A Note on Correspondences and Sources

Lists of what herbs, stones and deities "mean" come from many places: ancient sources, medieval herbals, folklore, 19th-century occultism, and modern practice. They often disagree.

Good habits

• Note where an association comes from. A folk tradition, a herbalist's book, and a personal experience are different kinds of knowledge.
• Cross-check safety separately from symbolism. A plant's magical reputation says nothing about whether it's safe to touch or eat.
• Respect closed or living traditions. Some practices belong to specific cultures. Learn the difference between learning from a tradition and taking from it.
• Trust your own experience. The best correspondence is one that works for you and that you can explain.

Keep a record

Write down what you try and what happens, so your grimoire reflects your own practice.