This book covers some 400 herbs on their magical and ritual uses, along with information on folk names, various associations (to dieties, elements, planets), toxicity info, and primary powers. I find the occasional mention of historical uses and folklores associated with certain herbs to be particularly of interest. Most of the herb entries have botanical illustrations/drawings in black and white for identification - although illustrations of this type can be stylized and a little difficult to use for the purpose, they certainly add to the charm and visual appeal of the book. As a longtime gardener and a green witch, I enjoyed reading it cover to cover. But when I'm creating sachets and charms, I find the quick reference section at the end of the book, where the author indexed all the herbs by magical power and purpose, to be particularly helpful. In short, the book is exactly what the title says. Just to be clear, readers will not find information on medicinal use of these herbs in this book, as it is outside the scope, and there are many publications old and new on the topic. This is a reference of magical uses/properties of herbs. I am glad to have this book in my home library for reference, and this has been consulted almost daily since it came into my life.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Cunningham does it again! This book is written in a way that's easy to understand, and very practically laid-out. Information is given on each herb in alphabetical order, along with a drawing of it. Information includes: folk name(s), gender, planetary ruler, elemental ruler, powers, magickal uses, and how to use them. Tables at the end include indices organizing the herbs by gender, planetary and elemental rulers, magical intentions, and cross-reference with folk names. I'd reccommend it for anyone starting out in magickal herbology or kitchen witchery, as well as for anyone looking for a quick reference guide that's easy to flip through.
I bought this book because CUNNINGHAM has a reputation og having good knowledge in the herbal field and I already have several books by this author. I like the fact the each herb is listed by it's common and scientific name and well as listed by it's properties. Each entry is full of knowledge and easy to understand. By far CUNNINGHAM is a good author . I have bought several other books and they are not so easy to look up by the herbal properties.
Mr. Cunningham revived herbal magick for the masses, that alone should indicate this book is very useful. Although this book was published in 1985, as an expanded/revised version, it is to this day (in my opinion) the best. It not only includes a fully functional reference of herbs, plants, flowers etc... but also provides its reader with a brief history of basic magick, appendices chockfull of information from a quick reference of herbal uses to essential oil uses and much more! The Herbal Magick (including enchanting herbs, attunement, creating sachets, etc...) are only touched upon briefly in this book, as it is an encyclopedia. If you wish to learn more about the subject of Magickal Herbalism check out: "Magical Herbalism: The Secret Craft of the Wise" also by Scott Cunningham. * Which I have also written a review*Read full review
The book lists tons of herbs, most of them with brief descriptions. But that's all you really need when you're first starting out. Some herbs have a page or two. It tells you the herb name, the scientific name, gender, health warnings, folk names (with a cross reference),planet, powers, magical uses, Deities, element, and more. Several tables in the back of the book: masculine herbs, femanine herbs, planetary rulers, elemental rulers, and so on. The front of the book gives you a little background info. Timing, tools, altar, etc. And my favorite section "Spells and Procedures". Most books just give you herb definitions. This book goes one step further to tell you what to do with it! Poppets, incense, oils, bath, ointment... There is a wealth of information in this book. But what do you expect? Its written by Scott Cunningham. Hope this helps!Read full review
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