queerasfolkmagic asked: What are your thoughts about instinct v tradition? IE if you instinctively feel a plant or stone would be good in a working, but it goes against the traditional correspondences of that item? Are we disrespecting the inherent gifts and abilities of that plant by using it in a different way? Am I secretly asking this question to avoid getting mired down in the complex and ofter contradictory world of correspondences because it’s a whole lot of work? * * ok, I prob know the answer to the last one

lumberhexual:

ofwoodandbone:

Big topic, but I like how you’re approaching it. 

Personally, I can’t recall a time that my instinct on how to use the plant contradicted the folklore, especially when that folklore has more in-between the lines than in the lines themselves. 

What does in-between the lines mean in these cases? Well, let’s tackle the ‘contradictory’ question and find out.
Take one of my favorites, the common mullein. Folklore tells us that it is heavily linked to witches, in one way or another. Some folklore tells of the ways others have protected themselves from witchcraft with mullein, even some legend citing Ulysses using it to protect himself against Circe. Some legend cites that it can drive off wicked spirits. However, some folklore says that it is a favorite of witches. Some folklore says they carried candles made of mullein to their sabbaths. It’s been cited as having been used in necromantic rites and rituals involving spirit conjuration. Agrippa adds it to an incense to help spirits manifest before the magician.
 
So what do we do with all of that? Yes it gives to opposite uses, but does that mean it’s contradictory? No. It tells us that greater mullein is a plant that has a large amount of control over spirits, especially spirits of a darker inclination, and the same is to be said for the magic that stems from them. Whether that control be used to drive them off, summon them, or force them to appear, it exists within the plant. Where does that control come from? Perhaps it’s the fiery associations or its associations with light. Light and fire can, of course, bring vision and sight, attract things to their domain, but they can burn away and force things to flee. Only further research, in both experience and text, will confirm such things.

Mullein is not the only plant with opposite uses and virtues being listed. Many have them. Use that appearing contradiction to read between the lines. 

Now, onto instinct. I’m a big proponent of using instinct, BUT I’m also a big proponent of checking your instincts to make sure they’re in tip top shape. What that means is having good working relationships with the spirits in plants, doing research into folklore, and when you get an idea that is purely instinctual, check to see if it matches some aspect of existing folklore on the plant. It may not explicitly say ‘the smell of mint is pleasing to spirits and using it will attract and soothe them’, but the message may be there in the form of a story.

Before I knew anything about any written folklore or uses for mint, I was using it in funerary rites to appease uneasy spirits. I followed my instinct and found that it followed past knowledge. 

A more recent example is in peaches. I began testing love charms made from peach pits, found great success, but didn’t originally know that this was an old mountain folk charm. Again, I followed my instinct. 

So yes, I think you do need to follow your instinct and follow the direction the plant gives you, but I also think you need to verify the veracity of such an experience with previous written texts on the subject. 

As for found correspondence lists that simply give single words for plants, toss them. Even if they have truth to them, they’re going to only bring you more work to do later, and maybe hurt when it doesn’t list the differences between each plant. 

Make your own lists, forged with both instinct and research. Use your experiences too and how you’ve worked with the plant in the past. Don’t make single word correspondences. Make a guidebook that makes sense to your craft, your bioregion, and your folklore. 

Thanks @ofwoodandbone for another thoughtful, informative and honest answer. I particularly like the part about chucking out correspondence lists. I’ve always had a bit of an allergic reaction to them - partially because they feel a bit made up. Without context, it’s hard to tell how credible something is. But @ofwoodandbone’s point about how more information about where and when things appear in folklore - even if contradictory - can actually give insight into the mechanics of a plant. Cite your sources, people! Also, while I was secretly hoping they’d say ‘trust you wonderful instincts, you gifted and unique rainbow’ I’m glad the answer is do your research. Hit the books, get outside, and expiriment. Do hard thinking. That’s exactly what I needed to hear.