⚠️ CONTENT ADVISORY: This episode includes a discussion of historical werewolf trials involving allegations of violence against children, murder, and cannibalism. Listener discretion is advised. Last week, we followed the wolf through folklore, symbolism, and the world of Practical Magic. This week, we’re staying on the wolf trail—but turning our attention to one of the most infamous plants ever to bear its name: wolfsbane. Also known as aconite and monkshood, this beautiful purple flower has spent centuries straddling the line between medicine and poison, protection and danger, history and myth. But how did a plant once associated with poisoning actual wolves become so inseparable from witches, werewolves, shapeshifting, and the supernatural? We’re digging into the very real science behind one of the world’s most toxic plants, its long and deadly history, ancient mythology, witchcraft and magical correspondences, the modern Poison Path, lycanthropy lore, and the many ways books, movies, television, and horror have transformed wolfsbane into the ultimate supernatural plot device. AND... remember that little sidequest into the Werewolf Witch Trials we stumbled upon last week? Well, apparently we weren't finished with THAT rabbit hole! 🐺 This week, we're digging even deeper into the chilling history of people accused of transforming into wolves, the witchcraft hysteria surrounding lycanthropy, and the very real consequences of believing that werewolves walked among us. And, of course, we’re returning to the Owens poison garden, where wolfsbane may have a small presence on the page—but in The Rules of Magic, it becomes something far more significant in the story of Vincent Owens, death, transformation, and escape. Plus: Roman poisonings, witches’ flying ointments, Hecate and Cerberus, Shakespeare, The Wolf Man, Harry Potter, a bizarre Maisie Williams/Practical Magic 2 red string, and the question we somehow never stopped to ask: Why the hell is it called WOLFSBANE in the first place? Grab your gardening gloves—actually, maybe don’t touch anything at all—and meet us in the poison garden. 🌿💀 SOCIALS: Link Tree Patreon Instagram Sources DISCLAIMER: The Magnolia Street Podcast intends to discuss the movie, “Practical Magic” in its entirety. This will evidently result in spoilers and it is recommended that you watch and or read the following. Alice Hoffman’s: Practical Magic, Rules of Magic, Magic Lessons, Book of Magic. The Magnolia Street Podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional or medical advice. Do not attempt any of the discussed actions, solutions, or remedies without first consulting a qualified professional. It should be noted that we are not medical professionals and therefore we are not responsible or liable for any injuries or illnesses resulting from the use of any information on our website or in our media. The Magnolia Street Podcast presenters, Kristina Babich and Justina Carubia are passionate fans of Alice Hoffman’s work and the Practical Magic word she has created. There is no copyright infringement intended, all characters and story lines are that of Alice Hoffman. We do not own any of that material as well as any of the move score music shared within the podcast. All intellectual property rights concerning personally written music and or shared art are vested in Magnolia Street Podcast. Copying, distributing and any other use of these materials is not permitted without the written permission from Kristina Babich and Justina Carubia.
