Sean Paradis

Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham is book that can be used in many different areas under the umbrellas of Spiritualism and Religion. From aromatherapy to making incense, herbal sachets, herbal baths and herbal teas, this book is the key to choosing the right ingredients. Containing over 400 herbs, this book can be used for hundred, even thousands of different combinations for everyday use. The book is divided into three sections. The first being an introduction to the magical properties of herbs, and how can use these properties to their highest potential. The second, and most important section, lists the herbs.

Every herb listing contains a black-and-white sketch of the herb, the scientific name, gender of the plant, the planet and element associated, magical powers the plant possesses, and magical uses. With most, but not all herbs, other common names associated with the herb are listed. Each listing is sorted alphabetically making it easy to quickly find a plant. The only drawback that I can find to this book is that not all listings tell which part of the plant to use. However, with many leafy plants, the leaves, stems, flowers and seeds can be used so it is not a major drawback.

The final section to this book contains charts sorting all of the herbs. The lists include both masculine and feminine plants, the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, mars, Jupiter and Saturn, the four Elements, and the magical purposes such as luck, money, love, etc. The final list has the colors white, green, brown, pink, red, yellow, purple, blue and orange, along with the magical purposes associated with each color.

Each of the three sections work together to take readers through the process of choosing plants based on the magical purposes, and how to use them to their fullest potential. If readers are looking for a book about plants, and the magical purposes each plant has, this is the book. I give Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs 4 out of 5 stars.