If you are looking for a book on herbal healing, this is not your book. If you are, however, looking for a book on the historical uses, as well as the spiritual connotations of the herbs that you use, this is the book for you. Herbs have become a big part of my rituals since I read this book several years ago. I kept it in my library, even when I was selling most of my other books so that I could continue to eat. I recommend it to anyone interested in Druidry, or herbal lore.


A thorough guide to druidic herbalism   October 30, 2002
 24 out of 24 found this review helpful

Within the pages of this book's beautiful exterior lies much information for pagans, heathens, druids who are interrested in the use of herbs. This also has an overview of Ogham, the tree alphabet.

Starting with Samhain, the Celtic New year, this book explains the herbs which are used at the great tides of the year along with the traditional practices of each of the yearly tides. It has ideas for acorn and oak cakes as gifts, along with a song, for the tree spirits at Samhain. For Yule Tide it gives suggestions on use of Holly, Chamomile, Frankenscence, and other yule herbs. And it does the same for Imbolic, The Spring, Summer and Fall equinoxes, Beltane, Lammas. Medicinal uses are also included.

After that, there is a section on herbs and thier uses. And then a section on the herbs associated with The Sun, Mercury, and the rest of the celestial astrology and how to use them, and ritual ideas for them as well.

Following that is a section of use of herbs in rituals for cleansing, gifting to spirits, groves and circles ect. There are also sections on life tides of death, marriage/handfasting, childbirth and more. Throughout the book there is information about the druids and thier traditions.

At the back there are apendixes for pronunciation, herb index so you can find the specific herb you are looking for, and suggested further reading. There is also a listing of resources from which you can find supplies.

All in all a thorough refrence and guide to using herbs in ritual. There aren't any of the colorfull pictures common in most herbal refrences specifically for medicinal herbs, and I still think you would need additional herbal books specifically about medicinal properties and preperation to learn to identify plants and how to prepare them(Penelope Ody has some good ones). I think this is an excellent addition to any pagan herbalist's library.


wonderful and essential   March 29, 1999
 19 out of 19 found this review helpful

This is a wonderful and informative presentation of the Druidic beliefs organized around the Calendar. The herbal lore provides the backbone of discussion, with practical guides to collecting and using the herbs. Great source of Celtic pronunciation and a delightful workbook or sourcebook.


Pretty good Reading   May 10, 1998
 8 out of 11 found this review helpful

I have had this book for about 2 years now, and I would consider it pretty good although, its definately not for those just starting out. Its more of a reference book until one has mastered a few things that the book itself relates to. Still though, pretty goods stuff.