In centuries past, when the nightmares we know of as cities had yet to be born, we lived in harmony with the earth and used her treasures wisely. Many knew the old magics of herbs and plants.
Knowledge was passed down from one generation to another, and so the lore was widely circulated and used. Most country folk knew one herb that was a powerful protection against evil, or a certain flower that produced prophetic dreams, and perhaps a sure-fire love charm or two.
Witches had their own intricate operations of herbal magic, as did the magicians and alchemists. Soon a body of magical knowledge accumulated surrounding the simple herbs that grew by fast-running streams, in verdant meadows, and high on lonely cliffs.
Many of our ancestors, however, looked to the stars, away from the earth, and dreamed of greater things. In racing toward mechanized perfection, humanity became orphaned of the earth, and much of the old lore was forgotten.
Fortunately, it was not lost completely. Witches became the keepers of the secrets of the earth; thus, they were looked upon with fear by those who had already turned their backs on the Old Ways. Terror and hatred forced the Witches into hiding, and for centuries their secrets re-mained untouched.
When the old Witches died, many of their secrets died with them, for as the centuries passed there were fewer and fewer who cared to learn the ancient arts of magic.
Today we are experiencing a resurgence of earth awareness. Ecological organizations prosper. Recycling is a booming business. People are turning away from chemicals and artificially preserved foods to more healthy fare.
Herbs long unadored have once again come into their own. But aside from hints and speculation, the magical art of herbalism has largely been left unexplored and unexplained.
This book is an attempt to fill this gap in herbal knowledge. Though these instructions have long been the pro-vince of the Witch and her kin, all that is required to successfully practice magical herbalism is an earnest desire to better your life, and the lives of those you know and love.
This is a complete and practical guide. No esoteric, misty treatise, it should serve well as an introduction to herbal magic—the postive aspects of herbal magic. Aside from an appendix that discusses the use of baneful herbs, no poisoning, cursing, controlling, compelling, binding, or otherwise evil magical information is contained herein, for such practices have no place in the divine magic of the herbalist.
In magic, especially herbal magic, an herb is a plant prized for its vibrations, or energies. Thus, the herbs of this book include seaweeds, cacti, trees, fruits, and flowers that one might not normally consider to be herbs.
Recent advances in science have enabled us to photographically record these vibrations through the use of Kirilian photography. Thus, science once again vindicates magic.
There are Witches still, who walk unshod upon the earth and listen to the murmurings of the trees and garland themselves with sacred herbs while the Moon watches far above.
What remains of their fabled lore is fragmented; a patchwork of beliefs, knowledge, and rituals. These remnants, however, are just as effective today as when they were born in a more magical age.
Herbal magic is one of the easiest, safest, and most joyous methods of reestablishing earth roots, of returning to a healthy and natural life. It touches the essence of life itself with simple rituals and few props.
The magic is in the herbs—and in you. Herbal magic is a cooperation between plant and human, between earth and heaven, between microcosm and macrocosm—a union of energies forged to produce change by methods that outsiders view as being supernatural.
That these ways are far more natural, far older than the computerized religions and prefabricated societal values of today’s world may escape many, but that is the way of magic. It is not for everybody.
There are no vows to swear, no groups to join, and no demons to worship. And, though there are a few simple rules to follow that ensure best results, the magic can be as simple or complex as you wish.
This is a book of power, of the magic of herbs. The knowledge contained within it has been preserved so that we may better our lives.
Use it with love.