Magical Herbalism: The Secret Craft of the Wise (Llewellyn's Practical Magick Series) (Paperback)

by Scott Cunningham (Author) "All professions and avocations have their own tools of the trade, and magic is no exception..." (more)
Key Phrases: protection sachets, fluid condensers, love sachets, Hot Planet, Cold Planet, Sun Element (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Natural magic utilizes the world around us for magical purposes. Herbs are one of the most important tools for natural magic, and the best introduction to this system is found in Scott Cunningham's Magical Herbalism.
This book presents a complete system of magic using herbs. You will learn the theory of magic and the tools you'll need. Then you'll get countless techniques for using herbs for magic. Need a protection method? "Pick several protective herbs and bind the stems together with red thread, then hang them up. This practice dates back to Babylonian times." You'll find a list of over 115 herbs that details their magical powers, so you can easily find which ones are protective in nature.
How about a divination using herbs? "Get a small quantity of dried patchouly, mugwort, or wormwood. Crumble the herb between your hands until it is finely diminished. Next, pour it into a small square pan (glass or ceramic). Light yellow candles and place the pan on your working area. Close your eyes, extend the index finger of your weak hand, and gently touch the center of the pan with its tip. Move it at random in the pan, shifting from one direction to another ... Now, remove your finger, open your eyes, and interpret the symbols you have just written in the herb."
All of the techniques, rituals, spells, talismans, healing methods, and charms are this easy. And most importantly, they work! You'll also find how to make and use incenses, scented oils, perfumes, fluid condensers, and so much more.
Here is your chance to work with a beautiful and simple system. Give it a try! You won't be disappointed.




From the Publisher
Over 120,000 people have been introduced to the magic found in herbs thanks to Scott Cunningham's book, Magical Herbalism. If you are wondering why this book has become so very popular, I think I have the answers.
First, it's a complete system of magic that is as easy as it is powerful. It begins with theory and what you need to do to prepare for works of magic. Then it tells you how to harvest, dry, and store the magical herbs. This is followed by information on how to use the herbs you have obtained for such things as getting love, doing divinations, casting protection spells, and healing yourself and others. You'll also learn how to make magical fluid condensers, incenses, perfumes, scented oils, and amulets. The book continues with a listing of over 115 major magical herbs with all of their qualities listed. And there is much, much more, too. The phrase "complete system" really doesn't express how full of information this book really is.
Another reason I think this book has become a classic has to do with Scott's style of writing. It is very gentle and kind. He never talks at you or down to you. Rather, he seems to be talking with you. This makes the book a pleasure and a treasure to read and enjoy.
This combination of style and depth of content makes Magical Herbalism one of the finest and most important resources you can have. If you are looking to expand your knowledge of herbs, this book is for you. If you are looking to expand your knowledge of folklore, you need this book. And if you are looking to work with the gracious gifts of Mother Nature that can be used to improve your life and the lives of those around you, this book is a must.



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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications; 2nd edition (November 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875421202
• ISBN-13: 978-0875421209
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #79,581 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #19 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Authors, A-Z > ( C ) > Cunningham, Scott
  #28 in	Books > Home & Garden > Gardening & Horticulture > Herbs
  #95 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Alternative Medicine > Herbal Remedies

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Scott Cunningham is Great, But This is Much of the Same, May 14, 2006

By	Acadia - See all my reviews

I love Cunningham, but lately I've noticed that you have to be really careful of what of his you buy. He's obviously such a popular author that Llewellyn is putting out as much of his work as they possibly can. The problem is, many of these publications are redundant.

This book is an example of some of that redundancy that you have to watch for.

Don't get me wrong, this is a good book. The information in this book is great. There are 14 chapters on everything from how to harvest and dry herbs, a dictionary of common herb terminology, Information on using herbs for protection, divination, healing, love, information on tinctures and herbal water, scented oil and perfumes, incense, amulets, an index of herbs and their uses... All sorts of stuff. The book is well written, perfect for beginners, and a good jumping off point for those who're starting to use herbs. I wish I had this book when I started out.

However, if you have "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs" and "Complete Book of Incense, Oils, and Brews" then there is no information in here that you will find especially new or useful. In fact, it will be so redundant, this book will be really frustrating. If you have either of those books, I do not suggest buying this one, unless of course you want all of that information together in one book... But even then, I feel like the "Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs" has more complete information on herbs and plants than this book does.

If you have neither of these books, then this book is a great one for you, but otherwise...

Before buying this book, I really suggest looking through it carefully first. If you have other Cunningham books, or you're beyond beginner basics, you might find this book is not one you really need.

Am I glad I have this book? Yes. It will be good for quick reference, brushing up on info, and just general memory jogging.

Could I have gone on just fine without this book? Yes.

I love Cunningham, and these books have their place, but I think Cunningham's biggest strength in writing is books on natural magic and the Wiccan path. Books like this are good for some, but not his best works.

I suggest this book for those who are completely new to either Cunningham or Herbology, beginners in magic and witchcraft, or those who absolutely must have all books put out by Cunningham. However, if you have "Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs" and/or "Complete Book of Incense, Oils, and Brews," you might find this book is not really a good use of your money.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you don't have it GET IT!!!, August 25, 1998

By A Customer

This is one of, if not, thee best magical herb book I have. It teaches you how to prepare the herbs, make oils and incenses, making infusions, how to get the herbs and many other useful objects. It teaches you how to make equipment for the type of magic you want ot perform. This is a great book for begining herbalist to herbalist as experienced as Scott was. Get this book it will help you dearly.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fits a Niche Very Well, May 10, 2005

By	Takola (MD) - See all my reviews

I found that this book is excellent as an overview and introduction to herbal magic. It includes basic theory, practice, some common traditions, forms of mixtures/spells, and simple mixtures/spells for common themes. The book will give the reader a very broad overview from which the reader can determine whether or not he/she would like to study herbal magic in greater depth.

If you are looking for a reference on most of the common herbs and their uses or a book of spells, this is not the best book for your purpose. A better beginning book for referencing herbs is Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Cunningham's Complete Book of Incense, Oils, and Brews is a better choice for beginners seeking mixtures/spells.