magicNovember 16, 2008 As always, Scott Cunningham writes so well and clearly. This is an excellent book on herbalism magic. Good for beginner and advanced witches alike.
magic and herbalisimAugust 16, 2008 A nice reference staple for any personal herbal library regarding crafting work. One of my favorite four I keep on the subject.
Enough already!June 23, 2008 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Sorry to say that this will be the last book by Cunningham that I will every buy. Every book is beginning to be the same book with a different cover.
Listed below are the reasons I have a problem with this book:
Cunningham preaches all the way from beginning to end on moral ethics. It's as if he's the moral police. He tells the reader that he doesn't give certain oils/herbs because they may violate the Rede. It's ridiculous and getting OLD! I know there is a movement for Witches to show themselves as GOOD,but get a grip! It seems to be a trend for authors to learn all they can then turn around arrogantly and tell the reader what you shouldn't know. I think everyone should be their own moral police. How can you truly learn magick one sided.
If you want the same tired formulas, moral whipping, and arrogance go ahead get the book!
Good BookJanuary 7, 2008 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have a number of Scott Cunningham's books. This is just another fine example of his work.
A great beginner's book!December 28, 2007 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I think the people that posted that this is a limited book don't really get the purpose of the book. This is a BEGINNER'S book. If you are an experienced herbalist - do not get this book. This book is for those just starting out. You should read this book first and then read the encyclopedia that Cunningham wrote. The Paul Beryl Compendium of Magickal Herbs that one reviewer mentioned is an ok book, but it leaves a lot of information out - plus he gets too into the historical side of each herb and not enough on the practical side. Plus the charts in the back, which really are the most useful part of the book are seriously lacking in Paul Beryl's book (although he has some nice handy God/Goddess listings).
So - if you are starting out - get this book and read it. Once you are comfortable with the material, move on to Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magickal Herbs (which is mostly a listing of herbs with very little information on what to do with herbal blends), and if you have extra cash, get the Paul Beryl book. I have about 20 different herbals, and I mainly use Cunningham's encyclopedia and the Paul Beryl book.
But - getting back to this book - this is a starter book. If you already know the basics, then this is a waste of your money. If you have never opened an herbal in your life, this is a great place to start. And as one user mentioned - use common sense! Just because something is an herb, it doesn't mean its safe. Arsenic is deadly and all natural. When using non-maintstream herbs such as Hemlock, Yew, etc - do some research FIRST! If you are sticking to the basics, like Rosemary, Peppermint, etc, then this book should be fine. And don't ingest anything unless you know for sure its safe - use your brain!
