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Product Reviews:
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (Llewellyn's Sourcebook Series) |
Rating: 4 (out of 5)
Summary: Not perfect... however pretty damn close.
Comments: This is, 1st and forealmost all, a reference book. I think some people have taken it to be more of a complete "ething you'd ever need to know about herbs" book, however this isn't exactly the case.
It's an absolutely WONDERFUL reference. Never have I personally encountered a book that had dealt with many different herbs and done such a thorough job explaining them. I admit, here and there a bit of information might be dated, and as someone else mentioned, there are certain plants he has forgotten to label as poisonous, etc. However, if you garden at all, almost all of these he's forgotten are complete "duh"s anyways. (Not that it's an excuse.)
I'll again say that it's not the end-all-be-all to magickal herbalism. I have a couple others (not as complete) that I like to cross reference, if it's something I am not completely familiar with. The great bulk of his information is accurate, though. His folklore is usually detailed, and sometimes highly entertaining.
If you are looking for something to tell you how to do potions, tinctures, elixirs, teas, salves, soaps, oils, and ething else under the sun, this will not help. It's not meant to help. As an unsolicited plug, I'll say that Oils, Incenses, and Brews is a GREAT compliment to this book, covering what I just mentioned. They make a usable team.
Also, he doesn't give much as to how to cultivate what he writes about. This, again, is something you wouldn't usually find in a reference book anyways. There are many many MANY gardening books out there that deals with this, though, and it's easier to find books particularly suited to your area. I know that English lavender prospers in New England, however that doesn't mean I can grow it in the sticky South. He doesn't cover things like this, and wouldn't have the space anyways.
His cross-referencing is absolutely amazing, too. He has thoroughly gone through folk names, Latin names, solar/lunar energies, planetary energies, astrology, and, well, ething else. And he gives in readable, easy to use tables. I really appreciate this, as I might know a folk name for something that grows in my area, however have no clue as to what it's Latin name might be. This alone is worth the price, to me.
As I said at the top of my post, it's not perfect. There are some areas definitely lacking, however overall, it's a great purchase, and you will not be sad you got it. |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: can not say enough great things!!
Comments: A must have. This and my Rondale book are my2almost all used and go to books for anything herbal whether magical or mundane. |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: This is a great book
Comments: It is covers a vast realm of information and is great for the beginner as well as the advanced. |
Rating: 3 (out of 5)
Summary: For Wiccan Witches - not 'all' Witches .....
Comments: This is a information & great book. However, as per almost all "Wiccan" books, it will ONLY inform you of the "light" (fluff) side of the herbs - not all uses. Magick consists of both light and dark. And, yes, I believe making dark magick too much of your knowledge/practice is a bad thing - I still strongly believe it should be included.
Remember: All Wiccans are Witches - however not all Witches are Wiccans :) |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: best reference book
Comments: i look cunningham's books. they are always insightful and uplifting. there is just something about picking up1of his books that is different that other books. helpful with lots of charts and lists in the appx. GREAT BOOK!!!! i can not stress it enough!! |
