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The Green Wiccan Herbal: 52 magical herbs, plus spells and witchy rituals
Discover a treasure trove of herbal witchery including 52 herbs and their magical properties for spell-casting, and learn spells for love, fertility, money, wisdom, and more.
This beautiful, insightful compendium from Wiccan High Priestess Silja is the ultimate guide to herbal magic. The first chapters detail herbal mythology, magical theory, and tools, plus different types of magic (black and white, candle magic, using charm bags, and long-term spells), and ways of working, either alone or as part of a coven. Next, discover how to grow and store magical herbs, and the importance of the moon phases when planting and harvesting them. Chapter 4, The 52 Major Magical Herbs, lists these herbs and their uses in spells, rituals, alternative medicine, and kitchen witchery; and includes the element they are associated with, what day or time is best for magic with them, and their associated deities, plus a simple spell for each herb. This is followed by Other Foods and their Magical Uses, focusing on a variety of enchanted ingredients such as lemon, poppy seeds, and flowers. The spells section, Chapter 6, presents more than 50 spells arranged by theme, from love and fertility, to prosperity, moving home, finding a job, friendship, health, wisdom, and more. Chapter 7, Magical Herbs Outside Magic: Kitchen Witchery, suggests how to add a subtle, magical dimension to your cooking. Finally, Silja explains how to go about writing your own herbal spells. You will also discover how to keep track of the spells you have performed and how to know if they have worked.
Lavishly illustrated by Michael A. Hill, The Green Wiccan Herbal is a wonderful source of natural witchery that you will refer to time and again.
This beautiful, insightful compendium from Wiccan High Priestess Silja is the ultimate guide to herbal magic. The first chapters detail herbal mythology, magical theory, and tools, plus different types of magic (black and white, candle magic, using charm bags, and long-term spells), and ways of working, either alone or as part of a coven. Next, discover how to grow and store magical herbs, and the importance of the moon phases when planting and harvesting them. Chapter 4, The 52 Major Magical Herbs, lists these herbs and their uses in spells, rituals, alternative medicine, and kitchen witchery; and includes the element they are associated with, what day or time is best for magic with them, and their associated deities, plus a simple spell for each herb. This is followed by Other Foods and their Magical Uses, focusing on a variety of enchanted ingredients such as lemon, poppy seeds, and flowers. The spells section, Chapter 6, presents more than 50 spells arranged by theme, from love and fertility, to prosperity, moving home, finding a job, friendship, health, wisdom, and more. Chapter 7, Magical Herbs Outside Magic: Kitchen Witchery, suggests how to add a subtle, magical dimension to your cooking. Finally, Silja explains how to go about writing your own herbal spells. You will also discover how to keep track of the spells you have performed and how to know if they have worked.
Lavishly illustrated by Michael A. Hill, The Green Wiccan Herbal is a wonderful source of natural witchery that you will refer to time and again.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
16 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 7, 2020
Whilst there were a few gems in this book, it gets a 2-star review from me for the frequently lazy scholarship and unsupported historical claims (e.g. about the persecution of witches in the so-called 'Dark Ages' - firstly, I think the author means the Middle Ages, but if she does mean the 'Dark Ages' then a) we don't tend to use this term anymore and b) I'd love to know where she's gotten this info from...!), and omissions that might even have dangerous consequences (e.g. failing to mention that wild garlic bears a strong resemblance to Lily of the Valley, which is poisonous, so foragers should be mindful of this). A beautiful book with gorgeous decoration, but occasionally misinformative.
April 20, 2019
Wundervoll zu lesen. Es ist sehr interessant, vor allem weil nicht nur "Zaubersprüche" drin stehen sondern auch wozu verschieden Kräuter und Pflanzen gut sind (z.B.: Minze oder Zimt). Das Einzige was mich stört ist dass die Seiten in beige sind und die Schrift in grau. Ist ein bisschen schwierig zu lesen. Ansonsten mag ich es und blättere selbst ich vollständigem lesen oft darin rum.
April 22, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐// review
Quando si parla di stregoneria e magia, la prima immagine che si manifesta alla mente è quella di una donna intenta a raccogliere e utilizzare erbe di diverso tipo.
Questo perché, nelle pratiche magiche, le erbe e le piante e i fiori, sono un elemento essenziale (anche se non siete prettamente delle streghe verdi).
La grafica e l'estetica di questo semi-grimorio sono davvero deliziose per gli occhi. Ogni dettaglio è ben curato ed è bello anche da tenere in libreria.
Il testo è di stampo Wicca, poiché l'autrice è seguace di questa religione, quindi la risonanza delle loro usanze e tradizioni è ben presente.
L'autrice parte con una spiegazione generica sulla visione della magia e di come essa può essere utilizzata, per poi soffermarsi brevemente sui cenni storici del percorso dell'erboristica nei secoli.
Viene spiegato anche come coltivare, essiccare e conservare adeguatamente le nostre erbe.
Si passa poi al cuore del testo:
• elenchi di erbe e piante, con le loro associazioni agli elementi e alle divinità.
• I loro usi generici, negli incanti, e nelle varie pratiche.
• Il loro utilizzo in cucina, nei bagni e nella cosmesi.
È sicuramente un testo adatto ai neofiti, ai principati che vogliono approcciarsi a questa antica arte. Per chi invece ha più conoscenze, pratica da anni ed è già avvezzo a tale arte, può risultare scontato.
Se non siete seguaci della religione Wicca, vi consiglio di prendere con le pinze le relative tradizioni qui descritte e di concentrarvi sull'uso e sulla creazione di incanti con le erbe.
Lo consiglio come testo specialmente ai neofiti (scusate se mi ripeto), poiché è un testo ben scritto che può guidare gli esperti in una nuova arte.
Quando si parla di stregoneria e magia, la prima immagine che si manifesta alla mente è quella di una donna intenta a raccogliere e utilizzare erbe di diverso tipo.
Questo perché, nelle pratiche magiche, le erbe e le piante e i fiori, sono un elemento essenziale (anche se non siete prettamente delle streghe verdi).
La grafica e l'estetica di questo semi-grimorio sono davvero deliziose per gli occhi. Ogni dettaglio è ben curato ed è bello anche da tenere in libreria.
Il testo è di stampo Wicca, poiché l'autrice è seguace di questa religione, quindi la risonanza delle loro usanze e tradizioni è ben presente.
L'autrice parte con una spiegazione generica sulla visione della magia e di come essa può essere utilizzata, per poi soffermarsi brevemente sui cenni storici del percorso dell'erboristica nei secoli.
Viene spiegato anche come coltivare, essiccare e conservare adeguatamente le nostre erbe.
Si passa poi al cuore del testo:
• elenchi di erbe e piante, con le loro associazioni agli elementi e alle divinità.
• I loro usi generici, negli incanti, e nelle varie pratiche.
• Il loro utilizzo in cucina, nei bagni e nella cosmesi.
È sicuramente un testo adatto ai neofiti, ai principati che vogliono approcciarsi a questa antica arte. Per chi invece ha più conoscenze, pratica da anni ed è già avvezzo a tale arte, può risultare scontato.
Se non siete seguaci della religione Wicca, vi consiglio di prendere con le pinze le relative tradizioni qui descritte e di concentrarvi sull'uso e sulla creazione di incanti con le erbe.
Lo consiglio come testo specialmente ai neofiti (scusate se mi ripeto), poiché è un testo ben scritto che può guidare gli esperti in una nuova arte.
May 27, 2020
Flipped through this book at Powell's and it looked amazing!!! This is going straight to the top of my wish list!
It had great color illustrations of all the herbs, magical and practical uses and tons of great information in a very pretty book.
It had great color illustrations of all the herbs, magical and practical uses and tons of great information in a very pretty book.
August 29, 2023
Ottimo per iniziare, non completo come avevo immaginato. Fruibile anche per chi, come me, non si interessa di religione wiccan.
May 17, 2017
I love this book. Ok, now that we have that out of the way, this is why I love it.
This book is beautiful in both artstyle, composition and writing. It really is a joy to read. Every page has a tea stained print accompanied by beautiful illustrations and a well organised structure. As someone with a lot of fatigue these days due to various health conditions, I struggle to make my way through dense straight text books. This was a refreshing escape from that. Most pages had a different text layout while staying consistent enough to not be jarring and various accompanying illustrations. Before we reach any herbal information we are given a section on why and how magic works. Silja finally does what I have been waiting for almost every pagan author to do for years, by addressing the fact that magic doesn’t always work and that it’s an aid not a cure right off the bat. I think this is something really important for newcomers to get into their heads and she explains it in a very clear way, giving probability comparisons and examples. In fact, I’d go as far to say that it’s the clearest explanation of magic i’ve read so far.
She then mentions a few specifically Wiccan beliefs (This is the Green Wiccan Herbal, I think we can let her get away with that) mostly covering the main ‘rules’ like the rule of three and magical ethics for Wicca, which is also a very solid way to start off. After this we get into the cool stuff. This is definitely not just a witchy herb book; it mentions various other types of magic, as well as how to apply what you learn within the book in situations involving ritual and covens.
Next, oh my gosh, it just gets cooler. Silja talks about mythology surrounding certain herbs across various religions and spiritualities then follows it up with a section telling you how to grow your own herbs, how to care for them both indoors and out, how to tell when they aren’t good anymore. Then lists of magical herbs sorted by element… then spells you can do for various things with herbs… then herbal remedies… then how to write spells… it goes on and on. You know what, I don’t have time to explain every single page of the book but let me just tell you that she packs a lot of information into what looks like a deceptively small publication.
The main thing that really sold this book for me was how easy it is to digest. She doesn’t waste time writing about the same subject for pages and pages but not really telling us anything; she tells us what we need to know, then sends us off on our way to go do it. Which I love. Many authors in this community ramble on in a very fashionable mysterious way about the elusive nature of witchcraft and generally act like they are wiser than you are and they know it.
Silja doesn’t patronise, she writes with a clarity and structure I wish more authors could rival. You can genuinely tell that she is a well informed person and has a passion for her writing and providing information for others; I almost weeped in joy when I saw the safety notice on the inside that told the reader to consult a health professional in case of illness. I learned more from this 150 page book than I did from 600 pages of Silver Ravenwolf. The Green Wiccan Herbal is a 4.5 for me, mostly because it has a few tiny inaccuracies (such as the definition of karma) and a few of the herbs listed don’t have explanations that are as in depth as the others.
All in all I highly recommend you get this if you are a newcomer to witchcraft, Wiccan or not, it doesn’t matter. It is a great introduction to working with herbs in your craft without being overwhelming, as well on touching on how to write spells and how magic works. It has had a warm spot on my bookshelf for years and I don’t intend of taking it down anytime soon.
For more book reviews and general information about witchcraft, consider checking out my blog, violetwitchcraft.com :)
This book is beautiful in both artstyle, composition and writing. It really is a joy to read. Every page has a tea stained print accompanied by beautiful illustrations and a well organised structure. As someone with a lot of fatigue these days due to various health conditions, I struggle to make my way through dense straight text books. This was a refreshing escape from that. Most pages had a different text layout while staying consistent enough to not be jarring and various accompanying illustrations. Before we reach any herbal information we are given a section on why and how magic works. Silja finally does what I have been waiting for almost every pagan author to do for years, by addressing the fact that magic doesn’t always work and that it’s an aid not a cure right off the bat. I think this is something really important for newcomers to get into their heads and she explains it in a very clear way, giving probability comparisons and examples. In fact, I’d go as far to say that it’s the clearest explanation of magic i’ve read so far.
She then mentions a few specifically Wiccan beliefs (This is the Green Wiccan Herbal, I think we can let her get away with that) mostly covering the main ‘rules’ like the rule of three and magical ethics for Wicca, which is also a very solid way to start off. After this we get into the cool stuff. This is definitely not just a witchy herb book; it mentions various other types of magic, as well as how to apply what you learn within the book in situations involving ritual and covens.
Next, oh my gosh, it just gets cooler. Silja talks about mythology surrounding certain herbs across various religions and spiritualities then follows it up with a section telling you how to grow your own herbs, how to care for them both indoors and out, how to tell when they aren’t good anymore. Then lists of magical herbs sorted by element… then spells you can do for various things with herbs… then herbal remedies… then how to write spells… it goes on and on. You know what, I don’t have time to explain every single page of the book but let me just tell you that she packs a lot of information into what looks like a deceptively small publication.
The main thing that really sold this book for me was how easy it is to digest. She doesn’t waste time writing about the same subject for pages and pages but not really telling us anything; she tells us what we need to know, then sends us off on our way to go do it. Which I love. Many authors in this community ramble on in a very fashionable mysterious way about the elusive nature of witchcraft and generally act like they are wiser than you are and they know it.
Silja doesn’t patronise, she writes with a clarity and structure I wish more authors could rival. You can genuinely tell that she is a well informed person and has a passion for her writing and providing information for others; I almost weeped in joy when I saw the safety notice on the inside that told the reader to consult a health professional in case of illness. I learned more from this 150 page book than I did from 600 pages of Silver Ravenwolf. The Green Wiccan Herbal is a 4.5 for me, mostly because it has a few tiny inaccuracies (such as the definition of karma) and a few of the herbs listed don’t have explanations that are as in depth as the others.
All in all I highly recommend you get this if you are a newcomer to witchcraft, Wiccan or not, it doesn’t matter. It is a great introduction to working with herbs in your craft without being overwhelming, as well on touching on how to write spells and how magic works. It has had a warm spot on my bookshelf for years and I don’t intend of taking it down anytime soon.
For more book reviews and general information about witchcraft, consider checking out my blog, violetwitchcraft.com :)
August 29, 2018
Ich mochte den kleinen Eimblick in die Hexenkunst. Ich habe beim Lesen eine lange Unterbrechung gemacht, weil mich die Aufzählungen gegen Mitte/Ende des Buches etwas zu viel waren (aufeinmal). Die Zaubersprüche klingen irgendwie super gewöhnlich mit super schlechten Reimen. Da schlägt mein innerer Lyriker durch. Sonst fand ich die Infos sehr hilfreich - zu recherche Zwechen nicht unbedingt zum Zaubern. Ich denke man kann das Buch aber auch gut, zum dekroieren und kochen verwenden, wenn man nicht magisch veranlagt ist. ^^
December 27, 2017
I thought this book is very informative on a basic level of getting into herbs and botany in the home. It gives brief description of 52 herbs and their benefits along with very easy rituals to do in the kitchen. Definitely not one of those "spellbooks" geared for those wanting the witchy side of this. Very much keeping it real and wholesome, on the natural side of witchcraft.
May 29, 2020
An interesting, easy to use guide on common herbs and their use in witchcraft
June 19, 2022
A caution to folks with eating disorders, disordered eating, or fatphobia-based trauma: there are a few references to weight loss and weight loss spells that are fairly fatphobic, such as using celery while imagining yourself "slim and healthy" (assuming fatness is unhealthy) and carving your target weight into a candle you look at before every major meal (BIG YIKES). So, avoid this book if you are someone who would be negatively affected by those sections.
Otherwise, I found the book to be beautifully illustrated, well-informed, well-organized, and practical. Any non-Western elements were simply references without appropriation, which, after several appropriative texts, was extremely refreshing.
Ultimately a decent book that could use with a little less fatphobia
Otherwise, I found the book to be beautifully illustrated, well-informed, well-organized, and practical. Any non-Western elements were simply references without appropriation, which, after several appropriative texts, was extremely refreshing.
Ultimately a decent book that could use with a little less fatphobia
September 9, 2012
I got so much from this book, and I think it is a great go to guide. I'd recommend this to anyone, however if you are a beginner, I would suggest other books to read as well
August 14, 2013
Really liked this. I got it out of the library but I'm going to have to buy it. It's a great reference to have on hand
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews