Saint, the drug of choice to the locals who live in Dante’s Cove has generated lots of buzz. As with Tresum, it was invented for the storyline, but has its roots planted deeply in reality.

Star flower (Saint to the modern-day locals) grows from the sacred springs of Tresum. The root taken by mouth produces a euphoric high and appears to be highly addictive. But to Tresum witches the herb induces vision and increases one’s ability to understand the craft.

In magical traditions the world over, such herbs have been used by shamans, seers, visionaries and magical practicionters since ancient times. Many of the herbs once used for such purpose are no longer due to their extreme potency, toxicity, narcotic effect and life-threatening reactions.

A popular herb used today for magical purpose is sage (salvia). It’s burned in a process called smudging where the smoke is used to cleanse and purfy a space of negative energy before working magic, performing a ritual or meditating. It’s used much in the same way as incense is used to change the energetic vibration of a space and can be found at any new age book store or feng shui supply company.

While most forms of salvia, including salvia officianalis (culinary sage) and the wide variety of ornamental salvias appearing at garden centers every spring are harmless, there is a disturbing rise in use of one particular species. Salvia divinorum was once used by ancient shamans for visionary work, but in recent times has drawn attention due to its increased use as a potent and uncontrollable mood and mind-altering substance.