Chamberlain - Wicca herbal magic : a beginners guide to practicing wicca herbal magic, with simple herb spells

To those who are starting out on their path in the Craft, the word magic may bring to mind images of robed figures working with wands, athames, pentacles, candles, and other man-made objects in highly ritualized ways.

This is not at all an inaccurate vision. Many forms of Wicca and other Witchcraft focus heavily on these tools, and most involve a ritual structure inspired, at least to some degree, by occult societies such as the Ordo Templi Orientis and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.

The symbolism inherent in these tools of the Craft contributes to their power in helping the Witch to bring about desired results. And the intentional energy that goes into making magical tools can also be a great boost of power in this regard.

However, magic in contemporary Witchcraft has another source of influence that many would argue is of equal importance: the use of nature-made tools, in the form of water, wind, earth, stone, fire, fur, feathers, etc.

In fact, drawing on the power of the natural environment to manifest ones desires into being is a tradition much older than any known form of Wicca or other Witchcraftolder than the Western Mystery Tradition altogether. And of course, the greatest and most diverse source of naturally occurring magical tools is the plant kingdom.

Whether were talking about trees, shrubs, creepers, vines, flowers, grasses, evergreens, succulents, annuals, perennials, fruits, vegetables, or just plain weeds, the world of plant life holds limitless possibilities for any Witch willing to learn its secrets.

Herbal magic is a wonderful form of magic to practice, as it keeps Witches literally in touch with the powers of the Earthnot to mention the Sun, the rain, and the wind, as well as the role played by insects and other animal life in sustaining the cycle of life and death in all of its forms.

The inherent magical power of herbs comes directly from the source of all creation and has the potential to transform lives on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.

Indeed, while the seeds, roots, stems, leaves, or flowers of a common plant may seem small or ordinary (or perhaps even strange) to the novice, the study and patient practice of herbal magic can prove to be the most rewarding form of the Craft a Witch can discover.

This guide provides an overview of the use of herbs in contemporary Witchcraft.

First, youll get a brief orientation to the history of the human relationship with the magic of the plant kingdom, as well as a basic understanding of how these silent but powerful beings are able to aid us.

Youll also meet 13 delightful herbs commonly used in magic, and gain practical advice for obtaining and properly caring for herbs in a way that maximizes their magical potential.

Finally, youll find several spells and other magical workings for you to try as you begin to cultivate a rewarding practice of your own.

Enjoy the journey, and Blessed Be!