Wolfsbane Meaning and magickal uses
Also called Aconite, Monkshood, Aconitum, Queen of Poisons, Acon
A deadly, hooded blue flower of Hecate and protection, worked with symbolically.
- Intentions
- Protection, Banishing
- Element
- Water
- Planet
- Saturn
- Day
- Saturday
- Moon phase
- New Moon
- Parts used
- None for handling; work with images, names or a substitute
How to use it
- Name it, do not touch it
Write the word wolfsbane on a slip of paper or draw its hooded flowers. Fold it into a protection pouch with rue or rosemary, and you carry its meaning without any risk.
- Hecate devotion
On a new moon, place a picture of monkshood on your altar for Hecate with a black candle and a key. Ask for protection on your path and leave a safe offering, such as bread.
- Grow it with care
If it already grows in your garden, honor it from a distance. Fence it from children and pets, wear gloves for any garden work near it, and never cut it for the house.
Works well with
History and folklore
In Greek myth aconite sprang from the foam of Cerberus, the three-headed hound Heracles dragged up from the underworld, which tied it to Hecate, goddess of crossroads and witchcraft. Hunters once used it to poison wolves and arrow tips, giving it the name wolfsbane, and later stories linked it to werewolves. Its hooded flowers earned it the name monkshood. Because it is so dangerous, modern witches honor it mainly through image, word and story.
A deadly, hooded blue flower of Hecate and protection, worked with symbolically.
- Intentions: Protection, Banishing
- Element: Water
- Planet: Saturn
- Day: Saturday
- Moon phase: New Moon
- Parts used: None for handling; work with images, names or a substitute
Safety: Wolfsbane is one of the most poisonous plants in the garden. Every part is highly toxic, and its poison can be absorbed through the skin and small cuts, so never handle it bare-handed; wear gloves for any contact and wash your hands well afterward. Never eat, drink, burn or make oil from it. Keep it away from children, cats, dogs and horses. If anyone touches it and feels tingling or numbness, or swallows any part, get emergency help right away. Most witches work with it only symbolically or use a substitute.
How to use it
- Name it, do not touch it. Write the word wolfsbane on a slip of paper or draw its hooded flowers. Fold it into a protection pouch with rue or rosemary, and you carry its meaning without any risk.
- Hecate devotion. On a new moon, place a picture of monkshood on your altar for Hecate with a black candle and a key. Ask for protection on your path and leave a safe offering, such as bread.
- Grow it with care. If it already grows in your garden, honor it from a distance. Fence it from children and pets, wear gloves for any garden work near it, and never cut it for the house.
Works well with: Black Candle, New Moon, Samhain, Black Tourmaline, Saturn
Folklore
In Greek myth aconite sprang from the foam of Cerberus, the three-headed hound Heracles dragged up from the underworld, which tied it to Hecate, goddess of crossroads and witchcraft. Hunters once used it to poison wolves and arrow tips, giving it the name wolfsbane, and later stories linked it to werewolves. Its hooded flowers earned it the name monkshood. Because it is so dangerous, modern witches honor it mainly through image, word and story.
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.