Product Description

Outstanding in its completeness, The Master Book of Herbalism fulfills a need that has long been felt by students of the magickal arts. In his sincere and gentle manner, Paul brings over 15 years experience as he writes about:

• the medicinal use of herbs, including illustrations of plants easily found in the wild
• history and religious lore - specific background information on individual herbs
• herb gathering and storage - the magickal way
• the herbalist as a magickal practitioner
• incenses, oils, amulets, elixirs, balms and fluid condensers
• detailed information on how to create them
• herbs and their relationship with gemstones, etc.
• herbal links with astrology and the tarot
• rituals - the use of herbs in seasonal festivals, initiations, handfastings, purifications, etc.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #176446 in Books
• Published on: 1984-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 415 pages

Review
Out of the hundreds of herbals, this book is one of the few that includes serious treatment of the realm of magickal herbalism along with basic information on the physical properties of various plants. This is a wonderful sourcebook with a wealth of information on the ritual uses of herbs. It is not only enjoyable to read, but its numerous chapters and appendices with alphabetical listings makes it easy to use -- Selena Fox of `Circle'

About the Author

Customer Reviews

The best book of herbalsm from someone who's read them all!
Even though this book was first published in 1984, it is still as valuable today as it was the moment the first copy came off the presses. Providing us with a sophisticated explanation of and introduction to herbology (as well as an encyclopedia and general reference guide), Beryl goes above and beyond any other book on the subject devoted to the advanced beginner by creating a work that will serve as an indispensable reference for the remainder of one's career as an herbalist. Teaching herbs as they have been used in folk magic by our ancestors, he embraces the inseparable nature of medicinal herbalism and magical herbalism, imparting to the reader the value of both the historical and modern-day-adaptable perspective that lays within. He provides us with an unparalleled reference of terminology pertinent to herbology, and teaches us to understand different herb classifications. He tells us the lore of the herbs. He even discusses the magical energies of some different stones, and devotes an entire chapter to Herbs and the Tarot. This is the best book on herbalism I have ever encountered, and it is so full of dimension and contains so much raw info that it requires many hours of study to master. If you are looking for just one good book on herbalism, make this the one!

A great resource for both remedial and magical herbal lore.
While not as comprehensive in the number of herbs covered as Scott Cunningham's _Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs_, it more than makes up for that lack by his in-depth coverage of the herbs he *does* include. And he still covers plenty of herbs, enough to suit any magical situation. He does go into remedial uses as well, but this is not the focus of the book. If your looking for that sort of herbal info, I'd go elsewhere, although the information he gives is very useful and pretty thorough.

There are also sections on astrological aspects of herbs, how to consecrate herbal preparations and amulets, the use of stones in connection with herbs, methods of preparation for remedial use, classification of remedial herb by effect, correspondances to deities, and lists of herbs appropriate to various ritual observances such as the holidays and handfastings.

This is a book I have turned to, for a wide range of information, so often I have literally worn my copy out. I would like to see future editions with more herbs included, not because the number is insufficient. But because he is so insightful, and with such interesting little "a*ha*!" tidbits of information, I find myself wondering what his comments would be on various herbs he has not written about. He is a Wiccan Priest, so he is in tune with that sort of gentle sensiblility, yet his information crosses all lines of religion, to focus on the herbs themselves. He seems to write from long years of experience, not just of repeating lore found in other books. I highly recommend it, particularly to Neo-Pagan herbalists.

A Must-Have for anyone studying herbs and/or Paganism
After 17 years I still find this book not only an invaluable reference book, but a thoroughly enjoyable read as well.

Other books may feature a more exhaustive list of herbs, but none present the herbs with the love, care and extensive background as this fine guide does. The author gives life and history to each one, presenting the herbs with the honor, and respect they deserve. (In the same vain the author includes a decent guide to magickal stones with the same loving care given to the details of each.)

If you are new to herbalism or Paganism, I can't say enough about the importance of having this book for your collection.