Am I really going to get a cat’s eye for this spell? You are not alone is asking that question. At one point, we were the person asking that question. It is very alarming, isn’t it? Especially since we love our cats and there is no better relationship than the relationship that a witch has with his or her cat.
And then there’s the dragon’s claw. How in the world would we get a dragon’s claw? So I’ll win over my dragon guardian and then ask for his claw? Won’t I get in trouble for that?
Hey, these questions are normal especially when you are just starting out. And let me tell you, the cat’s eye, dragon’s claw, eye of newt, and what have you are all ANCIENT NAMES for herbs and should not be taken literally! Our ancestors gave special names to herbs and plants, and some kind of names they gave them, right? Well, they used codes to protect their recipes.
Witches really have a wicked sense of humor. This is probably why people thought witches ate babies, for crying out loud! Someone must have overheard them or chanced upon a list of ingredients for their brew, potion, or spell, and the rest is history!
Here’s a list of herbs and their ancient names beside their actual names:
Adders Tongue / Adder’s Tongue Fern
Bear’s Foot / Hellbore
Bird’s Eye / Speedwell
Blood / Elder sap
Blood of a Goose / A Mulberry Tree’s Milk
Bull’s Foot / Coltsfoot
Bull’s Eyes / Marigold
Calf’s Snout / Toadflax
Cat’s Eye / Star Scabious
Cat’s Foot / Snake Root
Cat’s Paw / Ground Ivy
Crow’s Foot / Cranesbill
Donkey’s Eyes / Cowage Plant
Dragon’s Claw / Crawley Root
Dove’s Foot / Wild Geranium
Eye of Newt/ Mustard Seed
Frog’s Foot / Bulbous Buttercup
Fairy Fingers / Foxglove
Hare’s Foot / Clover
Horse Tail / Scouring Rush
Pig’s Snout / Dandelion
Witch’s Brew Mug from The Moonlight Shop
Our ancestors gave as many coded ancient names as there are herbs! So these are just a few of the most alarming ones and there are more out there. Just when you thought the ancient witches did not have a way to express wit. Doesn’t this make you so proud to be a witch? 🙂
