Confessions of a Modern Witch: herbs

Showing posts with label herbs. Show all posts

The Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs

February 16, 2020

Today I'm reviewing The Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs - Your Complete Guide to the Hidden Powers of Herbs by Judy Ann Nock.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
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Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am identify as a magical Buddhist. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I believe in spiritually and holistic wellness. I find that we can heal the world if we just sit down and and listen to the breath. I believe that magic, science and nutritional well being are the cornerstone to a well rounded holistic life. I have recently updated my site from Confessions of a Modern Witch to my new page To Live Whole. I welcome you to come along for my journey of health, wellness and self exploration.

I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft. I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 438,000 views.

As you know I'll be switching over to reviewing only e-copies of books shortly. I will miss handling the books but the amount of trash that I had piling up for all the shipping was just overwhelming. I will be doing a giveaway for the remaining physical books that actually arrive as well as asking my publishers to provide giveaway copies shipped directly to my winner's homes going forward for all giveaways.

I'll start out with a review of the physical book. The cover is nice and smooth with a black background and some lovely illustrated herbs shown. The size of the book is nice for fitting into a bag or a backpack to take on the go. The pages however, have that same uneven edging that some publishers choose to use to make the book look aged. It is so annoying to me personally. I dislike this style of binding and wish that they would stick to standard pages. The book boasts of a pretty impressive index which I really enjoy in a book, especially one that could be used as reference going forward.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
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The author begins with an overview of magickal herbs and provides a brief history of herbal-ism, including references to John Gerard and Nicholas Culpeper. She gives us a look at herbs from a planetary perspective with a table provided on herbs associated with our solar system. There's even a table on the secret witch names for some herbs. The author covers basic preparation methods such as tonics, sachets, oils, teas and powders.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
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Chapter two takes us into cultivation and even references sustainability. I really enjoyed the part of this section called clearing and consecrating your site. This section contains some really well written information and includes a spell to set your intentions.

What good would an herb book be without a little bit of Kitchen Witchery! The author provides just that in chapter 3 with a table related to the magical kitchen and even a spot for adding magic into your recipes. While not provide a spell directly, the information given shows how using gestures while stirring for example, is a great way to add a dash of magic along with that flavor to your dish.
We get a wonderful consecration spell for our cupboard that goes as follows:

Blessed be the hand

Blessed be the heat

Blessed be the sustenance

The nourishment we eat

Blessed be the gathering

Blessed be the flame

Blessed be the creation

Assembled in Her name.

The book goes on to give us a lesson on elixirs and potions with recipes and tables to help us create suitable combinations for feasting and merriment and even has a chapter dedicated to self care. Self care is often missing from the majority of the books I review and I'm glad to see this author chose to give a space for that here. This along with the herbal first aid kit on page 71 make this book an invaluable resource.

Part II of this book is simply a list of 100 Magickal Herbs. There are a few illustrations included, but detailed information on each of the selected herbs. Part III takes us directly into how to use these herbs. From herbal remedies to spells it contains the step by step instructions for things such as, basic hair rinses, how to amplify dark hair, lip scrubs and skin washes.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

Overall this book was a very good read. The text is well written and provided something I could walk away and practice right away. It takes the time to show you how to not only use but also create you own herbal supply and what to do with it once it is ready to harvest. One of the better herb books I have read recently.

Adaptogens Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief

September 29, 2019

Today I'm reviewing Adaptogens Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief by David Winston.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Adaptogens

Adaptogens
Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief

Let's start by introducing the authors; David Winston, RH (AHG) , is a clinical herbalist and ethnobotanist with 50 years of training in Chinese, Western/Eclectic, and Southwestern herbal traditions. Steven Maimes has studied natural medicine for over 30 years. A researcher, freelance writer, and principle of SALAM Research.

The book has now been updated and expanded this year (2019) from its first edition in 2007.

The information is laid out in a comprehensive three part layout. Part one gives a good introduction of what Herbal Adaptogens are, the history, actions and health benefits. Part two starts with full color monographs on adaptogens for identification, as well as in-depth information for the well researched adaptogens.

Also covered in this section is comprehensive information on nervines, nootropics and restorative tonics.

Part three covers herbal adaptogens in use, including information on clinical use, herbs in combination and also an added chapter on adaptogens for our pets.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Adaptogens

I really enjoyed the layout of the book, it is easy to locate what you are looking for specifically. There is both a good index and glossary for those of us that may struggle with trying to remember or get lost in every clinical or herbal term. The authors have really given us a thorough reference book for daily use.

So if you are interested in a very detailed, easy to pick up and find a tonic, tea, or food to prepare with ALL the healthy information including dosages attached...this is the book for you.

Magic Medicine - A Trip Through the Intoxicating History & Modern Day Use of Psychedelic Plants & Substances - A Review

October 13, 2018

Today I'm reviewing Magic Medicine - A Trip Through the Intoxicating History & Modern Day Use of Psychedelic Plants & Substances by Cody Johnson.

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Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an atheist witch. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need for a deity. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 13 years honing my craft. I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts nearly 400,000 views.

As usually I'll start this view with a general look at the physical book. I am one of those folks who doesn't get the same enjoyment from e-books as I do from holding a physical book in my hands. While I may be in the minority, I really like a book that feels good to hold. I like to smell the pages and feel the texture of the pages beneath my fingers as I devour the book word by word. To me, there is just something missing a bit from an e-book. This book is solid. When you pick it up, you'll know you have a book in your hands. The cover is fantastic. With the images of magical mushrooms and molecular symbols the excruciatingly long title is less offensive. The pages are smooth, however they lack images. I would expect a book providing information on medicinal herbs would have more photos.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Magic Medicine

My favorite part of most books like this is the index. Generally a strong index will help the reader locate information quickly if the book is intended to be used as reference. This book has one page, front and back for an index. The book however is heavily referenced. The reference section includes three pages, both front and back, that thoroughly provide the supporting information for the reader. I found this extremely helpful for many of the chapters.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Magic Medicine

I won't go into all the chapters here, but will go into one in particular. Page 185 begins the section on Cannabis. This is of particular interest to me as my husband has Glaucoma and I have Bipolar & Borderline Personality disorders. The author tells us that this herb is one of the most commonly used drug in history yet, has not been responsible for a single death or overdose. The author takes us through the three species of cannabis and the assorted methods of ingestion. These methods range from eating, smoking, vaping to oils and tinctures.

I like the fact that the author also talks about the spiritual aspects of using cannabis. Along with the medicinal, there are times when the brain just needs to slow down. In order to connect with oneself, at times we need to just stop. As a person with bipolar disorder, I can tell you, this mind rarely slows down. I am going 24/7. I figure out problems in my sleep. My brain works on projects and fills out the process for solutions while I sleep. I'll wake in the middle of the night and need to jot things down. This of course is a disruption. The ability to sit down and SLOOOOW down is something that escapes me. Being able to sit and be ok with not doing anything is a struggle and as one would expect, doing any work on meditation or visualizations are a struggle. Mood stabilization and nausea cures are just two of the amazing benefits of this herb.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Magic Medicine

Each chapter is taken on withe the same care. Beginning with the origin and background of each herb, the author takes us through the experience of the herb as well as any toxicity related to it. I found the information both informative and useful.

While to me, the index was lacking, the rest of the book is full of extremely useful information and I believe most will find instrumental in discovering the magic at our fingertips in the garden.

Baneful - A Review

August 25, 2018

Today I'm reviewing Baneful - 95 of the World's Worst Herbs by Deborah Martin.

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I did a quick search on my blog yesterday and realized I have never published by review of Baneful. I rated it back in 2015 but didn't add it here. The story of how I got this book is amazing. My dear sister requested a copy of the book signed by the author for my birthday. The snow was coming down and there was some question if it might arrive on time. This author signed and managed to get my book to the post office and it arrived just in time. That says so much about someone who is willing to go the extra step to make someone's day. DJ and I have been friends ever since. I cherish this book and adore my sister for thinking of me. <3

Now on with the review.

I became interested in this book through working on a project with the Covenant of Hekate. Working through the associations I searched online and found a list of books to check out. I decided to check out Baneful. First, it's a hefty book. I like that I can pick it up and really open the pages and get into reading it. The illustrations are great and the introductions (book and section) are informative and witty.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Source Credit: Baneful

When I learn something new, I like to associate the new "thing" with a story or funny reminder. The author provides a section called "Interesting Tidbits" that I found really helpful. I really enjoy the references on page 13 related to the mythological creation of Aconite from the spit of Cerberus.

Photo Credit: Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Baneful

Each herb is sectioned out in side effects, medicinal uses, and magical uses. I found the story of the Cheyenne on page 55, using a piece of sweet flag root into a child's coverings to ward off night spirits. This writing style is perfect for this content because it makes you want to learn things. Like did you know that wolfsbane may have been named such due to Ancient Greeks using it on the tips of their arrows while hunting wolves? Or how about the Ancient Greeks and Romans use of mandrake amulets against bewitchment!! Learning that the Yew was so toxic was fascinating to me. The author tells me that it was used in fertility rituals for both men and women but also for raising the dead! I could go on and on.

Photo Credit: Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Baneful

Over all I think this is a great addition to any library. Witchy or otherwise. It is well written and easy to follow. I love the "Cheat Sheet" in the back of the book and the note section after each herb was very helpful. I highly recommend picking up a copy today!

Witchy Wednesday - Connecting with Nature

April 5, 2017

As the days warm up, I'm finding myself itching to be outdoors more. I work a 9-5 and then run BaubleSmith with the hubby so getting free time is pretty limited. Still, I like to be able to go outside from time to time. We are in the process of looking for a new house, so we're actually looking for a place that we can spend time outside without being carried away by the mosquitoes. A back deck/porch that is enclosed would be amazing. I'll need a wooded area as well, just a place to dig in the ground a bit and do ... you know, witchy stuff.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

On the property we have now, we have access to a stream that feeds into a larger river, perfect for cleansing spells or memory clearing spells. Just toss those fears (figurative) into the river and watch them roll down the stream and leave your mind for good. We also have about four acres that are completely wooded. The outside is lined with Hawthorne and Devil's Walking stick. I couldn't be more protected from negativity than I am here. It is indeed, our safe harbor from all things that attack.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

As Spring begins to come alive in the north, it is a great time to start adding some of these trees/plants to your area to help you not only spend more time outside with nature but also to add a bit of magic to your space.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Here's a few I have on my property:

Hawthorn is associated with love, marriage, health, fertility, chastity, protection and death.
Rosemary is associated with fidelity, enhancing memory, to dispel jealousy and to keep away nightmares.
Rose of Sharon is associate with protection against negativity and evil, improves psychic ability and attracts good spirits.
Cedar is associated with cleansing and creating ritual spaces, longevity and power.
Honeysuckle is associated with money, desire and fidelity.

Finding magical plants to empower your natural area is easy to do with containers as well. If you have a deck or even an open space next to a window you can create a nice little herb garden to brighten up your space. So what do you have growing in your space? How are you connecting with nature as the days warm up? Feel free to share in the comments!

Sage Advice - Herb Class - Kay Soto

July 8, 2011

Good Morning everyone! Last night I attended my first herb class with Kay Soto at Truely Unique. This is one of the many events hosted by Truely Unique.

If you're looking for a place where you sit down and take notes and read from a book, this is not the class for you. I attended with hubby and two very nice ladies. Kay cooked some butternut squash and had fresh tomatoes from the Community Garden. We sat down at the kitchen table surrounded by jars and jars of herbs.

As we began, Kay explained that I had shown up on the 3rd class of the series and the most difficult one. Nice, just let me show up on test day!!

This "class" was held more like a discussion between friends. We chatted about herbal folklore and how herbs were used not only in Pagan circles but also in Christian as well. There were handouts that we were given that had lists of God/dess favorite herbs and how those herbs can be substituted safely for other herbs.

I think the most interesting thing I learned was that there is folklore that says that rosemary works best if taken from your neighbors yard, it's used for worship and for wedding bouquets. It symbolizes love and loyalty. We reviewed the Doctrine of Signatures, which says that plants that look, smell or have a color likeness to a particular body part, they are used to treat that body part. Such as Lungwort for example has spots much like the spots on lungs and it thought to treat those type maladies.

Overall it was a really good class. In her handouts Kay recommends to start your journey into herbalism by planting three herbs and then taking the time to learn everything there is about them. Use them in kitchen magic, in teas and in baths. She recommends to find 7 different sources before using any herb. (Good idea)

I'm really looking forward to attending the Summer Cooking with Herbs Class on the 29th. As well as the Kindred Spirit & Divination Night on the 30th.

I've also learned that Osvaldo (Kay's Hubby) is an Advanced Second Degree Reiki Practitioner, which is very interesting because as you know I've been working on my Reiki studies and just finished a chapter on finding a teacher. It said, do not worry if you cannot find a teacher, when you are ready one will present itself. (Interesting....)

Now time for me to get back to work on those wreaths...

Until next time, Namaste and Blessed Be

Sosanna
)O(

Fayetteville Trip

July 3, 2011

Yesterday morning hubby and I took off on the motorcycle (this time with sunscreen) to Fayetteville NC.

We found two little shops we wanted to go have a look at. Our journey took us to the Fayetteville Flea Mall on Raeford Road.

Our first stop was Silver Sister's Cottage. When I walked in there was a small group of three or four sitting around a table chatting about where to find the best little trinkets and gifts for the shop. I was welcomed in and offered assistance. I spent much of my time admiring the homey decor that made me feel like I was in the basement of a very experienced witch and rummaging through her treasures.

Here are some pictures from the place.

This was a really great little shop. I was looking for a new pentacle but one didn't find me in this shop. You can find Silver Sister's Cottage on Facebook. The owner, Tracy Bonner has a page on Facebook and has really done a great job with her shop. Silver Sister's Cottage will be participating in NC Pagan Pride this year. I plan to attend as well.

As we continued around the flea mall we found another little shop called "Silver Stars"

Silver Star's shop is very different from Sisters. This shop is light and fun. It has lots of dream catchers and happiness around. The shop is nestled in the back of the building but when you see the twinkle lights and stars around you know you're in the right spot.

I managed to have a look at the jewelry case and again, my pentacle escaped me. But I shall find it soon. One of the cutest things about this shop is their spell kits. As I've mentioned in the past I'm not huge on spell kits, but this little drawer with the types of spells on the outside and inside with the little baggies filled with spell components was simply adorable.

Silver Stars can be found on Facebook as well.

Over all a wonderful trip and a major score in finding too very great looking shops. If we end up moving to Fayetteville I can see myself spending a great deal of time down at these shops. Maybe even I'll send them one of my homemade wreaths to sell in their shop.

Next week I'm visting "Truly Unique" in Wilson. Can't wait to see what they have for me there!

Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(

The Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs

Adaptogens Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief