White bryony (Brionia Dioica) is also known as False Mandrake, English Mandrake, Ladie’s Seal, or Devil’s Turnip. In the past, Bryony was falsely sold as mandrake in some areas during the Middle Ages. Its roots, purgative and toxic, which can cause nausea and vomits if ingested, were carved and moulded into human shape by ludicrous merchants, and so it acquired quite an undeserved vulgar reputation.
In the Poison Path, this powerful root ‑said to be a ‘furious martial plan’ by Culpeper- is considered a gift of the Devil for works of Treachery, Mischief, Betrayal, Retaliation and deep works of Transformation. Not without reason, Augustus Cesar was said to wear crowns of bryony to protect himself from lightning.
As stated by D. Schulke in Viridarium Umbris: “A root beloved of the devil (…) it is, and has always been, a Wort of Deceit and Trickery and serves wholly for the work of the Idol of Guising. In this, the horridly carved Roots of White and Black Bryony serve as nucleus from which the power of illusion may be drawn” (p. 396)
These roots were gathered on Wednesday 12th or April 2017, first thing in the morning (before the sun shone high in the sky), in the crossroads of a forest area. Gathering this kind of infernal plants requires the usage of iron tools, a lot of suffering, but also cunning and a bit of blood. Those things were given and offered willingly.
It would be advisable to take them seriously and show them respect when working with them, for they can also be tricky. A good deal of protection and offerings is advised.
Roots available at the Store. They come with information on how to proceed with them, and a plant offering.
