Earth Magic: A Wisewoman's Guide to Herbal, Astrological, and Other Folk Wisdom

by Claire Nahmad

Earth Magic recreates a time when herbal healers practiced their craft in consort with the stars and planets and all the animate and inanimate things of the Earth. Sharing her rich heritage of healing and drawing on a wealth of ancient Celtic wisdom, the author reveals the mysteries hidden in the folk names of flowers, in the strange and compelling myths about trees, in the fabulous tales of totem beasts and magical birds, and in the spirit powers of running water, fairy hills, and wells. Through the wisewoman's mystical vision of the universe, we view the magic of the Earth and learn to return in some measure the blessing and healing that we receive from her. A treasury of pagan beliefs and herbal lore, providing detailed information on how to cultivate, gather, and store herbs, prepare remedies and charms, and interpret weather signs.

Explains the best seasons, months, and times for carrying out specific projects.

Describes the qualities, colors, metals, stones, animals, and plants associated with the different seasons.

Genres: Astrology, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Paganism, Magick

208 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1993

About the author

Claire Nahmad is descended from a long line of herbalists and wise women, and has spent her life learning the ancient arts and attuning herself to the life of the spirit. She has published eight books on new age themes. She lives in a remote part of South Yorkshire where she is studying the local lore and legends.

- description from cover jacket of the 1998 edition of Fairy Spells

Reviews

[Athena Macmillan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing in this book is very clunky and it simply doesn't deliver on what it says it will. It's a fair reference for folk superstition and charms (most of them love charms, though). I found some parts interesting, but not enough to engage me beyond a superficial level, unfortunately.

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not impressed with this book. Not only was it extremely difficult to read due to its language, but I also felt like the description promised more than it actually offered. I wasn't a fan of how most of the charms and spells have to do with "discovering your true love", as if that would be the only reason one would work a charm or spell. I enjoyed the September and October chapters, likely because they are my two favorite months and their zodiacal symbols are important to me. Only other good thing I can say about the book is that it sparked an interest in herbalism.