Witch Herbs – Dittany of Crete

**Witch Herbs – Dittany of Crete**

Today, we are going to take a look at Dittany of Crete. This plant has long been considered sacred to many goddesses and cultures of the Ancient Mediterranean. Dittany of Crete is used to invoke; Aphrodite (Venus), Artemis, Circe, Diana, Hekate, Hera, and Persephone. Even the mighty Zeus (Jupiter) is associated with Dittany, having gifted the plant to the Island of Crete in honour of being brought up there. Today, there are 2 common types of Dittany, American and Cretan. Known for their similarity to oregano and marjoram, there are important differences, however they share the same properties and characteristics. It is possible to forage for the American version of Dittany, better known to us as Wild Oregano. Of course, growing your own Dittany is always the best option. Reputable retailers of the dried plant can be found online, however, to ensure you are getting true Dittany, look for fuzzy leaves and purple flowers. American Dittany is known by the following names; wild oregano, frost flower, feverwort, mountain dittany. Dittany of Crete (Origanum dictamnus) is referred to as; eronda, diktamo, Cretan Dittany, hop marjoram, wintersweet, and wild marjoram.

Dittany has a long history of lore, and is most known for it’s use in all matters to do with love. It is especially effective in bringing forth loving connections with the dead, and deathwalking. It’s incredible healing powers are legendary, having said to be effective in healing everything from knife wounds, to facilitating birth.

Properties and Correspondences

Latin Name: Origanum dictamnus

Genus: Origanum

Classification: Herb

Spiritual Properties: Soothes mind, body, and spirit. Excellent for healing and for connecting with the Other Worlds. Evoking, merging, and invoking the divine feminine. Sovereignty, agency, and personal power. Brings comfort to the lonely and symbolizes true love.

Physiological Properties: Digestion, reproduction, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, rejecting poisons, drawing out splinters.

Magickal Properties: Abundance, astral travel, beauty, deathwalking, divination, drawing out toxins (harmful people and spirits) healing, journeying, mysticism, passion, protection, spirits, and visions.

Parts used: Leaves and flowers

Planetary Correspondences: Venus, Jupiter

Elemental Correspondences: Water, Air

Archetype: Pandoteira (Giver of All)

World: Middle

Zodiac: Virgo, Taurus, Libra

Colour: Grey, Purple

Stone: Selenite

Animal: Bee

** It is not determined that this botanical is safe for use during pregnancy, or by children. Therefore, caution is recommended, and always speak with your doctor before using Dittany of Crete for it’s physiological properties. Caution is also recommended to those with mint, oregano, and marjoram sensitivities or allergies. **

Plant Dittany by your home’s threshold to ensure abundance and health, to attract good spirits and protect against harm. A dish of dried Dittany is an excellent substitute. It is also excellent as an ingredient in loose incense.

Article by Amie Clark

Sources:

“Entering Hekate’s Garden” by Cyndi Brannen