“Valerian and the Deep Well” is a dreams potion spell: a bitter, green sleeping-draught brewed on the waning moon to quiet the restless surface-mind and let the sleeper descend into long, unhurried dreams. As the moon wanes she draws the tides inward and downward, and the wells of the earth run deep and cold — this is the hour to drink from the still water that lies beneath restless thought.
Correspondences for This Spell
- Colours: silver and indigo/blue
- Herbs: lavender (rest), mugwort (prophetic dreams), jasmine (pleasant dreams)
- Crystal: amethyst and moonstone
- Day: Monday
- Planet: the Moon
- Element: Water
- Moon: full moon for vivid dreams — though this working chooses the waning moon (see below)
For a fuller table of magical associations, see the correspondences guide.
What You Will Need
- A bell to settle the brew and mark the surface of the well
- A heatproof bowl in which to steep the herbs
- Herbs: valerian root (the deep sleep) and a little chamomile (to soften its bitterness); lavender, mugwort or jasmine may be added
- Fresh water, warmed until it steams but does not boil
- A cup to drink from, and a dark, quiet room to lie down in
The Best Time to Cast
Brew this draught on a waning moon, ideally on a Monday — the Moon’s own day, ruled by the planet whose water governs sleep and dreaming. While the full moon is prized for vivid, prophetic dreams, this potion is a spell of letting-go rather than heightening: as the moon shrinks she draws the tides inward and downward, and that same pull carries the sleeper down into the still, deep water where the long dreams are kept. Cast in the last hour before bed, when the day has loosened its grip.
The Working
- On a waning night, warm water in a bowl until it steams but does not boil.
- Steep valerian root and a little chamomile in the water, covering it while it draws down its strength.
- Ring a bell once over the bowl to settle the brew and to mark the surface of the well.
- Strain the draught into a cup and hold it in both hands until it is warm enough to drink.
- Speak the incantation over the cup, letting your breath ripple the steam.
- Drink slowly in the dark, then lie down at once and picture yourself sinking, hand over hand, down a cool stone well.
The Incantation
Bitter root and waning moon,
draw me down and draw me soon.
Past the noise the day has made,
past the light, into the shade.
Deep well water, dark and still,
keep me dreaming as you will.
Ring the bell and let me fall,
soft below the surface of it all.
Variations & Substitutions
- No valerian? Its scent is famously earthy; swap in lavender for a gentler, sweeter rest, or hops for a similar heavy drowsiness.
- For remembered or prophetic dreams, add a pinch of mugwort to the steep and keep a journal by the bed — but use mugwort sparingly, and avoid it entirely if pregnant.
- No bell? A struck glass, a small chime, or three taps of a spoon on the bowl’s rim will mark the surface of the well just as well.
A Word on Intent
The Wiccan Rede counsels, “an it harm none, do what ye will.” This is a spell worked on yourself, for your own rest, and that is exactly as it should be — never brew a sleeping-draught for another without their clear knowledge and consent. Respect valerian’s strength: do not drink it with alcohol or other sedatives, do not drive after, and check for interactions if you take medication. The deepest magic here is simply giving yourself permission to let go.
Related Dreams Spells
Find more brews, charms and rites in the Grimoire, and keep your own results in your Book of Shadows. Rise in the morning slowly, as one drawn back up on a long rope.