MAGICAL NATURE OF DATURA

Datura, also known as the "Devil's Trumpet," is a plant that has captivated artists for centuries with its striking appearance and its associations with mysticism, dreams, and the subconscious. Its large, trumpet-shaped flowers and its reputation as a powerful hallucinogen have made it a potent symbol in various forms of art.

Its unique shape serves as a rich source of inspiration for creative endeavors.

But what is the power behind this plant?

Maxwell Ashby Armfield 1920, Datura in Bronze (from book: Magick Plants edited by TAASCHEN)

Datura plants are easily recognizable by their large, trumpet-shaped flowers, which can be white, yellow, pink, or purple. These flowers often have a strong, pleasant fragrance and typically bloom in the evening or at night. The plant produces spiky, capsule-like fruit containing numerous seeds. When mature, the fruit splits open to release the seeds.

Datura contains several potent tropane alkaloids. These substances are highly toxic and can cause severe anticholinergic effects, including hallucinations, delirium, and even death if ingested in large quantities.

"The Pomps of the Subsoil" (1947): In this work, Carrington creates a fantastical scene filled with strange, organic forms that could be inspired by the convoluted, trumpet-like shape of Datura flowers. Her exploration of plants as symbols of the unconscious aligns with the themes often associated with Datura.

Datura Lamp by Lørdag & Søndag (src:https://www.mesogoods.com/products/datura-lamp)

In the early English settlement of Jamestown in the New World, an incident in which several men were believed to have accidentally consumed Datura was later documented in The History and Present State of Virginia, written by Robert Beverley in 1705. In some forms of ancient Indian art, especially those related to Tantra, Datura is associated with the god Shiva. The plant is considered sacred and used in rituals.

In Ayurvedic medicine, Datura stramonium is recognized as a valuable remedy for a range of human ailments, including ulcers, wounds, inflammation, rheumatism, gout, sciatica, bruises, swellings, fever, asthma, bronchitis, and toothache. Traditional folk medicine also employs D. stramonium in various therapeutic ways. For instance, the juice of its leaves mixed with warm milk was historically used to expel intestinal worms. When the leaves are mixed with mustard oil, they are beneficial for skin disorders. The juice from the flower petals is used to alleviate ear pain, and the seeds serve as a purgative and are used for coughs, fevers, and asthma. Additionally, the seeds are sometimes smoked for their narcotic effects.

Despite its notorious reputation, the flower of Datura is prized for its captivating fragrance. Its essence is both enchanting and narcotic, offering notes that are simultaneously fresh and intense. However, due to its potent nature, Datura can easily become overwhelming if not carefully balanced, with a scent reminiscent of white flowers tinged with a fruity undertone

"Datura and Pedernal" is one of Georgia O'Keeffe's paintings capturing the landscape around her Ghost Ranch retreat in New Mexico. The painting features Datura, a flower native to the desert regions of the Southwest, and Pedernal, a mesa in the background that is part of the Jemez Mountain range in northern New Mexico. Pedernal is a recurring subject in O'Keeffe's work, often appearing in her depictions of the region's natural beauty.

We advise you to handle this BEAUTY with care! Please don’t eat it—just enjoy its stunning appearance!