05: Roots and Rituals

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In this episode, we delve into the eerie world of garden folklore, where healing herbs and haunted hedgerows blur the lines between magic and myth. You'll hear the tragic true tale of Agnes Sampson, explore the deadly cry of the mandrake root, and wander into the modern urban legend of the Witch Garden on Widdershins Lane. We’ll also uncover ancient traditions such as moon planting, spirit gardens, and poison plots.

 Topics Covered:

• Agnes Sampson and the garden that condemned her
• The Mandrake's Scream: folklore and real history
• Witch’s gardens: belladonna, henbane, and shadowy traditions
• Modern legend: The Witch Garden on Widdershins Lane

Further Reading & Resources:

1. Agnes Sampson – North Berwick Witch Trials
   https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofScotland/The-North-Berwick-Witch-Trials/
2. Mandrake Folklore & Medicinal History
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4658872/
3. The Poison Garden at Alnwick Castle
   https://www.alnwickgarden.com/the-garden/poison-garden/
4. Lunar Gardening Guide (Folkloric Perspective)
   https://www.farmersalmanac.com/gardening-by-the-moon
5. Victorian Floriography and Symbolism of Flowers
   https://www.languageofflowers.com/
6. Witch Gardens in History and Myth
   https://www.learnreligions.com/herbs-of-the-witchs-garden-2562107
7. https://www.historyextra.com/period/stuart/pendle-witches-witch-trials-what-happened/?utm_source=chatgpt.com