Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (Cunningham's Encyclopedia Series) [Paperback]

Scott Cunningham (Author)

Book Description

Series: Cunningham's Encyclopedia Series | Publication Date: October 1985

This revised and updated fifteenth anniversary edition contains the folklore and magical properties of over 400 herbs. Far from concentrating on esoteric, unobtainable plants, many of those mentioned within are old friends. The magical properties of onions, cashews, apples, rice, lettuce as well as dill, basil, fennel, garlic, and parsley are described. Extensive tables, a cross-reference of folk names, glossary, and annotated bibliography make this a comprehensive and valuable guide to the practice of magical herbalism. Paperback, 307 pgs.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Some time ago I started to get into programming computers. There are books that teach programming languages. There are others that simply tell you what the commands are. They don't teach you how to program, but you can use the information to make your programs work. In a sense, programming books don't teach programming.
In a similar way, Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs doesn't teach you how to do spells (although it does give a brief outline so you can use this without any other book). What it does do is give you all the information you need to make your spells, talismans, amulets, and rituals work better.
This book has become a classic in its field. Every time I visit an occult shop that sells herbs, I look to see what books they use as resources. Inevitably, this book is there, usually quite beaten up from constant use. The pros use it and so do over 200,000 people like you.
The cross-referenced index of folk names could be a book by itself. Did you know that if a magical spell calls for "bats' wings" you should use holly? Or did you know that if a magical recipe called for "lapstones" you should use potato? If you had this book you would know all that and more. You'd also learn that ragweed can be used for courage; lily of the valley can enhance mental powers and happiness; and chrysanthemums can be used for protection.
This book by Scott Cunningham is truly encyclopedic. It gives information on over 400 herbs in an easy-to-use format that makes working with the book clear and simple. If you do any sort of magic with herbs, or if you are interested in folklore, this is a book you must have.

About the Author

Scott Cunningham practiced magic actively for over twenty years. He was the author of more than fifty books covering both fiction and non-fiction subject matter; sixteen of his titles are published by Llewellyn Publications. Scott's books reflect a broad range of interests within the New Age sphere, where he was very highly regarded. He passed from this life on March 28, 1993, after a long illness.

Product Details

• Paperback: 318 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications; 1st edition (October 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875421229
• ISBN-13: 978-0875421223
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (167 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,250 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Mythology & Folklore
  • #3 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Gardening
  • #10 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Witchcraft

More About the Author

Scott Cunningham practiced magic actively for over twenty years. He was the author of more than fifty books covering both fiction and non-fiction subject matter; sixteen of his titles are published by Llewellyn Publications. Scott's books reflect a broad range of interests within the New Age sphere, where he was very highly regarded. He passed from this life on March 28, 1993, after a long illness.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

115 of 117 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Reference for us modern witches, February 13, 2002

By 

C. Gorman "book horder" (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (Cunningham's Encyclopedia Series) (Paperback)

Scott Cunningham, in his time, turned out quite a few books and references for the modern, 'practical' witch. Though many of the herbs listed seem arcane- when I bought this book it was the first time I had heard of herbs like eryngo and life-everlasting- this reference is well done.
The herbs are organized alphabetically, and black and white drawings of the plant or flower are to the side of each entry, which typically includes the scientific (Latin) name, health codes (such as G for safe, and a guide is included in the book for all of the codes), any folk names, its attributed gender, planet, element, and deities, followed by brief (or sometimes long) descriptions of ritual and magical uses.
After the listings of herbs, there are lists of categories, under which are listed what herbs fit that area- such as masculine plants, herbs that correspond to certain ritual intentions, and elementary rulers. Also included are an index, a glossary, and a mail order list for those who do not have an herb store nearby (and it's hard to find something like mandrake in your local grocery store!).
Granted, this book is not the be-all and end-all of herbal studies. I recommend finding yourself at least three good sources and using them together when using herbs.

51 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tons of useful information, September 5, 2001

By 

NYC Webwitch (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (Cunningham's Encyclopedia Series) (Paperback)

This book contains at least two or three hundred magical herb listings shown with illustrations of the herb, deity correspondences, elemental correspondences, folk names of herbs, ritual use, and other historical information designed to give clues as to how these herbs are best used towards magical purposes (Devil's Shoestring, for example, is best carried in the pocket to bring luck in employment matters, so from reading this book you would know not to make an incense with the herb but to carry it). The detailed appendices full of correspondence tables are great time-savers. However, this is not a recipe book, in fact it doesn't contain a single recipe. Also, Cunningham doesn't really comment on which herbs are known to be MOST powerful in workings towards certain ends, so some additional self-research is required. This book pre-assumes a basic knowledge of herbs and doesn't offer anything in the way of general instruction, so this should be considered a reference book and not an instrument of instruction. In any case, I have found it a valuable reference, and recommend it.

If you want a REALLY thorough herb reference and this doesn't sound like enough, I would try Paul Beyerl's Master Book of Herbalism

121 of 132 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive & Essential, January 22, 2000

By 

J. A. Kwan "drago-merlin" (Singapore) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (Cunningham's Encyclopedia Series) (Paperback)

It does seem that one don't normally need to review the priceless works of the late sage, Scott Cunningham. His knowledge and gift to the Wiccan community is legendary. This book, like one of our learned reviewer mentioned, "is a BILBLE reference". It contains almost all imaginable herbs and their corresponding influences to assist in a successful magickal working. I have read many herbal books that claim to be complete and must have..blah blah...but nothing really comes close to this one. It's not that one has to pay alot of money in order to obtain knowledge but these days on the book front, you start to wonder if the writers and publishers of some expensive books on herbal lore should read up more before flooding the market with dubious contributions. You can tell when you have picked up a great book. With Scott Cunningham, he's never short on sharing everything useful he knows and my my, this man really really knows alot. Go get it!