Be a Local Witch: Working with Witch Grass

This next series of articles will focus on the use of local plants in witchcraft. Local plants are a combination of native plants, i.e. plants that originate from that area, and naturalized plants, i.e. plants that have been introduced from elsewhere but have established themselves as a part of the environment. Using local plants for your magick offers a lot of benefits, enhancing your magickal practice and effectively taking it to greater depths than are readily visible and that you may not fully believe are possible. Plus, working with local plants is a cost effective alternative to purchasing exotic plants that you have no idea how they were grown or harvested, and if their harvest negatively impacted their environment.

Working with local plants serves to better harmonize yourself with the local energies and spirits where you live. This is a highly suggested practice if you have intentions of working with the genus loci -localized spirits of place that are attached to the land- and is a great preliminary step in learning about Them.

Each article will focus on one plant that is native to or naturalized within North America. As such, many of these plants can be found in Europe, especially within the United Kingdom. Many of the plants discussed are considered pests and weeds, plants that many people aggressively try to rid their yards of. Some may be wholly unknown to you, others familiar. But, each is an opportunity to broaden your knowledge and practice, becoming a stronger and more resourceful witch. Each of these plants is an often unappreciated and overlooked lovely that can offer powerful results -should you take the time to know them.

Regardless of where you live, there is a wide variety of plants that are waiting for you to find them, to teach you their secrets, and to become your ally. My own practice of witchcraft is highlighted by the use of local plants. Every ingredient comes to me from the wilds, be it a barefoot hike through the forest, a hike through the mountains, or a walk down urban streets. Plants present themselves, often unexpectedly, that are perfect for the spell work that I need to do at that time. This is something that you can easily have as part of your practice, too, the wonder of such this series of articles hopes to impart.

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