Phoebe Hildegard Finch

Lecture & Workshop Host

LECTURE: The Resurrection Plant – A Magico-Medicinal Overview of the “Rose of Jericho”

The Rose of Jericho is an emblematic magical herb with highly unusual properties. Lying somewhere between the plant and animal kingdoms (at least in popular understanding) this ancient desert plant “resurrects” its greenery even after years of total dormancy and has been observed to “travel” over vast distances before springing back to life.

Many are familiar with the magical uses of this classic Hoodoo curio. Others know the Rose of Jericho from its inclusion in a variety of Germanic Christmas traditions and other folk Christian rituals invoking the savior’s resurrection. The long history of its medicinal use, including as a topical agent to restore and extend youth, is less commonly discussed. The findings of contemporary scientific researchers add a fascinating angle to studies of the “Rose”. Recent findings suggest that the Rose of Jericho possesses both anti-aging and neuroprotective properties – fascinating in light of its long cross-cultural association with immortality.

This presentation traces the Rose of Jericho through history, folklore, and folk medicine. The beguiling Resurrection Rose will be examined through the lens of Southern Conjure, within folk Christianity, and in German-American Folk Magics. Both the “true” and the “false” Roses of Jericho will be discussed in this study. Several applications will be offered for present-day practitioners, from the magical, to the cosmetic, to the folk medicinal.

WORKSHOP: Resurrecting the Rose
1.5 HOUR INTENSIVE– space is limited to 15 participants

In this workshop, participants will be invited to “resurrect” their own Rose of Jericho. Presenter and Root Doctor Phoebe Hildegard will then explain some of the plant’s uses within the tradition of Hoodoo & Southern Conjure. The “Roses” will be “trained” to work in the manner passed down by Phoebe’s elders, including Professor Charles Porterfield, and each participant will perform a simple and traditional spell for love, money, or healing.

This traditional Hoodoo “herb” is a form of spikemoss that reproduces through sporulation. Cultivation is challenging, but can be rewarding for those who are dedicated. We will end our workshop by discussing the difficult matter of propagating the Rose of Jericho and participants will leave with handouts and guides to best practices.

This workshop will utilize the “false” Rose of Jericho, Selinagella lepidophylla. Although it is called “false”, this is the classic Conjure curio. All participants will leave the workshop with their own Resurrection Rose which can be incorporated into their magical practice henceforth.

$35 workshop add on fee
$15 materials fee
*Materials fees paid to presenter day of workshop.

BIO: Phoebe Hildegard Finch  is a traditionally trained conjurer, card reader, and writer.
She currently resides in Denton, Texas as apprentice to old-fashioned Conjure Doctor Professor Charles Porterfield. A lifelong herbalist, her work with plants is the loamy heart of her craft, anchoring the arcane in the physical. https://www.phoebehildegard.com

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