WITCHES AND THEIR FLOWER LORE loi 



dedicated to Hecate and her witch progeny, the 

 elder seems to have always possessed a weird attrac- 

 tion for mischievous elves and witches, who are 

 fond of seeking the shelter of its branches, and also 

 bury their satanic offspring beneath its roots. 



The ill-famed Cercis siliquastrum, or judas tree, 

 is reputed to be specially haunted by witches, who 

 experience a grim pleasure in assembling round the 

 tree on which the traitor Judas hanged himself* 

 Perhaps it is they who have spread the tradition 

 that death overtakes anyone who is so unfortunate 

 as to fall into one of these trees. 



One of the greatest arts in the knowledge of 

 witches was the concoction of noxious or deadly 

 potions, from various herbs with which they were 

 enabled to work their spells. 



The Fervain, or Verbena^ was a sacred plant 

 among the Greeks, and was regarded by the Druids 

 with great reverence. It was never gathered with- 

 out religious ceremonies, almost or quite equal 

 in solemnity to those performed at the cutting 

 of the mistletoe. It was much esteemed as a most 

 powerful ingredient in love potions and other 

 magic preparations, and could be used freely either 

 by or against witches. 



Rue was another magic plant, and was said to 

 have a wonderful effect on the eyes, bestowing 

 second sight. Milton represents St. Michael as 

 purging Adam's eyes with it: 



" To nobler sights 

 Michael from Adam's eyes the film removed 



Which that false fruit which promised clearer sight 

 Had bred; then purged with Euphrasie and Rue 



The visual nerve, for he had much to see." 



