🪻 WITCH CHALLENGE - Powerful Plants

I’m so excited to share this information with you guys. I am using AI to help me plant my herb garden. I purchased my herbs on Amazon.


So I had to Measure my planters to figure out where I was gonna put everything! I was unsure too if my herb garden was gonna be OK to plant everything right now and what I had to do was go to ChatGPT Which is AI and they have a AI called Planty. I took pictures of all of my herbs and then I found out that there’s this wonderful thing that you can use called Almanac garden :potted_plant: planner and you get a seven day free trial. It’s pretty cool because once you have your measurements, you can allow yourself to use the Technology and it will measure everything out for you and let you know if it’s a good place for you to put things if it has enough sunlight soil, water, etc.
Almanac Planner
I’m really excited this is gonna be Witchy garden with 36 herbs!! :potted_plant: I really love AI because it gives me a plan on how I’m gonna do everything step-by-step!!
[Herb guide ](O https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/731.pdf)
Witchy herb templates




So excited I’m gonna start terminating my seeds right now. I actually feel like I have a plan and this is just so wonderful! I am gonna be so happy. I’m already happy. I just am baffled right now.
@Amethyst
I love my earl grey too! Jasmine has a really great smell too! I think I was on a Jasmine kick last year now I’m not quite sure what my kick is, but I think it’s just taking pictures of plants and trying to draw them!

Ow yeah I think I’ve heard that before, but you know my memory isn’t that great, but I should write it down in the book of shadows! So I know you could use it with incense too. I mean it’s a very great one to have in your apothecary.Good job on your practice trail and error is important!!


Had to show you what I’m working with!! lol :laughing: It’s a kind of small space
@amanda6 thank u !!
Millie seems to like it too she’s rolling in the sun right know! She went to the vet yesterday and got her shots and I just can’t believe that they put a thermometer of her butt. I was so hurt that they put that in her butt.But that’s the way they do it and my dog caught it up the butt too that was just so weird but they have to do it to check the temperature!! :face_with_thermometer:

Jeannie

14 Likes

Challenge Entry

Part 1
Spring herb bundle

I’ve been planning this one for a while. In all honesty I’m not thrilled with how it turned out, so I’ll probably repeat later this month.

I collected spring flowers around our home, I actually aimed for 3 of each as a symbolic number. I collected non-native and native ethically:

Daffodils for renewal and joy
Hyacinth also for rebirth and lightheartedness, removing negative energy
Oregon grape for protection and grounding
Fawn lilies for peace and healing
Periwinkles for love and protection
Stinging nettles for stronger protection

I hung them to partially dry for a week:


Honestly I felt the most magical effect over this time. But I decided to go ahead with the bundle for our front door. I wove them together and tied them to hang on the front door.

I’ll see how it feels over the next few days.

Part 2
Angelica - I acquired a new plant! It’s in its 2nd year so it should flower this year!

It is interesting that I was drawn to this plant and later I found out that it help balance the heart chakra which I have been feeling for sometime now that I need.

Some key points:

-protection
-banishment of negativity
-luck
-not to be used during pregnancy
-fresh root is poisonous but dried root seems to be the most commonly used part although all parts are used
When it has flowered I’ll try this spell:

https://www.crystalvaults.com/wprm_print/banishing-spell#

12 Likes

WrenEve,
Thank you for all of your wisdom! Such a beautiful plant :seedling: I can’t believe it takes so long to finally flower!
I’m writing all my herbs down so I can raise my vibrations! I can see your beautiful creation is helping you raise your consciousness and give you a pulse that will help you as above so below!


I’ll be writing this down thank you :blush:
Jeannie

13 Likes

:exclamation: This is the last day to join the challenge :exclamation:

A flowery thank you to everyone who has tended their space by sharing their plant magick, wisdom, crafting, and more so far. Scrolling through the posts is like a stroll through a virtual coven garden :bouquet: :blush:

This is your heads up that the challenge is approaching its end. It will close to entries tomorrow: Tuesday, April 8 at 7:00 AM ET (Eastern US Time)


If you haven’t already shared an entry with the coven but would like to join in, this is your friendly reminder that you still have time left to do so.

Blessed Be! :hyacinth: :sparkles:

10 Likes

I was obsessed with Star Trek: The Next Generation when I was young and tried it thanks to Captain Picard. Loved it ever since! LOL!

Maybe I got a bad box of tea? Mine smelled more like green tea than jasmine. I’ll have to get a different one.

Love your plans for your plants! You are way more organized than I could ever be!

11 Likes

It’s beautiful! I’ll have to collect the seeds this fall, I’m not sure if it will self-seed in my area.

Well done on your garden planning! I cannot wait to see how it progresses, your herb garden is going to be amazing!

11 Likes

@Amethyst

I’m sipping on my earl grey and I do think it smells like green tea :teacup_without_handle: you’re pretty good with that scene !

Which ones did you collect? That’s pretty cool! I love to collect things that would be a great thing for me to do too

Thank you I don’t think I would’ve been able to do it without AI! But I am really glad it worked out it boosted my confidence
![image|300x300](upload://sVrHlfg3fzgxiuHyUZGoaruL66I.jpeg :infinite_roots:
Jeannie

11 Likes

Millie is adorable and thank you for sharing Its looks amazing and the AI is great my youngest son is really enjoying AI I’m always amazing at all it can do

10 Likes

I can’t wait for my herbs to get growing. I just took delivery of a dehydrator from Amazon, so now I will be able to dry the herbs and prepare them for use in either recipes or spells :slight_smile:

9 Likes

I’ve been using it more lately with rune studies. It is pretty handy and gives me a different view of how to look at things. Here is a quote from an AI’s longer story about algiz (:algiz:).

ā€œFor defense is not always a sword. Protection is not always a wall. Grounding is not stillness, but connection. And strength is not loud—it is lasting.ā€

11 Likes

Challenge Entry
I have been growing some flowers st my old place from the seeds that I collected last fall. I will post them wjen i go check on them tomorrow. Most of them are cosmos…

I used plant allies in a freezing spell that I did to help bring some sweetness and protection to my situation with my ex. It has been challenging with them for weeks. We are sharing our dog, Remy and i really would love to get along so that maybe we can be friends.

I went to my local witch shop to get some witches fingers candles to do a cord cutting ritual to help with the situation and they suggested i do freezing spell.

I used rose thorns for protection
Rose buds for love, protection and sweetness. Lavender for protection and to calm down the situation. And salt.

Then i wrote all the hurtful things they have said on seperate pieces of paper. Then i put this ans some sea salt into a ball jar. I wrapped the jar in black cloth and used a twist tie to cover the jar. I stated that i was binding them from doing harm to me. And seeing that they were bound. And then I stuck the jar into the back of my freezer.
I went over to my ex’s house an hour later to pick up Temy and we had a kind, loving conversation and it felt easy. I recommend this spell if you need help calming down a firey situation!

10 Likes

CHALLENGE ENTRY

This is the first challenge entry i have submitted for a while. I have not been around as much as I would have liked recently due to many things happening in my everyday life and due to a bit of a dip in my mental health. I am still here though, reading away but perhaps not posting just as much as I would like.

To keep me focused, i have been doing a course on Herbalism in Medical Astrology. It has been fascinating to read about the astrological links to the body snd the influence of the planets on the body but also different plants are ruled by different planets. This is done based on the plants appearance, habitat and how its effects on the body tie in with the planetary effects. Below, I have included information about a plant for each of the traditional planets (traditional medical and herbal astrology does not refer to Uranus, Neptune and Pluto).

The Sun

In medical astrology, plants influenced by the Sun are those that grow best in the sunlight, such as south facing areas, fields, open meadows and anywhere aware from shade. They can also grow in cooler, damper climates such as the UK! Sun plants are linked to the fire element and often have orange, yellow and red flowers, as well as an attractive scent. Sun influenced plants are often shaped like the sun too; they have ray like petals that form a circle. They tend to be medium sized, strong and robust. They often are aromatic, pungent or spicy to taste and they warm the body because they stimulate the cardiovascular system.

Rosemary
Scientifically known as Rosmarinus officinalis, Rosemary acts an an antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogue, circulatory stimulant, decongestant, digestive, emmenagogue, febrifuge and rubefacient. Its active constituents are volatile oils, flavonoids, bitters, tannins, resin and phenolic acids.

Rosemary is a circulatory stimulant and sends blood to all extremities. It sends blood to the brain, making it good for easing brain fog and poor concentration. It also helps to prevent or ease cold hands and feet, chilblains and poor general circulation. It is also a good headache and migraine remedy. Rosemary can be calming, so can be useful for low mood, tension and anxiety.

Rosemary is effective for indigestion, poor digestion, wind, bloating and digestive system infections. As a bitter, it acts on the liver and primes the digestive tract. Use this to focus on the liver for poor fat digestion, hangovers or elimination issues. It is effective for respiratory infections, inflammation and congestion. Rosemary tea is effective for sore throats and tonsillitis. Inflamed joints can also be addressed with Rosemary, especially when used externally as an essential oil. This also gives a warming effect. It also supports the immune system during common infections.

Rosemary is a warming herb but it’s dispersing nature allows it to disperse excess Fire and Water. It also calms irritated air. It is ruled by Aries and can dispel melancholy and phlegm. Rosemary should be taken as 1-2ml of 1:5 tincture up to three times a day. 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of oil should be used for an infusion. It is best avoided at therapeutic, prolonged doses during pregnancy.

The Moon

Plants that grew in damp, boggy areas or near rivers or bodies of water were linked to the Moon because of its association with the water element. Because of their damp habitats fungi, seaweed, pilewort and mallows fall under the Moon’s influence. Plants with watery, juicy or succulent structures like their stems, leaves or fruits, were linked to the Moon. These include cleavers, cucumber, chickweed,wild lettuce, melon, purslane and aloe Vera. Plants with leaf or petals that reflect the Moon’s curves or those with delicate flowers or leaves were also assigned to the Moon. White or sliver colours in plants were also a means of linking them to the Moon.

Marshmallow
Scientifically known as Althea officinalis, Marshmallow’s active constituents are mucilage, flavonoids, tannins and coumarins. The roots, flowers and stems are used as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antitussive, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, galactagogue, immunostimulant and vulnerary.

When marshmallow is swallowed, the mucilage coats the mucus membranes and provide a soothing actions on inflammation and irritation in the digestive system, mouth, throat and stomach. It can also sooth inflammation in the respiratory and urinary systems.

It is often used (mainly the root) for sore throats, dry coughs, heartburn, IBS, constipation and urinary infections. On skin, the mucilages can easy hot, dry and itchy issues such as bites, stings and eczema. Powdering the root is useful as a poultice for boils and splinters. This is also a useful plant for infections when heat and dryness affects the mucus membranes.

Marshmallow has an effect on the fire and water elements in the body. Therefore, it can be used theraputically to increase water or decrease fire. Therefore, it is important to consider long term use as it could eliminate deficient fire or flood excess water.

Use 1-4ml of a 1:5 tincture three times a day. 2-4g of dried root or aerial parts per.cup of water can make an infusion that can be used up to 3 times daily. It is safe to use marshmallow but it may have a slight laxative effect. It is perhaps best to take it at a different time from prescribed medicines as the mucilage may reduce the absorbsion of the drugs.

Mercury

Medical astrologers often assigned plants with a hollow stem to Mercury. This is because they saw it as representing the caduceus, which was Hermes’ staff (Hermes is the Greek version of Mercury). Mercury plants are often multicoloured and like sandy soil. Because of the planet’s neutrality, Mercury plants tend to take on the characteristics of the habitat in which they are growing. Plants with folds in their leaves or petals are linked to Mercury because they are seen as representing the folds in the digestive system and larnyx, as well as the folded surface of the brain. Many Mercury plants have delicate, feathery leaves and petals.

Lavender
Scientifically known as Lavendula angustifolia, its active constituents are volatile oils, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins and antioxidants. The flowers are used as an analgesic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, nervine, nerve tonic, sedative and vulnerary.

Lavender is well known for its relaxing and calming effects. It can be used against insomnia, tension, anxiety and depression, while also soothing and toning the nervous system. Lavender can also relax and clear the mind. This plant is also analgesic and can be used for headaches, migraines, nerve pain, period pain and musculoskeletal aches and pains.

Lavender is highly aromatic and can ease spasms and gas in the digestive tract. It is useful for digestive issues that arise from stress, tension and anxiety so can be considered for use against IBS and nervous digestion. It can also be useful for relieving nausea and vomiting but at a low dose due to the strong aromatic flavour.

Lavender is an effective expectorant and can ease a productive, spasmodic cough. As a hot infusion, it is a useful decongestant for the ears and sinuses. Higher doses are better tolerated in these cases due to hampered senses of taste and smell.

Lavender has skin healing and soothing properties. It can reduce heat and itching and can help with abrasions and cuts, sunburn, minor burns and injuries the management of skin issues such as eczema or psoriasis.

Overall, lavender was traditionally considered drying and cooling or slightly warming. It is firm example of a Mercury herb because of its affinity to the respiratory, digestive and nervous systems.

Use 1-3ml of a 1:5 tincture three times a day. 1 tsp of dried herb per cup of water can be taken as an infusion up to 3 times daily. This is a safe herb but some find it stimulating rather than relaxing.

Venus

Venus plants are often attractive. They are tall and slender with curvaceous outlines. They are also very bright and colourful or may have soft, pastel colours. These flowers may have large, showoff petals or delicate, thin and fragile ones. The leaves are pale green and often fern or feather like. Venus plants are aromatic, often sweet or perfumed. They also produce sweet tasting fruits. Blue, purple and white are common colours on a Venus plant. These plants often grow in lush, green surroundings such as meadows, farmland and the waterside slopes.

Sweet Violet
Scientifically known as Rosa canina, its active constituents are saponins, alkaloids, volatile oils, flavonoids, salicylates, phenolic glycosides and mucilage. The flowers and leaves are used as an alternative, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, febrifuge, laxative, nutritive and vulnerary.

As an alternative, sweet violet can manage hot, inflammed, toxic skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, boils and carbuncles. It can be used externally for these. This herb can release emotional tension and can be used for stress, anxiety, anger, insomnia and an overactive mind. This can also help with tension headaches and stress migraines.

This herb is also a moistening expectorant for dry coughs but can also be used for chesty coughs like bronchitis. As an anti-inflammatory, it can soothe sore throats, tonsilitis and plueracy. It can also help with gout and arthritis. This is a good herb for a child’s cough remedy, especially if it is lymphatic. Sweet Violet can also reduce fever. The actions of this plant also make it useful for soothing irritation of the urinary system caused by gravel or infection. It can also soothes an irritated or infected digestive system.

Overall, sweet violet was traditionally a cooling and moistening herb that reduces choleric heat. It was traditionally used to reduce internal and external heat.

Use 1-2ml of a 1:5 tincture three times a day. 1-2 tsp of dried herb per cup of water can be taken as an infusion up to 3 times daily. This is a safe herb but does have laxative effects that should be considered.

Mars

Mars plants have a fiesty nature; they are sharp, pointy, rough, serrated, thorny, prickly, stinging or irritant. This is very reflective of the war, battles and weapons that Mars oversees. Some Mars plants can grow in hot, dry, less hospitable places, while others are dominant and invasive in their growth, like an army on a battlefield. We also see Mars plants growing in cooler places, seemingly defying the planet’s warm energy. Mars plants can be challenging to the taste buds and many are bitter. Some are also known to make the tongue tingle. It will come as no surprise that many Mars plants are red, while purple is also common. Red symbolises blood, purple is stagnated blood. Red is also seen as a reflection of fever. Many of these plants do infact affect the circulatory system or fever mechanism in some way.

Ginger
Scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, its active constituents are volatile oils and pungent principles. The rhizome is used as an analgesic, antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, carminative, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant and immunostimulant.

Ginger is known for its effects on the digestive system and for alleviating or reducing nausea. It is used during digestive infections, travel sickness, morning sickness, post operative sickness and vomiting linked to chemotherapy. Ginger has a warming effect and can have an anti-inflammatory and carmative effect on the digestive system. It relaxes gut spasms, which is useful for diarrhoea. Ginger works well for the respiratory system. It’s warming nature can loosen chest mucus while the expectorant action helps to get rid of it.

Ginger also helps a cough thanks to its antispasmodic nature. In a hot infusion, the diaphoretic nature of ginger can help at the start of respiratory infections, where it can also ease the associated aches and chills. The gentle warming of ginger promotes better circulation and warmth throughout the body. It soothes painful periods, brings on absent periods and can help with a range of musculoskeletal sprains and strains, rheumatism and arthritis. Overall, Ginger is a heating and drying plant so is strongly linked to Mars.

Use 2-4ml of a 1:5 tincture three times a day. 2 tsp of fresh grated ginger or 1 tsp of dried ginger per cup of water can be taken as an infusion up to 3 times daily. High doses can be overheating or overstimulating. Do not take when peptic ulcers are present and speak to the doctor if taking anticoagulant medications.

Jupiter

Jupiter plants are often tall and eyecatching with large leaves and have thick fleshy parts. Many are also oil producers. They grow in wide, open spaces in an upwards and outwards manner. The seeds may disperse upwards and outwards too, such as with the dandelion. Jupiter plants often have an attractive orange or yellow flower, a pleasant aroma or a nice taste. The scent comes from the volatile oils that moves up and out in the air, reflecting Jupiter’s expansiveness.

Lemon Balm
Scientifically known as Melissa officinalis, its active constituents are volatile oils, flavonoids, tannins and polyphenols. The aerial parts are used as an antidepressant, antihistamine, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antispasmodic, carmative, decomgestant, digestive, diaphoretic, hepatic, nervine and sedative.

Lemon Balm is uplifting, but also calming and relaxing in times of stress and anxiety. It can clear brain fog and improve concentration and memory. It is useful for headaches and insomnia as a result of tension or stress. Lemon Balm also is also important for the immune system as it can fight bacterial, fungal and viral infections. It can also reduce allergic reactions such as hay fever.

In the digestive system, lemon Balm can ease pain and spasms, as well as reactions to food. Lemon balm gently supports the liver, supporting bile production and therefore improving digestion. It can ease palpitations and high blood pressure that arise from stress and anxiety. It even helps with menstrual cramps and irregular periods. Lemon balm is also sometimes used as a complimentary treatment for an overactive thyroid.

Use 2-6ml of a 1:5 tincture three times a day. 2-3tsp of dried herb per cup of water can make an infusion that can be used up to 3 times daily. Discuss the use of this herb with the doctor if taking thyroid medication.

Saturn

Saturn plants have prominent joints, angular features, tallness, slenderness and are structurally rigid. Saturn plants tend to have something unconventional; this may be distinctive leaves, a whorl or ring pattern of flowers or leaves. Some have an acrid armoa but most have very little scent. White, red and black are common colours on Saturn plants. Saturn plants are drying, and so is their habitat. In the body, Saturn brings boundaries and the containment of fluid and this is reflected in the plants habitat and theraputic actions; these plants grow in places where water meets dry, stony, rocky ground. They also balance fluid in the body and rid the body of gravel and solids in the urinary tract.

Horsetail
Scientifically known as Equisetum arvense, its active constituents are tannins, saponins, minerals (silica, magnesium, potassium and manganese), alkaloids, sterols, flavonoids and sterols. The aerial parts are used as an alternative, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antilithic, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, nutritive, styptic, tonic and vulnerary.

As a styptic and astringent, horsetail can be used internally snd externally to reduce bleeding, most notably in the urinary tract. The tannins can astringe the mucus membranes of the digestive tract, helping with diarrhoea and piles.

The minerals within make horsetail a useful nutritive, especially for Saturn ruled body parts. An infusion is useful in strengthening arthritic or rheumatic joints, improve the elasticity of connective tissue and to nourish skin, hair and nails. The diuretic effect is useful against UTIs and is a traditional remedy against bed wetting.

Use 2-4ml of a 1:1 fluid extract or 4-6ml of a 1:5 tincture three times a day. 2tsp of dried herb per cup of water can make an infusion that can be used up to 3 times daily. It should not be used long term. It should be used for short term issues lasting less than a month. Longer use would require a supplement of vitamin B1 as the herb breaks down B1. This herb should not be used for oedema.

As always, herbal remedies should be discussed with your doctor, especially if taking other medications.

Blessed Be

Alan

10 Likes

This challenge is now CLOSED :exclamation:

Beautiful work to the botantists, gardeners, plant enthusiasts, green witches, and all who shared their magick and wisdom with the coven. I really enjoyed seeing and hearing about your plant magick! :bouquet: :blush:


A Props and Presents post will soon appear with shout-outs and prize details for everyone who submitted an entry. Please keep an eye on the main page of the forums.

Note : To avoid confusion, this discussion will be locked until the Props and Presents post appears. At that time, this thread will reopen for discussion for a few more days- comments are welcome during this time, but please note that no additional prizes will be given.

Thanks again for joining in the challenge :partying_face:

Blessed be :hyacinth: :sparkles:

5 Likes

The challenge deadline has passed- badges are being sent out now :trophy:

This topic is reopening for continued discussion and comments (feel free to respond to entries that were shared, chat about the challenge theme, etc!)

The Props and Presents award post for this challenge is now live in the forum and badges have been sent to all entrants! :trophy:

→ Award Post for the Plant Magick Challenge

Thank you once again to all those who joined the challenge! :star2: I hope you enjoy your new badge :medal_military:

While no additional badges will be given out now that the challenge has officially closed, this thread has been reopened for discussion- feel free to comment on the theme, ask questions or reply to entries.

7 Likes

You can fit a lot in a small space. Can’t wait to see it when you are done planting.

7 Likes

I can NOT believe that I missed this challenge! It has been a crazy month at work for me. I have loved reading all of your posts and entries, though. Definitely going to have to add this to my list when we do the catch-up challenges! I’m obsessed with plants and gardens! I know it’s too late, but I want to share what’s new with my plants!

I just got a new dwarf peach tree. Didn’t even know there was such a thing! It has beautiful burgundy leaves year round, and in the spring super bright pink flowers!

I also have bought some seeds to grow my witch garden: henbane, poppy, nightshade, lavender, hemlock, basil, thyme, sage, water lilies and ranunculus. I already have a bunch of things like pothos, begonia, monsteras, money tree, bamboo, syngonium, hoya, snake plant, etc. I feel like I’m missing some seeds. Also, just to alleviate any fears, we do not have pets or children and we live kind of secluded, so no worries with some of those ā€˜fun’ plants!

The reason for my garden and indoor plants is for my soul. It calms me. Also, the witches garden is so that I can start harvesting my own plants for spellwork and candle making. I might also use some of them for teas.

8 Likes

Hi Amanda You’re right I’m actually trying to look for a new job right now and I think AI is gonna be able to help so I am very grateful for AI!
@dan3

You’re right defense is not always a sword, but a smile or just being sweet! You’re right protection is not always a wall standing up for yourself. Can be one. It’s a very good quote. Thank you
for sharing your wisdom.!
@veronica
I know I can’t wait for the Medicinal properties of the plants and the healing that can take place while I garden. Being outside in nature can be so healing and not leave that I’m giving back so and it’s gonna be a learning process so I really look forward to this process and can’t wait. The rosemary and the lavender that I had was bought at the store so it’s a lot different when you actually grow it yourself!
Hell yeah!! :+1:
Jeannie

8 Likes

I wish you wonderful luck finding the perfect job Im also looking

7 Likes