A specially made spagyric tincture of deadly nightshade or Atropa belladonna

30ml

Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna) Alchemical Extract

Prepared by Coby Michael for The Poisoner’s Apothecary 2022

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This information is for educational purposes only.  I am not a doctor, and this information is meant for academic purposes, not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or suggested treatment.  Using this information is done at your own risk and we are not responsible for the use or misuse of this information.

Atropa belladonna

Spagyric tincture-making is a type of alchemical operation, that creates an energetically powerful and spiritually alive end-result. The word spagyric comes from from Ancient Greek σπάω (spáō, “ I draw, pull ”) + ἀγείρω (ageírō, “ I assemble ”) which essentially means to separate a substance into its basic parts and re-combine them, solve et coagula.  By doing this we are enacting fundamental alchemical laws and processes, which transmute the plant substances that we are working with into something different.  We see the maxim, “solve et coagula” on the arms of Eliphas Levi’s Baphomet, illustrating this important concept. 

Spagyric tinctures are effective on both a physical, energetic and ethereal level.  They are known for being more medicinally effective at smaller dosages, and work synergistically because all the parts of the whole are maintained.  Here we are working to create the prima materia, or first matter by concentrating the salt, sulfur and mercury of the plant material.  These concepts represent physical processes and characteristics, but also have a spiritual correlation.  Through the transmutation and exaltation of the formula, the alchemist also transmutes themselves. 

The alcohol or menstruum used to make the tincture, represents mercury, the transmutational force.  The sulfur comes from the volatile oils, alkaloids and other components extracted from the marc (plant material).  The caput mortem (dead head) of the extract is the plant material after it has been extracted, this represents the salt (the fixed quality). 

Deadly Nightshade’s Occult Botany

·        A quintessential witching herb, Atropa belladonna helps us to connect with the archetypal forces and spirits associated with witchcraft

·        Sacred to Hekate, the Devil, the Norns/Fates

·        Antinomianism – breaking societal constructs

·        Connecting with the dark feminine: Lilith, Kali, Morrigan, Valkyries, Hel, the Furies and all “monstrous feminine forms” to reclaim power and to destroy the patriarchy

·        Luciferian gnosis – serpent and tree of knowledge

·        Cutting cords- unhealthy attachments to things/people drawing our energy, including negative behavior patterns, addiction and other psycho-spiritual issues

·        Connecting with the dead

·        Working with Atropa belladonna as a plant spirit familiar for meditation and spellwork

·        Spirit Flight- with its entheogenic properties, and association with the Witches’ Sabbath and use in medieval flying ointments, belladonna is a powerful ally for spirit travel

·        Nightshades are proficient allies for divination, specifically scrying, dream divination and spirit communication

·        They are believed to decalcify and stimulate the pineal gland, activating the third eye for initiatory psychic workings

·        An herb of personal power, belladonna is not submissive and teaches us that we are sovereign

Lemon Balm’s Occult Botany

·        An important herb in alchemy and folk magic, lemon balm has so many magical associations that it can be considered a magical catalyst

·        This is a plant that brings all of the other ingredients of a formula together, enhancing their effectiveness and bringing harmony

·        Lemon Balm is used to make the Ens Mellisa an important and foundational formula of alchemical practice

·        Lemon Balm is a healing herb with many soothing and tonifying properties, it is non-toxic