By: Ellen Dugan

Hello, it’s your friendly neighborhood Garden Witch. I’ve got a wonderful new book for you to dig into this year, and it’s popping up just in time for the gardening season. It’s entitled Herb Magic for Beginners. This newest book in Llewellyn’s For Beginners series is a hands-on primer into the world of magical herbalism.

I first became interested in herbal magic as a new gardener. I still remember the day I was walking around my gardens, comparing what plants I had growing to the plants listed in a magical encyclopedia. To my amazement many of the plants I had in the perennial gardens were classified as magical herbs. The only problem was, while I adored the reference book, there were precious few spells in it and no real information on how to practically combine the herbs with my spellcraft. 

Many of us are captivated by the topic of herbs and herbal magic. However, there are few books available on the topic of actually working magic with the herbs besides those in basic encyclopedic format. There are even fewer books that offer practical spells and herbal enchantments for any level of experience. Herb Magic for Beginners will take care of that omission. There is plenty for you to learn, experiment with and discover. Plus I have included dozens of herbal spells, and they are all straightforward and ready to go.

Down-to-Earth Enchantments

I admit it, I have a passion for the natural world and a love affair with green growing things. As a Master Gardener I often lecture on the topic of herbs and plant folklore. The very word herb has always seemed fascinating to me. After all, there is something mysterious about herbs, their uses, aromas, tastes and textures. Their history and folklores are captivating, and for many Witches, Wiccans and Pagans, the topic of magical herbalism is an irresistible one. I believe that Herb Magic for Beginners will be an excellent addition to your magical library.

So, let’s dig in! I’ll just bet you are wondering what you will uncover in this down-to-earth paperback. The first two chapters of the book break down how herb magic works, and then neatly segue into an explanation of astrological timing, tools of the trade and plant and herbal terminology. After that, the book is divided up into four chapters. Each of these are chocked full of practical charms, spells and rituals revolving around the chapter’s specific topic. There are 48 common herbs featured in this book. And all of the herbs will be easy for you to get your hands on, and to work with. Most importantly, each individual herb has an accompanying spell, charm or ritual to go along with it. I wanted to make sure there was plenty of magic in this book.

Also, just as you’d expect, I have included a spell worksheet and several herbal correspondence charts. These will come in handy for you as you begin to compose your own herbal spells and charms.

Herb Magic Is a Major Magic

Now, for those of you who are wrinkling up your nose at the mere thought of reading a book with the word beginner in the title, sit tight for a moment. Here is an interesting fact for you to ponder. The truth is, herb magic is considered a major magic. And a major magic is defined as a type of enchantment that requires more knowledge and the combination of several other magical practices, such as astrological timing, candle and color magic.

However, by tackling the topic of herb magic from a beginner’s point of view, it allows any Witch, or magic user (no matter what their level of experience), to dive right in and start experimenting with herb magic. It also gives you the opportunity to refresh different magical techniques, or even to add some new ones into your repertoire.

Herb magic is a sensory type of enchantment. The scents, colors and textures of the plant materials offer immediate gratification. They also lure magical practitioners outdoors and into the natural world to experience the plants growing in nature and in the garden. (Yes, it is my goal in life to get you off the couch and outside.) Working with plants is fun! Tending and utilizing herbs for magic is even more enjoyable. It links you to the cycles and seasons of the Earth and keeps you intimately connected to the sacred side of nature.  Herb Magic for Beginners will demonstrate, in a down-to-earth manner, just how to go about creating your own variety of herbal magic with humor, style, and most importantly, with heart.