The Magical and Ritual Use of Herbs [Paperback]

Richard Alan Miller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1983

Richard Alan Miller has thoroughly researched the historical use, chemical structure, preparation for consumption, and magical rituals related to narcotic, hallucinogenic, stimulant, and depressant herbs. He explains how these natural substances can be used for the enhancement of sexuality, muscle relaxation and massage, initiation, spiritual growth, and astral projection. 

Provides a fascinating study of nineteen herbs that not only stimulate our energies, but also combat fatigue, assist healing, and relieve tension.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book provides a straightforward description of various, apparently legal, mind-altering herbs, broken down by effect."
(

PagaNet News, Volume VIII Issue IV

)

"A fascinating selection, Miller's range of practical and arcane knowledge is impressive. This integration of the scientific with the mystical is one of the most interesting facets of the book."
(

The Herb Companion

)

About the Author

Biochemist, physicist, and herbalist, Richard Alan Miller is also the author of The Magical and Ritual Use of Aphrodisiacs and The Magical and Ritual Use of Perfumes. 

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Destiny Books (June 1, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892814012
• ISBN-13: 978-0892814015
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #637,888 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Richard Alan Miller (Physicist), (1944-)

Richard was born in Everett, WA into a lower middle-class family, his Mother being a famous psychic, and his Father (retired Navy) working for Boeing in the field of electronics. Both his Junior and Senior High School Science Fair projects (1961-2) were used on the Mariner I (1964) fly-by to discover water on Mars. From then on, he was a top "draft pick" for Navy Intel.

His writings reveal a wealth and depth of knowledge and experience in three major fields; Alternative Agriculture, New Age Physics, and Metaphysics. Before many leading edge concepts became trendy topics, Miller was (and is) in the international front lines of research, experimentation and documentation.

Miller began working in the "X-Files" world of Navy Intel (Seal Corp. and then MRU) in the late 60s, and now has amazing experiences and conclusions to share. As an original black ops team-member, Miller's research in the field of paranormal began as a graduate physicist working 10 years with Navy Intel/(Anesthesiology.) During this period numerous foundational papers, including "A Holographic Concept of Reality" and "Embryonic Holography" were written.

Miller began his career in Magick when he could not find answers to his questions in Physics. In 1972 he open Beltane Occult Books and Supplies, a retail herb store with the finest collection of metaphysical books for sale anywhere within North America. He also began to write for Gnostica News (Llewellyn) and Green Egg (Church of All Worlds). By 1975, Beltane was then the primary regional wholesaler for the herb and spice trade.

His focus on botanicals made him the leading world authority on herb farming, processing and marketing. With numerous bi-lines and websites, Miller's visionary work with Alternative Agriculture continues to be 20 years ahead of most curves, including concepts such as sustainability, inter-cropping, and Forest Farming.

Offering fresh perspectives on Metaphysical traditions his books, papers & articles integrate his scientific research with time-honored metaphysical concepts, leading to such works as The Modern Alchemist; The Diamond Body, a Synergetic Approach to Mysticism. His latest boo ESP Induction Through Forms of Self Hypnosis is part of a new 3-book series on The Non-Local Mind In A Holographic Universe.

He is a Swiss mason and also belongs to O.T.O., A:.A:., and several other German Blue Lodges. He has been initiated into a number of pagan cults, including Church of All World (1974-) and Coven Camelot, Star of the North (1973-). Miller is listed in Who's Who in the World, America, and the West, and now writes for Nexus magazine.
www.richardalanmiller.com/ram/

{RAM]

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magic herbal ride!, January 16, 2004

By 

Pieter "Toypom" (Johannesburg) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Magical and Ritual Use of Herbs (Paperback)

This fascinating book investigates the habitat, cultivation, historical use, chemical structure and benefits of nineteen psycho-active herbs. These plants are discussed by chapter in the following categories: Stimulants (including Damiana, Passionflower and Guarana), Depressants (including Lobelia, Skullcap and Valerian), Narcotics (Wild Lettuce and Wormwood), Hallucinogens (including Kava Kava, Yohimbe, Amanita Muscaria, Morning Glory Seed and Psilocybe Mushroom). Their preparation, ritual use, primary effects and potential hazards are described in detail.

Some of the benefits that may be derived from the wise use of these plants include stress relief (Kava Kava and Valerian Root), increased energy (Guarana), restful sleep and cleansing (Wormwood) and spiritual development (Fly Agaric, Psilocybe). The author writes with great authority, effortlessly blending scientific and esoteric knowledge. I enjoyed his no-nonsense factual approach. The book includes a Quick Reference Chart, a Bibliography and a Chemistry, Botanics/Organic and General Index, making it a valuable reference work in addition to a fascinating read.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A well written resource on some of the more potent herbs, December 5, 2000

By 

Kirsten M. Houseknecht "Practice is the midwi... (philadelphia, pa USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Magical and Ritual Use of Herbs (Paperback)

One in the series of books by Richard Alan Miller. (The others being "Magical and Ritual use of Perfumes" with Iona Miller, and "magical and Ritual Use of Aphrodisiacs") This book is a typical example of the attention to detail, clarity of writing, and concise nature that I have come to expect from the author.

Covering some of the more Pharmocologically active herbs,the coverage is complete enough for my friends in the medical feilds, without losing readers with less chemistry knowledge (like me). There are diagrams of the active chemical compounds, when known, and lots of details about growth and habitat, but the directions and hazards of use are clear enough for a novice.

While not covering the more common herbs, such as Rosemary, or sage, this book is a valued part of my herbal library. I sincerely hope that the author writes a more wide ranging book on herbs in the future! Definately worth every penny.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Informative and clearly written and well organized., June 8, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Chattanooga, Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Magical and Ritual Use of Herbs (Paperback)

This book is very informative, clearly written and well organized. One must have knowledge of wild crafting (plant gathering) and a pretty good knowledge of chemistry to take full advantage of what it has offer. It provides excellent and concise information on herbal effect and very clear warnings. Some good recipes also.