Herb Magic 101
Herbal magic is the very first that I got into, just before crystal magic. I do not tend to make potions or eat my herbs, but I make many herbal spells and jars today in other ways! I have seen everything from herbs being smelled, burned, locked up in a jar, or even just scattered, all parts of spells. I’ve received wonderful gifts of spell jars that I smelled from my lovely friend @asteri-desmevetai and they worked magnificently! Herbs are so versatile, but with that there are a few things to know before you start.
1. Know your safety. This not only applies to which herbs are edible, but also if the smoke from burning them or smelling them directly is safe!!! I know some herbs, such as wormwood and mugwort, can be toxic if burned!! Do research on the safety of how these herbs can be used and be thorough.
2. Check multiple sources. Just like with other crafts, check multiple sources on your facts. This is highly important with herbs, so you can make sure not only you use them the way you intend to, but safely.
3. There are many ways to use herbs in spells. Burning, eating, cooking, potions, spreading, smelling, hanging, in a jar, etc. Get creative and use your intuition to find what works best for your intent!
4. Nothing wrong with kitchen herbs. Kitchen herbs you get from the grocery store are perfectly valid and can be even safer sometimes! You can also grow your own herbs or order dried ones online.
5. Your own personal associations are just as valid if not more than a book! When casting spells, intent can be much more easily focused on when you associate the contents you use with what you are going for. If you have personal associations, they are just as valid as the ones from books!
6. Keep in mind what is endangered! Some herbs are more endangered than others, and large demand can cause them to fall into more danger of extinction. Please keep this in mind when you research.
What are my suggestions on books about herbal magic?
I have several suggestions, but these are the ones I have used.
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham
Although the book is dated, I highly suggest this one for beginners. It gives a great overview of associations and folklore with herbs. It is also not a huge and heavy book, which is a plus. Great for starting out.
A Compendium of Herbal Magick by Paul Beyerl
This book is like a fat dictionary of herbs and their associations and lore. Has three parts to it: classifying and using herbs, dictionary of herbs, and a more detailed usage of herbs in more specific moments. Has a lot more than Cunningham’s book.
The Master Book of Herbalism by Paul Beyerl
This is a little bit of a shorter book than the previous one, dividing into two parts: Using herbs for healing and using herbs for magic. It has as bunch of recipes.
Some websites you can order herbs from (at least within the US)
Mountain Rose Herbs
Monterey Bay Spice Company
As with everything, use CAUTION when using herbs. Make sure to do plenty of research before breathing or eating them in any way.