best to grow them from seed to plant.
Warning: Pregnant women should avoid any and all baneful herbs, as they can lead to miscarriage, premature labor, and birth defects. Pregnant witches should not work with baneful herbs during their pregnancy.
Aconite (Wolfsbane) - Even consuming a tiny amount of wolfbane can cause death by paralyzing respiratory and heart functions. Even just touching the flowers can cause the fingers to go numb. Wolfsbane can be used for warding off werewolves and shapeshifting, hence the name. It is often used in transformation magic, protection spells, and left-handed magic, and is often included in flying ointments. Medicinally, it can be used to treat cold and flu, as an analgesic for pain, and to treat nerve pain. Astrological Correspondence: Planets Mars and Saturn, the fire and spirit element, and the zodiac sign is Virgo.
Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade) - A poisonous plant with deadly repercussions. It can be used for love spells, glamour magic, shapeshifting, hedge riding, and as a powerful hallucinogenic. The deadly nightshade berries can be used in protective amulets, while its purple petals can be used in hedge-riding ointments, intoxicating perfumes, and skincare and beauty products. Medicinally, belladonna can be used for pain, fever, and mental illness. It is also known for its sedative properties. Astrological Correspondence: Planet Saturn, the water element, and its zodiac sign is Scorpio.
Datura -A poisonous plant in the nightshade family. It can be used for malevolent purposes in witchcraft, such as curses, hexes, bindings, and banishings. Subsequently, it can also be used for protection and defense magic. Datura can be used for hallucinations, visionary quests, and delusions if you want to drive someone to madness. Medically, it can be used for sedation, pain relief, fever reduction, and the treatment of asthmatic symptoms and breathing problems. Astrological Correspondence: Planet Venus, the moon, and Pluto. It is highly connected to the water element, and its zodiac sign is either Aquarius or Capricorn.
Death Cap Mushroom - A highly potent, deadly mushroom, hence the name. This mushroom is so dangerous that even a small amount can kill you. If the person survives, a liver transplant might be the only option. The death cap mushroom is primarily used for baneful magic, death, and transformation. Death can symbolize the end of something, cord-cutting, and rebirth. Medicinally, the death cap is used in cancer treatments. Astrological Correspondence: Planets Pluto, Scorpio, and Saturn. It is associated with the earth element, and its zodiac sign is Scorpio, due to its dark, underhanded nature.
Fly Agaric Mushroom - A highly poisonous mushroom when ingested! An iconic toadstool with a red cap. It can be used for fae magick, in good luck spells, and for increased fertility. The fly agaric mushroom can also be used to protect children, to foster prophetic dreams, and for shamanic healing and journeying. Medicinally, fly agaric can be used for pain relief, anti-anxiety, and stress relief. Astrological Correspondence: Planet Mercury, the air element, and its zodiac signs are Leo and Aries.
Henbane -A highly poisonous plant that contains psychoactive alkaloids which can cause hallucinations, delirium, and death if taken in high doses. Henbane can be used in “flying ointments,” communication with ghost spirits, and can be used for love magick, baneful magic, and protection magick. Medicinally, Henbane can be used as an analgesic for toothaches, headaches, and bone and joint inflammation. It can also be used as a sedative, an antispasmodic, and as a topical application for arthritis. Astrological Correspondence: Planet Saturn, the water element, and its zodiac sign are Capricorn.
Mandrake - A highly toxic, if not deadly, root that should be handled with care. It can be used for divination, psychic abilities, hedge riding, prophetic dreams, and for great healing. Mandrake root can be used in extra potent love spells, worn as a protection amulet, and for good luck and money magick spells. Medicinally, the mandrake root can be used as a sedative, anaesthetic, or aphrodisiac. It can also be used in chemotherapy for cancer patients due to its compounds. Astrological Correspondence: Planet Mercury, the fire element, and its zodiac sign is Scorpio.
Mugwort - A toxic, poisonous plant that can be dangerous in high dosages. It’s thujone, which is its primary toxic compound, that can affect the nervous system. Mugwort can be used to induce sleep and dreams and enhance psychic abilities, intuition, and altered states of consciousness. It is safe to drink mugwort tea and can be used for tea witchcraft. It can also be used in defense magick. Medicinally, mugwort is effective for women’s health issues and digestive health, and it is a sedative for relaxation and sleep. Astrological Correspondence: Planet Venus and the moon, the earth element, and its zodiac sign is Scorpio.
Russulaceae Emetica (The Sickener) - Known as “the sickener,” this mushroom has been known to cause diarrhea, nausea, extreme vomiting, and abdominal cramps. It can be used in baneful witchcraft, making it especially perfect for sour-jar spells and creating war water. It can also be used in a mushroom weight-loss witchcraft spell by watching it decompose in a jar, symbolizing the weight coming off. There are no medicinal uses for this mushroom, as it causes gastrointestinal distress, and it should not be touched or ingested. The Sickener causes great harm and should be used with caution. Astrological Correspondence: Planet Mars, the fire element, and its zodiac sign is Scorpio.
Wormwood - This plant is toxic and potentially poisonous due to its thujone content. It can be used for warding off negativity and psychic attacks. It can take down an enemy and stop trouble in its tracks. Wormwood can be used for divination, prophetic dreams, and to enhance psychic powers. Medicinally, wormwood can be used to treat parasites, Crohn’s disease, and digestive issues. Astrological Correspondence: Planets Mars and Saturn, the earth element, and its zodiac signs are Scorpio and Aries.
Hekate’s Carnivorous Plants and Mushrooms
Even though Hekate is mostly associated with plants of the poisonous variety, I’ve found her to be quite adept and skillful when it comes to working with carnivorous plants. These plants and mushrooms ingest prey such as insects, and in some cases, small animals like birds, rats, lizards, and frogs.
Carnivorous plants are part of Hekate’s domain, since they are meat eaters, and they can be difficult to cultivate and keep well-fed. Hekate doesn’t shy away from difficult-to-care-for plants, as they can be used to gobble up problems.
Most of these plants have sticky trapping mechanisms that catch prey. They often have an alluring, intoxicating scent that lures prey in, therefore making them perfect for beauty and attraction spells.
They paralyze their prey, making them perfect for stopping enemies and problems in their tracks, before things get out of hand. This includes everything from stopping the spreading of gossip and lies to paralyzing someone from moving forward with a personal attack.
Meat-eating plants often grow in nutrient-poor soil, such as bogs, where nematodes must be present. Nematodes are unsegmented worms that create nutrient cycling and pest control. This means that carnivorous plants can be used to control your environment.
The carnivorous plant can be used for high magick, producing a heady feeling. Working with carnivorous plants is powerful, intoxicating, and magical in the best way!
Bladderwort Plant - An aquatic carnivorous plant that feeds on small crustaceans, mosquito larvae, aquatic worms, and amoebas. Bladderwort is a truth serum that can bust through illusions, lies, and deception. It’s also known to hold the gift of discernment. Bladderworts can also be used to confuse enemies and lead them away from you. Medically, bladderwort can be used to treat bladder and kidney issues, such as bladder infections, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections. Topically, it can be used to treat wounds and skin burns. Astrological Correspondence: The moon, the water element, and its zodiac sign is Scorpio.
Butterwort Plant - A carnivorous plant with a greasy, buttery feel to it, hence the name. It can be used in protection spells of all kinds, love magick, and for good luck! Butterworts can be used for curse-breaking spells. Medicinally, butterwort is used for respiratory ailments and for external skin problems, such as wound treatment, insect bites, and ringworm. Astrological Correspondence: The moon, the water, and the earth elements, and it’s zodiac signs are Virgo, Scorpio, and Pisces.
Oyster Mushroom - A carnivorous plant that preys on microscopic animals, such as nematodes. It can be used for transformation spells, shadow work, and renewal, and is highly connected to the fairy realm. Oyster mushrooms are also highly associated with the underworld, good fortune, and generosity. Medicinally, oyster mushrooms boost immunity, heart health, and can fight off any kind of infection. Astrological Correspondence: Planet Jupiter, the earth element, and its zodiac signs are Libra, Leo, Sagittarius, and Pisces.
Pitcher Plant - A carnivorous plant known for its passive, pitfall-trap-shaped leaves. It can be used for emotional healing and protection, as well as warding off negative energies. The pitcher plant can also be used for dream magick, creating illusions while you drift off to sleep, taking you to faraway places you’ve never been before. Medically, the pitcher plant can be used to aid digestion, support respiratory health, and treat external wounds and ulcers. Astrological Correspondence: Planets Pluto and Saturn, the water element, and its zodiac sign is Scorpio.
Sundew Plant -A carnivorous plant that glistens in the sunlight like drops of dew. It can be used for the element of surprise, to connect with the magic of ancestors, as a love charm, and to absorb and trap negative energies. The sundew plant can also be used in shapeshifting and beauty witchcraft practices. Medicinally, sundews can be used to treat respiratory issues, such as a bad cough or an asthma attack. It can also be used for skincare and to treat warts, corns, and freckles. Astrological Correspondence: The sun, the fire and water elements, and its zodiac sign is Leo.
Trumpet Pitcher Plant - A carnivorous plant known for pest control. It can be used for spiritual protection, emotional healing, warding off psychic attacks, and deep spiritual wisdom. The trumpet pitcher plant can also be used to induce an altered state of consciousness through dream work. Medically, the pitcher plant can be used as an eye wash, for digestive issues and respiratory problems, and for topical wound healing. Astrological Correspondence: Planets Saturn, Pluto, and Mars. The water and earth elements. Its zodiac sign is Scorpio.
Venus Flytrap - A carnivorous plant with specific care needs. It can be used in terrarium spells, which require putting together a terrarium with intention. Venus Flytraps can be used in love and attraction spells, especially beauty spells and glamour magick, thanks to their intoxicating allure. They can also be used in spells to gobble up a bad habit, addiction, or a problem. Medically, the Venus flytrap has been used in cancer research, and its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties have been studied. Astrological Correspondence: Planets Venus and the moon, the water element, and its zodiac signs are Taurus and Libra.
Hekate’s Herbs and Aromatics
Goddess Hekate’s herbs and aromatics hint at a different side to the Greek goddess of herbal lore and witchcraft. She enjoys the color purple, which happens to be a power color and the color of witchcraft.
Many of Hekate’s herbs are known for their protective properties and can be used in defense magick. Additionally, many of her aromatic herbs can be used for hedge flying, psychic abilities, dream magick, divination, and discernment.
Many of Hekate’s favorite herbs open the senses through air witchcraft. They connect you to other worlds, create calm and relaxation, induce sleep, and magically move you into a dream state. Some herbs, such as garlic, can be used in kitchen witchcraft, while others, such as lavender, can be used to make a dream pillow.
When learning about an herbal plant profile, Hekate can help you bridge the connection between yourself and the plant spirit. She can teach you how to be a plant witch and how to work with plant familiars.
Dandelion - A weed known for wish fulfillment! It can be used for wish magick, manifestation, fairy witchcraft, luck, prosperity, and new beginnings. Dandelion can also be used for overcoming adversity and hidden strength. Medically, dandelions can be used to cleanse the liver, support detoxification, and act as a diuretic. They are also considered a heart-healthy weed! Astrological Correspondence: Planet Jupiter, the air element, and its zodiac signs are Sagittarius and Taurus.
Garlic - An aromatic kitchen herb known for its healing properties. It can be used for cleansing, healing, and protection magic. Historically, it has been used to ward off vampires, including the energy vampires of today. Garlic can also be magically used in money magick spells to pay off debts. Medicinally, garlic lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels and helps reduce the risks of heart disease. It’s also known for supporting the immune system and for its antimicrobial properties, meaning it can help fight nasty colds and flu symptoms. Astrological Correspondence: Planet Mars, the fire element, and its zodiac signs are Aries and Scorpio.
Lavender -An aromatic herb used for calm, peacefulness, sleep, and relaxation! It can be used in love and beauty spells, dream magick, and purification. Lavender herb can also be used in fairy magick! Medicinally, lavender is used to induce sleep, treat skin infections, and reduce anxiety and stress. Astrological Correspondence: Planet Mercury, the air element, and its zodiac sign is Aquarius.
Mint - An aromatic herb used for refreshment, energy, and rejuvenation! It can be used for money spells, communication spells, love spells, and for surprises and awakenings. Mint can also be used for beauty, glamour magick, protection, and luck. Medically, mint can be used to ease tummy troubles, clear the mind, improve memory function, and support dental hygiene. Astrological Correspondence: Planet Venus, water and air elements, and its zodiac sign is Aquarius.
Onion - An aromatic kitchen herb with a pungent smell and flavor! It can be used for protection from evil, purification, and new beginnings. Onion’s magical properties revolve around protection of all kinds. Medically, onions can support heart health, antioxidant function, and immune health. Astrological Correspondence: Planet Neptune, the earth element, and its zodiac signs are Aries and Sagittarius.
Saffron - An aromatic herb that is sweet, floral, and improves mood instantly! It can be used as an aphrodisiac and for attracting love and romance into your life. Saffron can also be used in fertility, money, and protection spells. Medicinally, Saffron can be used to promote calm, balance, and emotional well-being. Astrological Correspondence: Planets Sun, Jupiter, and Venus. It is associated with the fire element, and its zodiac sign is Sagittarius.
Hekate’s Moon Plants and Mushrooms
Goddess Hekate’s moon plants and mushrooms are included because she is closely associated with the night and moon cycles. These plants are night-blooming, meaning they are creatures of the night, with flowers opening under the darkness and moonlight.
Many moon plants are pleasant-smelling and have a strong scent, especially in spring and summer. They often attract nighttime pollinators, such as moths. They tend to grow quickly and tall, and are aesthetically pleasing for a nighttime garden with fairy lights.
Many moon mushrooms are bioluminescent, glowing in the dark, but they are also highly poisonous. Some moonshrooms, such as Cendawan Bulan, are considered edible species.
Hekate’s moon botanicals revolve around the moon cycles and nightfall, closing in the early morning light. They can be used in new moon, full moon, waxing moon, and baneful moon spells and rituals.
Moon Cactus - A moon plant known for its vibrant colors and energy! It can be used for protection and defense magick, color magic (due to its color variety), and positive energy. The moon cactus makes a wonderful plant ward to keep evil spirits at bay and protect the home and its inhabitants. Medicinally, the moon cactus is chock full of antioxidants, regulates blood sugar, and can be used as a hangover cure. Astrological Correspondence: The moon, the metal and fire elements, and its zodiac sign is Aries.
Night-Blooming Cereus - A moon plant known as the queen of the night! It can be used to keep secrets, for beauty and attraction spells, and to enhance psychic abilities, intuition, and divination. Queen of the Night can be used in truth serums and for the deep mysteries and wisdom of the night. Medicinally, night-blooming cereus can be used for emotional healing and women’s reproductive issues, such as alleviating menopausal symptoms, relieving menstrual cramps, and works well in relieving the signs and symptoms of depression. Astrological Correspondence: Planets Venus and the moon, the water element, and its zodiac sign is Libra.
Night-Blooming Jasmine - A moon plant known for its intensely sweet-smelling fragrance released at nighttime! It can be used for love spells, glamour magick, self-love rituals, and creating a spiritual connection. Because Jasmine is connected to the night, it promotes prophetic dreams, enhances intuition, and increases psychic powers. Medically, jasmine can be used to promote healing, especially of physical ailments. It’s also used to relieve stress and anxiety. Astrological Correspondence: Planets Venus, the moon, and Jupiter. It is also associated with the water and earth elements. Its zodiac sign is Pisces.
Goddess Hekate’s Baneful Garden
Goddess Hekate’s baneful garden is filled with darkly, magical things! She works with the most dangerous herbs, carnivorous plants, and moon garden delights. Any of these plants can be used for healing, shielding, and protection.
If you don’t have access to a particular plant you feel drawn to, you can create a DIY botanical energy shield with the plant using its floral essence. Do research and study the plant from afar, and work with the plant when doing hedge work.
The hedge is a place beyond our sight that dwells in the lower realm when hedge riding. The hedge is just outside our homes, almost as if it were a physical hedge. The hedge is filled with every plant, mushroom, weed, root, tree, and flower in the world and beyond!
Here, you can work with plant species that are extinct in the earthly realm, as well as herbs and plants you’ve never even heard of. The hedge is where you’ll find witches’ familiars, making it possible for you to work with animal witchcraft.
In the hedge, you can capture the essences of all of the elements, including the Chinese elements. Earth, water, fire, air, wood, metal, and spirit can be bottled up when working in the hedge.
Working with the hedge is a wonderful way to work with dangerous plants without getting hurt. Here, your familiar will be by your side to protect you on your journey.
If physical plants are more your forte, you’ll have to find a good seed shop that sells poisonous plants and mushrooms. Many poisonous plants are illegal and can’t be sold as mature plants. It’s important to do careful research when working with toxic plants.
Keep poisonous plants out of reach of children and pets! Many of these plants, once grown from seed, can be lethal. Carnivorous plants, on the other hand, do well in a terrarium setting and can be sold as a mature plant.
Many moon plants can be taken as a clipping from around your neighborhood. That’s how the night-blooming cereus ended up in my yard. It started as a plant clipping and grew into a huge plant outside the garden gate.
The moon cactus can be grafted and includes two parts. The top half is a colorful mutant scion, and the bottom half is a green rootstock structure. You can’t have one without the other.
Working with Goddess Hekate is an absolute delight. She’s firm and tough at times, but she’s a healer at heart. She’ll teach you healing remedies made from plants.
Magically, Hekate can be quite baneful, working with the dark arts. She walks the left-handed path and brings healing to the hearts of those who seek it. Hekate is the healing remedy.
