Herb-The Blackberry
Written By Juniper (Specialized writer for this section)
The Blackberry is considered an herb as well as a delightful fruit. The Blackberry (Rubus villosus) is also known as Bly, Bramble, Cloudberry, Dewberry and Thimbleberry.
The Blackberry is a feminine plant whose element is water and falls under the planet Venus. The diety associated with the blackberry is Brigit. It’s magical powers are associated with healing, money and protection.
In historical Europe, the blackberry was once considered to be sacred and was used in the worship of Pagan dieties, especially Brigit. Even today, blackberry pies are often baked on Lughnasadh (August 2) by some Wiccans to celebrate the upcoming harvest.
Magically: A blackberry bush that form a natural arch is considered beneficial in magickal healing. It is said that if you crawl through the arch on a warm sunny day backwards and then forwards three times going as nearly east to west as you can, that this will heal ailments from rheumatism to whooping cough to blackheads. Of course, watch the prickly brambles!!
You may also see blackberry as a common ingredient in wealth and protection spells.
One common spell to heal scalds is: Dip none blackberry leaves in spring water then lay then against the burn while chanting three times to each leaf (yes, that’s 27 times):
“Three ladies came from the east,
One with fire and two with frost.
Out with fire, in with frost.”
This spell is actually an ancient invocation to the Celtic Goddess Brigit, known for her poetry, healing and smithcraft.
Growing and Harvesting: Most blackberries grow well in full sun in an area without high winds. You can grow bushes from seeds planted in the spring, however, blackberries are known to be high in viruses, it is receommended you buy only certified disease free plants from quality nurseries. Usually, the blackberry plant will not flower the first season. Pruning each year will increase your chance for a fruitful season.
Harvest the leaves just prior to the plants flowering. The leaves can be used for herbal teas. The blackberry fruit can be eaten fresh or made into syrups, cordials or wine.
There are no real medical uses for the blackberry, however, some state it is good for the digestive tract. It’s culinary uses are endless.
References: Cunningham, Scott; Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, pg 58-59. Hutchison, Francis, Ed.; Encyclopedia of Herb Gardening, pp. 249.