A Druid's Handbook to the Spiritual Power of Plants: Spagyrics in Magical and Sexual Rituals - Jon G. Hughes 2014

Introduction

In planning the research for this book, I began with the intention of comparing the plant-based preparations, rituals, and magic of the Welsh Druidic tradition with those of the broader and infinitely more documented spiritual traditions practiced all over the world. Before I had progressed very far, I came in contact with the works of ancient and modern alchemists. The part of their work that has been maintained for millennia involves the use of materials from the plant kingdom. This immediately drew my interest. Likewise, my fascination was spurred by the alchemical search for immortality and the involvement with sexual ritual, as both have their place in the Druidic tradition.

For many, the very word alchemy conjures up images of fiery furnaces engaged in the age-old quest to make gold from less valuable ores and metals. Hoping to find a common thread between the Druidic tradition and alchemy, I researched the books and experiments of the Lesser Circulation. The Lesser Circulation deals with the herbal processes of alchemy, as opposed to the much better known Greater Circulation, which relates to the mineral (metallic) realm and its reputation for converting base metals into gold. The latter has no equivalent in the Druidic tradition. Both the Lesser and Greater Circulations also exist as metaphors for the creation of a pure, elevated spirit from the basic, unrefined spirit contained within us all.

Alchemy, to a large extent, involves a range of brutal, intensely forceful processes in its efforts to elevate the substances it employs to ever greater levels of purity. As I continued to explore the tenets of alchemy, I grew more and more convinced that although these harsh methods may have a place in the extraction of ores and the amalgamation of metals, they are wholly inappropriate for the plant kingdom. It also was obvious that they bore little resemblance to the Druidic tradition of gentleness and nurturing taught to me throughout my lifetime as a practicing Druid.

In my quest for a greater understanding of the more subtle aspects of alchemy, I began to see a correspondence between alchemy and the Druidic tradition that at first had eluded me. It was in part based on their practices and partly in the deep, underlying philosophy enshrined in both traditions. My mind became attuned to both conventions and I was able to reconcile the harsher practices of alchemy with the gentler, more sympathetic practices I had been taught within the Druidic tradition.

Although there is to my knowledge no significant convergence of alchemy and Druidic practices—their histories differ greatly, and, as we shall see, their methods differ dramatically—there is an underlying accord between the two disciplines and an intriguing harmony between the two philosophies. The result of my realization of this harmonization is an exploration of the use of plant extracts and compounds, derived predominantly from trees and flowers as opposed to herbal extracts, and their use within the Druidic tradition as remedies, elixirs, and magical potions. The following chapters explore the three progressive steps involved in plant magic: the identification and harvesting of appropriate materials, their careful and meticulous preparation, and their ritual application and benefits. As it is my area of expertise, I have focused on the ancient Druidic practice of sex magic to demonstrate the potency of these arcane compounds and rituals.

Writing this book has been a journey of discovery and revelation. By seeking a greater understanding of alchemy and the Druidic tradition, and by questioning my own conditioned understanding, I have arrived at a new point in my relationship with my own belief system. I sincerely hope that in reading this book and becoming involved in some of the practices it reveals, you will achieve a fuller understanding of the world in which we live and the suppressed potential within each one of us.