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lailoken

My partner, who is getting a Master’s Degree in Ecology, wrote this small article on the use of Lichen within the context of the occult arts and I felt compelled to share it here, which I do now with his permission.

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“I wish to here put forward a few notes on the roles that lichen can fulfil within a magical context, though I write this with much trepidation. Many lichen are becoming increasingly threatened and endangered, and as such, I solemnly ask you to use the utmost discretion if you do harvest any of these lovely beings. I also encourage any interested to read the magnificent essay by Robin Wall-Kimmerer ‘Umbilicaria: Belly Button of the Earth.’

To start, let me speak of the biopoetry of lichen. We have here, not an organism, but an ecosystem. Or possibly an alliance—a marriage—a society. Maybe even a hostage situation. Lichens are the result of the symbiosis of a fungus and an algae, cyano-bacteria, or both—these organisms contain multitudes. Some have argued that they act in accord; the fungus protects the algae from the sun and dry conditions, and in return, the algae provides photosynthesized energy that the fungus cannot create on its own. Others argue that the fungus has captured the algae and enslaves, or farms, it. However it is that the scientific ‘poem’ tells the tale of these organisms, it is safe to say that they are multidimensional and able to survive in ways that neither would be, left to their own devices.

Ethnolichenology is a small field, and the known use of lichens by humans is fairly limited, though, they do serve certain anthropological purposes. The compounds that lichen provide us are created in their symbiosis, and are often found only in the conditions provided by their union, so it makes sense that they would be sought out in specific circumstances. Primarily, lichens have been utilized in the perfume industry, in the creation of dyes, and in the field of medicine. However, along with these uses, almost nothing has been written about their place in the scheme of magic. Accordingly, what follows is primarily derived from my own exploration, experimentation, and intuition.

Dehydration and Renewal:

Lichen have the unique ability to survive long periods of extreme dehydration. The crustose lichen that can be found growing on desert rocks may only receive water once a year (or even less.). Neither the individual fungus, nor the algae, could survive—much less, thrive— in some of the harsh climates their lichen symbiotes can be found. I encourage you to find a piece of lichen that has fallen from a tree or boulder, let it dry, and then wet it again. Watch as the stalwart lichen absorbs the water and blooms back into its full form; for practitioners, this can become a powerful symbol of renewal and perseverance. I believe that any work which utilizes a Rose of Jericho can use a mass of Lobaria spp. or Peltigera spp. as a worthy substitution. In a spell for the renewing of a relationship, write the names of both individuals upon a dry thallus of lichen and rehydrate each night from the Dark of moon to Full of moon. In a similar vein, for a business that has slowed, pin a lichen above the door and spritze each day at opening.

Wolf Lichen — Poisonous Protector:

A most charismatic species, Letharia spp. and Vulpicida spp., have been used in many cultures for their potent protective poison (vulpinic acid). In both northern Europe and North America, where this species grows, it has been used to ward against predators, hence the common name of Wolf Lichen. Crushed and mixed with meat, it can easily kill a wolf or fox. Using it to coat an arrow can quicken an enemy’s death. But, like all poisons, this has also been used to heal. The coastal peoples of Western North America have used a poultice of L. vulpina for boils and bruises. Furthermore, the bright yellow coloring can be used to craft a vibrant dye.

For the practitioner, if you are lucky enough to find these species (often found in high, exposed places) harvesting a small piece can be used as a potent protective charm. Let me reiterate that you should only harvest a small piece, never taking the entire specimen. The harvested piece can then be tied into a bundle with other protective herbs and hung on the door or about one’s personage. Better yet, the powdered lichen can be mixed with egg yolks, creating a bright yellow paint, and used to inscribe sigils of defense upon relevant items and structures. In short, it serves best against the influence of predatory dangers, such as those who wish to harm you, your home, and/or your property.

Usnea — Purification and Healing

The commonly termed lichen ‘Old Man's Beard’ (Usnea spp.) contains the compound Usnic Acid. This is a powerful antimicrobial and antibacterial chemical, and a poultice formed of these species can aid in the healing of wounds. In Himilayan cultures, the long strands of Usnea logissima are to clean cerimonial utensils, such as wiping out bowls and goblets. Apart from purification, the long threads of Usnea spp. can be used to bind together materials, both practically and ceremonially.

Evernia — Perfume of the Earth

The most economically significant role lichen plays in today's world is as a base-note in some of the finest perfumes. The lichen frequently known as Oakmoss, Evernia prunastri, grows in almost all northern latitudes, and it is from this lichen that the heavy, earthy notes in many french perfumes are derived. In a home-practice, the essential oil (which I beg others to source sustainably) can be used as a base note for basic grounding perfumes. For the promotion of tranquility, one may mix oil of Oakmoss with the oils of Clary Sage, Mugwort, and Lavender, bury the bottle on the evening of a Dark Moon, and allow it to steep in the shadows for one week. Thereafter, it can be used as a scent that imbues the wearer with the peaceful blessings of chthonic darkness.

The dried specimens can be powdered and burned as an incense; a mixture of Cedar leaves, Oakmoss, and Copal is excellent for drawing good spirits to the home. Blend and. Urn Oakmoss, Rose resin, and Myrrh to bring draw blessings of good health.

Pseudoevernia - The Everlasting

Finally, the species of Pseudoevernia (along with myrrh, cassia, and certain spices) was used by the Egyptians to embalm the dead. Similarly, other cultures have used this and other species for tanning leather. In relation to this preservative capacity of the lichen, I have found that these species can be incorporated innorsernto to amplify and prolong the effects of most any magical working.”

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‘Lichenology in the Context of Magic’

by J. S. Williams

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‘Lichenology in the Context of Magic’

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