Master Book of Herbalism

Book is garbage worthy smells so bad of mild/mildew, very UNACCEPTABLE CONDITION. I cannot read this book. Very disappointed.

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!

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.

Owning just about every herbal book on the market right now, I can say with confidence that this is one of the best, and by far, my favorite! Paul's work is, as always, thorough, well researched, and infused with Spirit. He has referenced and cross-referenced everything, and covers enough plants for anyone to work with for a long time. His way of writing makes you feel as though a Wise Sage has gently taken you by the hand, and is leading you down a beautiful garden path, teaching you the meaning and usages of every plant you find along the way. This volume is so complete in that it touches on every aspect of working with plants from classifications to correspondences to remedial use to energetics and ceremonial usages. My favorite parts of this book are the sections on the plants themselves, how to use them and make them into medicines, and then the energetic usages, including astrological and tarot correspondences. I really loved the section on the ritual use of herbs. If you can only buy one book on plants, plant medicine, and working with plant energies...start with this one...it's a beautiful work!

This is an excellent and very well written book to be used as a reference guide with regards to the remedial and magical use of many common herbs. It also includes information on herbs and astrology as well as detailing the use of herbs in rituals. It is a must have for any Wiccan and anyone with an interest in Magick.

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.