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These plants, funghi and insect illustrations
are part of my botanical oracle deck

Allium ursinum | Wild garlic

Allium ursinum, commonly known as wild garlic, ramsons, or bear's garlic, is a wild, bulbous perennial plant that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and is known for its distinctive garlic-like aroma and taste. Wild garlic is often found in woodlands and shaded areas and is valued for its culinary and medicinal uses.

Botanical Information:

  • Plant Type: Wild garlic is a bulbous perennial herb with edible leaves and white, star-shaped flowers.

  • Leaves: The leaves are broad, lance-shaped, and bright green. They are often used as a mild garlic substitute in salads, soups, and pesto.

  • Flowers: Wild garlic produces small, white, star-shaped flowers in clusters. These flowers have a delicate, pleasant fragrance.


Medicinal Uses

Wild garlic has been used medicinally for centuries. It is used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory problems, infections, and high blood pressure. The plant contains antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds. Wild garlic is also a good source of vitamins C and A.


Magical Correspondences:

  • Protection: Wild garlic is associated with protection, particularly in European folklore. It was believed to ward off evil spirits and provide protection to those who carried it.

  • Purification: The garlic family, which includes wild garlic, is often linked to purification and cleansing rituals.

  • Renewal: Wild garlic's appearance in the spring symbolizes renewal and the return of life to the forest. It is used in some traditions to celebrate the changing seasons.


Elemental Correspondences

  • Earth: Wild garlic is associated with the element of earth because of its connection to the physical world, protection, and grounding.


Planetary and Astrological Correspondences

  • Moon: Wild garlic is associated with the moon because of its connection to intuition, emotions, and the cycles of nature.

  • Mars: Wild garlic is also associated with Mars because of its connection to courage, strength, and protection.


Associated Deities and Traditions:

  • Thor: Wild garlic is associated with the Norse god Thor, who is the god of thunder, strength, and protection. Thor is often depicted wearing a garland of wild garlic leaves.

  • Green Man: Wild garlic is also associated with the Green Man, a pagan symbol of nature and fertility.

  • Wild garlic is not strongly associated with specific deities in mainstream magical practices. Its use and symbolism are often influenced by local customs and beliefs.

  • In European folklore, wild garlic was believed to protect against vampires and evil spirits, and it was often worn or hung in homes to provide protection.



Uses in Rituals, Spellwork and Magic

Wild garlic is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of magical practices. It can be used to create protective amulets, cleanse and purify spaces, and promote healing. Wild garlic can also be used in divination and to connect with the spirit of the earth.


Examples of Use

  • To create a protective amulet, add wild garlic leaves to a sachet or carry a piece with you.

  • To cleanse and purify a space, burn wild garlic incense.

  • To promote healing, add wild garlic to a bath or make wild garlic tea.

  • To connect with the spirit of the earth, place a piece of wild garlic on your altar.

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