Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

This book has probably been the most used book in my personal practice. While it’s more popular among Wiccans, any witch can find it useful, especially beginners! I was given a copy years ago and bought this one to give to my friend who’s recently started practicing. The first thing I like about this book is how it’s quite comprehensive, despite being beginner friendly. It has a lot of different plants and their coorespondences both in magical and mundane applications, and the glossary in the back is perfect if you just need a little something without looking through the whole book. If someone told me they were getting into witchcraft, this would be the first book I recommend. I use it just as much now as I did when I only had it.

Great book pretty informative and great resource if you are using herbs in your workings. Nice read, good reference for beginners, I would recommend getting this book as your first herb book.

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the magical and spiritual properties of plants. Scott Cunningham's comprehensive guide provides a wealth of information on hundreds of herbs, detailing their folklore, medicinal uses, and magical correspondences. One of the standout features of this book is its accessibility. Cunningham's writing style is clear and engaging, making it easy for readers of all levels to understand and apply the information presented. Whether you're a novice or an experienced practitioner, you'll find value in the detailed descriptions and practical advice offered. The book covers a wide range of herbs, from common kitchen spices to exotic botanicals, allowing readers to explore a diverse array of magical traditions and practices. Each entry includes correspondences such as elemental associations, planetary rulerships, and magical uses, making it simple to incorporate herbs into spellwork, rituals, and daily life. Additionally, Cunningham's emphasis on ethical and sustainable harvesting practices sets this book apart. He encourages readers to cultivate a respectful relationship with nature and to approach herbal magic with reverence and mindfulness. Overall, Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs is an essential addition to any magical library. Its wealth of information, accessible writing style, and emphasis on ethical practice make it a valuable resource for practitioners of all paths. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your magical workings or simply interested in learning more about the natural world, this book is sure to enlighten and inspire.

Friends, this book is primarily for the practitioner of Wicca spell casting, and is therefore overly researched to that end. Although resourceful, it is not intended as the only book you'll want to own in your personal library, and a good book of spells will also be important to have on hand to accompany this work. Herbs and oils are grouped according to usage and definitions include why color is important, horticultural gender, associated planets and elements, anticipated powers and magical uses. There are drawings and author's notes to aid in the identification of these items when found in their natural state. There is a glossary of terms that is at lexicology level worth, a mail-order directory of where the practitioner can obtain listed products, a folk names cross-reference (A to Z), an annotated bibliography to establish credibility (from mythology, folklore, anthropology, ethnobotany, magic, and witchcraft), an index of terminology (nomenclature), and some recommended books for cooking practitioners who eat what they cook, and another about crystals, gems, and metal magic. There is a brief explanation of what magical herbalist practice consists of, and the importance of timing, tools, and the altar. This book is not necessarily a spell book, but more of a reference book to aid alongside a spell book. It is said by most reviewers of this book that in nearly any long-term practice of Wicca, "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs" by Scott Cunningham, is the most usage worn and valuable to the practitioner of any volume in their entire library. Hence it should be pointed out this book is not a whimsical rush job to just get another book published, but is actually the end result of several practitioners who have devoted many years (more than twenty years each, by more than a handful of those who manifest good) to the end result of passing on this precious information in such extensive display. A universally respected effort has produced an impressive companion that irreplaceably aids the serious Wiccan. I'd be remiss not to give this book five stars, and my full recommendation. If you are new to the art, but with a serious interest, this book most assuredly is a must-have. Not all the secrets of nature have been lost, and ancient knowledge abounds here. To be honest, this book's most interesting detail is its affordability.

If you're looking for a GREAT general reference book on herb magic, this book is INDISPENSIBLE, especially for those on an independent/eclectic (read: non-Wiccan) path. I'm on my second copy of this book (my first disappeared). Scott Cunningham is a legend in the Wiccan community for his writings, and while I am NOT a Wiccan (just a solitary Celtic hedge witch with a smattering of HooDoo), this book is one I cannot be without. The information is concise yet extensive, and as far as I can tell, covers all traditions, including European herb lore, African and Caribbean herb lore, as well as Eastern traditions as well. There are also multiple indexes at the back, cross-referencing purposes, folk names, gender, astrological associations, etc. Each entry begins with the common name, followed by the Latin taxonomy, folk names, a code (explained) for medical concerns, astrological association, powers, and uses. Most entries are illustrated, and many contain simple spells and/or folk legends. Also, for some of the more dangerously poisonous plants, there are explicit warnings AND suggestions for solutions. (Example: For Datura, or Jimson Weed, which is EXCEPTIONALLY poisonous and very hard to find, Cunningham offers a safe substitute with the same powers--maybe not so virulent, but some of us don't believe in cursing your enemies back to the Stone Age--that is more readily available and more safely handled.) I've kept this baby on my shelf since returning to the Craft four years ago, and have given this as a gift on several occasions to "new" witches along with Urban Primitive (another book that eclectics and solitaries should NOT be without, IMHO, and the rest of the pagan crowd could use as well) and a pointer to the Lucky Mojo Company. Scott Cunningham's research and knowledge is exhaustive, and I hope wherever his spirit has gone, the positive karma for this work alone is boosting him.

Amazing book for baby witches or anyone that’s just interested in herbal magik. Not written the way I thought it was going to be at all and I mean that in a positive way. It’s such an easy read and puts herbal craft in such understanding words.

I used to check this book out from my local library for months at a time, until someone had placed a hold on it and I had to give it back! Now I am very happy to have my own copy. This book has loads of magical information about each plant listed. The book is a great reference resource! However there was some very mild, though still annoying, damage to the cover and the spine of my copy. Not anything serious enough to return it over but it’s sad to receive a brand new book that’s already damaged :(

This was a great and informational read! I learned a lot.