(Aconitum napellus) Also knowne as ‘Wolfsbane’, or ‘Monkshood’, is an herb that has been used by Wytches since time immemorial. It is, as they say, a deadly poison and should be handled with great care. Legend has it that this herb can kill a wolf on its own, and indeed one fifth of one grain can kill a small beast or bird.

Aconite is an herb of Hecate and the herb it is said sprung from the saliva of her familiar, a three-headed dog by the name of Ceberus, when it dropped to the ground. It was the very herb that Hecate used to poison her owne father.

The herb is ruled by Saturn, falls under the sign of Capricorn and is used as a funerary herb, an herb of protection and immortality. When consecrating your Wytch’s blade, this is by Tradition, regardless of where, one of the herbs that is used. Whether you burn the root, the flower or the arial parts over a thurbile, it matters not. The herb is one of the Watchers and helps keep an eye against baneful spirits that would cause trouble as one negotiates the Path of the Mysteries. Aconite has been used in many traditional recipies for flying ointment, but again, great care must be taken with its use, so an Adept, rather than a Novice should handle it. At the very least, an experienced Wytch shoulde always be on hand to oversee its administration.

Medincally, the herb has been used to treat the heart, and nuerological dysfuction, but only the absolute smallest of minute doses is used homeopathically, and should only be undertaken by an herbal adept.

It is custom at the Rites of Death, a cup of this herb’s infusion is given, and later it is planted upon the grave itself.

Resources:
Beyerl, Paul V. “Compendium of Herbal Magick” 1998, Phoenix Publishing, London
Chevallier, Andrew “The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants”, 1996, DK Publishing, New York
and this Wytch’s own considerable notes on the subject.