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A classic witching herb and plant of Saturn, henbane is said to have been a component in witches' flying ointments, but this seems strange, since it is sedating and causes feelings of heaviness. Also, oil of henbane can blister the skin, so this herb is not a good candidate for inclusion in a salve or ointment (fat will generally extract essential oils). Perhaps henbane worked against the side-effects of other components in the salves (which fits with at least one theory of flying ointments). Top In Other Types of Magick Outside of flying ointments, henbane has been connected with the mystical for many centuries. Some have argued that the Greek oracles breathed in the smoke of burning henbane in order to enter into a trance state. Others have said that the Scandinavian goddess Bil was associated with henbane (Bilsenkraut). In medieval Germany, henbane was used in rain magic and was thought to make land sterile (henbane does enjoy growing in "waste" land - land that has been stripped of its forest but is not under cultivation). Albertus Magnus claimed that sorcerers burned henbane in order to see demons in its smoke. On a more mundane note, henbane was also previously used to give beer extra punch - "Pilsen[er]" is a corruption of "Bilsen[kraut]." Top A Long Association With the Afterlife Henbane was being used by people as far back as the Neolithic period in Scotland - henbane together with barley residues were found in drinking vessels in funerary context there. It's unknown whether the drink was meant for the dead or for shamans or others to ritually imbibe in order to help the dead. Henbane residues have also been found in Bronze Age urns found in the Alps, and a Zoroastrian tale from Persia describes how a man drank henbane in wine and spent a week in the afterlife (he was lucky enough to return). The ancient Greeks believed that the dead in Hades wore wreaths of henbane - this plant of forgetfulness helped them forget their loved ones, whom they would grieve for otherwise. Top Toxicity Our disconnection from nature and our refusal to take responsibility for knowing the natural world mean that we often have very distorted reaction to things like deadly plants. Some people seem to discredit all warnings about poisonous herbs, and others act as if a poisonous plant is as dangerous as plutonium. Neither is a helpful response. This herb is dangerous to life, but that does not mean it cannot be used in ritual at all, only that it must be used with caution. Don't allow it to rest against your skin. If including it in a charm bag, make sure the fabric is tightly woven so that plant dust cannot get through. Wear gloves when handling this herb and do not touch your eyes or mouth without washing them first. If censing with this herb, burn it in a well ventilated area. Henbane is deadly poison - that means that people have died from eating this baneful herb, so please don't do anything stupid with it. If you suspect henbane poisoning, go to the emergency room. Top |
Baneful Work &
Sorcery You can get to know this herb better by growing it yourself. © 2004, 2006 Alchemy Works; No reproduction without permission
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Henbane