Entheogens for the New Gen-February 2025: Terpene Magick!
Hello friends! I hope everyone is having an easier time in terms of success-Jupiter went direct yesterday. That aside, I have a special topic in store this month. Before we get into the meat and bones, I think I should explain first what exactly terpenes are, what they do, and how they work, on physical, mental and spiritual levels. Without getting too scientific about it, terpenes are what give different cannabis strains their unique flavor, their unique heritage as it’s called in the cannabis business, to then breed new strains. Terpenes work on all levels of existence, and I’m about to give away a huge cannabis witch secret: this is why cannabis is revered world-round as a master healer, a plant of enlightenment, and a sacred medicine. Terpenes are also what constitutes taste in food, drink, and what also gives each ingredient its distinctive smell. Terpenes literally infuse our lives, whether we’re stoners or not. Surely, there must be magickal qualities to these aromatic compounds found in basically everything that grows on our Goddess’ Green Earth. This is what I plan to discuss in the following article; stick with me, use some cannabis if you want to, and let’s get into it!
Terpenes as Scent and Taste Markers
As stated before, terpenes are the building blocks of taste, smell and the overall olfactory experience. Whether we’re eating an orange, an earthy-tasting or smelling food, or something sweet, even burning incense, terpenes are involved. They’re the aromatic compounds that us stoners tend to be pretty picky about, with some of us having preferences or needs for certain terpenes, over others, which tends to indicate strain preferences and the like. To be clear, nearly all of the strains we can get at dispensaries are technically hybrids that tend to lean more towards the active sativa lineage, while others lean more towards the indica lineage. This sounds confusing, but terpenes are at the core of this differentiation. Terpenes define whether a strain is indica or sativa leaning, or a true 50/50 or 60/40 hybrid strain.
So what are the terpenes? What do they taste like? What do they smell like? And how can we work with them in our magickal cannabis practices? Let’s get into that with a few quick graphics that can explain this much better than I ever could:
To break this down even more, I’m going to cover these 5 most common terpenes, as these are in a wide variety of strains, from indica, to sativa and of course, hybrid strains. Below is the list we’ll be working from in this entry:
- Myrcene
- Pinene
- Caryophyllene
- Limonene
- Linalool
Before we move into these 5 terpenes in depth, I want to take some time to explain some of my methodology here. Much of my practice concerning cannabis with witchcraft & spiritual pursuits has been through trial and error, research, and of course a little divine inspiration. The yin/yang, masculine/feminine concept in the occult & magickal community is a recurring theme, and one I’ve imbibed with this practice. Sativa strains are by nature more projective, in that they’re known to be energizing, and more suitable for daytime use; because of this, I will refer to sativa strains as projective/masucline. Indica strains are by nature, more receptive, as they relax the body and mind to receive information and messages from spiritual sources; they are more often used in the evening and night time hours, when the moon is out. Because of this, I will refer to indica strains as receptive/feminine. This is not always a hard and fast rule; hybrid strains are the exception to that rule. Hybrids display attributes of both types of cannabis, and as such, I will refer to them as Divine Adrogyne/Crooked Path in nature. As we’ve discussed, and you can see above, terpenes are at the core of these fascinating differences between cannabis strains. How many other plants have this many different genetic strains/types/species? None that I’m aware of (I admit I am no botanist). The above is the framework of my methodology, and I hope that it’s simple enough to understand, and incorporate into your magickal cannabis practices. Now, let’s get into the details, shall we?
Magickal Correspondences (as I know them) with the 5 most commonly found Cannabis Terpenes
Myrcene: Receptive/feminine. this terpene is also found in foods like mango, lemongrass and hops, which is used in the beer brewing process. Myrcene is used in medicinal cannabis for inflammation, pain, and also helps many with sleep issues and/or insomnia. Myrcene has a relaxing, sedative quality about it and is often found in indica strains of cannabis. Personal favorites with a heavy dose of this terpene are King Louis XII and Grandaddy Purp. Because of these medicinal uses, we can then deduce that myrcene is most definitely a potent entheogenic compound in cannabis. As this is true, I associate myrcene with the truest essence of nighttime goddesses, such as Artemis/Diana, Nyx, and Hekate.
Pinene: Projective/Masculine. This terpene is found in pine, many woods, and also in hops, which gives IPA style beer its distinctive piney taste. Pinene has anti-depressant properties, as well as anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s mostly found in sativa and hybrid strains, and is medicinally used for asthma, mental alertness, mental acuity, and similar issues. Because of the anti-microbial and potentially disease killing ability, I associated pinene with healing Gods such as Asclepios. For mental acuity, Hermes is a fond ally of this terpene.
Caryophyllene: Divine Androgyne/Crooked Path: this terpene is found in cinnamon, cloves, allspice and similar foods and spices. It’s also part of what gives peppers their distinctive kick. Caryophyllene is the most hybrid-like terpene I’ve come across, as it’s featured in many popular hybrid strains such as Bubba Kush, Girl Scout Cookies, and Gelato. Medically, it’s used to help with insomnia, muscle spasms, pain relief, and also has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial qualities. I’ve classed this terpene as divine androgyne because it’s enlightening, making one relaxed and also relaxes and energizes the body and mind all at the same time. It’s a heavy hitter, and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t my favorite terpene to work with on a magickal level. I associated caryophyllene with Baphomet, and the idea of the divine androgyne, such as Hermaphroditus.
Limonene: Projective/Masculine: this terpene is found in many citrusy strains, such as Super Lemon Haze, Pineapple Express, and Banana OG. Limonene is found in many citrusy foods, and generally smells like lemons, limes, or oranges. It’s an extremely refreshing terpene that energizes, and is used medicinally for inflammation, digestion issues, and mood elevation. Limonene displays the qualities of the Sun God archetype to me, bright, shining, and energetic. As such, Apollo, Helios, Belenus, and other solar Gods are associated with this terpene. Because Limone features in indica-dominant hybrids as well, I also compare this to the energizing solar goddess archetype as well, such as Sulis, Sol and other Solar goddesses, even despite this terpene exhibiting mostly masculine qualities.
Linalool: Receptive/Feminine: this terpene is found in lavender and rosewood. It has a sweet, floral smell and taste, and is highly sedative. This terpene is found in many indica strains, as it relaxes, sedates, and eases pain. Medicinally, it’s used to help with anxiety and an overactive mind, pain relief, and some claim it has anti-psychotic qualities. Linalool is the eptiome and embodiment of the divine feminine, and Goddesses such as Artemis/Diana, Gaia, Selene, and other night/moon/night sky goddesses, as well as earth goddesses. Linalool has a calming and grounding effect in ritual and is best utilized in small doses, for meditative purposes.
This list is by no means extensive, nor do I intend it to be one-size fits all. Cannabis is an ever-changing plant, and the variety of strains, flavors and effects grows by the year. These terpene correspondences come from my personal practice & experiences and I share them in hopes of inspiring others interacting with Cannabis in a new, more spiritual and enlightened way.
Terpenes and Strains for Magick and Mysticism
“Weed Witchcraft” is a relatively new concept as cannabis is de-criminalized throughout the United States and abroad, and the stigmas associated with using this plant are thankfully (slowly) starting to fade away. It’s no secret that cannabis has been known to expand consciousness, lower inhibition and make one more receptive to not only differing views and opinions from our human friends, but also our friends on the otherside, whether they be deities, spirits, or ancestors. Cannabis has been used in spiritual and religious ceremony by numerous cultures, most notably, the numerous Native American tribes, as well as Hindu and certain Buddhist traditions (specifically monks). Many modern Pagans are latching on to the idea as well, as cannabis becomes more accessible, and the other, medical, benefits are becoming more and more known with research and time.
Since we’ve covered the 5 most common cannabis terpenes, let’s move on to my top 5 strains for magick, mysticism and witchcraft. Light up another one, and get ready to take your cannabis practices to the next level!
- Northern Lights: meditation, celestial and astrological knowledge, celestial deities. Star Maiden/Goddess archetype. Excellent for those looking to embody their inner goddess
- Pineapple Express: an all-around excellent strain that’s a true 50/50 hybrid. Perfect for any time of day, and for any spiritual activity. Carries a high amount of divine androgyne energy, can also help with spiritual alchemy and shadow work by accessing buried or repressed memories, experiences and such, and allowing a release and integration of them.
- Bubba Kush: connecting with deities, specifically those associated with the Crooked Path and witchcraft; more energetically balanced indica strain
- Hawaiian: a highly enlightening and energizing Sativa strain, this is a perfect strain for when you need the projective energies of the solar god archetype/divine masculine
- Jack Herer: another uplifting Sativa strain, I’ve found this one to allow the embodiment of the divine masculine like Hawaiian, but more balanced in approach. An excellent strain for a male-identifying Magus
These are of course, just my personal favorites to incorporate into my spiritual practices. I of course use other strains; currently, I’m smoking on a new strain to my area: Lemon Sunset, a potent indica strain with limonene and caryophyllene. It lends a relaxed, euphoric and creative experience. But why do I recommend these 5 strains so strongly? For starters, they’re potent strains that pack a punch, but are highly effective in spiritual workings, as I’ve listed above what I tend to work with them for, spiritually, above. Getting to know the terpene make up of your favorite strains will likely clue you into your physical, mental and spiritual needs, and also help you meet those needs. Cannabis, in my opinion, is a gift from the Gods; we’ve simply shunned it because it makes you less likely to conform, and conformity has brought power to men for millennia now.
I sincerely hope that you’ve enjoyed this foray into an up and coming science, and practice within the magickal & occult communities. While I didn’t cover all of the terpenes found in cannabis, these top 5 are the most commonly found, and will allow for a solid foundation to build your personal Weed Witchcraft or Weed Magick practices. I encourage everyone reading this, if they use cannabis, to explore their favorite strains, find new ones, and explore the energies and effects they feel from them. Reach out to me on socials and let me know your thoughts and experiences.
Many Green Blessings,
~The Modern Merlin
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Author Bio:
The Modern Merlin has been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Poison Witch, Wizard, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Occultist, Shaman, Seer and Soothsayer for over 15 years, venerating and casting magick with deities and spirits from many cultures, including those from Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Slavic, Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as many Faeries, Nymphs, Dryads, Ancestors and other nature and land spirits and spirits of place. He is a Priest of Hecate, Diana, Hades, Lilith and Persephone, among others. He has experience in the Left and Right Hand Paths, working with both hands as needed. He currently practices Necromancy and Deathwalking, as well as Traditional Witchcraft, Druidry, Hellenism and Ceremonial Magick, incorporating all of them into a cohesive practice, with some shamanic touches. He studies and practices Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination such as Runes, Palmistry and Ogham. He has also been investigating the paranormal for over 10 years and has a keen interest in researching various mythologies, cosmologies and folklore from around the world. He is the Co-Editor of PaganPages.Org and the author of multiple columns, including The Modern Merlin’s Corner, Entheogens for the New Gen, Stellium, and Scary, Strange and Mythical Encounters. He also has a personal blog where he shares Astrological, Pagan, and other magickal wisdom for free! He gives readings and other spiritual services on his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!
