In the history of witchcraft, herbs and plants exist as allies to the magician, on both material and spiritual levels. Materially, the plants yield medicine, protection, food, crafts, and perfumes. Spiritually, they function as spirit-kin, assistants and advisers to the witch, helping or hindering the work of magic by their nature. By studying charms and spells aimed at conversing with the spirits of the green world, we can come to understand this complex dialogue, and its purpose within the practice of plant magic. 

Join author and occultist Melissa Madara to discuss methods of relating, conversing, and collaborating with plant spirits as the basis for building a green magic practice. Rooted in an animist perspective, this lecture will focus on the spirit work of green witchcraft, exploring methods of contact and congress with the spirits of plants, land, and the non-human world. Students will look at first-hand documents from witches of history, study a litany of spells and charms directed toward plant spirits, and explore perspectives on animist spirituality from a variety of cultures and time periods. We will discuss the merits and benefits of working with plant spirits, present a bestiary of the wild genius, and consider methods for forging relationships with these allies in the context of a witchcraft practice.

MEET MELISSA

Melissa Madara is an occultist, author, and educator, teaching magic and witchcraft from a historical perspective. Their work explores history, animism, plant folklore, and traditional crafts through the lens of witchcraft and esoterica. Melissa is the curator of Moon Cult, an online community of curious witches who learn and practice together. Find Melissa’s interviews in the New York Times, Vice, Teen Vogue, and Refinery 29, or see their published works in Fiddler's Green, Venefica Magazine, or their two books, The Witch’s Feast & The Witch’s Workshop. Follow Melissa at mooncvlt.com or on IG @moon.cultus