Candle Mullein Hag Torch Lg

Hag Torches

During the longer nights of Autumn and Winter the ancient old practices come in with a different kind of light. Before beeswax or paraffin, rural folk have a powerful ally, believed to be full of protection through the dark half of the year. Mullein.

Mullein is a striking, tall, 2-year plant with soft, woolly leaves. In autumn, the flowering stalks dry out naturally, standing like stiff wands. In Colorado it is believed that the length of the Mullein stalk will tell us how much snow we will get that year.

After the first frost, traditional gatherers would seek out the dried, standing mullein stalks, which was strong and resinous.

The entire dried stalk, with its remaining leaves and seed heads, would be dipped in tallow fat which was used to make rush lights or other type of wax.

Once dried, the wax covered plant became a long burning, aromatic natural torch. These 'Witches' tapers were used for night time rituals, for protection in a space, or as a boundary marker. Their light is believed especially potent for peering into the twilight realms and honoring the dead as the veil thins.