Mandrake Print – Jakob Meydenbach, Hortus Sanitatis, 1491 – Witch Plant Illustration, Mandragora Poster, Occult Print, Witch Home Decor, Magick Print, Kitchen Wall Decor, Herbs #214

This Mandrake Print is a reproduction of a famous woodcut from Jakob Meydenbach’s Hortus Sanitatis (1491), one of the most influential herbals of the late Middle Ages. The illustration depicts the male and female mandrake roots (Mandragora officinarum) as human-shaped figures crowned with leaves and fruit-like pods — a blend of medieval science, folklore, and esoteric imagination.

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A Vision of Witchcraft, Alchemy and Herbal Magic

Revered as one of the most powerful plants in witchcraft and folklore, the mandrake was believed to hold immense magical energy — capable of healing, enchanting, and protecting. At the same time, it was feared for its associations with death, spirits, and forbidden rites. Few plants have carried such a dual role of blessing and danger, making the mandrake one of the most iconic symbols of medieval magic.

Available as a fine art print on hand-made paper for an authentic medieval manuscript feel, or on canvas for a dramatic gallery presentation. Each piece is delivered unframed, allowing you to choose the perfect frame for your kitchen, apothecary, altar, or occult study.

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What the Artwork Depicts

• Male and Female Mandrakes – distinct forms symbolizing the union of masculine and feminine energies in nature.

• Humanlike Roots – a visual echo of mankind’s origin in the earth, a bridge between humanity and plants.

• Crowned Leaves and Pods – imagery of fertility, cosmic power, and the eternal cycle of life and death.

• Medieval Herbal Tradition – a mixture of botanical observation and myth, characteristic of Hortus Sanitatis.

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Symbolism and Magical Meaning of the Mandrake

The mandrake has one of the richest symbolic heritages of any plant in European folklore:

• Fertility and Desire – mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 30:14–16) as a charm for conception and sexual potency.

• Male and Female Duality – believed to embody both genders, reinforcing its role as a symbol of balance, union, and creation.

• The Screaming Root – folklore claimed that when pulled from the ground, the mandrake root would scream, killing anyone who heard it. Rituals for harvesting involved dogs, protective spells, and specific astrological timings.

• Protection Against Evil – once safely harvested, mandrakes were kept in homes as talismans, believed to repel demons, spirits, and curses.

• Wealth and Prosperity – in some traditions, mandrakes were said to bring fortune and abundance when properly cared for, often treated as household spirits.

• Alchemy and Transformation – alchemists saw the mandrake as a symbol of the homunculus, the “little man” of alchemical experiments, representing the secret of artificial life.

• Occult Medicine – used in potions, salves, and “witches’ flying ointments” thanks to its hallucinogenic and narcotic properties.

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Historical and Cultural Context

The Hortus Sanitatis (1491) by Jakob Meydenbach, printed in Mainz, was a monumental herbal encyclopedia combining botany, zoology, medicine, and folklore. It was not only a catalog of plants but also a work that integrated myth, superstition, and magical belief into natural history.

Illustrations of the mandrake such as this became iconic in European esotericism. The plant’s presence in grimoires, medical texts, and occult manuscripts made it a crossroads between science and magic. From antiquity, where it was linked to Aphrodite and Hecate, to the Renaissance, when occultists like Paracelsus considered it central to magical practice, the mandrake has remained a plant of enduring mystery and power.

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Why Choose This Print?

• Authentic reproduction of the mandrake woodcut from Jakob Meydenbach’s Hortus Sanitatis (1491).

• Iconic medieval symbol of witchcraft, fertility, protection, and magic.

• Available on hand-made paper or canvas.

• Delivered unframed – style it your way for kitchen, apothecary, or altar.

• Perfect for occultists, herbalists, witches, and esoteric collectors.

• A rare piece of occult botanical art connecting history, nature, and magic.

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Perfect For

• Practitioners of witchcraft, herbal magic, and green witch traditions.

• Collectors of esoteric prints, grimoires, and medieval art.

• Fans of dark academia interiors and mystical decoration.

• Herbalists, healers, and alchemists interested in plant symbolism.

• Unique gifts for lovers of witchcraft, occult knowledge, and folklore.

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More Than Just a Botanical Illustration

This Mandrake Print is more than a medieval herbal drawing — it is a vision of nature’s hidden forces, a reminder of how plants have shaped magic, medicine, and myth. With its humanlike form and deep symbolic heritage, the mandrake embodies the eternal mystery of life, death, and transformation.

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The Mandrake Illustration from Jakob Meydenbach’s Hortus Sanitatis (1491) is a timeless symbol of herbal power, occult mystery, and magical protection. Available on hand-made paper or canvas, unframed and ready to display, it makes a unique addition to any collection of esoteric or mystical art.

👉 Order your Mandrake Poster today – the essential print for witches, herbalists, occult practitioners, and lovers of ancient magical traditions.

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Canvas vs. Hand-Made Paper — Print Comparison Guide