The Witch of the Forest's Guide to Folklore Magick

by Lindsay Squire

Connect to the wisdom of our elders. Embrace the power of green magick.

This enchanting guide connects you to the wisdom of witches past, to expand and enrich your witchcraft practice.

The myths, legends, and superstitions of the past offer a window into how common people made sense of their world. Because they were excluded from the halls of academia and the seats of power, they had no choice but to get on with day-to-day life, healing, birthing, and persisting as best they could.

Often, it would be the village medicine woman who held the handed-down knowledge of those who had gone before, and generation by generation, they would build on this to develop a profound understanding of the healing and magickal properties of nature.

It is from this deep well of folkloric knowledge that modern-day witch Lindsay Squires draws this inclusive and accessible beginner's guide.

Add enchantment to your life by  

  What folklore is, and how it connects to the practice of witchcraft The magickal legends and superstitions attached to plants and trees  The folk magick, charms, and spells associated with herbs, both beneficial and baneful  How to use plants in your own witchcraft practice The folklore of different historical witches and natural healers from around the world  The folklore and belief surrounding the 8 Sabbats and the four seasons   … and more! 
 

With rituals, lore, and wisdom from The Witch of the Forest’s personal grimoire, find out how connecting with folklore can empower every modern witch.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Magic, Magick, Spirituality, Nature, Ebooks

176 pages, Paperback

Published February 18, 2025

Reviews

[Latasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. From the folklore to the spells. I’m buying it asap. I think everyone interested in folklore/green witchcraft/herbal folklore/ medicine should have this book.

[Aura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Witch of the Forest's Guide to Folklore Magick is an insightful and practical resource for those interested in connecting with the ancient wisdom of folklore and magick. With its well-organized structure, the book makes it easy to reference key information quickly, whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner. Each page is clearly defined, offering detailed explanations of folklore traditions, magickal practices, and their meanings, making it a great tool to revisit specific topics as needed. Additionally, the guide is visually stunning, with every page adorned with beautiful botanical artwork that enhances the overall experience. This combination of informative content and artistic imagery makes the book not only a useful reference but also an inspiring and enchanting companion for anyone on their magickal journey.

Thank you NetGalley for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers using various herbs, flowers, and plants for the use of folklore magic. This book starts by covering different types of ways these plants can be used, such as in teas, infusions, oils, liniment, and salves. After that, it jumps into the different types of herbs, flowers, trees, and poisonous (baneful) herbs. This section gives a brief overview of the folklore of the item, the magical and medicinal properties, the element, zodiac sign, and planet associated with it and other names for the plant.

This was a great reference guide for anyone looking for more information on plants. Not only is information provided about each plant, but a one page graphic page that brings all the different sections together and includes artwork of the plant. Like all of Squire’s books, this was another great reference guide with beautiful artwork.

*ARC provided by Netgalley and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.*

[Catherine Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Read on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)

This is the perfect gift for the budding kitchen witch in your life! 🧙🏻‍♀️🌿☕️

Definitely a beginners intro to herbs and their magical properties (as well as medicinal value and folkloric history). The information was interesting, but very basic for anyone with any background in the subject.

Still! I found this to be a well thought out guide, with many GORGEOUS illustrations found on nearly every single page.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have read dozens of books on witchcraft and folklore, and I feel that this book has some particular qualities that make it stand out. One of the best aspects of this book are charts that go along with each plant discussed. If I had a hard copy of this book I would be tempted to cut it up and put the pages into my BoS. The medicinal and magickal properties discussed in the book are spot on and would be a wonderful introduction to incorporating herbs and plants into your Craft. In the actual folklore sections of each plant discussed, I feel that more information would be a welcome addition. This was a nice primer, but I expected the folklore part of the book on Folklore magick to be more robust. I also found it distracting that the author used Roman names for Greek gods and vice versa. Overall, it was a lovely book and I learned some new things about beloved herbs and plants. I would definitely recommend this book as an introduction to the Craft!

[Karen Mazzaferri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really did like this book. It beautifully written and I love the artistic elements to the pages. The book is decided into sections of herbs, flowers and trees and gives magikal and medicinal uses for each one. With the plant ID, it shows corresponding zodiac sign, element and planet. Below it has medicinal and magikal properties. Along with easy to follow recipes for making teas, salves, tinctures and more.
Th is is a great book for beginners getting into green witching. My daughter has just begun green witching and she will get a copy of this book for some future reference and inspiration. At the end of the book, it also show plants that are deemed dangerous and should not be touched or consumed.
The only one thing about the book is a handful of pages are up side down. I didn’t not take away from the rating as it should be fixed in the final copies
Overall, this is a great book to have on any shelf

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely refreshing to read a book that's super well organized and to the point. It was perfectly organized for those who wanted to learn more about the folklore and origins regarding the different plants and what medicinal purposes they provide.

[Emmy P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely little spot to start on if you're seeking witchy energy. Illustrations are lovely and explanations are simple. This is definitely geared towards beginners.

[Bebo Saucier Carrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Such a wonderful starter guide to herbal folklore and witchcraft! I loved the illustrations that corresponded to each plant and that both medicinal and magickal uses were included. I do wish it went more in depth into the folklore behind each plant, but seeing as this was geared towards beginners, I still think it is a great reference book with some gorgeous illustrations.

[Tina Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book!!! There is so much information. The layout is beautiful and easy to follow. I especially love the profiles of each herb that include the coinciding planets and zodiac signs. Definitely a must for any witchy person's library!!

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

[Lenno Vranken · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A witch ought never to be frightened in the darkest forest... because she should be sure in her soul that the most terrifying thing in the forest was her."
-Terry Pratchett

Review in Nederlands en Engels!

(NL)
In de afgelopen vijf jaar is het aanbod in heksenboeken aanzienlijk gestegen. Mijn lokale boekhandel heeft ondertussen zelfs een heel rek dat volstaat met handleidingen voor de moderne heks. Bijna al deze boeken zijn uitgegeven door uitgeverij Librero en spijtig genoeg zeer teleurstellend. Dit zijn het soort boeken die alleen maar gaan over zo genoemde "commerciële" hekserij. Echte hekserij is niet mooi, veilig of esthetisch, maar oncomfortabel en soms zelfs griezelig. En natuurlijk, ik zou mij niet in deze praktijken interesseren als ze niet iets geruststellends en moois met zich mee droegen, maar hoe kan iemand ooit een volleerd heks worden als die persoon alleen maar wordt blootgesteld aan één vorm van magie beoefenen?
Interessant genoeg, kwam ik erachter dat dit boek een uitzondering op de regel was. Het is mooi vormgegeven door illustrator Viki Lester en bevat duidelijke omschrijvingen over verschillende planten en kruiden. En dat is exact waar ik naar zocht: geen onzin, gewoon straight to the points feiten over ieder kruid. Het boek omvat nog niet half zoveel kruiden als ik zou willen bestuderen, maar is wel een mooi opstapje naar ander leesmateriaal over dit onderwerp. Ik vond het ook leuk om de aparte hoofdstukken over bomen en giftige planten te lezen.
Als je niet zo goed weet hoe je aan de slag moet met het bereiden van je eigen tincturen, zalfjes of papjes, dan helpt de auteur je hier ook mee op weg in een apart hoofdstuk.
Zeker een aanrader!

(ENG)
Over the past five years, the supply of witch books has increased considerably. In fact, by now my local bookstore has an entire rack filled with manuals for the modern witch. Almost all of these books are published by Librero publishers and sadly very disappointing. These are the kind of books that are only about so called “commercial” witchcraft. Real witchcraft is not beautiful, safe or aesthetic, but uncomfortable and sometimes even creepy. And of course, I wouldn't be interested in these practices if they didn't carry something comforting and beautiful, but how can anyone ever become an accomplished witch if that person is only exposed to one form of practicing magic?
Interestingly enough, I found out that this book was an exception to the rule. It is beautifully designed by illustrator Viki Lester and contains clear descriptions about various plants and herbs. And that's exactly what I was looking for: no nonsense, just straight to the points facts about each herb. The book does not yet cover half as many herbs as I would like to study, but it is a nice stepping stone to other reading material on the subject. I also enjoyed reading the separate chapters on trees and poisonous plants.
If you are not so sure how to get started preparing your own tinctures, salves or poultices, the author also helps you get started with this in a separate chapter.
Definitely highly recommended!

[Samantha Paterson (Magic.between.pages_za) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 Stars)

If you’re a fan of witchy vibes, ancient wisdom, and all things green magick, The Witch of the Forest’s Guide to Folklore Magick is like stepping into an enchanted forest. Lindsay Squire weaves together folklore, plant magick, and historical witchcraft traditions in a way that’s both informative and inviting — perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to deepen their practice with a bit of old-world charm.

This isn’t just a spellbook; it’s a walk through the past, connecting modern witches to the wisdom of those who came before. And that’s where the real magic lies.

✨ What’s Inside?

The book explores how folklore and witchcraft have always gone hand in hand. It covers a wide range of topics, including:

- The folklore of plants and trees — from protective charms to healing remedies.
- Historical witches and wise women — and how their stories have shaped modern witchcraft.
- Seasonal rituals, Sabbats, and how they’re rooted in ancient traditions.
- Practical tips on incorporating folklore magick into your daily practice, with spells, charms, and herbal lore.

♥️ What I Loved: A Personal, Down-to-Earth Approach

What sets this book apart is how personal and grounded it feels. Squire doesn’t just present facts — she shares insights from her own grimoire, making it feel like you’re sitting down with a knowledgeable friend who’s excited to share what she’s learned.

There’s also a strong focus on connecting with nature and trusting your intuition. The book invites you to slow down, notice the world around you, and tap into the wisdom that’s been hiding in plain sight — in the trees, the seasons, and even in old superstitions your grandmother might have shared.

🎯 Final Thoughts: A Magical Walk Through History

The Witch of the Forest's Guide to Folklore Magick is a charming, accessible book that makes you feel like you’re uncovering ancient secrets hidden in the natural world. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to infuse their witchcraft practice with a little old-world wisdom.

Whether you’re brand new to witchcraft or simply looking for a fresh perspective, this book reminds you that the magic of folklore is all around us — in the plants, the seasons, and the stories we carry from generation to generation.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: The Witch of the Forest's Guide to Folklore Magick by Lindsay Squire

Rating: 4 Stars

When I first picked up The Witch of the Forest's Guide to Folklore Magick by Lindsay Squire, I was immediately enchanted by its eye-catching cover. As someone who has dabbled in the world of witchcraft, I found this book to be an insightful and practical resource for connecting with the ancient wisdom of folklore and magick.

Squire's guide draws from the deep well of folkloric knowledge that has been passed down through generations, often by village medicine women and those who lived on the fringes of formal academia. These women, with their profound understanding of nature's healing and magical properties, laid the groundwork for modern-day witchcraft practices. This book is a homage to that tradition, making it accessible to novices and seasoned practitioners alike.

What I particularly appreciated about this guide is its simple structure. Whether you're curious about the magickal legends associated with plants and trees or eager to learn about folk magick charms and spells, each section is clearly defined. This makes it easy to reference key information quickly, allowing you to revisit specific topics as needed. The explanations are detailed yet easy to digest, making it a great tool for anyone looking to expand their knowledge.

In addition to its informative content, the book is also a feast for the eyes. Each page is adorned with beautiful artwork that complements the text. This combination of content and imagery transforms the book into more than just a reference guide; it becomes an inspiring companion for anyone on their magickal journey.

In summary, The Witch of the Forest's Guide to Folklore Magick is an enchanting addition to any witch's library. It bridges the gap between ancient traditions and modern practices, all while being a visual delight. Although I gave it four stars, it's only because I'm always on the lookout for a bit more depth in historical context. Nevertheless, it's a book I will certainly revisit time and again as I continue my own exploration of folklore magick.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[bea.r · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first impression of this book was its beautiful cover, which immediately drew me in along with its title. Even though I am not an active practitioner of witchcraft, I do like my simple home remedies and protection charms, such as putting a bay leaf under my pillow to protect me against nightmares.

This book is as the title says, a guide! A guide to the basic folklore of herbs, flowers, and trees. This book also includes a guide on baneful herbs, which is certainly unusual due to the danger of amateur hands handling them. The author gives the necessary warnings and disclaimers, so if anyone does get any ideas and gets hurt in the process, then it really is not her problem haha

It's simple and to the point, just like a guide should be. It's easy to find what you're looking for if you're not looking for a linear reading and want to learn about a specific plant. You'll find the correspondent element, zodiac sign, and medicinal properties in bullet points for each, too.

Something else you'll learn is how to use the natural ingredients in your Craft. From teas to poultices, it tells us how to prepare them, what herbs are best, the best ratios, and how to/how long to store them!

"I have always valued simplicity in my Craft, where I use what I have available to me both in nature and in places like my home and thrift stores where I can repurpose everyday items for magickal uses. This is essentially what folk magick is all about; it's not meant to be available only to those who can afford it, but is low cost, if not free, and accessible to everyone."

I really resonated with this quote. Media has made practising the Craft sound like the most complicated thing in the world, when, in reality, generations have been practising it without the aid of the internet or even books on it. As the author says, we only used to have word of mouth to learn and rely on, and I think we have taken that for granted. Simple is usually best, and this book comes to save the day in that aspect.

[Rebecca Elson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review originally appeared on The Magical Buffet website on 08/06/2025.

I am SO EXCITED to talk about today’s book, “The Witch of the Forest’s Guide to Folklore Magick” by Lindsay Squire. There is so much going on in this compact 176 page that I’m not sure where to start!

“The Witch of the Forest’s Guide to Folklore Magick” focuses on what the author refers to as green folklore, “stories and legends associated with herbs, flowers, and trees, from many different cultures, that have been passed down by word of mouth.” Squire points out that, “Being familiar with herbal folklore not only gives you a wealth of knowledge about how to use herbs, spices, flowers, and trees in your magickal spells and rituals, but it also teaches us how to use these ingredients for healing.”

Squire begins with explaining all the methods that can be used to deploy herbs, such as tea, infusion, tisane, oil, tincture, salve, liniment, syrup, poultice, and, compress. The bulk of the book after this is devoted to individual herbs, flowers, and trees. Each entry contains some folklore regarding the plant, its magical properties, and medicinal properties.

This is where I have to shout out Viki Lester, who illustrated the book. Each entry has a gorgeous info page that could be sold as framed prints. They beautifully highlight the plant’s element, zodiac sign, planet, magical and medicinal properties, and the names the plant goes by. It makes for a highly attractive reference sheet!

Beyond that, the jacket for the book doubles a lunar planting guide! But what if I don’t want to lose the attractive cover by removing the book’s jacket? Not to worry because the exposed cover is a black and white modified version of the book’s cover!

Lindsay Squire’s “The Witch of the Forest’s Guide to Folklore Magick” is a well laid out reference that is taken to the next level by the book’s design and illustrations. I highly recommend it!

[Amethista (Witch in Antwerpen) · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a big part of my practice as a witch consists of folklore, plants, and using them in all different manners, I simply had to pick up this book. From its stunning cover, its promising description, ahd its very thorough index: it absolutely appealed to me.

Besides the visual issues (images being too blurry, pages turned upside down), this book seems to be a great one at face-value. However, information is really basic, lacking depth, and aimed at a young audience. As a somewhat older person, with quite some years of experience under my belt, it was a bit too simple for my liking, and it read to me more like a small handbook to start dabbling into green magic as opposed to the deepdive I thought it would be.

I do love how all plants, herbs, flowers, and trees do have their own "cheat sheet", where correspondences are listed (including element and zodiac sign, besides the basics as uses), which have stunning artwork (as far as I could see through the aforementioned issues), and are easy to look up when the need arises. I also appreciated the chapter on baneful plants being singled out, including a hefty dislaimer, which was repeated on every page.

What I missed in this book, were recipes, perhaps dedicated to their own chapter and pages. I also think a short disclaimer on making herb oils would have been a good idea, considering a few herbs can create botulism when put into oil at room temperature.

All in all, I'd give this book a 2. It's a good starter book, but more experienced practitioners might prefer other compendiums. I also hope the visual issues will be resolved before printing, as they're distracting from the text in this book.

Review based on an e-ARC I received through NetGalley and Edelweiss+.

[Xhoj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

The Witch of the Forest's Guide to Folklore Magick is an absolute gem for anyone intrigued by the magical threads that weave through history, nature, and our daily lives. This beautifully crafted book strikes the perfect balance between accessible beginner-friendly guidance and deep, meaningful exploration of folklore traditions.

The author’s passion shines through in every page, with rich storytelling that brings old myths and magickal practices to life. The blend of folklore, practical spells, and rituals makes it both a fascinating read and a hands-on guide for modern witches. Whether you’re just starting your magickal journey or looking to enrich your practice, this book offers inspiration and actionable wisdom in abundance.

What sets this guide apart is its grounded and nature-focused approach. The instructions are clear, the suggestions are easy to incorporate, and the visuals are simply stunning. It’s like walking into an enchanted forest and being guided by a wise, kind mentor who knows exactly what you need to discover your own magickal potential.

Highly recommend for anyone who loves folklore, nature-based spirituality, or simply wants to infuse a little magick into their life. This book feels like a trusted companion you’ll want to revisit again and again

[Lamia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great starter guide if you have no other books on the subject. If you want to dip your toes into learning about flora, their history and properties, this book has a wide variety of easily accessible flora covered at a basic level. It even contains a small section of baneful flora which is rare in entry books. The real beauty of this book is the gorgeous illustrations. Not usually something I get in herbalism books and I appreciate its inclusion. There are more advanced books out there, but not everyone wants or is ready to meet every flora in existence all at once.

I would definitely pick up the paperback instead of the ebook version. I hope the version I got for review has been fixed before being launched as an ebook, but it was terribly formatted like no one took the 5 mins to flip through and make sure the pages were the right orientation and whoever decided to do 2 book pages on 1 page please rethink that choice in the future. I will not be removing stars for this in hopes it was fixed but even if it is I would still recommend the paperback anyway for the full beauty of the accompanying illustrations.

E-arc provided by Leaping Hare Press via Netgalley so I could write this honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Dustin Franco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC that allowed me to make this review.

This is a lovely little reference book that talks about the magickal and medicinal uses of many different herbs, flowers, trees, and even poisonous plants. It dives into just enough technical information to inspire the reader to create something from these bits of plant. The beginning of the book also describes many different forms that these herbs may take on, from oils to balms to tea mixes.

However, the actual folklore aspect of the book was lacking. It goes briefly over where the magick ideas of the plants originate, but it leans far more heavily into the uses of these plants than the ideas behind them. If you're looking for a reference book, this is great for a beginner to herbal magick. If you are looking for a deep dive into the history of these plants, this book will not please you.

Having been given the digital copy for free, I'm certainly inclined to buy the physical copy and add it to my collection of informational books. There are quick charts to find the uses of each plant, while also providing more in-depth information for each.

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lindsay Squire has been a practicing Hedge Witch for many years and has published many books on the subject of magick.
In her latest book she looks at the folkloric that is a part of the history of Witchcraft, and the history down through the ages of the creation of so many of the balms, poultices, tinctures and herbal medicines that have been instrumental in healing and magick for centuries.
Set out in colourful chapters with easy explanations, simple recipes to tempt the beginners and stories from her pathway through witchcraft, this is a wonderful book for anyone who is curious about this aspect of healing and magic.
The content of the book is varied and informative. Having read it as an e-book it was very difficult to get the full impact of the layout. If folklore magick is an area you are interested in learning more this is one book that should be read as a paper copy.
The Witch of the Forests Guide to Folklore Magick would also make an excellent reference book for the beginner or someone that is interested in herbal tisanes and the healing benefit of herbs, flowers and alchemy, without taking on the full mantle of modern day witchery.

[LaRa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested a copy of this book to review via NetGalley only because I was intrigued by the title. To be honest, I don't necessarily believe in witchcraft in that sense, and I was here only for the medicinal properties (I still ended up reading the whole thing, though).

So overall, this book was really educational! It is well organised and divided into categories, which makes it easier to find a reference later. It had pretty helpful information about herbs and plants that are used in our daily lives and can be easily accessed with multiple ways of using them for different purposes.
I love folklore, and it was interesting to read about each plant's uses throughout different generations and cultures.
I also have to say this book had stunning art, which made it 10 times better and helped organise it even more.

After reading the e-copy, I think I'll purchase a physical copy of this book for my coffee table. I'm also interested in reading other works of Lindsay Squire because I loved how accessible and easy to read this book was.

[Rowan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley for providing me with the ARC!

The formatting of this book is terrible. This was exported as two pages per sheet, which does allow you to see the beautiful artwork as it was intended to be viewed, but requires you to zoom in pretty heavily to be able to read. A low quality screen wouldn’t be able to make it out. And a significant number of pages were upside down. I sincerely hope this is corrected before publication.

Upon reading the description of the book, I was expecting more of a deep dive into folklore and history of folklore, but this is mostly a quick reference of various herbs and flowers. The descriptions and explanations that exist are extremely brief and read like a hasty student trying to make a deadline. While I’m aware this was written as a guide book, the tone of the description led me to believe this was a more thorough resource.

The artwork is absolutely beautiful, though.

[The Bookish Chimera - Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Herbs, flowers and trees played a huge part in the practice of witchcraft over the centuries, just as they do today, and they have rich and ancient folklore associated with them.”

Folklore Magic wasn’t what I expected it would be. I thought it was a graphic novel like the author’s previous book, but it’s more an illustrated herbarium. I read an advance copy, so it was impossible for me to judge their quality, but it didn’t felt like it provided much detail (not enough to be able to recognize the plant in nature), and the text remained pretty superficial too, without enough references to dig in (even though there WAS a bibliography, which is a great point!). On the other hand, the infographics were super nice and gave a few elements of folklore.
In the end, it is a nice book to browse, but if you want something sturdier, it might not be the right one for this use.

Thank you NetGalley and to the author for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early copy of this book.

This is a beginner book on herbalism and I wish it would have called itself that instead of "folklore magick."

The book is beautifully illustrated and laid out, but the ARC had issues with upside-down pages and problems with skipping pages that took me out of reading. However, those issues aren't reflected in the rating of the book.

Each entry has:
- the scientific name
- minimal folklore
- magical properties
- medicinal properties (big fan of how both types of properties were bullet pointed for easy use.
- correspondences: element, planet, zodiac signs
- folk names.

The reasons for the docking of my rating has to do with its focus on Western European (specifically Celtic) folklore and the book's use of "migraines" instead of migraine.

[Malory Smithson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book on NetGalley. Honestly, I really enjoyed this book. I really loved the general instructions on how to make various things like salves and tinctures. This book has inspired me to add those to my practice. The folklore on each plant was really interesting and I’m excited to use this book to add more herbs and plants and natural elements to my practice. I definitely plan on buying a physical copy of this book to keep for reference. The book isn’t super in depth, but it is a nice overview of each plant and its uses. I also appreciated any disclaimers that the book had because it just made it seem really transparent and there for knowledge if that makes sense. My favorite section was definitely the baneful plants part even if that part is more for educational purposes than actual use. Overall, it was a nice guide and I would recommend it

[ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group Leaping Hare/Leaping Hare Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I was initially drawn to this book because of its beautifully illustrated cover and the fact that it focuses specifically on folklore magick. This book was a really cool introduction to the topic. Lindsay Squire does a great job blending folklore with practical magickal advice, and there’s a definite sense of connection to the natural world that comes through in the writing.

What I really liked about this book is that it’s accessible, even if you're not an expert in magick. It’s got history, rituals, and some cool spells—perfect for anyone looking to dive into these topics in a meaningful way. There were a few parts where I wanted a bit more depth, but overall, it’s a great guide and an enjoyable read.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this through Netgalley.
The formatting of the book made it hard to read at points. I’m hoping this is just a Netgalley app issue, and pages aren’t upside down when printed. It would’ve been easier to read on my kindle, but wasn’t an option.

With that said, I enjoyed the content of the book. I love all the herbal information. I have many books on how to use medicinal herbs, and I feel this book has a lot of useful info. I liked how it describes how to make tinctures and poultices etc, as not everyone knows all the uses of herbal medicine. The illustrations in the book were great as well, and the cover really drew me in. I will definitely get myself a copy once it comes out!

[Mandy Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m absolutely enchanted by The Witch of the Forest's Guide to Folklore Magick! It’s such a lovely introduction to folklore magick, especially for beginners who are just starting to explore the world of herbs, flowers, and trees. While the plants covered are pretty basic, the book still offers a solid foundation and plenty of inspiration to dive deeper. Plus, the illustrations? Stunning! It’s the kind of guide you’ll want to keep nearby—both for practical reference and just to flip through for its beauty. I especially appreciated the section on baneful herbs, which you don’t often see in beginner-friendly resources. It really sparked my curiosity! Whether you’re just starting your magickal journey or looking for the perfect gift for a new witch in your life, this book is a gem!

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

This was a great book! Really interesting to read, and the graphics were beautiful. It was super informative, and I loved the illustrations with each of the herb, flower, and tree that gave a general overview of information. I loved reading about the historical, folkloric, and mythological backgrounds. You'd have one herb and several different cultures and religions may believe different things about it.

Even if you aren't wanting to be a practicing witch (like me), it still had a lot of useful suggestions on how to use certain herbs for ailments or pains. And I also loved the beginning section that taught you how to make oils, balms, tinctures, etc.

[mazzy of silence]

dnf 20%
Книга не виправдовує свої назву та опис, немає лісового посібника, немає народної магії, хоча, можливо, там було би щось далі, але перші розділи з переліком рослин були геть не інформативними. Якщо далі було краще, а не загальні "народні рецепти використовували ромашку для заспокоєння" (які народи, в яких рецептах), то це було дивне рішення помістити спершу довідник рослин, а потім ширшу інформацію, бо ясно не було нічого.
Дякую NetGalley за ознайомлення з книгою. Я хоч і небагато читала подібних книг, але вони були кращими, хоча інформація була більш лаконічною, але оформлення гарне, ілюстрації на цілу сторінку.