Witchcraft is often associated with the use of herbs and plants in various magical practices. The ancient art of herbalism, which involves working with the medicinal and magical properties of plants, has deep roots in witchcraft. The practice of using herbs and plants in spells, rituals, and potions is commonly referred to as "green witchcraft" or "herbal witchcraft". In herbal witchcraft, practitioners believe that certain herbs possess specific energies and properties that can be utilized for different purposes. These herbs can be used in a variety of ways, such as making teas, potions, incenses, or even worn as charms or carried in sachets. The knowledge of which herbs to use and how to use them is usually passed down through generations and is typically kept secret within witchcraft circles.
Much wise woman knowledge was lost during the trials. These wise women passed their knowledge along a generation of healers. Their knowledge was so important to their families and communities. Many paid their lives for this sacred calling. One excellent resource is from Hildegard of Bingen. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was a German Benedictine nun who spent her life teaching others about healing with animal, plant and mineral. Her collection of books survived the trials and are still studied by Herbalists today.
Within their writing, Frankie features numerous topics ranging from ghosts and spirits to the importance of community and reliance on nature s bounty. Learn how to cultivate your own magical garden, begin your journey with folk herbalism, and awaken to your place in nature through practical skills from an experienced Appalachian forager and witch.
The knowledge of which herbs to use and how to use them is usually passed down through generations and is typically kept secret within witchcraft circles. The main idea of herbal witchcraft is that different herbs possess magical properties that can be harnessed for various purposes. For example, lavender is often used for calming and relaxation, while rosemary is believed to enhance memory and focus.
Wild Witchcraft: Folk Herbalism, Garden Magic, and Foraging for Spells, Rituals, and Remedies (Hardcover)
Ever want to walk into the woods and come out with a plant that will make you feel better? Wished you could grow your own home remedies for bad days? Rebecca Beyer is here with delightful, hopeful, and practical witchy advice! She talks about soil science, folk medicine in America, and even suggestions for what to sing to your plants when you harvest them. Embrace your cottagecore dreams with the help of her glorious bibliography and citations.
Description
Learn how to cultivate your own magical garden, begin your journey with folk herbalism, and awaken to your place in nature through practical skills from an experienced Appalachian forager and witch.
Witchcraft is wild at heart, calling us into a relationship with the untamed world around us. Through the power of developing a relationship with plants, a witch—beginner or experienced—can practice their art more deeply and authentically by interacting with the beings that grow around us all. Bridging the gap between armchair witchcraft and the hedge witches of old, Wild Witchcraft empowers you to work directly with a wide variety of plants and trees safely and sustainably.
With Wild Witchcraft, Rebecca Beyer draws from her years of experience as an Appalachian witch and forager to give you a practical guide to herbalism and natural magic that will share:
-The history of witchcraft and Western herbalism
-How to create and maintain your own herbal garden
-Recipes for tinctures, teas, salves, and other potions to use in rites and rituals
-Spells, remedies, and rituals created with the wild green world around you, covering a range of topics, from self-healing to love to celebrating the turning of the seasons
-And much more!
Wild Witchcraft welcomes us home to the natural world we all dwell in by exploring practical folk herbal and magical rites grounded in historical practices and a sustainable, green ethic.
About the Author
Rebecca Beyer is the woman behind the Blood and Spicebush School of Old Craft. She lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina, where she manages a homestead and teaches traditional witchcraft, foraging, and Appalachian folk medicine. She has a BS in Plant and Soil science from the University of Vermont and a Masters in Appalachian Studies and Sustainability, concentrating in Appalachian Ethnobotany at Appalachian State University. She is also a member of the Association of Foragers. She spends her days trying to learn what her ancestors did and finding ways to share traditional skills while tackling cultural appropriation and the complexities of living in the modern world.
Praise For…
"Deep background on herbal uses throughout history and across Appalachian, Native American, Anglo-Saxon, and West African folk medicine traditions sets this volume apart, particularly the illuminating opening section on the history of witchcraft and folk healing. Beyer’s accessible guide bewitches and enlightens." —Publisher's Weekly starred review
"Rebecca Beyer provides a well-researched history of European witchcraft and American folk healing practices, followed by a solid introduction to growing and foraging healing herbs. Beyer covers much ground efficiently and makes a strong case for why these practices are especially necessary now." —Bookpage starred review
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft
- Gardening / Techniques
- Gardening / Herbs
- Compact Disc (May 10th, 2022): $34.99
Each herb is associated with specific intentions and energies, such as protection, love, healing, or prosperity. In addition to their magical properties, herbs are also used for their medicinal qualities in traditional witchcraft practices. Many ancient cultures relied heavily on herbal remedies for healing purposes, and this knowledge has been preserved and integrated into witchcraft practices. It is believed that the healing properties of plants can also be utilized on a spiritual and energetic level. The use of herbs in witchcraft is not limited to spells and rituals. Many witches also work with plants in their everyday lives, incorporating them into their homes, gardens, and personal care products. This connection to nature and the earth is an integral part of herbal witchcraft, as witches believe in the power and wisdom of the natural world. Overall, the practice of herbalism in witchcraft combines ancient knowledge of the medicinal and magical properties of plants. The main idea is that herbs possess specific energies that can be harnessed and utilized for various purposes, such as healing, protection, or love. The use of herbs in witchcraft is not only practical but also deeply rooted in the spiritual connection between witches and the natural world..
Reviews for "Unlocking the Mysteries of Herbal Spells and Incantations"
- Sarah - Rating: 1/5 - I was really disappointed with "Witchcraft of Herbalism". While I was hoping to learn more about the practice of herbalism and how it relates to witchcraft, the book only scratched the surface and left me with more questions than answers. The information provided was very basic and felt like it was just copied and pasted from various sources without any real depth or analysis. I was also disappointed with the lack of practical advice and guidance on how to incorporate herbalism into my own practice. Overall, I found this book to be a waste of time and money.
- James - Rating: 2/5 - As someone with a strong interest in witchcraft and herbalism, I was excited to read this book. However, I found "Witchcraft of Herbalism" to be quite lacking in substance. The author seemed to spend more time discussing their personal experiences and beliefs rather than providing useful and practical information. Additionally, the book lacked organization and coherence, making it difficult to follow and understand the concepts being presented. While I appreciate the author's passion for the subject, I believe there are better resources out there for those interested in learning about witchcraft and herbalism.
- Jessica - Rating: 2/5 - I was really looking forward to diving into the world of herbalism and witchcraft with "Witchcraft of Herbalism," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The author seemed to assume that the reader already had a strong background in both subjects, which made it difficult for beginners like me to understand and follow along. The book also lacked depth and didn't provide enough practical examples or guidance on how to incorporate herbalism into a witchcraft practice. Overall, I was left feeling confused and underwhelmed by this book.
- David - Rating: 1/5 - I found "Witchcraft of Herbalism" to be a frustrating and confusing read. The author's writing style was convoluted and full of jargon, making it difficult for someone new to the subject to comprehend. The book also seemed to lack a clear structure and organization, jumping from topic to topic without providing a solid foundation. I was hoping to gain a deeper understanding of herbalism and how it relates to witchcraft, but unfortunately, this book failed to deliver on that front. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking a comprehensive and well-written guide on the subject.