Paganism 101: Review of Magical Herbalism by Scott Cunningham

Scott Cunningham was a prolific author well known for bringing Wicca to the masses with the publication of Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner.

True to his down-to-earth style, Magical Herbalism is an excellent beginner’s guide to herbal magic.

Magic Theory and Tools

The first two chapters are a brief introduction to magical theory and tools needed for magical herbalism. He gives instructions on making and consecrating a wand and setting up an altar as well as magical correspondences and the best time to perform rituals.

Herbal Preparation

The next two chapters give tips on identifying, gathering and drying many herbs. This section also includes a glossary of terms used throughout the book. After this comes the chapters dealing with the most popular reasons people do magic – protection, divination, healing, and love.

The Witch’s Herbal section is an alphabetical listing of herbs. It isn’t comprehensive, but many of the herbs should be easily accessible at an occult or health food store and at online shops. Each listing includes correspondences, parts of the herb used, the power associated with it and how it is used for magic.

The author knew that many practitioners would want to grow their own magical garden, and he lays out exactly how to do this in the shape of a pentagram.  For those who don’t have their own back yard, he offers ideas for similar indoor gardens.

There are incense and oil recipes given in different sections and instructions for making infusions, amulets, sachets, poppets, scented oils and perfumes. He provides prayers, chants and instruction for purification baths and other rituals in plain language.

The appendices include one on baneful herbs and flying ointment. He strongly advises against the use of these but provides this information more for historical interest.

Some say Scott Cunningham is outdated, but I disagree. If he were alive today, I believe he would be excited about the scholarship that has come to light regarding the history of his religion. I think his work is still some of the most balanced and accessible for those new to Wicca and witchcraft.

There are better and more complete books on herbalism, and Wiccans may feel more comfortable than others with the Harm None rule of the Rede infused throughout Magical Herbalism. You don’t have to be a Wiccan to benefit however. While experienced herbalists will find little that is new to them here, I recommend this book as a solid introduction to the subject for beginners.