Magical Herbalism PDF
Preview Magical Herbalism
About the Author Scott Cunningham practiced elemental magic for more than twenty years. He was the author of more than thirty books, both fiction and nonfiction. Cunningham’s books reflect a broad range of interests within the New Age sphere, where he was highly regarded. He passed from this life on March 28, 1993, after a long illness. Llewellyn Publications Woodbury, Minnesota Copyright Information Magical Herbalism: The Secret Craft of the Wise © 1982 and 1983 by Scott Cunningham and © 2002 by the Scott Cunningham estate. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any matter whatsoever, including Internet usage, without written permission from Llewellyn Publications, except in the form of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. As the purchaser of this e-book, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on screen. The text may not be otherwise reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, or recorded on any other storage device in any form or by any means. Any unauthorized usage of the text without express written permission of the publisher is a violation of the author’s copyright and is illegal and punishable by law. First e-book edition © 2013 E-book ISBN: 9780738716725 Third Edition Ninth Printing, 2012 First edition, two printings Second edition, fifteen printings Book design and editing by Kimberly Nightingale Herbal safety editing by Melissa Mierva Cover art © 2001 by Robert M. Place FR Cover design by Gavin Dayton Duffy Llewellyn Publications is an imprint of Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd. Llewellyn Publications does not participate in, endorse, or have any authority or responsibility concerning private business arrangements between our authors and the public. Any Internet references contained in this work are current at publication time, but the publisher cannot guarantee that a specific reference will continue or be maintained. Please refer to the publisher’s website for links to current author websites. The old-fashioned remedies in this book are historical references used for teaching purposes only. The recipes are not for commercial use or profit. The contents are not meant to diagnose, treat, prescribe, or substitute consultation with a licensed healthcare professional. Llewellyn Publications Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd. 2143 Wooddale Drive Woodbury, MN 55125 www.llewellyn.com Manufactured in the United States of America To the countless Witches—wise men and women— who, down through the ages, have innovated, perfected, and preserved these secrets Contents Introduction PART ONE: Preparations 1 Tools of the Magical Herbalist 2 Magic—A Short Primer 3 Identifying, Gathering, Drying, and Storing Herbs 4 The Language of Magical Herbalism PART TWO: Herbal Secrets 5 Protection 6 Divination 7 Healing 8 Love 9 Herbs of the Elements and Magical Fluid Condensers 10 Scented Oils and Perfumes 11 Incenses 12 Amulets 13 Witch’s Herbal PART THREE: The Magic Garden 14 Your Herbal Garden Appendices Appendix 1 The Magical Names of Herbs, Flowers, Trees, and Roots Appendix 2 Baneful Herbs and Flying Ointments Appendix 3 Sources for Herbs and Oils Appendix 4 Herbal Redes Bibliography I Introduction n centuries past, when the nightmares we know of as cities had yet to be born, we lived in harmony with the earth and used her treasures wisely. Many knew the old magics of herbs and plants. Knowledge was passed down from one generation to another, and so the lore was widely circulated and used. Most country folk knew one herb that was a powerful protection against evil, or a certain flower that produced prophetic dreams, and perhaps a sure-fire love charm or two. Witches had their own intricate operations of herbal magic, as did the magicians and alchemists. Soon a body of magical knowledge accumulated surrounding the simple herbs that grew by fast- running streams, in verdant meadows, and high on lonely cliffs. Many of our ancestors, however, looked to the stars, away from the earth, and dreamed of greater things. In racing toward mechanized perfection, humanity became orphaned of the earth, and much of the old lore was forgotten. Fortunately, it was not lost completely. Witches became the keepers of the secrets of the earth; thus, they were looked upon with fear by those who had already turned their backs on the Old Ways. Terror and hatred forced the Witches into hiding, and for centuries their secrets re-mained untouched. When the old Witches died, many of their secrets died with them, for as the centuries passed there were fewer and fewer who cared to learn the ancient arts of magic. Today we are experiencing a resurgence of earth awareness. Ecological organizations prosper. Recycling is a booming business. People are turning away from chemicals and artificially preserved foods to more healthy fare. Herbs long unadored have once again come into their own. But aside from hints and speculation, the magical art of herbalism has largely been left unexplored and unexplained. This book is an attempt to fill this gap in herbal knowledge. Though these instructions have long been the pro-vince of the Witch and her kin, all that is required to successfully practice magical herbalism is an earnest desire to better your life, and the lives of those you know and love. This is a complete and practical guide. No esoteric, misty treatise, it should serve well as an introduction to herbal magic—the postive aspects of herbal magic. Aside from an appendix that discusses the use of baneful herbs, no poisoning, cursing, controlling, compelling, binding, or otherwise evil magical information is contained herein, for such practices have no place in the divine magic of the herbalist. In magic, especially herbal magic, an herb is a plant prized for its vibrations, or energies. Thus,
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