The scientific name for Wolf’s Bane is Aconitum and is also known as Aconite, Monk’s Hood, Leopard's Bane, Devil's Helmet, Thor’s Hat, Dumbledore’s Cap (newer name) or Wolf’s Hat (among many other regional monikers). Wolf’s Bane is a genus of over 250 species of flowering plants native to the Northern Hemisphere in North America, Europe, and Asia belonging to the family Ranunculaceae.
The name aconitum comes from the Greek word ἀκόνιτον, which may derive from the Greek akon for dart or javelin, the tips of which were poisoned with the substance. Historically, Wolf’s Bane has been used as a poison for hunting and warfare. Its toxic alkaloids can cause severe poisoning if ingested or introduced to the blood system.
The connection between Wolf’s Bane, witchcraft and European culture is palpable. Ancient mythology suggested that Hecate, Goddess of Magic and Transitions, invented this spirit for her witchcraft. Alternatively, a story insists that the poison came from the saliva of three-headed Cerberus, from which this plant sprang from the soil.
Perhaps most famously, Wolf’s Bane was said to be used to quell and deter lycanthropic emergencies. As mentioned, arrows and swords were laced with this powerful ”Witch Lady” to effectively protect villages and livestock from wolf attacks. Folklore around Werewolves was also very real for people of this time, so the cultivation of this plant was seen as a necessary protection measure. With this said, the poison from some species is especially toxic and effective against most living things.
Medicinally, Witch Lady Wolf’s Bane is not who you want to see. Rubbing any part of this plant on the skin with any amount of moisture (sweat, water, tears, etc.) can lead to poisoning. Consuming her is a fool’s errand. In some traditional medicine practices, particularly in homeopathy, extremely diluted forms of Wolf’s Bane have been used for potential analgesic benefits, however its use is highly controversial due to its extreme toxicity.
Spiritually, Wolf’s Bane is a sly assassin. Within magical herbalism, protective spirits/herbs are often ascribed to the “masculine” side; however this toxin is a “roundabout” weapon that works in due time. Wolf’s Bane can be added to protection bags with the intention of deterring harmful spirits or supernatural creatures (haints, rougarou, vampires, werewolves, evil witches, etc.). Wolf’s Bane has been said to cure symptoms of lycanthropy or overbearing animalistic tendencies is human beings. Wolf’s Bane actually appeared as a potion in the Harry Potter series to prevent and/or reverse Professor Lupin’s transformation into a werewolf (but also boo J.K. Rowling). An herb of Invisibility, a knowledgeable worker can add the seed (with other cloaking herbs/tools) to remain hidden from spiritual attack and “spy” unseen if need be.
Her deified alignement is Hecate and therefore her planetary association is Saturn, also known as the celestial body of the Witches. She has no agreed upon tarot association, but if one would draw a link to the Death card and the Moon (as I have), that would make sense. A poisonously protective feminine spirit of water, Wolf’s Bane protects from the more aggressive side of supernatural beings with nefarious intent. Instead of the traditionally masculine protectors in rootwork and conjure, the Witch Lady fights destructive fire with poison…dousing the “dark flame” that attempted to attack. Understand this…she is a spirit who does not appreciate being mishandled or invoked by the emotionally unstable, much like Datura but FAR more deadly.