BURDOCK (Arctium lappa & Arctium minus) Also called: Beggar’s Buttons, Burr, Cocklebur, Sticky‑Willie, Clot‑bur, Gobo (Japan) Essence: A plant of tenacity, purification, grounding, protection, and ancestral strength. Nature: Earthy, stubborn, persistent — a plant that clings, endures, and draws out what is hidden. Folklore & Myth European & British Isles Burdock burrs were believed to catch evil spirits, preventing them from following a person home. Children sometimes wore them on clothing as accidental amulets. In rural English lore, burdock was a witch’s herb of binding — its clinging burrs symbolised spells that “stick” or intentions that cannot be shaken off. In Scottish tradition, burdock was used to protect cattle from faery mischief; burrs were hung in barns to repel “elf‑shot”. Some old charms used burdock root as a ward against envy and ill‑will, especially from neighbours or rivals. Slavic Traditions Burdock was considered a plant of resilience and survival, associated with ancestors who endured hardship. It was used in banishing rituals to remove curses, illness, or lingering negativity. In some regions, burdock leaves were placed on the forehead to “draw out” fevers or bad spirits. East Asian Lore In Japan, burdock (gobo) is a symbol of strength, longevity, and nourishment. It is associated with family lineage, deep roots, and the ability to thrive in adversity. Symbolic Themes Clinging → Binding, attachment, persistence Deep roots → Ancestral memory, grounding, endurance Bitter root → Purification, detoxification, truth‑revealing Magical Associations & Uses Primary Magical Virtues Protection (especially from envy, malice, and spiritual intrusion) Purification & cleansing Grounding & stabilising energy Banishing negativity, illness, or harmful influences Breaking hexes or bindings Strengthening willpower and resilience Shadow work & ancestral healing Magical Uses in Ritual & Spellcraft Protection & Warding Scatter dried burdock around the home to repel harmful energies.

In this generation... How important do you guys think it is to teach our children about natural healing, herbs, tinctures?