Fern

From Traditional Witchcraft Wiki Project

The fern is also known as "Devil's Brushes" is England.

The Fern In Magic Folklore

In England, ferns were dried and hung in the house to protect the inhabitants from thunder and lightening. Yet when cut or burnt ferns are said to produce rain. A bunch of fern hung over the collar of a horse was also held to keep the devil away and confuse witches. It was also said that adders would follow those who wore fern upon their person.

"...There is likewise a wonderful enmity between Cane and Fern. So that one destroys the other. Hence it is that a Fern root pounded, does loose and shake out the Darts from a wounded body, that were shot or cast out of Canes..."
The First Book Of Natural Magic, by John Baptista Porta.

The greatest body of lore surrounding the fern concerns the seeds itself (see fern seeds). This seed has certain similarities to the power ascribed to the mistletoe. Indeed, both are said to bloom like fire or gold on Midsummer Eve.