Love Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs? Readers share 100 books like Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs...

By Scott Cunningham,

Here are 100 books that Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs fans have personally recommended if you like Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Art & Practice of Spiritual Herbalism: Transform, Heal, and Remember with the Power of Plants and Ancestral Medicine

Yvette Montoya Author Of Brujeria: A Little Introduction

From my list on tap into your inner bruja.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a healer and a bruja who is also a journalist who has covered stories about anything from politics and entertainment to wellness and traditional healing modalities—I enjoy educating people about the different ways they can approach their own healing journey. I’m the founder of The Bratty Brujita Botánica, a metaphysical shop offering products and services that are dedicated to helping folks discover their own magic. I’ve been featured in Freeform, Refinery29, Cosmopolitan, and Allure, for my work. I’ve also written on the topic of brujeria, spiritual cleansing, and ancestral veneration for outlets like Refinery29 and Popsugar.

Yvette's book list on tap into your inner bruja

Yvette Montoya Why did Yvette love this book?

I really enjoyed the way Karen Rose connected herbs, the body’s systems, and the Orisha pantheon. I was very interested in learning about herbalism through the lens of non-Western spirituality, and it sent me on an inward journey I’m still riding out today.

This book has been a great resource for me in terms of getting my feet wet, making at-home remedies, and learning the body systems. I also loved the beautiful anecdotes and ancestral wisdom. This is a textbook that makes herbal healing and plant magic accessible.

By Karen M. Rose,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Art & Practice of Spiritual Herbalism as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Discover how to utilize the magic of plants and diasporic ancestral practices in remedies and ritual.

What if plants could be used to guide the process of transformation? What if you knew which rituals and plants could be partnered to alleviate physical symptoms or heal emotional and spiritual imbalances? How can plants help you stand in your power, strengthen your intuition, and provide protection? In The Art & Practice of Spiritual Herbalism, leading Black herbalist Karen Rose provides the answers you seek.

This guide to harnessing the power of plants is a practical tool for working through the symptoms of…


Book cover of Sacred Energies of the Sun and Moon: Shamanic Rites of Curanderismo

Yvette Montoya Author Of Brujeria: A Little Introduction

From my list on tap into your inner bruja.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a healer and a bruja who is also a journalist who has covered stories about anything from politics and entertainment to wellness and traditional healing modalities—I enjoy educating people about the different ways they can approach their own healing journey. I’m the founder of The Bratty Brujita Botánica, a metaphysical shop offering products and services that are dedicated to helping folks discover their own magic. I’ve been featured in Freeform, Refinery29, Cosmopolitan, and Allure, for my work. I’ve also written on the topic of brujeria, spiritual cleansing, and ancestral veneration for outlets like Refinery29 and Popsugar.

Yvette's book list on tap into your inner bruja

Yvette Montoya Why did Yvette love this book?

As someone who is guided by the Moon phases and tries to align as much as possible with my surroundings' circadian rhythms, this book is a great manual for harnessing solar and lunar energies. It’s allowed me to appreciate timing and how energies vary at different times of the day.  

By Erika Buenaflor,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sacred Energies of the Sun and Moon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A practical guide to ancient Mesoamerican solar and lunar rites for healing and transformation

* Details shamanic rituals and practices for each period of the day, including dawn, sunrise, noon, sunset, and midnight, to best harness the energies of the sun, night sun, and moon for specific purposes, such as divination, journeying with animal spirit guides, or spiritual wisdom

* Incorporates shamanic breathwork, dreamwork, mantra chanting, mudras, dancing and movement, toning, chakra work, crystals, herbs, and limpias (shamanic cleanses)

* Explores how nighttime energies are affected by the phases of the moon, offering specific practices for each phase

Ancient Mesoamerican…


Book cover of Sacred Woman: A Guide to Healing the Feminine Body, Mind and Spirit

Yvette Montoya Author Of Brujeria: A Little Introduction

From my list on tap into your inner bruja.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a healer and a bruja who is also a journalist who has covered stories about anything from politics and entertainment to wellness and traditional healing modalities—I enjoy educating people about the different ways they can approach their own healing journey. I’m the founder of The Bratty Brujita Botánica, a metaphysical shop offering products and services that are dedicated to helping folks discover their own magic. I’ve been featured in Freeform, Refinery29, Cosmopolitan, and Allure, for my work. I’ve also written on the topic of brujeria, spiritual cleansing, and ancestral veneration for outlets like Refinery29 and Popsugar.

Yvette's book list on tap into your inner bruja

Yvette Montoya Why did Yvette love this book?

I have used this book to make self-assessments and as a tool for self-reflection. This Queen Afuja gives many entry points into different healing modalities and the various ailments that we might be feeling physically, spiritually, and energetically.

I love the way this book approaches healing because it’s very holistic and takes our entire selves into account when choosing where to begin our spiritual wellness journey. 

By Queen Afua,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sacred Woman as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The twentieth anniversary edition of a transformative blueprint for ancestral healing—featuring new material and gateways, from the renowned herbalist, natural health expert, and healer of women’s bodies and souls

“This book was one of the first that helped me start practices as a young woman that focused on my body and spirit as one.”—Jada Pinkett Smith

Through extraordinary meditations, affirmations, holistic healing plant-based medicine, KMT temple teachings, and The Rites of Passage guidance, Queen Afua teaches us how to love and rejoice in our bodies by spiritualizing the words we speak, the foods we eat, the relationships we attract, the…


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Book cover of Tap Dancing on Everest: A Young Doctor's Unlikely Adventure

Tap Dancing on Everest by Mimi Zieman,

Tap Dancing on Everest, part coming-of-age memoir, part true-survival adventure story, is about a young medical student, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor raised in N.Y.C., who battles self-doubt to serve as the doctor—and only woman—on a remote Everest climb in Tibet.

The team attempts a new route up…

Book cover of Woman Who Glows in the Dark: A Curandera Reveals Traditional Aztec Secrets of Physical and Spiritual Health

Yvette Montoya Author Of Brujeria: A Little Introduction

From my list on tap into your inner bruja.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a healer and a bruja who is also a journalist who has covered stories about anything from politics and entertainment to wellness and traditional healing modalities—I enjoy educating people about the different ways they can approach their own healing journey. I’m the founder of The Bratty Brujita Botánica, a metaphysical shop offering products and services that are dedicated to helping folks discover their own magic. I’ve been featured in Freeform, Refinery29, Cosmopolitan, and Allure, for my work. I’ve also written on the topic of brujeria, spiritual cleansing, and ancestral veneration for outlets like Refinery29 and Popsugar.

Yvette's book list on tap into your inner bruja

Yvette Montoya Why did Yvette love this book?

I love the way Elena Avila’s book taught about the practices of Mexican curanderismo through storytelling. It was a nice introduction to a practice that, to me, was intuitive.

It was exciting to realize curanderismo was something I was predestined to do. It also gave me the language able to describe and process experiences like susto and soul loss. 

By Elena Avila, Joy Parker,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Woman Who Glows in the Dark as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“An autobiographical account of how a psychiatric nurse specialist became a folk medicine healer; this also explains the origins and practice of one of the oldest forms of medicine in the New World.″—Kirkus

Praise for WOMAN WHO GLOWS IN THE DARK
 
“This is a book that we’ve been awaiting for years—one that unites the best medicine from the ancient past with the deepest needs of the contemporary heart and soul.”—Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Ph.D., author of Women Who Run with the Wolves, The Gift of Story, and Faithful Gardener
 
“Elena Avila’s book is a combination manual, memoir, and healing chant. I’m…


Book cover of A Witches' Bible: The Complete Witches' Handbook

Raven Digitalis Author Of A Witch's Shadow Magick Compendium

From my list on magick for new & developing witches.

Why am I passionate about this?

I started studying and practicing Witchcraft in high school. It was an honor to become trained in the Georgian tradition of Wicca by its founding Priestess, Zanoni Silverknife. From there, I branched out to study other branches of Western Paganism as well as metaphysical and mystical systems ranging from Hermeticism, Tarot, and esoteric Qabalah (Kabbalah) to traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Over 20 years and 10 traditionally published books later, I’m as Witchy as ever and am thrilled to share a list of essential books that aided in my early development as a Neopagan Witch. Enjoy!

Raven's book list on magick for new & developing witches

Raven Digitalis Why did Raven love this book?

There’s no doubt about it: this is an incredible “forever book” for Witches of all ages. This compendium has guided every single one of my Witchy years from teenagehood onward, and I still discover something new with every read. Drawing on the Irish authors’ training in Alexandrian Wicca, which developed shortly after Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valiente developed the Wiccan religion itself, this book journeys across cultures, traditions, and magickal practices, both old and new.

Although the book is a product of the 70s, it was incredibly progressive back then and certainly continues to be. Also, keep in mind that the terms Wicca and Witchcraft, in a Western Pagan context, were synonymous at the time. I find this book’s information (and accompanying photographs throughout) both timeless and perpetually invaluable!

By Janet Farrar, Stewart Farrar,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Witches' Bible as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This collection includes two books in one volume, Eight Sabbats for Witches and The Witches' Way and is the most comprehensive and revealing work on the principles, rituals and beliefs of modern witchcraft.


Book cover of Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America

Raven Digitalis Author Of A Witch's Shadow Magick Compendium

From my list on magick for new & developing witches.

Why am I passionate about this?

I started studying and practicing Witchcraft in high school. It was an honor to become trained in the Georgian tradition of Wicca by its founding Priestess, Zanoni Silverknife. From there, I branched out to study other branches of Western Paganism as well as metaphysical and mystical systems ranging from Hermeticism, Tarot, and esoteric Qabalah (Kabbalah) to traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Over 20 years and 10 traditionally published books later, I’m as Witchy as ever and am thrilled to share a list of essential books that aided in my early development as a Neopagan Witch. Enjoy!

Raven's book list on magick for new & developing witches

Raven Digitalis Why did Raven love this book?

This is a brilliant scholarly examination of the Neopagan movement. What differentiates this book from other Witchy titles is that, although Ms. Adler was, in fact, a Pagan herself, this is not a “how-to” book. Instead, the author uses her background in anthropology, journalism, and historical academia to offer much-needed perspectives.

I was fortunate to have met the author at a large Neopagan convention called PantheaCon back in 2008, where I expressed profound gratitude for this book and for her poignant journalism. Not only was she an incredible journalist for NPR (National Public Radio), but her book was imperative in my early years of realizing and recognizing myself as a natural Witch. During my early Pagan studies, this book helped offer me a well-rounded approach to the Craft, even having influenced my future calling to pursue a degree in cultural anthropology!

By Margot Adler,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Drawing Down the Moon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The essential text and classic study of Neo-Paganism

Since its original publication, Drawing Down the Moon continues to be the only detailed history of the burgeoning but still widely misunderstood Neo- Pagan subculture. Margot Adler attended ritual gatherings and interviewed a diverse, colorful gallery of people across the United States, people who find inspiration in ancient deities, nature, myth, even science fiction.
 
In this edition, featuring an updated resource guide of newsletters, journals, books, groups, and festivals, Margot Adler takes a fascinating and honest look at the religious experiences, beliefs, and lifestyles of modern America's Pagan groups.


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Book cover of The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever

The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier,

The coaching book that's for all of us, not just coaches.

It's the best-selling book on coaching this century, with 15k+ online reviews. Brené Brown calls it "a classic". Dan Pink said it was "essential".

It is practical, funny, and short, and "unweirds" coaching. Whether you're a parent, a teacher,…

Book cover of Animal Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great and Small

Raven Digitalis Author Of A Witch's Shadow Magick Compendium

From my list on magick for new & developing witches.

Why am I passionate about this?

I started studying and practicing Witchcraft in high school. It was an honor to become trained in the Georgian tradition of Wicca by its founding Priestess, Zanoni Silverknife. From there, I branched out to study other branches of Western Paganism as well as metaphysical and mystical systems ranging from Hermeticism, Tarot, and esoteric Qabalah (Kabbalah) to traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Over 20 years and 10 traditionally published books later, I’m as Witchy as ever and am thrilled to share a list of essential books that aided in my early development as a Neopagan Witch. Enjoy!

Raven's book list on magick for new & developing witches

Raven Digitalis Why did Raven love this book?

Nothing compares to this book when it comes to esoteric wisdom of the animal kingdom. Animals are all around us and can appear in various forms: physically (often as familiars), in dreams (often as omens), and by way of synchronicity, such as finding feathers, bones, or carcasses. The world of Witchcraft has always been tied to the animal realm because animals are living extensions of Mother Nature herself.

Being a metaphysical encyclopedia about animal medicine, this is where it’s at! Its faunal associations were compiled from both Indigenous wisdom and modern interpretations, spanning time and culture, to craft this rightfully best-selling gem. Although the amazing author was both Native American and a practicing occultist, I love the fact that this book is not written exclusively for Witches. The accessibility of this book is remarkable and is a lifelong asset for Pagans and mystical folks of all stripes.

By Ted Andrews,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Animal Speak as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Open your heart and mind to the wisdom of the animal world.

Animal Speak provides techniques for recognizing and interpreting the signs and omens of nature. Meet and work with animals as totems and spirit guides by learning the language of their behaviors within the physical world.

Animal Speak shows you how to:

Identify, meet, and attune to your spirit animals Discover the power and spiritual significance of more than 100 different animals, birds, insects, and reptiles Call upon the protective powers of your animal totem Create and use five magical animal rites, including shapeshifting and sacred dance

This beloved,…


Book cover of The New Encyclopedia of the Occult

Raven Digitalis Author Of A Witch's Shadow Magick Compendium

From my list on magick for new & developing witches.

Why am I passionate about this?

I started studying and practicing Witchcraft in high school. It was an honor to become trained in the Georgian tradition of Wicca by its founding Priestess, Zanoni Silverknife. From there, I branched out to study other branches of Western Paganism as well as metaphysical and mystical systems ranging from Hermeticism, Tarot, and esoteric Qabalah (Kabbalah) to traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Over 20 years and 10 traditionally published books later, I’m as Witchy as ever and am thrilled to share a list of essential books that aided in my early development as a Neopagan Witch. Enjoy!

Raven's book list on magick for new & developing witches

Raven Digitalis Why did Raven love this book?

This book is, hands-down, one of my top “Stranded on a Desert Island” books. Why? Let me count the ways! For one, the author himself is a walking encyclopedia—trust me, I’ve spent time with him! John-Michael is also a practicing Druid and is a member of various occult orders and fraternal lodges. Basically, he’s a genius.

I adore this monumental book’s approachability and depth of knowledge. The information is academic but easy to read. Regardless of a person’s mystical, metaphysical, or occult leanings, there’s a rabbit hole of wisdom waiting to be uncovered. The investigation of one topic quickly leads to another. In fact, I’ve found myself (on numerous occasions) researching one occult term, only to realize that hours had passed; studying one fascinating entry led to another, and another, and another!

This is an indispensable book for spiritual seekers of all ages and all varieties. Without question, I’ll continue…

By John Michael Greer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The New Encyclopedia of the Occult as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

With this one text, you will gain a thorough overview of the history and current state of the occult from a variety of Western European and North American traditions. Its pages offer the essential knowledge you need to make sense of the occult, along with references for further reading if you want to learn more. You will find here the whole range of occult tradition, lore, history, philosophy, and practice in the Western world.


Book cover of Magick and the Tarot

Janina Renée Author Of Tarot Spells

From my list on bringing tarot magic to life.

Why am I passionate about this?

Making your own magic (and living “as if magic matters”) can be a part of “living the beautiful life.” Because engaging the visual and tactile qualities of tarot cards uniquely enhances the art of living, I am always looking for new things that I can do with my cards. At the same time, life is a struggle—and that is something that has been a long-term issue for me as an autistic person with serious sensory processing disorders. For this reason, I am also driven to bring a problem-solving approach to tarot and magic, and I genuinely hope this will help all the people who are dealing with their own struggles.

Janina's book list on bringing tarot magic to life

Janina Renée Why did Janina love this book?

This is one of the most useful books in my collection, as evidenced by the lines that I’ve color-coded with highlighters and the comments I’ve scribbled in the margins.

The author belongs to a magical order that ascribes different occult associations (i.e. “mysteries”) to all 78 tarot cards, so even the sections for the minor cards can feature extensive magical discussions. For example, Willis explains how the Three of Disks (aka Pentacles) relate to the trade secrets of smithcraft and masonry and then gets into how this relates to using different-shaped altar stones in Earth Magic for crop growth, animal fertility, finding a mate, and monetary gain.

The broad array of both folk magic and ceremonial magic techniques makes this book a magical education in itself.

By Tony Willis,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Magick and the Tarot as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


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Book cover of Activating Our 12-Stranded DNA: Secrets of Dodecahedral DNA for Completing Our Human Evolution

Activating Our 12-Stranded DNA by Ruslana Remennikova,

In this vibrant guidebook, sound healer and former corporate scientist Ruslana Remennikova reveals how, through vibration and intention, you can shapeshift DNA from the standard double helix to its 12-stranded, dodecahedral form—unlocking your spiritual potential and opening the way for deep healing of the past, the present, and the future…

Book cover of Seed of Destruction and Wake the Devil

D.J. Butler Author Of The Cunning Man

From my list on fantasy full of real-world magic.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love fantasy literature, because it's the what-if literature of the human spirit. Magic animates fantasy, and in the real world, magic is difficult to define; it lies somewhere on the border of the unconscious mind, the lore of our grandparents, scientific hypothesis, what the priest tells us, and what we see in social groups other than our own. In recent decades, much fantasy literature has walked away from portrayals of real-world magic, replacing it with synthetic and sterile creations euphemistically called “hard magic.” Hard magic has the form of magic, but lacks the power thereof. These books are all strong inoculations against the scourge of hard magic.

D.J.'s book list on fantasy full of real-world magic

D.J. Butler Why did D.J. love this book?

If you know Hellboy only from the movies, you’re seeing a very limited image of the character and his adventures. Hellboy has many roots (pulp sci fi and crimefighter stories, superhero tales, Lovecraft’s mythos), but one of his earliest is in real world magic and folktale. We see this in his encounters with Baba Yaga, Hecate, and others, but also in his battle fairy creatures that are vulnerable to unforged iron.

By Mike Mignola, John Byrne,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Seed of Destruction and Wake the Devil as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Since Mike Mignola's Hellboy first hit the stands in 1993, it has become a cultural sensation, racking up a dozen Eisner Awards and inspiring numerous spinoffs, from a novel line, to video games, to feature films. Now, Dark Horse is pleased to present the comics that started it all, collected in deluxe hardcover editions. Sized at 9" by 12", and handsomely bound to match The Art of Hellboy hardcover, each volume contains two full story-arcs - the equivalent of two trade-paperbacks. Each volume of the Hellboy Library Editions also includes extensive supplemental materials, including previously unreleased sketches and designs.


Book cover of The Art & Practice of Spiritual Herbalism: Transform, Heal, and Remember with the Power of Plants and Ancestral Medicine
Book cover of Sacred Energies of the Sun and Moon: Shamanic Rites of Curanderismo
Book cover of Sacred Woman: A Guide to Healing the Feminine Body, Mind and Spirit

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5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in occult, herbal medicine, and the supernatural?

Occult 97 books
Herbal Medicine 18 books
The Supernatural 377 books