17/05/2026
In search of mullein for a workshop project. I need mullein stalks/stems ….. any ideas or anyone have any I can forage ?! Please 🙏 xx
MULLEIN Verbascum thapsus
Mullein is one of those plants that feels like it remembers the old world — torch‑bright, protective, healing, and steeped in witch‑lore.
MULLEIN Verbascum thapsus Names: Hag’s Taper, Torches of the Gods, Velvet Plant, Candlewick Plant, Lungwort (older usage), Shepherd’s Staff, Jupiter’s Staff
Folklore & Myth
Mullein has a long magical history across Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Near East. Its towering golden spike and soft, silvery leaves made it a plant of light, protection, and boundary‑keeping.
European Witch‑Lore
• In Germanic and English folklore, mullein was burned as a witch‑repelling torch, especially on Midsummer’s Eve.
• Conversely, in some witchcraft traditions, mullein was used by witches as a summoning herb, burned to call spirits or ancestors.
• The tall stalk was believed to house guardian spirits who watched over travellers.
Greek & Roman Myth
• Associated with Hecate (torches, crossroads) and Jupiter/Zeus (lightning, authority).
• According to one myth, Ulysses was given mullein by Hermes to protect him from Circe’s enchantments — making it a plant of anti‑sorcery and shapeshifting protection.
Celtic & British Isles
• Mullein torches were burned to banish illness from the home.
• The dried stalk was dipped in tallow to create “witch’s candles,” used for divination or protection.
• A mullein torch burning steadily meant good fortune; sputtering meant ill‑omens.
Folk Magic
• Hung over barn doors to protect livestock from the evil eye.
• Carried by travellers as a road guardian.
• Used in love magic to reveal a false lover or deceit.
Magical Associations
Element: Fire (primary), Air (secondary) Planet: Saturn (protection, banishing), Jupiter (authority, blessing) Deities: Hecate, Hermes, Brigid, Thor, Apollo Chakra: Solar Plexus Season: High Summer, Midsummer Gender: Masculine (in most traditions)
Magical Properties & Virtues
• Protection — wards off harmful spirits, curses, nightmares, and the evil eye.
• Banishing — burned to drive out unwanted energies or entities.
• Courage & Strength — carried as a charm for bravery.
• Light & Illumination — used in spells for clarity, truth, and spiritual guidance.
• Spirit Communication — burned to call ancestors or guides.
• Dreamwork — placed under the pillow for prophetic dreams.
• Boundary Setting — excellent for warding circles or marking sacred space.
Correspondences (Grimoire‑Ready)
• Colour: Gold, yellow, silver
• Tools: Torches, candles, wands, protective amulets
• Intentions: Protection, banishing, courage, clarity, spirit work, healing
• Astrological: Leo (solar fire), Sagittarius (spiritual fire), Capricorn (Saturnian protection)
Properties & Virtues
Energetic Virtues
• Grounding yet brightening — stabilises the aura while strengthening willpower.
• Cleansing — removes stagnant or harmful energies.
• Empowering — boosts confidence and inner fire.
• Guiding — helps one navigate crossroads or difficult decisions.
Symbolic Virtues
• The Torch — illumination, truth, guidance.
• The Staff — authority, protection, leadership.
• The Velvet Leaf — gentleness, comfort, healing.
Healing Properties (Traditional & Folk Herbalism)
(Not medical advice — historical and folkloric use only.)
Respiratory System
Mullein is one of the great traditional lung herbs:
• Eases coughs
• Soothes inflamed lungs
• Helps with bronchitis, asthma, and congestion
• Softens mucus and supports expectoration
Anti‑Inflammatory
• Used for swollen glands, joint pain, and irritated tissues.
Ear Health
• Mullein flower oil is a classic remedy for earaches.
Nervous System
• Calming, grounding, and supportive during grief or emotional heaviness.
Skin
• Leaves used as poultices for wounds, burns, and inflammation.
Magical Uses
• Burn dried leaves as protective incense.
• Use the stalk as a ritual torch (traditional).
• Carry a leaf in a charm bag for courage.
• Place near the bed for nightmare protection.
• Use in banishing spells or to cleanse a space.
• Add to ancestor altars for guidance and communication.
Incense Blend for Mullein
A protective, illuminating blend for banishing, clarity, and spirit guidance.
Mullein Protection & Illumination Incense
• 2 parts dried mullein leaf
• 1 part frankincense (purification, solar fire)
• 1 part juniper berries (banishing, warding)
• ½ part mugwort (spirit sight, dreamwork)
• Pinch of salt or crushed eggshell (boundary protection)
• Optional: a few drops of rosemary or pine resin for added clarity and cleansing
Burn on charcoal during:
• Protection rituals
• Banishing work
• Dream or spirit communication
• Midsummer rites
• Cleansing of the home or altar
Crystal Companion for Mullein
The crystal that best aligns with mullein’s virtues is:
Tiger’s Eye
Because it shares mullein’s themes of:
• Courage
• Protection
• Solar fire
• Clear sight
• Strength of will
Other suitable crystals:
• Citrine (illumination, confidence)
• Black Tourmaline (banishing, grounding)
• Amber (sunlight, ancestral connection)
• Pyrite (shielding, empowerment)
• * 8 ) x 🦊 🌼
