At a glance
- Common name
- Deadly Nightshade / Belladonna
- Botanical name
- Atropa belladonna
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Parts mentioned in historical records
- Leaves, root (pharmaceutical processing only)
- Traditional correspondences
- Saturn; Water / Earth
Historical record
Used by Roman poisoners (including Locusta and Empress Livia) and as an arrow poison. Renaissance Italian court ladies used drops to dilate pupils for seductive effect, hence 'bella donna' (beautiful lady).
Folklore and mythology
A central ingredient in medieval 'flying ointments', which induced vivid sensations of levitation and shape-shifting at witches' sabbats. Folklore held that the plant was tended by the Devil himself.
Named for Atropos, the eldest of the three Greek Fates (Moirai), who cuts the thread of human life. Associated with Hecate, goddess of witchcraft, crossroads, and poisonous herbs.
Tradition: Greco-Roman Witchcraft Associated figures: Atropos & Hecate
Named after Atropos (she who cannot be turned), the Fate who snips the mortal cord; dedicated to Hecate, goddess of crossroads, necromancy, and torches.
Blended into witches' flying salves rubbed on pulse points to experience shapeshifting and flight to the Brocken mountain; devil's garden superstition.
Mystical correspondences
Correspondences vary by tradition and source.
Safety first
Historical and spiritual associations do not establish that Deadly Nightshade / Belladonna is safe or effective. Do not use this page as instructions for ingesting, smoking, inhaling, or applying Deadly Nightshade / Belladonna.
This page is lore only. Do not purchase or use Deadly Nightshade / Belladonna.
For current safety information, check a health authority or ask a qualified clinician or pharmacist, especially during pregnancy or lactation, while taking medication, or with an allergy or health condition.