Plant Witchery: Discover the Sacred Language, Wisdom, and Magic of 200 Plants - Juliet Diaz 2020

Belladonna Atropa belladonna
A Compendium of Plants

ESSENTIAL PROPERTIES

protection, psychic ability, self-awareness

Belladonna produces a beautiful reddish—dark green, bell-shaped flower. However, it is so poisonous as to be known as “deadly nightshade”—and in this case, the name is no joke. Belladonna’s toxicity is so fierce it can cause fever, hallucinations, and even death. It’s important that you don’t keep or grow her where there are children or pets, or where any outside animals can access her.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

For centuries, belladonna was a medicine valued particularly as an anesthetic, to put someone to sleep while they underwent surgery. But belladonna could also be used for cosmetic purposes—Cleopatra took belladonna to dilate her pupils, making them more “seductive.” Apparently this was a common practice for hundreds of years, despite overuse causing permanent blindness.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES

You should never ever ingest belladonna. It simply isn’t worth it. There are ways to interact with her Magic besides eating her—but you should always use a great deal of care, including washing your hands after handling any part of belladonna. Placing dried belladonna into a small bag or sealed jar (making sure it’s labeled properly!) and keeping it near you as you meditate can help your spirit move past where it normally lingers, allowing you to explore the world beyond.

Keep away from those selling it in a flying ointment, as there are so many factors you need to check into, including where and how their belladonna is sourced, how much was used, what the other ingredients are, etc. This product is dangerous, and often does more harm than good. Even if you trust the source completely, a Plant Witch knows that tripping isn’t Magic—it’s the opposite. Burn some mugwort instead!

PLANT WISDOM

Our understanding of belladonna has been tainted because so many have been working with her incorrectly for so many years. She is actually extremely powerful and protective. She speaks of being present in your whole self, with all the shades of who you are, “bad” and “good.” All you truly need is her energy—you don’t even have to touch her. She will journey with you if you invite her into your dreams or meditate with her. The most important thing you can do is love her as she is, and she will help you learn to do the same for yourself.