1. Although similar in appearance to a frog, toads, like cats, have been considered a traditional pet of Witches. This was a mixed blessing for Witches during the 14th century. Toads eat bugs, and Witches who had toads and cats around the house didn’t suffer from the bubonic plague or “Black Death” that killed so many Christians (who were busy exterminating both cats and toads). Unfortunately, having toads and cats could be considered a sign of being a Witch and lead to persecution.
2. Code used in spells and recipes by Pagans, ancient doctors, alchemists, etc. going back to the Greek Magical Papyri. It means Toadflax or Sage.
Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Pamela Chen and Samantha Blossom, authors of the new The Mandarin Tree.
As modern Asian American mystics, we love to work with the heavenly creatures, or what you may know as mystical beings in...