Monkshood, also known as Aconite, Wolfsbane, and Devil’s Helmet. Poisonous plant associated with Hekate and the underworld. For obvious reasons, not a plant I’ve worked with directly since even skin contact can be toxic.
As a liminal spirit, monkshood represents awareness of danger and being on guard. This is not the friendly guardian who stands vigil in the light, this is the guardian that lurks in the shadows and strikes without warning or remorse.
It is also a reminder that what is poison for one is medicine for another. “The witch who cannot hex cannot heal.” I’m not sure I agree with that entirely, but being able to do one would certainly enhance the other. In this case, I feel it’s something being offered that I can take one way and have it be a benefit, or I can try to force it another direction and end up making it toxic. As always, the power of decision is within myself. Carnality has been top of mind, but whether that’s simply a side-effect of biology or actual cause for concern remains to be seen, but my first guess is that’s the arena I’m working in.
I’ve been concerned since the last blöt about the rune I drew, haglaz. The gothar said this was basically the same message as the Tower, there is chaotic upheaval coming soon. Having a guarding spirit on my side isn’t the worst thing, especially since I don’t know where the problem is coming from. I don’t know if the threat is within or without, if it’s just me or my family, or my community. Instinct says to retreat, to disappear, but that instinct is frequently driven by anxiety, so it’s hard to say if that should be followed now.
(The irony of making this the first post on a new site, talking about hiding and guarding myself.)
