The common toad (Bufo bufo) is a fascinating amphibian that holds a storied place in both the natural world and the annals of history, particularly within the realm of witchcraft. This enigmatic creature can be found throughout various habitats in the United Kingdom, showcasing its adaptability and ecological importance.
Toads possess a distinct appearance, characterized by their warty skin that varies in colour from shades of brown to olive green. These unique features serve as a form of camouflage, aiding them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. In folklore, it was once believed that you could catch warts from toads but also, paradoxically, that you could cure your warts by rubbing a live toad on them! Nocturnal by nature, toads are primarily active during the night, employing their cryptic appearance to navigate their environment and avoid potential predators. This is perhaps one reason they were associated with witches and why they are just one of a number of reviled creatures perfect for the role of familiar!
In the context of witchcraft, the common toad takes on an additional layer of intrigue. Historical accounts intertwine these creatures with magical practices, listing them as ingredients in various potions and concoctions. One notably peculiar aspect is the toad’s ability to secrete toxins through its skin. While not necessarily potent enough to cause harm to humans, these secretions played a part in their association with witches’ rituals, adding an element of mystique to their significance. Toads were baked in pots until dry then powdered to form the basis of ointments and potions whilst they could be worn, legs broken, in a bag around the neck to cure ailments from the plague to cancer. Toads were also sometimes included in rituals related to shape-shifting and transformation. Alchemical processes involving toads were believed to yield ointments that, when applied to the skin, induced hallucinogenic flying experiences. A toad bone could be acquired by allowing ants to strip the flesh of the unfortunate toad then throwing the skeleton in a stream. The bone which floated to the surface could then be used as a magical fetish.*
Historically, toads and frogs were widely believed to be venomous. Edward Topsell published a volume in 1608 called Historie of Serpents. Here, he recounts how most toads of the earth and water are venomous and that they are more so depending on how hot their country of origin is. We can only assume that the British toad’s venom must be quite mild! Topsell also explains that ‘The byting of a Toade, although it be sildome,’ causes ‘the body to swell and break’ and that if toad spit falls on a man, it will make ‘all his hayre… fall off from his head.’ Take heed men! As far as I am aware, toads don’t have teeth so you probably aren’t at risk of being bitten!
Intriguingly, the common toad’s presence in folklore and witchcraft is a testament to its enduring impact on human imagination. From its role in medicinal remedies of the past to its part in ancient magical rituals, the toad’s legacy is a blend of fact, fiction, and the boundless human fascination with the natural world. In contemporary times, the focus shifts towards the conservation and protection of these remarkable amphibians, ensuring that their presence continues to enrich both the landscapes of the United Kingdom and the realms of human imagination.
*https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/toad-lore-the-natterjack-at-the-edges-of-occult-history/
Photo by Mike Erskine on Unsplash