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ABOUT  PHYTOGNOSIS

ABOUT A NEED

The term "Phytognosis" is a compound word derived created by Daniel A. Schulke from two Greek roots: "phyto," meaning plant or vegetation, and "gnosis," referring to knowledge, particularly that of a spiritual or mystical nature. The combination of these two elements results in a term that encapsulates the concept of acquiring spiritual understanding and insight through direct interaction with and contemplation of plants. In essence, Phytognosis represents the wisdom and enlightenment that can be attained by engaging with the botanical world on a profound, metaphysical level.

Phytognosis was established in 2011 to address the need for high-quality, authentic botanical ingredients. As a practitioner of leechcraft and wortcunning, I frequently encountered difficulties in sourcing genuine materials necessary for my practice. Drawing upon my extensive experience in this field, I am now able to provide the same level of quality to my clients and customers.

 

Phytognosis specializes in the production of handcrafted, artisanal incense, ritual oils, and materia magica that are entirely natural, free from synthetic compounds or artificial fragrance oils. Our products are crafted exclusively from organic or ethically wildcrafted plant materials. The majority of our offerings are created using traditional methods, taking into account astrological timing or adhering to medieval practices. In addition, we offer a diverse selection of rare and unique plant resins, woods, oils, and leaves for use in rituals, meditation, spiritual practices, and personal enjoyment. For novice practitioners, we also provide a range of ready-to-use products to facilitate their introduction to these traditional practices.

ABOUT THE WITCH

Jeremy is a dedicated scholar with a deep-rooted interest in the study of European folk magic, focusing his research on the areas of occult herbalism, traditional medicine, and the rich history of witch-lore and practices originating from the British Isles.

 

His academic background is equally impressive, having earned a Master of Science degree in Microbiology and Immunology and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Pathology. This unique combination of esoteric knowledge and scientific expertise allows Jeremy to approach his studies with a multidisciplinary perspective, bridging the gap between the mystical and the empirical.

Jake Eshelman_Magical Herbalism_15.jpg

I was honored to take part in a photo essay by Jake Eshelman that was published by the World Sensorium. For more about how I work, please click the picture below:

Photo by Jake Eshelman (www.jakeeshelman.com)

OCCULT SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS AND WRITINGS

The Spoken Word:

  • 2025, Witch City Tarot Gathering 2025 - Tarot de Marseille: A Journey into Traditional Tarot Wisdom

  • 2024, Salem Witch Fest, Summer Agora - Sacred Scents: A Hands-On Exploration of Techniques for Crafting Ritual Incense

  • 2024, Viridis Genii Symposium Workshop - From Heaven to Hedgerow: A Phytognostic and Practical Experience with the Blackberry

  • 2024, Viridis Genii Symposium Lecture - Fallen Fruit: The Devil in English Botanical Folklore of the Autumnal Harvests

  • 2023, Witch City Tarot Gathering - Herbs of Revealing: Plant Allies for Divination

  • 2019, Sam Houston State University, Honors College Seminar - Magical Medicine and Mystical Folklore: Applications for Today

  • 2018, Viridis Genii Symposium Workshop - Apotropaic Plant Charms

  • 2018, Viridis Genii Symposium - Key Note Lecture: Magical Medicine for Plague and Pox; Desperate Diseases Require Desperate Therapies

  • 2017, Viridis Genii Symposium - Disease Transference: Plants as scapegoats in folk medicine

The Written Word:

  • Bechelli, J. (2024). ​Fallen Fruit: The Devil in English Folklore of the Autumnal Harvests. In C. Rosarium, M. McCoy, & K. Schwenk (Eds.), Viridis Genii, Cultivating the Green Arte Vol. 4, Series 9 (pp. 125-152).

  • Bechelli, J. (2018). Magical Medicine for Plague and Pox; Desperate Diseases Require Desperate Therapies. In C. Rosarium, M. McCoy, & J. Zahrt (Eds.), Verdant Gnosis, Cultivating the Green Path Vol. 4 (pp. X-X).

  • Bechelli, J. (2017). Disease Transference: Plants as scapegoats in folk medicine. In C. Rosarium, M. McCoy, & J. Zahrt (Eds.), Verdant Gnosis, Cultivating the Green Path Vol. 3 (pp. 75-97).

  • Bechelli, J. (2016). An Aromatic Miscellany: Being a small inheritance of perfuming receipts collected by Jeremy Bechelli PhD. In D. A. Schulke, & W. J. Kiesel (Eds.),  Clavis, Occult Arts, Letters, and Experiences Vol. 4 (pp. 107–108).​

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