Cursed from a Rhos In folklore and mythology, curses have been a topic of fascination for centuries. The idea that someone can bring misfortune upon others through magical means has captured the imagination of storytellers and listeners alike. Among the various types of curses, one that stands out is being cursed from a rhos. Rhos, also known as Elderberry, is a plant that has long been associated with both magical and medicinal properties. In many cultures, it is believed that rhos possesses protective qualities and can ward off evil spirits. However, there is also an ancient belief that a curse can be placed upon someone using the rhos plant.
A little to the east of Amlwch Port, Anglesey there is a similarly named village, called Llaneilian, dedicated to a saint called Eilian (almost an identical name to the saint at Llanelian-yn-Rhos). This church also had a well half a mile away which started off as a healing well, but developed a reputation as a powerful cursing well.
The ritual at this well resembled that at the well near Old Colwyn, Conwy, and involved writing a person s name on a piece of slate before casting the slate into the well. The well is reputed to have first appeared in the 6th century as the answer to the prayers of a thirsty St Elian, and in response the saint prayed that whoever came to the well should have their prayers granted.
However, there is also an ancient belief that a curse can be placed upon someone using the rhos plant. Being cursed from a rhos is said to bring about a series of misfortunes and bad luck to the person targeted. This curse can be invoked through various means, such as ingesting a potion made from rhos berries or having a spell cast upon oneself using rhos leaves and incantations.
curse
Also referred to as a hex, a curse is used in black magic to bring misfortune or even death to the victim. It is a spell that is usually spoken; it may take the form of a simple statement wishing ill on the person, or it may be in the form of an intricate chant or ritual. Since it is negative, it would be done only by a Black Magician and never by a Witch, whose creed does not permit the harming of any person or thing.
As with all magic, the intent is most important. To simply say "I curse you" is seldom effective. There must be absolute hatred to generate sufficient power to make the curse effective. A deathbed curse is supposed to be especially effective since the perpetrator literally puts every last ounce of energy into it.
Many of the witchcraft trials of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries contained evidence that someone believed themselves cursed after the accused was seen to "mutter to herself." At her trial in 1493, Elena Dalok was accused of bringing rain at her command, and it was said, "she has cursed very many who never lived in this world thereafter." Kittredge reports that in 1596, Goody Jones, of Barking, was approached by a neighbor to give her some medicine for the colic. Instead, Goody Jones "fell down upon her knees, and after many curses and evil speeches, prayed that (her neighbor) might never be cured. . . since which time (she) . . . doth lay in great misery, and can find no ease." Francis Moore of Huntingdonshire, England, said in 1646, "if she cursed any cattle, and set her dog upon them, they should presently die." At the same trial Elizabeth Weed of Great Catworth confessed, "whomsoever she cursed and sent her cat unto, they should die shortly after." Historically, there have been "family curses" in which a family has been cursed, perhaps "to the seventh generation."
Old wishing wells are found throughout Britain. Less well known, there are also cursing wells. Such a one is to be found at Llanelian-yn-Rhos, in North Wales,
near Colwyn Bay. At this well, ill-wishers could toss down the well a lead box containing the name of the one they wished harm upon. For a fee, the well keeper would retrieve the box. In similar vein, in Haiti a curse may be placed on a person, for a fee, by a Boko, or black magician. The Boko will then play perpetrator and victim against one another, removing or replacing the curse for the highest bidder.
Although the word hex is most often applied in a negative sense, like "curse,"
positive hexes can be found in the Pennsylvania Dutch form of witchcraft.
(see also Blasting and Poppets)
DAG H DA see GODS
The Witch Book: The Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, Wicca, and Neo-paganism © 2002 Visible Ink Press®. All rights reserved.
Once the curse takes hold, the person may experience a range of negative effects, including financial difficulties, relationship troubles, health problems, and even accidents or untimely deaths. The severity and duration of the curse vary depending on the intent and power of the person who casts it. To break a curse from a rhos, it is often believed that counter-charms and protective rituals involving other herbs and amulets must be performed. These rituals are meant to cleanse and restore the person's energy and ward off any lingering negative forces. While curses from a rhos may seem like mere superstition to some, there are those who claim to have experienced the effects firsthand. Whether the power lies in the plant itself or in the belief and fear surrounding it, the concept of being cursed from a rhos remains a mysterious and intriguing aspect of folklore and magic..
Reviews for "Cursed Blossoms: The Hidden Dangers of Rhos"
1. Sara - 2/5 stars - I was extremely disappointed with "Cursed from a Rhos." The plot was convoluted, and the characters were one-dimensional. The writing style was also quite lackluster, with awkward phrasing and repetitive descriptions. I found it hard to engage with the story, let alone root for any of the characters. Overall, the book fell short of my expectations and I would not recommend it to others.
2. John - 1/5 stars - "Cursed from a Rhos" was a complete waste of my time. The storyline seemed promising, but it quickly became apparent that the author had no idea how to execute it properly. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the dialogue was stilted and unrealistic. I struggled to connect with any of the characters, who lacked depth and development. It felt like a half-hearted attempt at storytelling, and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging read.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Cursed from a Rhos," but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The world-building was inconsistent, with poorly explained magical elements and a lack of attention to detail. The writing was also quite amateurish, filled with grammatical errors and awkward sentence structures. The protagonist was unlikable, making it difficult to invest in their journey. Overall, the book lacked depth and failed to deliver on its potential. I was left feeling unsatisfied and would not recommend it.