Customer Reviews

The Master Book of Herbalism

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Even though this book was first published in 1984, it is still as valuable today as it was the moment the first copy came off the presses. Providing us with a sophisticated explanation of and introduction to herbology (as well as an encyclopedia and general reference guide), Beryl goes above and beyond any other book on the subject devoted to the advanced beginner by creating a work that will serve as an indispensable reference for the remainder of one's career as an herbalist. Teaching herbs as they have been used in folk magic by our ancestors, he embraces the inseparable nature of medicinal herbalism and magical herbalism, imparting to the reader the value of both the historical and modern-day-adaptable perspective that lays within. He provides us with an unparalleled reference of terminology pertinent to herbology, and teaches us to understand different herb classifications. He tells us the lore of the herbs. He even discusses the magical energies of some different stones, and devotes an entire chapter to Herbs and the Tarot. This is the best book on herbalism I have ever encountered, and it is so full of dimension and contains so much raw info that it requires many hours of study to master. If you are looking for just one good book on herbalism, make this the one!

While not as comprehensive in the number of herbs covered as Scott Cunningham's _Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs_, it more than makes up for that lack by his in-depth coverage of the herbs he *does* include. And he still covers plenty of herbs, enough to suit any magical situation. He does go into remedial uses as well, but this is not the focus of the book. If your looking for that sort of herbal info, I'd go elsewhere, although the information he gives is very useful and pretty thorough.

There are also sections on astrological aspects of herbs, how to consecrate herbal preparations and amulets, the use of stones in connection with herbs, methods of preparation for remedial use, classification of remedial herb by effect, correspondances to deities, and lists of herbs appropriate to various ritual observances such as the holidays and handfastings.

This is a book I have turned to, for a wide range of information, so often I have literally worn my copy out. I would like to see future editions with more herbs included, not because the number is insufficient. But because he is so insightful, and with such interesting little "a*ha*!" tidbits of information, I find myself wondering what his comments would be on various herbs he has not written about. He is a Wiccan Priest, so he is in tune with that sort of gentle sensiblility, yet his information crosses all lines of religion, to focus on the herbs themselves. He seems to write from long years of experience, not just of repeating lore found in other books. I highly recommend it, particularly to Neo-Pagan herbalists.

After 17 years I still find this book not only an invaluable reference book, but a thoroughly enjoyable read as well.

Other books may feature a more exhaustive list of herbs, but none present the herbs with the love, care and extensive background as this fine guide does. The author gives life and history to each one, presenting the herbs with the honor, and respect they deserve. (In the same vain the author includes a decent guide to magickal stones with the same loving care given to the details of each.)

If you are new to herbalism or Paganism, I can't say enough about the importance of having this book for your collection.

This is one of the most comprehensive books on magical herbalism I have read to date. The one drawback is the insufficient cross-references to herbs known by multiple names, including the failure to list the scientific name with each entry. This is vital if you plan on ingesting any herb(s) listed.

Owning just about every herbal book on the market right now, I can say with confidence that this is one of the best, and by far, my favorite! Paul's work is, as always, thorough, well researched, and infused with Spirit. He has referenced and cross-referenced everything, and covers enough plants for anyone to work with for a long time. His way of writing makes you feel as though a Wise Sage has gently taken you by the hand, and is leading you down a beautiful garden path, teaching you the meaning and usages of every plant you find along the way. This volume is so complete in that it touches on every aspect of working with plants from classifications to correspondences to remedial use to energetics and ceremonial usages. My favorite parts of this book are the sections on the plants themselves, how to use them and make them into medicines, and then the energetic usages, including astrological and tarot correspondences. I really loved the section on the ritual use of herbs. If you can only buy one book on plants, plant medicine, and working with plant energies...start with this one...it's a beautiful work!

This is an excellent and very well written book to be used as a reference guide with regards to the remedial and magical use of many common herbs. It also includes information on herbs and astrology as well as detailing the use of herbs in rituals. It is a must have for any Wiccan and anyone with an interest in Magick.

This is an AMAZING book on both the metaphysical/magickal and medicinal/holistic properties of a variety of herbs. It was written at the same time as Cunningham's Herbal Encyclopedia (AKA the BIBLE!), and independently from his works. It includes things Cunningham's does not, and vice-versa. The two are complimentary and should NOT sit on a Pagan's bookshelf alone. I regret not discovering this until just now! Recommended HIGHLY.

OakRaven

After years of reading old, really bad ,and hemp crowd herb books,I stumbled into this book. It completely changed my life. It is straight forward and direct with a touch of humor. It confirmed my suspision that I was on the right path, and more importantly, provided direction from an author whom I know practices what he preaches. Anything Paul writes is a must read. He makes learning the craft feel obvious.

I have repeatedly heard nothing but good things about this book from others involved in herbalism and the use of herbs in a neopagan manner. I finally broke down and purchased a copy for myself as a Yule gift, and I was not disappointed at all. The book contains handy references according to traditional magical uses for the herbs described, in addition to traditional medicinal uses for the herb. I find that this book expounds upon information one might have already gathered from other books on the subject of magickal herbalism, but is also handy for a beginner in that everything is clearly explained and at no time is the language as such to lose or confuse a beginner.

I seriously recommend this book and the author to anyone interested in the subject of herbalism and magickal uses of herbs. I look forward to adding another well-reviewed title by this author on the subject to my collection soon. If you loved Cunningham's Encylopedia of Magical Herbs, you simply MUST add this to your library as a companion edition. The two books work well together.

This invaluable book was given to me by a mentor when I was in my late teens and a newbie many years ago; it has remained the most used herbal in my collection! The cover has fallen off, regrettably, and now the binding is starting to come loose despite my respectful handling. I guess it's time for a new edition!

The reference tables in the back are so, so useful when doing a quick look-up for spellwork or ritual. And I typed out the 13 Laws of the Herbalist and had it hanging on my fridge for many years as a good reminder. Mr. Beyerl's writing style is warm & personable and his wisdom of herbs is immense! Thank you, Mr. Beyerl for this work: it changed my life and has been a solid guide since then!

Blessed Be!