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Book Blurb
Who bends a knee where violets grow
a hundred secret things shall know.
...... .....
What Is Garden Witchery?
For some folks, garden witchery conjures up images of lush, enchanted gardens where
butterflies dance and children play.Wind chimes sing in the breeze and fountains trickle and
splash. In this magickal place, the witch who lives there strolls about under sunny skies or
dappled moonlight, gathering plants for her spellwork and for their fragrance. Fantasy? No.
All of those things are possible in a city, suburban, or rural yard.
The gardens described for you in the introduction are real. I was describing my gardens.
Suburban magickal gardens are a reality. You can do it. All it takes is hard work, determination,
and time. Lets add two more very important magickal ingredients to this mixture: you
and your imagination.
Use yours for a moment to visit me in my magickal gardens. Just come as you are. Let
me assure you that I do not waft around the yard in ritual wear. Nor do I expect you to. How
will you find me? I can usually be found working in the gardens, toting around a five-gallon
bucket full of gardening supplies. I am typically crawling around on my hands and knees,
attired in sturdy clothes and sunglasses. Its more than likely Ill either be planting, weeding,
or dead-heading the gardens. Im probably grubby and having a great time.
Sorry for the lack of mystique. There is no big drama here. I am a very down-to-earth
type of witch. I have often been accused by my friends of being a cross between Martha Stewart
and Samantha Stevens. You know, I can live with that.
Come onaround back and sit with me under the shade of one of the old maples in the
backyard. Lets plop down in the grass and chat. I suppose you have lots of questions . . . that
I
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great big chartreuse plant? Thats a Sum and Substance hosta. Yeah, he is a monster. You like
the silver gazing globe? Thanks, my kids gave it to me for Mothers Day last year. That fragrance?
Ah . . . what does it smell like to you? Sort of an orange-floral? It could be the monarda,
or is that scent youre noticing a captivating combination of soil, sunscreen, and bug
spray? Why, that would be me.
So, youre here because you want to learn about magickal gardening? I have plenty to tell
and to teach you. But first, Id like you to look me in the eyes. Our eyes meet and hold. I smile
and let out a contented sigh, and we both begin to laugh. Now let me see your hands, dont
mind any garden soil that is still on mine . . .
I grasp your hands and turn over your palms to give them a steely eyed stare. No, Im not
looking for a green thumb. Im looking to see if you have an open and loving heart, determination,
and strong hands. Thats what it takes to be a garden witch. The heart, I am sure, is
just fine. As for the hands . . . trust me. If you are seriously determined to get into gardening,
you will have those strong, capable hands soon enough.
A garden witch is not unlike a kitchen witch in that they both practice
a hearth and home type of magick. However, dont let that fool you into
complacency! A kitchen witch or garden witch on their home turf is
an awesome magickal force indeed. Stay with me here, we are still
talking about an advanced magickal system. Nothing winds me
up faster than those who would sneer down at the homebased,
family-oriented type of witches.
Practicing a down-to-earth, practical style of witchcraft
is both enjoyable and fulfilling. There is nothing wrong
with raising your family and quietly living the natural
magicians life. How do you imagine the wisewomen of
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old lived? Its a pretty safe bet that they practiced alone and discreetly. (In the old days, it was
safer that way.)
The solitary path is one that many modern witches find themselves walking today, some
by choice, others by chance. It can be discouraging working by yourself without the benefit of
a coven for support and advice. It can also be illuminating to go it alone. Use this time to
expand your knowledge and understanding of the earths magicks. Go ahead, get out there in
the yard and plant some herbs. Stir up a little herbal magick in the kitchen, its fun! You dont
have to have an entourage along to expand your skills. You simply need yourself. Often the
most important and powerful magick performed by a witch is done privately.
Some magickal folks hear the words kitchen witch and their brains just shut down. Oh,
they might give you a patronizing smile and a pat on the head. Then theyll inform you how
theyve come a long way from their days of kitchen magick. Dont let them intimidate you.
Growing your own magickal plants and herbs and using them properly becomes a complex
part of a major magickal working. It is true that working advanced magick requires more
time, study, and effort on your part. That time and effort you put out to elevate your skills is
well spent. It separates the novice from the adept practitioner.
Magickal herbalism in itself is considered to be a major magick. Major magicks are
defined as those that require a higher level of knowledge and expertise. It may take months
before your plants are ready to harvest. Magickal herbs have their own energies and correspondences
to be considered as well. It requires discipline, patience, and competence to use
plant energies effectively. Think about it.
So many witches are in a rush to learn a new spell or a new technique that they often
overlook the obvious. Its not about the spells, its about the magick. Your magick. Each
person is drawn to a specialty in magick, or a favorite type of magick, if you willsomething
that just clicks for them. For some of us, its herbs and gardening.
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If you had to assemble herbs for a healing spell and you wanted a lot of magickal oomph,
what do you think would be most likely to deliver it? Some dried...(Continues)
Author Biography: Ellen Dugan, the "Garden Witch", is a psychic-clairvoyant and a practicing Witch for twenty years. Ellen is a Master Gardener and teaches classes on flower folklore and gardening at a community college. She is a regular contributor to Llewellyn's Almanacs, datebooks, and calendars, and is the author of the following Llewellyn books;
Garden Witchery: Magick from the Ground Up,
Elements of Witchcraft; Natural Magick for Teens
7 Days of Magic: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for the Bewitching Week
Cottage Witchery: Natural Magick for Hearth and Home
Autumn Equinox: The Enchantment of Mabon
Future titles from Ellen include "The Enchanted Cat" (March 2006) and "Herb Magic for Beginners" (May 2006) and "Natural Witchery" (2007). When she's not keeping up with her family (two of the kids are in college now and one is still in high school), Ellen likes to unwind by working in her perennial gardens at home with her husband.
Ellen wholeheartedly encourages folks to personalize their spellcraft: to go outside and connect with the spiritual side of nature and get their hands dirty and discover the wonder and magick of natural world that surrounds them.
