Mandrake - Mandragora officinarum - is a real root/herb that exists in the world which got its name due to its resemblance to a squashy, stout twisty lil’ man.
For centuries it has been seen and used as a magical charm or talisman used for healing, renewal, protection, and amplifying the strength of magical workings.
Most folks first learn of Mandrake from the world of Harry Potter - but they are actually an old, wise and potent ally in herbal magic and to those magical at heart.
In traditional folklore when a Mandrake root is pulled from the soil, the story goes that it will SCREEAAM and wail - with one story being that whomever plucked one would die upon hearing its piercing shriek.
BUT - that is the more twisted of myths surrounding these beings. One of the original myths about them , and the one I love most and created these charms to embody, is that the herb was sought after by those with aching or grieving hearts.
When one plucks the Mandrake from the ground, yes - they wail; but they wail with you. They grieve with you and for you, and ease that burden by carrying it with you, helping to heal what caused the wound. I love them as talismans to connect with people, heart to heart.
A mix of folklore, creation and the magic of the natural world - the Mandrake will be your dutiful herbal ally.
Other Fun, Twisty Mandrake Lore & Trivia:
When picking a Mandrake, one should have a clear intention, request, or person in their heart so the Mandrake can begin its work at first wail.
It is believed that Mandrake root was one of Circe's main ingredients in her transformation magic. Circe is the daughter of Perse, the sea nymph, and Helios, the sun god, the goddess of witches who appears in the Odyssey and known for turning Odysseus's men into pigs. Also - highly recommend Circe by Madeline Miller. I've read (listened to) it three times and will continue to.
Another bit of folklore combines the story of the Black Dog: a creature depicted in many mythos over centuries across the world, though seem to be most known from the UK and Republic of Ireland. I'll have to do a whole other write up about the Black Dog another time - it has been told as both a nefarious hellhound, and a guardian spirit, so lots to unpack. How it connects to the Mandrake, is that in one story those who sought the root for its magical gains but wanted to avoid dying from its shriek would tie a rope to the Mandrake tops, and the other end to the tail of a dog. When the dog ran, it would pull the Mandrake, perishing at its wail and allowing the human culprit to gather it unscathed. Terrible, I know.
A Mandrake root is seen and used in Guillermo del Toro's "Pan's Labyrinth." Probably my favorite and what I feel is the most true representation of Mandrakes in magic use shown in media.
Mandrakes are seen in the HP books "HP and the Chamber of Secrets," and "HP and the Deathly Hollows." I love the HP world that was created, but don't love who its creator ended up being - womp womp.
Some folks have said that Mandrake is notoriously tricky to grow, but technically could be grown in the US in zones 6 - 8 in rich, well-drained soil where its roots can grow deep in full and/or partial sun.
Mandrake grows naturally throughout regions of the Mediterranean, as well as the Middle East, and Northern Africa.
You can likely find dried and cut Mandrake root in your favorite local Witchy shop, particularly when it is in season.
Mandrake root grows large, beautiful dark green leaves that could almost resemble kale or tobacco leaves, with some types of Mandrake blooming little flowers in the spring, and others in the fall.
Mandrake is in the nightshade family, along with tomatoes and potatoes! But do not ingest it; otherwise you will be the one wailing.
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