Bolline and Belladonna?

[Unique]

Can anyone tell me about the use of the bolline and where I can puchase one...I hvae started gathering my tools and I came across this in my studies.

Also... can anyone tell me anything about belladonna and it's purposes?

Bright Blessings!

[Amethyst Rose]

A boline is a sicle (quarter moon) shapped knife that is used to harvest herbs. It really isn't necessary unless you're going to be growing your own herbs for magickal purposes. They are kinda neat, though, I'll give you that. :)

Belladona, also known as deadly nightshade (I believe), is just that -- DEADLY. This is a very dangerous herb that has been traditionally used by shamans and witches to produce out of body expereinces (flying, shapeshifting, meeting spirit helpers,etc.).
Taken in the wrong proportions this herb is highly toxic and could result in death -- whether it is ingested or inhaled when burned.
I would suggest that you stay away from it until you have done A LOT of study and know EXACTLY what you're doing.

[bluecat]

A Boline is also considered a white handled blade used by some in ritual when somethng actually has to be cut, such as an herb or something. It is set apart from the Athame which many feel should never be used to actually "cut" anything.




Belladonna ( Atropa belladonna): Local name: Deadly Nightshade.


WARNING!! POISON! DEADLY BERRIES!
Once upon a time, fashionable Italian women used the juice of the berries to dilate their pupils. (Said to make them "more beautiful" -- probably made them run into furnature!) At any rate, to do so you are putting yourself at risk for glaucoma. The dried leaves and roots are sometimes used by QUALIFIED Homeopaths as an antispasmodic and sedative painkiller. Atropine, which is found in the dried roots and leaves, is extracted for use in ophthalmology. (Other potent alkaloids are: hyoscyamine, belladonnine and scopalmine.) These alkaloids affect the parasympathetic nervous system. The dried leaves and root are NARCOTIC.
Magickal usage: It is said that the root was added to "flying ointments".

from Ashlynn's Grove Herbal Database (http://paganism.com/ag/herbs/disc.html)



and




belladonna [beludon'u]
Pronunciation Key

belladonna or deadly nightshade,poisonous perennial plant, Atropa belladona, of the nightshade family. Native to Europe and now grown in the United States, the plant has reddish, bell-shaped flowers and shiny black berries. Extracts of its leaves and fleshy roots act to dilate the pupils of the eye and were once used cosmetically by women to achieve this effect. (The name belladonna is from the Italian meaning “beautiful lady.”) The plant extract contains the alkaloids atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. Belladonna has also been used since ancient times as a poison and as a sedative; in medieval Europe large doses were used by witchcraft and devil-worship cults to produce hallucinogenic effects. Other species of the potato family such as henbane (Hyoscyamus niger), mandrake (Mandragora officinarum), and Jimson weed (Datura stramonium) also contain one or more of the alkaloids present in belladona. The active substances act physiologically to depress the parasympathetic nervous system. Belladonna is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Solanales, family Solanaceae.

Fact Monster (http://kids.infoplease.lycos.com/ce6/sci/A0806871.html)



There are also other sources.

This is dangerous stuff. I take it in sublingual pill form for migraines and other reasons, but don't even think of taking it unless you see a doctor first.

Blue :cool:

[reanna]

I was given a wonderful tip by a friend of mine on the Bolline.

An inexpensive bolline is simply a linoleum(sp?) knife.
Found in hardware stores for under $5.

I bought one and painted the handle white.

I don't use it at all however to date. So, you probably really don't even need to worry about getting one for awhile or at all if you choose not to.
After all, like so many wonderful people have said on this board...."It is the intent, not the tool" :):):):)
I tend to agree. :):):)

[rantnraven]

A paring knife works well, too. However, the Athame, while thought by some, to never be used for cutting, can be used in certain rituals - According to my beliefs. However, my last Athame had been discarded because it cut me. It should never taste blood.

Rant