Fern Seeds In Celtic Folk-Magic

Fern Seeds in Celtic Folk-Magic

“We have the receipt of fern seed: we walk invisible”

(Shakespeare, Henry IV Part I, Act 2, scene 1)

In Celtic magical and folkloric traditions (among others,) one piece of botanical magic was so widely known that it made casual appearances works like Shakespeare’s Henry IV: the mystical properties of the fabled Fern Seed. Ferns themselves are attributed with a vast array of magical and medicinal capabilities throughout different cultures, such as healing, protection, fertility, and weather magic, but they are, in particular, associated with Faeries and the Faery Realm. However, within the context of Brythonic, Gaelic, and Breton folklore (along with various other cultures across Europe,) there are magical practices specifically associated with Fern Seeds. As put by Thomas Jackson in A Treatise Concerning the Original of Unbelief, 1625:

“It was my happe since I undertook the Ministrie to question an ignorant soule… what he saw or heard when he watch’t the falling of the Ferne-seed at an unseasonable and suspitious houre. Why (quoth he) … doe you think that the devil hath ought to do with that good seed? No: it is in the keeping of the King of Fayries and he, I know, will do me no harm: yet he had utterly forgotten this King’s name until I remembered it unto him out of my reading of Huon of Bordeaux.” (i.e. Alberich/Oberon)

The magical qualities of Fern Seed are recalled even into the modern era, with mainstream representations of the practice recounted as recently as Madison Julius Cawein’s 19th century poem, The Spell:

“St John hath told me what to do

To search and find the ferns that grow

The fern seed that the faeries know;

Then sprinkle fern seed in my shoe,

And haunt the steps of you, my dear,

And haunt the steps of you.”

In other traditions, the seed was said to be capable of disclosing the location of lost things and secreted treasure. This particular belief gave rise to a custom known as “Watching the Fern,” which involved observing ferns (particularly those known as moonworts) on Midsummer Eve in hopes that, if lucky, one would witness the blooming of a rare blue flower that shed seeds which, if properly collected, conferred the collector with the ability to discover lost items and hidden treasures. It was also thought that drinking the sap of these “Blossomed” ferns on Midsummer Eve granted extended longevity or perpetual youth. Elsewhere, they have been used to bring luck, converse with animals, and protect against harmful magic, however, Fern Seeds are probably best known for their purported ability to empart invisibility upon those who obtain them. During the Middle Ages especially, it was widely believed that if one could successfully collect Fern Seeds in the proper manner, they would gain the gift of moving unseen through the world.

The most prominent tradition surrounding the collection and employment of Fern Seeds states that they are shed from their fronds on Midsummer’s Eve at midnight (also venerated as the Eve of the Feast of St. John the Baptist.) It was thought that one could harvest the cryptic fern seeds by stacking twelve pewter plates beneath a fern frond. At midnight, a brilliant blue blossom opened, producing a single golden seed. The seed would then pass through eleven of the pewter plates and come to rest on the twelfth. Aside from this, various other requirements for successful harvesting of the Fern Seed have been observed, such as the need for the seeker to go collecting bare-footed, and in a spiritual state of mind. However, even adhering to any and all of these conditions, the seeker still often found their Fern Seeds stolen by wandering Faeries, who also relied on the magics of the Midsummer Seed. Other myths stated that the flower was bright crimson, and would light up the darkness when it unfurled its petals at midnight. At this point, if the seed wasn’t harvested immediately, the Devil was said to claim the flower for himself.

As attested to by Richard Bovet in his 1684 treatise on demonology, Pandaemonium:

“Much discourse about the gathering of Fern-seed (which is looked upon as a Magical herb) on the night of Midsummer’s Eve, and I remember I was told of one that went to gather it, and the Spirits whistlit by his ears like bullets and sometimes struck his Hat or other parts of his Body. In fine: though that he had gotten a quantity of it, and secured it in papers and a Box besides, when he came home he found it all empty. But probably this appointing of times and hours is the Devil’s institution.”

In many regions, great precautions were taken to protect would-be-collectors with charms and spellcraft as well. An account by English author, Samuel Bamford, describes incanting and rituals meant to accompany all attempts made to gather the Fern Seed, as well as the grim consequences that could befall any seeker who blundered in their supplications, or was judged as unworthy by the Resident Wights. The fern was said to be located in a Faery Clough (Narrow Valley,) and the collectors traveled there armed with multiple items, including a pewter platter, an earthenware dish, and a skull lined with clay and moss, adorned with a tress of the hair of a loved one. Numerous orisons were recited whilst the seed was gently scraped onto the plates through use of a Hazel Rod.

Now, it is worth noting that, while societies of antiquity believed that all plants must reproduce by seeds, Fern’s are actually one of a few extant plant spieces that reproduces through the process of sporulation. This misunderstanding led many people to believe that fern seeds were merely invisible, since the plants still managed to reproduce despite having no visible means of reproduction that lined up with the contemporary botany of the time. However, given that many varieties of fern do produce spores visible to the naked eye, despite their diminutive nature, many people did claim to have seen the elusive “seeds” at one time or another. All of this lent itself then to the belief that, if a person obtained one of these invisible seeds, they too could become invisible. That said, the practice lives on to this day, with those who partake in the tradition of “Watching the Fern,” observing to see if any of these spore should form at midnight on midsummer Eve—bringing with them the magic of the Faeries.

Spell to Strengthen a Romantic Relationship

Supplies

Lavender

Cinnamon

Chili Pepper

Fire-safe jar or cup

Red Taper Candle

Lighter

Representation of your lover

Instructions

Mix the herbs together (in the glass) with your finger in a clockwise motion. Visualize their powers of love and strength.

Light the red candle.

Chant:

“Our love is ever strong

By distance short or long

We made homes in each other’s hearts

Souls tied together from the start” x

Burn the symbol of your lover (over the glass) and visualize all the good times you have together: the kisses, the sex, the laughter, etc.

Add the ashes and herbs to the sachet, and place it near your bed, or wherever you interact most with your lover.

Thank any spirits or Gods that may have helped you in the spell.

Let the candle burn down. When it is finished, the spell is activated.

~H

Ultimate Protection Magic Masterpost, Part 2

PROTECTION FOR OTHERS

Family/Loved Ones Protection Jar

Quick Protection Spell

Full Moon Protection Spell

“I Send You Safety” Spell

Knitting Spell (For Protection)

Ayano’s Theory of Happiness Spell

Ritual To Protect Loved Ones

“This Person Is Under My Protection” Sigil

“This Person Is Safe & Happy” Sigil

“My Significant Other Is Happy & Safe From Harm” Sigil

“My Child Is Safe From All Harm” Sigil

PROTECTION FOR PETS

Pet Protection Spell Jar

Pet Protection Spell Bottle

Pet Protection Spell

Pet Protection Spell

Protective Chant For Dogs

Protective Chant For Cats

Cat Protection Bag

Cat Blessing/Protection Spell

Animal Blessing Spells

Animal Protection Spell

Animal Candle Protection Spell

“Watch Over Me” Pet Protection Guardian

“Always Come Back To Me” Spell

“My Dogs Will Be Safe and Happy” Sigil

Pet Protection Powder

MISCELLANEOUS PROTECTION SPELLS

Protection Against Nightmares

Protection During Sleep

Nightmare Warding Stuffed Animal Spell

Ghost Nebula Protection In Sleep Spell

Protection While Travelling

Jar Spell for Safe Travels

Protection For Travellers Spell

Roadtrip Protection Charm

Empath/Emotional Protection

Calcified Heart Spell

Empath Protection Jar

Other

New Job Protection Pouch

Corvid Safety Spell

Emoji Spell for Protection Against Extreme Weather

Cleansing & Protection from Mind-Altering Spells

POWDERS, SALTS, OILS & WATERS

Dragon’s Bite Powder

Sweeping Powder for Protection & Energy

Dark As Night Protection Powder

Anti-Curse Powder

Archer’s Protection Powder

Protection Powder Recipes

Fire Salts

Black Salt

Empath Protection Oil

Demonwitch’s Hellcat Oil

Flying Devil Oil

Moon-Infused Protection Water

Storm Witch’s Ward Water

War Water

INFORMATION

Circles, Shields & Wards

Casting a Circle for Beginners

Methods of Casting Circles

Personal Shielding

Basic Protection

Keeping Yourself Protected

The Basics of Wards & Warding

A Crash Course In Warding

Top Ward Mistakes I

Top Ward Mistakes II

Threshold Magic 101

Charms

Charms, Amulets & Talismans

The Rowan Cross

Grass Charm

Hag Stones

Moon Snails

Protection Wreaths

Protection Chimes

Elemental Protection Charms

Folklore Charms for Home Protection

Tech Magic

Turning Your Wifi Into Wards

How to Anti-Taglock Pictures of Yourself

Simple Email Protection Spell

Technomagic Ward

Cyber/Tech Protection Ideas

Servitors

A Basic Guide to Servitors

An Introduction to Servitors

How to Create a Protective Servitor

Meditations

Spell and Meditation for Calming, Serenity and Peace Within Self

“Warrior of Light” Guided Meditation (YouTube)

Correspondences

Protection Correspondences

Protection Correspondences

Quick Protection Magic Reference Guide

[part 1]

🧿 herbs and crystals against negative magick 🧿

herbs

acacia: protects against psychic attack

agrimony: useful for returning harmful energy to its original source

basil: warns off negative magick

black thorn: reverses a spell

cayenne: returns negative energy to its source

coffee: neutralizes harmful magick

dragon's blood resin: protection

hyssop: purification and defensive magick

mugwort: protects against astral attack, or psychic attack in dreams

patchouli: returns harmful magick

solomon's seal: protects against negative energy

st. john's wort: purifies and protects against psychic attack

cetivert: use to break a hex or curse

wormwood: use in uncrossing rituals, to remove hexes or curses upon you

yarrow: psychic protection

yucca: prevents attack via sympathetic magick

crystals

amber: protects against psychic attack

amethyst: protects from negative energy

black onyx: protects against harmful magic

fire agate: for protection of the aura

hematite: use for protection of home and property, as well as to fend off psychic attack

malachite: repels hostile magical attacks

obsidian: provides protective energies

quartz: use to protect yourself from hexes or curses

ruby: use to defend against magical attacks related to emotions

selenite: for shielding against negative outside influences

source: https://www.learnreligions.com/magical-self-defense-and-protection-2562358

Witch Tip

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Daily Magick

Today we will be looking at Obsidian

Obsidian Associations

Chakras - Base Chakra

Zodiac - Scorpio, Sagittarius

Element - Earth/Fire

Typical colours - Black, silvery or brown

Meanings - Purification, transformation, fulfillment, metamorphoses, manifestation, practicality, psychic ability

Obsidian is truth-enhancing. A strongly protective stone, it forms a shield against negativity. It blocks psychic attack and absorbs negative energies from the environment. Obsidian draws out mental stress and tension. It stimulates growth on all levels, urging exploration of the unknown and opening new horizons. Brings clarity to the mind and clears confusion. Helps you to know who you truly are. Obsidian dissolves emotional blockages and ancient traumas. Promotes qualities of compassion and strength.

Obsidian aids the digestion and detoxifies. It reduces arthritis pain, joint problems and cramps. Warms the extremities.

Different Types

Black Obsidian. Base Chakra. Black Obsidian is a very powerful and creative stone. It increases self-control. It forces facing up to one’s true self. Releases imbalances and negative energies. Black Obsidian is protective and provides support during change. It repels negativity and disperses unloving thoughts.

Golden Obsidian. Sagittarius. Golden Obsidian, also known as Gold Sheen Obsidian, is a strongly protective stone. It is particularly effective for scrying, and balancing energy fields.

Mahogany Obsidian. Libra. Mahogany Obsidian has a gentle energy, resonating with the earth it grounds and protects. It is a stabilizing stone that strengthens a weak aura.

(Note: This being said, if you are suffering from a condition or are in pain please consult a doctor or mental health professional.)