Bistort Meaning and magickal uses
Also called Snakeweed, Snakeroot, Dragonwort, Easter Ledges, Persicaria bistorta, Polygonum bistorta
A twisted root for fertility, psychic sight and driving away unwanted spirits.
- Intentions
- Divination, Protection, New Beginnings
- Element
- Earth
- Planet
- Saturn
- Day
- Saturday
- Moon phase
- New Moon
- Parts used
- Dried root, leaves
How to use it
- Divination incense
Add a pinch of dried, crumbled bistort root to frankincense on a charcoal disc and burn it before tarot, scrying or pendulum work.
- Fertility charm
Carry a piece of bistort root in a small green pouch when you hope for fertility of any kind, from a new baby to a new project taking root.
- Spirit clearing
Sprinkle a little dried bistort across a windowsill or doorway with salt, asking any unwanted spirits to leave and stay away.
Works well with
Substitutes
History and folklore
Bistort means twice twisted, after its S-shaped root, which gave it country names such as snakeweed and dragonwort. In northern England the young leaves were once part of a spring pudding called Easter ledges. Traditional witchcraft herbals list bistort for fertility, psychic powers and for driving off poltergeists and other troublesome spirits.
A twisted root for fertility, psychic sight and driving away unwanted spirits.
- Intentions: Divination, Protection, New Beginnings
- Element: Earth
- Planet: Saturn
- Day: Saturday
- Moon phase: New Moon
- Parts used: Dried root, leaves
Safety: Not for home remedies; do not eat or brew it. Keep away from children and pets, and avoid it entirely if pregnant. When burning, ventilate the room.
How to use it
- Divination incense. Add a pinch of dried, crumbled bistort root to frankincense on a charcoal disc and burn it before tarot, scrying or pendulum work.
- Fertility charm. Carry a piece of bistort root in a small green pouch when you hope for fertility of any kind, from a new baby to a new project taking root.
- Spirit clearing. Sprinkle a little dried bistort across a windowsill or doorway with salt, asking any unwanted spirits to leave and stay away.
Works well with: Purple Candle, Amethyst, Frankincense, Mugwort, New Moon
Folklore
Bistort means twice twisted, after its S-shaped root, which gave it country names such as snakeweed and dragonwort. In northern England the young leaves were once part of a spring pudding called Easter ledges. Traditional witchcraft herbals list bistort for fertility, psychic powers and for driving off poltergeists and other troublesome spirits.
The Witch's Cabinet is a free reference for your practice. Correspondences are traditional associations, not medical advice. Always follow the safety notes, especially with herbs and essential oils around children, pets and during pregnancy.