By Katrina Rasbold
Legend says Elecampane (Inula helenium) as named for Helen of Troy and grew in the places where her tears fell. Related to the sunflower, this plant is quite tall, up to sixty inches or so. It has a rigid stem with leaves that are green on the top and white on the bottom. It has vibrant yellow blooms that smell a bit like sweet camphor.
It is sometimes referred to as “elfwort” due to its frequent use in Elven and Fae magic.
Elecampane is used in ritual teas to heighten the senses and increase the energy flow. As always, carefully research any herb you intend to ingest to check for preclusions, usages, and dosages.
Alternatively, ground elecampane can be used in ritual incenses to convey the same attributes, although I recommend including a sweeter component such as Frankincense or Myrrh (or both) to offset the camphor smell, which makes a great undertone but is not usually pleasant as a top note.
Its talent for connecting beyond the veil makes it a great addition to incenses designed to heighten psychic powers. This ability to transcend realms and dimensions also makes it a useful tool for connecting with local land spirits and to communicate with spirits haunting a home to learn what they need to move on or to establish harmonious cohabitation with them. It has a protective quality to it as well that will protect you from connecting with baneful spirits.
Add elecampane to mojo bags or place inside your pillowcase to attract true love and to dream of your future lover.
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Katrina Rasbold is a professional Witch, published author, priestess, and editor of Green Egg Magazine. She and her husband, Eric, are the creators of the CUSP spiritual path and owners of Crossroads Occult. She and Dahlia Rose host the popular livestreamed video broadcast “Crossroads of Cognizance” most Thursday afternoons. You can reach her through www.katrinarasbold.com.