Sabrina from Wildwood Witchery, born and raised in the enchanting forests of Bavaria, Germany, has been on a lifelong journey of exploring the mystical and the natural world. With a deep connection to the earth and its ancient wisdom, Sabrina’s path has been shaped by her early experiences in the German countryside, where she cultivated a love for plants, folklore, and magic. This passion led her to pursue a master’s degree (M.A.) in European cultural science, with a focus on mythology, folklore, and the traditional use of plants and herbs in European traditions.
Her academic background, combined with years of hands-on experience, has allowed Sabrina to blend scholarly knowledge with practical wisdom, creating a unique approach to spiritual and holistic practices. Over the years, she has honed her skills in tarot reading, herbalism, and energy work, including becoming a certified Usui Reiki practitioner. Sabrina’s deep respect for nature and her understanding of ancient European pagan traditions are evident in her work, which includes crafting jewellery, developing natural skincare products, and teaching others about the spiritual and healing properties of plants.
In 2023, Sabrina made a significant life change by moving to California after marrying her American husband. This move has opened up new opportunities for her to explore and connect with the natural world in a different environment, while still staying rooted in her Bavarian heritage.
Sabrina has graciously agreed to share her insights and experiences with Mystic Realm Blog in this latest blog post. She opens up about her journey with tarot, her work with plant spirits, and how her move to California has influenced her spiritual practice. If you’re a seasoned practitioner or just starting your journey, Sabrina’s wisdom offers a rich knowledge that can inspire and guide you on your own path. So here it Goes…..
Q: Can you tell us more about your journey with tarot? What drew you to it at such a young age, and how has your practice evolved over the years?
Sabrina: Growing up in a small village surrounded by forests in Bavaria, I developed a deep connection with nature, folklore, and magic from a very young age. I spent countless hours exploring the woods, creating potions from dirt and flowers, and imagining myself as a witch. It was a natural progression for me to become fascinated by tarot and fortune cards. I bought my first tarot deck, the Aleister Crowley deck, when I was 12 years old, and I still use that same deck today.
Over the years, my practice has evolved into a deeply intuitive process. I’ve discovered my own technique where the cards seem to “tell” me when to stop shuffling by sticking together. It’s something I can’t fully explain, but it’s been incredibly accurate for over 20 years. A common misconception about tarot is that it’s about predicting the future, but for me, it’s more about tapping into the subconscious, exploring emotions, and understanding the light and shadow within ourselves. That’s what I consider the true essence of tarot.
Q: Your work with plants and herbs is fascinating. How did you get started with plant spirits and devas, and what have you learned from them?
Sabrina: The concept of devas, or plant spirits, is something that intrigued me as I learned about the belief systems of ancient cultures around the world. These cultures understood that plants have spirits or souls, something that modern society has largely forgotten. This realisation sparked my curiosity, leading me to work more closely with plants over the years.
The more I tuned into the natural world, the more the plants began to communicate with me in various ways through dreams, symbols in everyday life, and during meditative practices. Every plant has its own unique spirit, and each one can teach us something valuable. For instance, marijuana, often associated with rebellion and freedom, has a deva that can challenge your views on life, politics, and society. It’s fascinating how a plant spirit can influence an entire movement, like the hippie revolution of the 1960s.
One of the most significant plants in my practice is mugwort. It has a profound ability to reconnect you with yourself and your ancestors, opening pathways to intense dreams and inner exploration. Another important deva for me is the amanita mushroom, which has deep connections with the Norse god Odin. Working with plant spirits has taught me that they are among our greatest teachers, deserving of respect and reverence.
Q: Can you describe the process of creating your potions and beauty products? What role do the essences of flowers and herbs play in them?
Sabrina: Plants, herbs, and flower essences are incredibly powerful when used with knowledge and intention. While herbs work on a physical level, flower essences operate on an energetic, mental, and spiritual level. These essences are holistic remedies that can subtly guide us toward healing and balance. Dr. Bach discovered them in the 1930s and they have been essential to my work.
In my skincare, aura sprays, and hair care products, I combine both plants and flower essences to create items that work on multiple levels physical and energetic. I prefer to grow the herbs and flowers I use or harvest them from the wild because that’s when they are most potent. I also make my products on energetically significant days, like during a full moon, to enhance their potency. Over the years, I’ve developed my own recipes and techniques, and I’m excited to continue expanding my product line.
Q: With your background in European cultural science and folklore, could you share some interesting historical uses and beliefs about certain plants?
Sabrina: One of the most intriguing categories of plants for me is the nightshades. The Belladonna, also known as “beautiful woman,” is particularly fascinating. Historically, it was said that women in the Middle Ages used Belladonna to dilate their pupils, which was considered a beauty trend at the time.
However, I believe there’s a deeper meaning to the name “bella donna.” As I mentioned earlier, each plant has a deva that can teach or even harm us if we’re not careful. Belladonna is a prime example of this. It grows deep in the German forests and is highly toxic, luring you in with a sweet scent that only spreads at night. It’s said that people who have ingested the berries have had visions of a woman waving at them in the forest, a haunting reminder of the plant’s powerful and potentially dangerous spirit. This story illustrates the importance of respecting plants and understanding their true nature.
Q: The German witch trials are a significant part of your studies. What insights can you share about this period and its impact on modern witchcraft?
Sabrina: The German witch trials had a devastating impact on the knowledge and wisdom passed down through generations, particularly regarding plant medicine, healing, and folklore. Unfortunately, much of this wisdom was lost forever as those who practised these ancient arts were persecuted and killed.
A common misconception is that only women who worked with plant medicine were targeted, but in reality, many ordinary people, including men and children, were also victims. The trials often stemmed from personal vendettas or village disputes, making them a dark chapter in history. The loss of so much ancestral knowledge has left a void in modern witchcraft, where we’re only now beginning to reclaim and rediscover what was lost.
Q: How do you celebrate the pagan/wiccan holidays and the wheel of the year? Are there any traditions or rituals that are particularly meaningful to you?
Sabrina: The wheel of the year, with its eight sabbaths, is central to my spiritual practice. Each sabbath is tied to the seasons, nature, folklore, and plant medicine, and they have deepened my appreciation for the cyclical nature of life. Many of these sabbaths have been adapted into modern holidays like Christmas, Halloween, and Easter where the original pagan celebrations were transformed by Christianity.
Each sabbath holds special meaning for me and is celebrated in a unique way, reflecting the changing energies of the seasons. By aligning my practices with these ancient traditions, I feel a stronger connection to the earth and the natural rhythms of life.
Q: Moving from Germany to California must have been a big change. How has this move influenced your practice and connection with nature?
Sabrina: The move from Germany to California was a significant change, and I’m still in the process of finding my connection to this new land. In Germany, I felt deeply connected to the energy of the land and my ancestors, which made the wheel of the year more tangible for me. Here in California, everything feels different, and I haven’t yet established the same connection.
A shaman once told me that it takes time to build a relationship with a new place, so I’m currently learning about California’s history, folklore, native wildflowers, and herbs. It’s a new experience for me, and I’m growing through the process, but it’s challenging to find that same deep connection I had in Germany.
Q: You mentioned that you visit Germany twice a year. How do you balance the influences of both places in your work and spiritual practice?
Sabrina: Visiting Germany twice a year helps me stay grounded and connected to my roots. It’s like a reset for me, bringing me back to my centre and providing a surge of energy and inspiration. I spend time connecting with the native plants, trees, and landscapes, and I often harvest wild herbs for my products.
Many of the plants I gather in Germany are not well-known in California or the U.S., so I try to bring that unique energy and wisdom back with me to share with others. Balancing the influences of both places in my work is an ongoing process, but returning to Germany helps me maintain that connection to my heritage.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to explore tarot, herbalism, or paganism?
Sabrina: If you feel called to these paths, dive in wholeheartedly. Listen to your intuition, work with the plants that resonate with you, and spend time in nature to see what unfolds. There’s a lot of misinformation online, especially on platforms like TikTok, so I recommend finding books that genuinely interest you to guide your learning. However, the most profound lessons will come from your own experiences.
For example, with tarot, the cards are designed to evoke feelings and meanings that are personal to you. While you can look up traditional interpretations, the real magic happens when you discover your own meanings through practice. My advice is to follow what feels right for you and not to get caught up in trends or what’s “cool.” Find your own way and let the journey unfold naturally.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience or story from your work with plants, tarot, or the spiritual realm?
Sabrina: One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had was working with the amanita mushroom. I felt a strong presence of Odin, who seemed to communicate with me, reminding me that he is present in everything around me, the tree outside my house, my dog, even in California. This experience was a powerful reminder that I can connect with the divine energy wherever I am, even if I’m still finding my footing in a new place.
Q: What are your future plans for Wildwood Witchery? Are there any new products, projects, or ideas you’re excited about?
Sabrina: I recently opened my shop after spending the last five years deepening my knowledge and refining my products. It felt like the right time to launch, even though I had initially planned to open earlier. Life has a way of guiding you where you need to be, and I’m excited to continue creating and offering new products.
I plan to update my shop regularly with seasonal items and am especially excited about launching a holistic, natural, organic skincare line in the coming weeks. It’s a project that’s been in the works for a while, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.
Q: How can our readers connect with you and learn more about your work?
Sabrina: The best way to connect with me is through Instagram at @wildwood_witchery or via my website, www.wildwood-witchery.com. I’m always sharing updates, insights, and new products there, so feel free to reach out!
Round Up
I want to extend a Huge thank you to Sabrina from Wildwood Witchery for sharing her profound knowledge and personal journey with us. Her insights into tarot, plant spirits, and ancient European traditions have been nothing short of enlightening. Whether you’re new to these practices or have been on a similar path for years, Sabrina’s wisdom offers valuable perspectives that can deepen your connection to nature and spirituality.
As you continue exploring your own mystical journey, we encourage you to stay connected with Sabrina. Her work is a beautiful blend of ancient wisdom and modern practices, and she regularly shares new products, insights, and inspiration. Make sure to follow her on Instagram and visit her website to stay updated on her latest offerings and to immerse yourself further into the world of Wildwood Witchery.
