Witchery: Celebrating Iconic Witches with Flowers

By
Sarah Bancroft
The Three Witches from Macbeth, by Daniel Gardner (1775)
Snapdragons, used for protection, look like skulls when dried
Nightshade, or belladonna, was thought to be used by witches in medieval Europe and is highly toxic
Circe Invidiosa, by J.W. Waterhouse

As we launch WITCHERY (Oct. 4-31, 2024) a dazzling display of floral mannequins depicting legendary witches from history, folklore and pop culture at Edge, Hudson Yards, NYC, let’s take a look at the fascinating history of flowers and witchcraft. 

Witchcraft has a rich and complex history, deeply intertwined with the natural world. Flowers and botanicals have played a significant role in the practices and symbolism of witches throughout the ages. From ancient times to modern-day America, the use of plants in witchcraft has been both practical and mystical.

ANCIENT ROOTS AND BOTANICAL MAGIC

The use of flowers and botanicals in witchcraft dates back to ancient civilizations. Early witches, often seen as healers or wise women, used plants for their medicinal properties and magical significance.  

In medieval Europe, the knowledge of herbs and flowers was crucial for witches. They used plants like belladonna and mandrake for their potent properties. These botanicals were believed to have the power to heal, protect, and even curse. The infamous “witches’ brew” often included a mix of herbs and flowers, each chosen for its specific magical attributes. For example, snapdragon and hydrangea were used for protection and breaking curses, while lily was useful for putting an end to love spells.

THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS

During the Victorian era, the language of flowers, or floriography, became a popular way to convey messages and emotions. Each flower had a specific meaning, and witches incorporated this symbolism into their spells and rituals. For example, bluebells represented kindness and humility, while gardenias symbolized a secret admirer. This practice allowed witches to communicate their intentions subtly and effectively.

MODERN WITCHCRAFT AND BOTANICALS

Today, the use of flowers and botanicals in witchcraft is as vibrant as ever. Modern witches often cultivate their own gardens, growing plants like lavender for its calming properties and roses for love spells. The practice of “green witchcraft” emphasizes the connection to nature and the use of natural elements in rituals. Flowers are not only used for their magical properties but also for their aesthetic and symbolic value. They can be incorporated into altars, spell jars, and even worn as talismans. The resurgence of interest in herbalism and natural remedies has also brought a renewed focus on the botanical aspects of witchcraft.

FAMOUS AMERICAN WITCHES

The history of witchcraft in the United States is marked by the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. One of the most well-known figures from this period is Tituba, an enslaved woman who was one of the first to be accused of witchcraft. Her confession, likely coerced, fueled the hysteria that led to the execution of 20 people.

Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, is another iconic figure in American witchcraft. Known for her healing abilities and spiritual practices, Laveau used a variety of herbs and botanicals in her rituals. Her legacy continues to influence modern witchcraft and Voodoo practices. She will be depicted en fleurs at Fleurs de Villes WITCHERY, October 4-31 at Edge, Hudson Yards.

In contemporary times, Laurie Cabot, the “Official Witch of Salem,” has become a prominent figure in the witchcraft community. She founded the Cabot Tradition of the Science of Witchcraft and has written extensively on the use of herbs and flowers in magical practices.

As we launch WITCHERY (Oct. 4-31, 2024) a dazzling display of floral mannequins depicting legendary witches from history, folklore and pop culture at Edge, Hudson Yards, NYC, let’s take a look at the fascinating history of flowers and witchcraft. 

Witchcraft has a rich and complex history, deeply intertwined with the natural world. Flowers and botanicals have played a significant role in the practices and symbolism of witches throughout the ages. From ancient times to modern-day America, the use of plants in witchcraft has been both practical and mystical.

ANCIENT ROOTS AND BOTANICAL MAGIC

The use of flowers and botanicals in witchcraft dates back to ancient civilizations. Early witches, often seen as healers or wise women, used plants for their medicinal properties and magical significance.  

In medieval Europe, the knowledge of herbs and flowers was crucial for witches. They used plants like belladonna and mandrake for their potent properties. These botanicals were believed to have the power to heal, protect, and even curse. The infamous “witches’ brew” often included a mix of herbs and flowers, each chosen for its specific magical attributes. For example, snapdragon and hydrangea were used for protection and breaking curses, while lily was useful for putting an end to love spells.

The Three Witches from Macbeth, by Daniel Gardner (1775)
The Three Witches from Macbeth, by Daniel Gardner (1775)
Snapdragons, used for protection, look like skulls when dried
Snapdragons, used for protection, look like skulls when dried
THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS

During the Victorian era, the language of flowers, or floriography, became a popular way to convey messages and emotions. Each flower had a specific meaning, and witches incorporated this symbolism into their spells and rituals. For example, bluebells represented kindness and humility, while gardenias symbolized a secret admirer. This practice allowed witches to communicate their intentions subtly and effectively.

MODERN WITCHCRAFT AND BOTANICALS

Today, the use of flowers and botanicals in witchcraft is as vibrant as ever. Modern witches often cultivate their own gardens, growing plants like lavender for its calming properties and roses for love spells. The practice of “green witchcraft” emphasizes the connection to nature and the use of natural elements in rituals. Flowers are not only used for their magical properties but also for their aesthetic and symbolic value. They can be incorporated into altars, spell jars, and even worn as talismans. The resurgence of interest in herbalism and natural remedies has also brought a renewed focus on the botanical aspects of witchcraft.

FAMOUS AMERICAN WITCHES

The history of witchcraft in the United States is marked by the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. One of the most well-known figures from this period is Tituba, an enslaved woman who was one of the first to be accused of witchcraft. Her confession, likely coerced, fueled the hysteria that led to the execution of 20 people.

Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, is another iconic figure in American witchcraft. Known for her healing abilities and spiritual practices, Laveau used a variety of herbs and botanicals in her rituals. Her legacy continues to influence modern witchcraft and Voodoo practices. She will be depicted en fleurs at Fleurs de Villes WITCHERY, October 4-31 at Edge, Hudson Yards.

In contemporary times, Laurie Cabot, the “Official Witch of Salem,” has become a prominent figure in the witchcraft community. She founded the Cabot Tradition of the Science of Witchcraft and has written extensively on the use of herbs and flowers in magical practices.

Nightshade, or belladonna, was thought to be used by witches in medieval Europe and is highly toxic
Nightshade, or belladonna, was thought to be used by witches in medieval Europe and is highly toxic
Circe Invidiosa, by J.W. Waterhouse
Circe Invidiosa, by J.W. Waterhouse
WITCHES IN LITERATURE AND POP CULTURE

Circe, from Homer’s The Odyssey, is one of the earliest examples of a witch in literature. She uses her powers to transform men into animals.  

Jadis, the White Witch from C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, is the cold, cruel ruler who plunges Narnia into eternal winter. She’s a classic villain who represents the archetype of the icy, heartless witch.

Samantha is the charming and friendly witch from the classic TV show Bewitched (1964–1972). Her attempts to live a normal suburban life while using her magic discreetly made her one of the most iconic witches of 20th-century television.

Originally the villain in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty (1959), Maleficent is an evil fairy with powerful magical abilities. The character was reimagined in live-action movies starring Angelina Jolie, portraying her with more complexity and depth.

Elphaba, the "Wicked Witch of the West," is reimagined as a misunderstood, green-skinned protagonist in Gregory Maguire's Wicked novel and the long-running Broadway musical adaptation. The story explores her rise to becoming the famous witch from The Wizard of Oz.

As one of the central characters in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, Hermione Granger stands out as one of the most beloved witches. She’s smart, resourceful, and loyal, often saving the day with her magical prowess.

Circe Invidiosa, by J.W. Waterhouse
BACK TO JOURNAL