In Houseplant HortOCCULTure, Devin Hunter artfully intertwines the botanical and the magical, presenting a fresh take on indoor gardening that elevates houseplant care into a sophisticated spiritual practice. This is not your typical green witch’s guide; rather, Hunter has created a text that speaks to the serious occultist, blending practical horticultural advice with a keen understanding of the subtle energies inherent in even the most commonplace potted plants. For practitioners accustomed to working their magic in lush gardens or wild spaces, Hunter’s work opens up a new frontier—the very rooms of one’s own home.
What sets Houseplant HortOCCULTure apart from other green witchcraft guides is its focus on plants typically relegated to ornamental status. With clarity and reverence, Hunter repositions the humble houseplant as a magical ally, demonstrating how even a seemingly mundane pothos or spider plant can become a potent partner in spellcraft. The book’s ethos is rooted in a deep respect for the natural world and a recognition that magic need not be confined to grand rituals in secluded groves—it can thrive in the quiet, sunlit corners of our living rooms.
Hunter’s attention to detail is impressive. He provides a wealth of practical advice for cultivating healthy indoor plants, from choosing substrates to managing pests, ensuring that readers gain the horticultural knowledge needed to keep their green companions thriving. But where Houseplant HortOCCULTure truly shines is in its magical applications. Hunter weaves energy work, crystal magic, and sigil crafting into the routines of plant care, transforming the simple act of watering or pruning into a ritual of spiritual communion. His suggestion to charge grow lights with sigils or to enchant watering cans with crystals is emblematic of his approach—each act of care becomes an opportunity to deepen the practitioner’s connection to both the plant and its spiritual essence.
The book’s breadth is noteworthy. Hunter doesn’t just focus on a few common plants but delves into the occult correspondences of a wide variety of species, from resilient succulents to ethereal orchids. His knowledge extends beyond Western esotericism, drawing on a broad range of traditions to show how these plants can be incorporated into diverse magical systems. Each plant is carefully chosen for its practical ease of cultivation and its esoteric potential, making the book accessible to novices while still offering value to experienced green witches and occultists.
One of Hunter’s strengths is his ability to highlight the unique magical qualities of each plant without falling into the trap of oversimplification. For example, his treatment of the mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata) goes beyond its common association with protection and banishing. He explores its energetic properties as a sentinel plant, one that not only deflects negativity but actively cuts through stagnation, making it a powerful ally for anyone looking to clear obstacles and forge new paths. Such nuanced readings enrich the practitioner’s understanding of plant magic, making each entry feel like a deep, personal introduction to a new spiritual ally.
The illustrations by Siolo Thompson add a layer of enchantment to the text, enhancing the aesthetic and mystical appeal of the book. Thompson’s art captures the spirit of each plant, bridging the gap between the botanical and the symbolic. Paired with Hunter’s prose, these images create a work that is as visually compelling as it is intellectually stimulating.
Juliet Diaz’s foreword sets the tone perfectly, framing Houseplant HortOCCULTure as a pioneering work in a burgeoning field. Her endorsement underscores the significance of Hunter’s contribution to plant magic, positioning the book not just as a guide for green witches, but as a seminal text that redefines how indoor plants are understood within the context of contemporary witchcraft. Hunter’s emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility makes this a valuable addition to any magical library, regardless of one’s level of experience or prior engagement with plant work.
Houseplant HortOCCULTure is more than a manual for magical houseplant care—it is an invitation to rethink the boundaries of the magical world. Devin Hunter encourages us to see the extraordinary within the ordinary, to discover the spirits that dwell in the leaves and roots of the plants we so often take for granted. For anyone seeking to expand their practice into the realm of green magic, this book is an indispensable guide, packed with wisdom, insight, and inspiration. It will leave you looking at your monstera, fern, or begonia in a new light—as both a botanical companion and a magical co-conspirator, ready to help you cultivate a thriving, enchanted home.