PERSONALITY OF PLANTS 
possible explanation of its evil name. Rue as a 
narcotic capable of producing hallucinations, 
is most naturally a witch’s plant. Strange to say, 
both of these plants are sometimes used as 
charms against witches. The Romans used the 
Vervain in casting lots, telling fortunes, and 
foreshadowing national events. Many other 
plants, ordinarily harmless, become the posses- 
sors of evil charms when gathered under certain 
circumstances. ‘Thus, Shakespeare speaks of 
“root of hemlock digg’d i’ the dark,” and “slips 
of yew sliver’d in the moon’s eclipse,” as being 
cast into the bubbling pot. 
The Fox Glove is “Witches’ Bell,” and is used 
by them to decorate their fingers. They employ 
the large Ragwort as a steed for their midnight 
journeys. In Ireland it is known as “Fairies’ 
Horse.” It is said that witches use Fern seed to 
make themselves invisible. In Germany they 
employ the Luck Flower for the same purpose. 
The Sea Poppy and the Moonwart (Botrych- 
tum Lunaria) are also numbered among the 
witch-plants. To the latter is also given the 
power of opening locks. 
In England, Pimpernel, Herb-Paris and 
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