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Wytchery: A Gothic Cabinet of Curiosities and Mysteries

Wytchery: A Gothic Cabinet of Curiosities and Mysteries

A collection of gothic horror stories, urban legends, ghosts, haunted houses & other curiosities

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Dittany of Crete in the Witch’s Garden, June 10

Dittany of Crete in the Witch’s Garden, June 10

Dittany of Crete grows only on steep, rocky mountainsides and gorges on the island of Crete, in the Aegean sea. It’s a symbol of love, thought to be an aphrodisiac as well. Only the bravest, or those most foolhardy in love dare to collect it.

Locally those who go to the effort to find it are known as erondades, which translates roughly to “a seeker of love.” Throughout history, countless erondades have died trying to gather it for the one they love. Today it’s most often used for pharmaceuticals and those who gather for sale are well aware of the dangers of their profession. It’s also used as a perfume, and for flavorings, including absinthe. 

I planted my specimen in a rock garden, where it is beginning to spread nicely. It’s hard to grow a lot of European witch garden plants in the hot, humid midwest. This transplant from Crete seems to feel right at home. 

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June 10, 2020 By Todd Atteberry Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Journal, What's blooming in the Witch's Garden?

About the author and artist

The haunted, macabre, the downright peculiar ….the curiously gothic world of Todd Atteberry

 

Gothic horror stories, haunted travelogues, a healthy dose of witchcraft, paganism, stone circles and ancient trackways.

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A look at witch’s garden plants, ideas, resources, moon gardens, folklore, herbalism and life with the witch’s gardener.

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