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Entering Hekate's Garden: The Magick, Medicine & Mystery of Plant Spirit Witchcraft
A guide to plant spirit ritual and witchcraft with practical instruction on the use of botanicals, especially associated with the beloved goddess Hekate and her daughters Circe and Medea.
Bringing pharmakeia (the practice of plant spirit witchcraft) into contemporary times, Entering Hekate's Garden merges historical knowledge with modern techniques. In it, author Cyndi Brannen offers her extensive insight into Hekatean ritual and witchcraft and especially its application to the Green World. The book features detailed monographs dedicated to 39 plants ranging from the esoteric such as aconite, American mandrake, and damiana to the accessible including bay laurel, dandelion, fennel, garlic, juniper, and lavender.
This book blends traditional methods with the author's personal approach, emphasizing her understanding of plant spirits as allies in the witch's journey. It includes a new taxonomy for interpreting plant energies, methods for creating new correspondences, the importance of layering, using botanicals in spells, rituals, altars, and more, as well as ways to develop meaningful relationships with the pharmakoi (master plant spirits). Poetry, petitions, and musings about pharmakeia are woven throughout. Entering Hekate's Garden takes listeners deep into the mystical world of botanical witchery in a way no other book has before.
Bringing pharmakeia (the practice of plant spirit witchcraft) into contemporary times, Entering Hekate's Garden merges historical knowledge with modern techniques. In it, author Cyndi Brannen offers her extensive insight into Hekatean ritual and witchcraft and especially its application to the Green World. The book features detailed monographs dedicated to 39 plants ranging from the esoteric such as aconite, American mandrake, and damiana to the accessible including bay laurel, dandelion, fennel, garlic, juniper, and lavender.
This book blends traditional methods with the author's personal approach, emphasizing her understanding of plant spirits as allies in the witch's journey. It includes a new taxonomy for interpreting plant energies, methods for creating new correspondences, the importance of layering, using botanicals in spells, rituals, altars, and more, as well as ways to develop meaningful relationships with the pharmakoi (master plant spirits). Poetry, petitions, and musings about pharmakeia are woven throughout. Entering Hekate's Garden takes listeners deep into the mystical world of botanical witchery in a way no other book has before.
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First published November 1, 2020
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About the author
Cyndi Brannen
7 books220 followersCyndi Brannen teaches and writes from the crossroads of spirituality and traditional wisdom, merging ancient knowledge with modern practices. Her work explores the journey through darkness to wholeness using the archetypes of the witch and Hekate. Her teaching focuses on personal healing through herbalism, rituals, meditations, and exploration of the deeper self.
She founded The Covina Institute, a soul school dedicated to the pursuit of wholeness through structured programs of study and transcendent experiences.
She founded The Covina Institute, a soul school dedicated to the pursuit of wholeness through structured programs of study and transcendent experiences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 18, 2021
I disliked basically everything about this book, and really only finished it so I could bear witness to every horror it had to offer.
The writing style of this book is academic, but not in the dry, informational way of ages passed. No, this book feels academic in the modern sense, an overwrought word salad with a dressing of self-importance. It reads like an essay written for a required page-length, full of paragraphs with twice as many words as necessary.
"Botanicals have archetypal characteristics and distinct personalities. They are not verbal themselves, but contain energetic currents that can communicate with us--for example, yarrow is associated with the planet Venus, which speaks of steel-strong love and healing. As humans, our primary methods of perception are through words, images, feelings, and bodily experiences. The spirits communicate with us along these energy currents. The messages are often symbolic and require that we figure out what they mean. Spirits don't follow the same rules of interpersonal contact that operate in the mundane world." (26)
Girl, you're just saying: "Plants can't talk, so we have to just vibe it out sometimes." Like, who are you trying to impress with this paragraph? I just got so tired of this excessive language, it's so smugly intellectual with so little information behind it. And yet, the descriptions of plants are often anthropomorphic!! Which made it difficult to take anything she said about them seriously.
"Foxglove is ruled by Venus and strongly linked to the emotional depths. Its resistance to being told what to do can be overcome through sincerity and persistence by an even stronger mind. It can make for an excellent study for those willing to explore their own shadow sides, but be well-advised of its capricious nature." (131)
Why yes, you did read that correctly. This author includes foxglove in the 39 plants whose magic and medicine she describes! While the author states this book is a good introduction to plant magic, there are an awful lot of poisons recommended! She begins Chapter Three by saying "Absolutely no prior knowledge of herbalism is required to start this adventure. The botanical spirits have led you to this place. They were guided by the Mother" (11). Suddenly, we're on the Poison Path! She's suggesting harvesting foxglove, keeping it in your house, burning it as incense! Excuse me?? If you are unfamiliar with foxglove, it is poisonous. Like, famously poisonous. And, again, she's not just suggesting you observe it in its natural habitat and meditate on its qualities, she's saying "throw on some gloves and bring it into your house." She definitely states that it's poisonous and only for "skilled practitioners", but this still seems irresponsible to me. There are so many medicinal plants!! Why would you harvest poison and put it in your kitchen??? Just bizarre passage to include in a book targeted toward a non-expert audience.
And the book is notably not organized by any kind of suggested skill level. No, it's alphabetical, and because of that the very first plant she specifically talks about is aconite. The Queen of Poisons. A plant so poisonous, the author warns: "Speaking from experience, aconite's poison works quickly through skin contact, resulting in a tingling sensation, nausea, and a sharpness of acuity mixed with a sort of fugue" (79). Who is this book for?? Who is going to run out to buy these specialty seeds for this extremely poisonous plant?? How is this book for a general audience?? What kind of FBI watchlists do you show up on if you order these off the internet?? What is this person's deal??
I could have seen these weird choices coming from the very first pages of the book. The prologue of this volume is written in the voice of Medea and called "Medea's Truth." I immediately thought this was an odd choice. While Medea is indeed a famous witch who used plant knowledge in her magic, she's not someone I would personally choose to hold up as a role model. I thought maybe there would be some kind of twist, some forgotten story brought to light that would add dimension to this traditionally villainous character. Nah. Medea murdered her brother to help Jason and then later killed their children for revenge against him when he left her for another woman. The author has nothing to really add to this story except that it's a lesson for us all to, like, embrace our shadow selves. Gotta say, not something I took from that story. I really think the story of Medea is interesting and complex and has a lot to offer, but this book doesn't really delve into any of it. This woman just seems weirdly obsessed with poisons, and I think she should have just written a book about poisonous plants and their uses for skilled herbalists instead of weaving so much poison into an introductory book about medicinal plant magic.
There is a single piece of interesting analysis I'd never heard before was about Persephone. She says there's a way in which you can read her story not as a kidnapping, but as her escape from an overbearing mother. And there was a good cheesecake recipe.
Usually I think it's a bit tacky to recommend a different book at the end of a review, but if this is someone's first experience with magical and medicinal plant literature I think they might not ever read another. So if you were thinking about picking this up, I suggest you instead read The Witch's Herbal Apothecary: Rituals Recipes for a Year of Earth Magick and Sacred Medicine Making by Marysia Miernowska. It's got everything this book promises about ways of harvesting, working with, and consuming botanicals for medical and spiritual health, but it's just more realistic. It suggests working with safe and abundant plants alongside other satisfying spiritual practices to get in touch with the seasons and your own intuition. I only picked up Entering Hekate's Garden because Herbal Apothecary sparked my enthusiasm for learning more about plants and green witchcraft.
Anyway, enjoy nature and don't poison yourself!
The writing style of this book is academic, but not in the dry, informational way of ages passed. No, this book feels academic in the modern sense, an overwrought word salad with a dressing of self-importance. It reads like an essay written for a required page-length, full of paragraphs with twice as many words as necessary.
"Botanicals have archetypal characteristics and distinct personalities. They are not verbal themselves, but contain energetic currents that can communicate with us--for example, yarrow is associated with the planet Venus, which speaks of steel-strong love and healing. As humans, our primary methods of perception are through words, images, feelings, and bodily experiences. The spirits communicate with us along these energy currents. The messages are often symbolic and require that we figure out what they mean. Spirits don't follow the same rules of interpersonal contact that operate in the mundane world." (26)
Girl, you're just saying: "Plants can't talk, so we have to just vibe it out sometimes." Like, who are you trying to impress with this paragraph? I just got so tired of this excessive language, it's so smugly intellectual with so little information behind it. And yet, the descriptions of plants are often anthropomorphic!! Which made it difficult to take anything she said about them seriously.
"Foxglove is ruled by Venus and strongly linked to the emotional depths. Its resistance to being told what to do can be overcome through sincerity and persistence by an even stronger mind. It can make for an excellent study for those willing to explore their own shadow sides, but be well-advised of its capricious nature." (131)
Why yes, you did read that correctly. This author includes foxglove in the 39 plants whose magic and medicine she describes! While the author states this book is a good introduction to plant magic, there are an awful lot of poisons recommended! She begins Chapter Three by saying "Absolutely no prior knowledge of herbalism is required to start this adventure. The botanical spirits have led you to this place. They were guided by the Mother" (11). Suddenly, we're on the Poison Path! She's suggesting harvesting foxglove, keeping it in your house, burning it as incense! Excuse me?? If you are unfamiliar with foxglove, it is poisonous. Like, famously poisonous. And, again, she's not just suggesting you observe it in its natural habitat and meditate on its qualities, she's saying "throw on some gloves and bring it into your house." She definitely states that it's poisonous and only for "skilled practitioners", but this still seems irresponsible to me. There are so many medicinal plants!! Why would you harvest poison and put it in your kitchen??? Just bizarre passage to include in a book targeted toward a non-expert audience.
And the book is notably not organized by any kind of suggested skill level. No, it's alphabetical, and because of that the very first plant she specifically talks about is aconite. The Queen of Poisons. A plant so poisonous, the author warns: "Speaking from experience, aconite's poison works quickly through skin contact, resulting in a tingling sensation, nausea, and a sharpness of acuity mixed with a sort of fugue" (79). Who is this book for?? Who is going to run out to buy these specialty seeds for this extremely poisonous plant?? How is this book for a general audience?? What kind of FBI watchlists do you show up on if you order these off the internet?? What is this person's deal??
I could have seen these weird choices coming from the very first pages of the book. The prologue of this volume is written in the voice of Medea and called "Medea's Truth." I immediately thought this was an odd choice. While Medea is indeed a famous witch who used plant knowledge in her magic, she's not someone I would personally choose to hold up as a role model. I thought maybe there would be some kind of twist, some forgotten story brought to light that would add dimension to this traditionally villainous character. Nah. Medea murdered her brother to help Jason and then later killed their children for revenge against him when he left her for another woman. The author has nothing to really add to this story except that it's a lesson for us all to, like, embrace our shadow selves. Gotta say, not something I took from that story. I really think the story of Medea is interesting and complex and has a lot to offer, but this book doesn't really delve into any of it. This woman just seems weirdly obsessed with poisons, and I think she should have just written a book about poisonous plants and their uses for skilled herbalists instead of weaving so much poison into an introductory book about medicinal plant magic.
There is a single piece of interesting analysis I'd never heard before was about Persephone. She says there's a way in which you can read her story not as a kidnapping, but as her escape from an overbearing mother. And there was a good cheesecake recipe.
Usually I think it's a bit tacky to recommend a different book at the end of a review, but if this is someone's first experience with magical and medicinal plant literature I think they might not ever read another. So if you were thinking about picking this up, I suggest you instead read The Witch's Herbal Apothecary: Rituals Recipes for a Year of Earth Magick and Sacred Medicine Making by Marysia Miernowska. It's got everything this book promises about ways of harvesting, working with, and consuming botanicals for medical and spiritual health, but it's just more realistic. It suggests working with safe and abundant plants alongside other satisfying spiritual practices to get in touch with the seasons and your own intuition. I only picked up Entering Hekate's Garden because Herbal Apothecary sparked my enthusiasm for learning more about plants and green witchcraft.
Anyway, enjoy nature and don't poison yourself!
November 23, 2020
Overall I think this is good devotional material with decent information on how to make things, but I do believe that an Herbalist and Aromatherapist should have reviewed the book before it was published. (I am both.) There are a few places where information wasn't accurate and a mention of taking frankincense essential oil internally which is something that should never happen.
July 28, 2021
I wanted to give the author another chance, but this book has almost all the problems I had with Keeping Her Keys, plus a few more. It cherry-picks and distorts both mythology and archaeology to present UPG (unverified personal gnosis) as fact. Then it uses that UPG (presented as fact) as the foundation for page after page of flowery reverence reminiscent of cult fervor (the modern definition of cult, not the Ancient Greek one).
The prologue, written as if by Medea, pits men against women, Hekate against "false" religions and "destructive" civilization, and bizarrely, witches (i.e. descendants of Hekate) against humans. (I guess Medea, the author, and other witches aren't human?!?!?!?!?!)
And all that's not even getting into questionable herbal information like that it's safe to ingest certain diluted essential oils (don't eat essential oils!) or the recipes for burning or otherwise using incredibly toxic herbs.
The prologue, written as if by Medea, pits men against women, Hekate against "false" religions and "destructive" civilization, and bizarrely, witches (i.e. descendants of Hekate) against humans. (I guess Medea, the author, and other witches aren't human?!?!?!?!?!)
And all that's not even getting into questionable herbal information like that it's safe to ingest certain diluted essential oils (don't eat essential oils!) or the recipes for burning or otherwise using incredibly toxic herbs.
February 22, 2023
Well, the book certainly starts with a bang- and not in a good way. Rather, it starts with a short fictional "introduction" by Medea, one of Hekate's mythological daughters, titled "Medea's Truth". This serves both as a minor pseudo-autobiographical rewrite of the mythos (with that mildly obnoxious Radical Feminist bend we're all far too familiar with when it comes to NeoPagan works dealing with feminine characters), as well as a call for you to answer Hekate's call to her garden.
To put it bluntly, I genuinely don't understand why this "introduction" was even necessary. The tone was childish, and it came across as petulant and toddleresque more than anything. It lends such a ridiculous and nonsensical atmosphere to the book starting out, that it doesn't give me hope it's going to be any good at all. And I'm not horribly wrong in that assessment, either, sadly. The book's a right mess from top to bottom (or as far as I could get, anyways).
Firstly, if you're looking for legitimate information on Hekate or her daughters, you're looking in the wrong place. I wouldn't expect any accuracy from this book at all. What's presented is itself sparse and largely the gnosis of the author presented as fact-but-not-fact (predicated by statements such as "I know it in my heart"). When anything factual or semi factual is presented, it is presented either unsourced entirely, or only vaguely sourced (such as with statements like "in one account by the ancient historian Diodorus", which tells you as much as if she'd never mentioned a source at all). And of course scattered about is the same nerve grating Radical Feminist "the Mens! the Patriarchy!" bullshit that plagues most female-centric NeoWiccan texts, which I grow so, so, so incredibly tired of reading; while there are certainly many problems with translations and sexism throughout history, like the wailing of a toddler on a Greyhound Bus in 100 degree weather with another 4 hours still to go until your next stop, this particular brand of Radical Feminist winging (and the way in which it's always positioned) just gets old- nevermind the inaccuracies of the narrative itself).
I will say, though, that I do applaud her routine openness about the fact that much of this was developed herself and is based largely in her gnosis- something which is refreshing in an area where everyone's annoyingly clamoring to claim theirs is the most "ancient" and "legitimate". Ultimately, however, reading on I dislike the frequent ways in which she couches how much of it really just comes from Traditional Witchcraft. If she'd just been open about her foundations, her sources of inspiration, and where she built from, I wouldn't have a problem with it. But the fact so much of it is very clearly pulled from Traditional Witchcraft with a little bit of Hellenism sprinkled in, and that she seemingly tries to obfuscate that, does annoy me.
The further brushing off of "any perceived discrepancies by the reader" as merely the author's "inspired development of a new word rooted in an ancient one" is likewise something that grates on my nerves. It feels all too much like a convenient cop-out so she doesn't have to deal with any criticisms on the matter... Criticisms such as the fact she doesn't even use some of her terminology correctly even on simple things. Or, for instance, her divide between "magic" and "magick", and treating them as if they're two difference things or concepts (instead of one being merely a different spelling of another popularized by an edgelord supreme)- which is nothing less than unnecessary and annoying.
The constant rallying of the author against the modern separation between medicinal and magical herbalism is likewise childish. This is a sentiment I'm seeing crop up a lot in Greencraft books of all stripes lately, and it's beginning to get tiring... It's important to point out that the separation is a modern construct and that for the majority of human history no such distinction was made between the mystical, spiritual, and scientific elements of healing. Likewise, it's important to understand our practices, our resources, and many of the surviving correspondences and other influences within that context. However, that modern separation is an integral one. And for all the author makes a big deal that "We must respond to [the plant spirits'] calls from our modern perspective [because] The past is long dead; this is a new cycle of growth", they very conveniently want to ignore the fact that these new distinctions are in place for some damned good reasons- and should remain there.
Mostly, though, all Brannen really does is talk herself around in circles. A lot. Constantly repeat the same things over and over again, but never in a way that actually makes sense. That would be too easy, of course. But no. Instead she has to explain things in the most convoluted ways possible- and each time she explains the same exact thing again, she somehow manages to explain it worse than she did the last time she thought she needed to explain it. After a certain point I just gave up on the damned thing altogether. It was better than hearing the same exact spiel about Medea, Circe, and Hekate that I'd just read 4 paragraphs back for the 8th time.
By the time I got to any sort of actual magic, I was so annoyed I could've thrown my E-Reader. When I actually read the first ritual I rolled my eyes so hard I put the book down and never bothered opening it back up; like the rest of her writing, her spellwork is equally bad, and her instructions are rarely coherent (trying to get through the Ekdotis "Talisman" in particular was almost infuriating in some areas).
I didn't get far enough in to say how she handled the actual plants- which is what the entire book is supposed to be about. The book just wasn't worth beating my head against my Kindle for anymore- and that's all I'd done since the first moment I'd picked it up. As it stands, from what I have read, all this book is, is a trite, childish, and utterly useless waste of time. And I can't for the life of me even begin to pretend to imagine that she's capable of handling the plant aspects with any sort of competency.
If you're actually looking for legitimate plant content, or even for content on Hekate, for the love of the Gods, I implore you: Seek ye elsewhere. Because there's far better content that's already been written, and it's an absolute embarrassment that this is actually a 2020 title.
To put it bluntly, I genuinely don't understand why this "introduction" was even necessary. The tone was childish, and it came across as petulant and toddleresque more than anything. It lends such a ridiculous and nonsensical atmosphere to the book starting out, that it doesn't give me hope it's going to be any good at all. And I'm not horribly wrong in that assessment, either, sadly. The book's a right mess from top to bottom (or as far as I could get, anyways).
Firstly, if you're looking for legitimate information on Hekate or her daughters, you're looking in the wrong place. I wouldn't expect any accuracy from this book at all. What's presented is itself sparse and largely the gnosis of the author presented as fact-but-not-fact (predicated by statements such as "I know it in my heart"). When anything factual or semi factual is presented, it is presented either unsourced entirely, or only vaguely sourced (such as with statements like "in one account by the ancient historian Diodorus", which tells you as much as if she'd never mentioned a source at all). And of course scattered about is the same nerve grating Radical Feminist "the Mens! the Patriarchy!" bullshit that plagues most female-centric NeoWiccan texts, which I grow so, so, so incredibly tired of reading; while there are certainly many problems with translations and sexism throughout history, like the wailing of a toddler on a Greyhound Bus in 100 degree weather with another 4 hours still to go until your next stop, this particular brand of Radical Feminist winging (and the way in which it's always positioned) just gets old- nevermind the inaccuracies of the narrative itself).
I will say, though, that I do applaud her routine openness about the fact that much of this was developed herself and is based largely in her gnosis- something which is refreshing in an area where everyone's annoyingly clamoring to claim theirs is the most "ancient" and "legitimate". Ultimately, however, reading on I dislike the frequent ways in which she couches how much of it really just comes from Traditional Witchcraft. If she'd just been open about her foundations, her sources of inspiration, and where she built from, I wouldn't have a problem with it. But the fact so much of it is very clearly pulled from Traditional Witchcraft with a little bit of Hellenism sprinkled in, and that she seemingly tries to obfuscate that, does annoy me.
The further brushing off of "any perceived discrepancies by the reader" as merely the author's "inspired development of a new word rooted in an ancient one" is likewise something that grates on my nerves. It feels all too much like a convenient cop-out so she doesn't have to deal with any criticisms on the matter... Criticisms such as the fact she doesn't even use some of her terminology correctly even on simple things. Or, for instance, her divide between "magic" and "magick", and treating them as if they're two difference things or concepts (instead of one being merely a different spelling of another popularized by an edgelord supreme)- which is nothing less than unnecessary and annoying.
The constant rallying of the author against the modern separation between medicinal and magical herbalism is likewise childish. This is a sentiment I'm seeing crop up a lot in Greencraft books of all stripes lately, and it's beginning to get tiring... It's important to point out that the separation is a modern construct and that for the majority of human history no such distinction was made between the mystical, spiritual, and scientific elements of healing. Likewise, it's important to understand our practices, our resources, and many of the surviving correspondences and other influences within that context. However, that modern separation is an integral one. And for all the author makes a big deal that "We must respond to [the plant spirits'] calls from our modern perspective [because] The past is long dead; this is a new cycle of growth", they very conveniently want to ignore the fact that these new distinctions are in place for some damned good reasons- and should remain there.
Mostly, though, all Brannen really does is talk herself around in circles. A lot. Constantly repeat the same things over and over again, but never in a way that actually makes sense. That would be too easy, of course. But no. Instead she has to explain things in the most convoluted ways possible- and each time she explains the same exact thing again, she somehow manages to explain it worse than she did the last time she thought she needed to explain it. After a certain point I just gave up on the damned thing altogether. It was better than hearing the same exact spiel about Medea, Circe, and Hekate that I'd just read 4 paragraphs back for the 8th time.
By the time I got to any sort of actual magic, I was so annoyed I could've thrown my E-Reader. When I actually read the first ritual I rolled my eyes so hard I put the book down and never bothered opening it back up; like the rest of her writing, her spellwork is equally bad, and her instructions are rarely coherent (trying to get through the Ekdotis "Talisman" in particular was almost infuriating in some areas).
I didn't get far enough in to say how she handled the actual plants- which is what the entire book is supposed to be about. The book just wasn't worth beating my head against my Kindle for anymore- and that's all I'd done since the first moment I'd picked it up. As it stands, from what I have read, all this book is, is a trite, childish, and utterly useless waste of time. And I can't for the life of me even begin to pretend to imagine that she's capable of handling the plant aspects with any sort of competency.
If you're actually looking for legitimate plant content, or even for content on Hekate, for the love of the Gods, I implore you: Seek ye elsewhere. Because there's far better content that's already been written, and it's an absolute embarrassment that this is actually a 2020 title.
November 24, 2020
This book is in keeping with the current trend toward herbal witchcraft and being that it is devoted to Hekate in particular I was intrigued. I was expecting something a bit more from this book but found it a little bit too much like a standard herbal correspondence book. I am also a bit perplexed as to why foxglove is used in so many incense preparations given how toxic it is and do not agree with the use of Mayapple as a substitute for Mandrake, given how different these plants are from each other. I am also not in agreement with Brannen's philosophy of spellcraft and certain terminologies which just don't gel with me.
This book still serves as a decent introduction to herbal magic and contains a wide variety of spells both wicked and kind for those who are looking for that.
This book still serves as a decent introduction to herbal magic and contains a wide variety of spells both wicked and kind for those who are looking for that.
May 31, 2021
A very big improvement from Keeping Her Keys, which is a good book but had lots of editing issues. This book shows how an author can improve their craft. Very well done!
The information is absolutely wonderful. Highly recommend this one.
The information is absolutely wonderful. Highly recommend this one.
May 3, 2023
It's a little woo-woo, but I was willing to play in the space. You kind of have to with a lot of witchcraft books. But I was extremely put off by referring to all witches as "she" (I am a trans man), and it hit my biggest pet peeve by turning a goddess with little to no explicit maternal qualities into a "great mother" archetype. Hekate is many things in ancient sources, but motherly is not one of them.
I gave up once the author started shutting on modern medicine. I know that modern medicine isn't perfect and has a long history of sexism and racism, but I... dislike the idea that pills (especially psych meds) are rarely necessary and all you need to do is ~heal your spirit~. I'm sure my bipolar friend just needs to do some spiritual healing to stop him from having psychotic symptoms during his manic episodes. And Im sure my diabetic friend just needs to better connect to his community to prevent hyperglycemia. It's always dangerous to give health advice to a general audience and this is some of the worst I've seen.
(Side note: Those ~nasty pills~ given to you by doctors *are* plant medicine! Most of our pharmaceutical compounds were originally extracted from plants! It's just been concentrated to make sure we can accurately dose it for safety.)
I gave up once the author started shutting on modern medicine. I know that modern medicine isn't perfect and has a long history of sexism and racism, but I... dislike the idea that pills (especially psych meds) are rarely necessary and all you need to do is ~heal your spirit~. I'm sure my bipolar friend just needs to do some spiritual healing to stop him from having psychotic symptoms during his manic episodes. And Im sure my diabetic friend just needs to better connect to his community to prevent hyperglycemia. It's always dangerous to give health advice to a general audience and this is some of the worst I've seen.
(Side note: Those ~nasty pills~ given to you by doctors *are* plant medicine! Most of our pharmaceutical compounds were originally extracted from plants! It's just been concentrated to make sure we can accurately dose it for safety.)
March 19, 2021
So I'm giving this book a 3.5 and rounding up to 4 stars for a few reasons. Overall the information here is easy to read and useful to a reader. She lists 39 botanicals in the book and gives a fairly detailed review of each one. If you are not botanically inclined it is a good introduction to herbs and plants associated with Hekate.
That being said, I felt that this book wanted to be academic at times and then would forget its intention and stray. Ms. Brannen is wordy at times using more words to describe something that could be explained in a few. I also have an issue with a few of the terms she uses.
For the most part, I liked the book and it is a great reference to have if you are devoted to Hekate.
That being said, I felt that this book wanted to be academic at times and then would forget its intention and stray. Ms. Brannen is wordy at times using more words to describe something that could be explained in a few. I also have an issue with a few of the terms she uses.
For the most part, I liked the book and it is a great reference to have if you are devoted to Hekate.
January 15, 2022
This was a very ... interesting book.
For clarification, I would not consider plant magic or herbal witchcraft my specialty, but the inclusion of Hekate and the fact that this was available at my local library caught my interest.
This... has the formatting of a textbook and comes off very academic and yet there are long pieces of text that talk directly to the reader. It's...an interesting combination.
"Absolutely no prior knowledge of herbalism is required to start this adventure" is a nice sentiment, but I would definitely disagree.
I would say that this book is not good for beginners trying to get into witchcraft, the formatting and language made it hard to get into for myself and I wouldn't consider myself a beginner.
I will say that this book has some very unique/ hard to find information in it. It's not just a repetition of your usual book on witchcraft.
The authors devotion to Hekate is clear and I appreciate her interpretation and personal gnosis (spiritual beliefs that are gained through personal intuition and experiences but can't be verified by tradition, scholars, or citation in a religious text)
The author openly acknowledges that a good deal of the book is personal gnosis, which is VERY refreshing. But parts of the text still come off as.... preachy? And her interpretation of myths is teetering on the "girlboss" feminism retelling we often see in neopaganism
The focus on Hekate in the Greek Goddess sense, not just the modernized Wiccan triple goddess (mother/maiden/crone) is something I rarely see, and a very welcome interpretation that I would love to see more of. Although I personally still feel that the authors interpretation is still influenced by Wiccan/ similar neopagan ideas.
There were some elements of Hellenism/ Hellenic paganism (Ancient Greek religion)
Like the cleansing ritual of using khernips (blessed water) but then it mixes in unnecessary neopagan elements (I can't remember the exact wording but it just put me off)
Although it is definitely still modernized/ personal gnosis on the myths (the mention of Persephone's story, specifically that Demeter was an overbearing mother) and the interpretation and focus on Medea was... interesting because she definitely killed her own children in the myth in order to get back at her ex husband. Yes there is nuance and the myth can be interpreted many ways but, just a weird thing to gloss over and then praise Medea for the rest of the book.
3 stars because part of me thinks this book just wasn't a good match for me personally, and I found the information interesting and a unique perspective. I wouldn't rate it any higher because the way it is written is just... so hard to get through.
For clarification, I would not consider plant magic or herbal witchcraft my specialty, but the inclusion of Hekate and the fact that this was available at my local library caught my interest.
This... has the formatting of a textbook and comes off very academic and yet there are long pieces of text that talk directly to the reader. It's...an interesting combination.
"Absolutely no prior knowledge of herbalism is required to start this adventure" is a nice sentiment, but I would definitely disagree.
I would say that this book is not good for beginners trying to get into witchcraft, the formatting and language made it hard to get into for myself and I wouldn't consider myself a beginner.
I will say that this book has some very unique/ hard to find information in it. It's not just a repetition of your usual book on witchcraft.
The authors devotion to Hekate is clear and I appreciate her interpretation and personal gnosis (spiritual beliefs that are gained through personal intuition and experiences but can't be verified by tradition, scholars, or citation in a religious text)
The author openly acknowledges that a good deal of the book is personal gnosis, which is VERY refreshing. But parts of the text still come off as.... preachy? And her interpretation of myths is teetering on the "girlboss" feminism retelling we often see in neopaganism
The focus on Hekate in the Greek Goddess sense, not just the modernized Wiccan triple goddess (mother/maiden/crone) is something I rarely see, and a very welcome interpretation that I would love to see more of. Although I personally still feel that the authors interpretation is still influenced by Wiccan/ similar neopagan ideas.
There were some elements of Hellenism/ Hellenic paganism (Ancient Greek religion)
Like the cleansing ritual of using khernips (blessed water) but then it mixes in unnecessary neopagan elements (I can't remember the exact wording but it just put me off)
Although it is definitely still modernized/ personal gnosis on the myths (the mention of Persephone's story, specifically that Demeter was an overbearing mother) and the interpretation and focus on Medea was... interesting because she definitely killed her own children in the myth in order to get back at her ex husband. Yes there is nuance and the myth can be interpreted many ways but, just a weird thing to gloss over and then praise Medea for the rest of the book.
3 stars because part of me thinks this book just wasn't a good match for me personally, and I found the information interesting and a unique perspective. I wouldn't rate it any higher because the way it is written is just... so hard to get through.
June 28, 2023
This is a tough one to review. I really wanted to like this book. But well, I didn't, not really. I'll try to keep it nice and short.
There are some nice ideas, spells and recipes. The "magickal" parts are nice and sometimes inspiring. But more often than not I do not resonate with Cyndi Brannens approach on the topics mentioned/discussed.
The historical and medical parts aren't well researched and this is one of my personal pet peeves. There is lots of misinformation. This could have been done better.
I would only recommand this book if you're willing to double check the information on the plants with other (more trustworthy) sources.
If you're interessted in Hekate, there are better books on her out there. For example the books by Sorita d'Este, Courtney Weber or Tara Sanchez.
If you're interessted in healing with plants, well I would recommand books with a more scientific approach.
There are some nice ideas, spells and recipes. The "magickal" parts are nice and sometimes inspiring. But more often than not I do not resonate with Cyndi Brannens approach on the topics mentioned/discussed.
The historical and medical parts aren't well researched and this is one of my personal pet peeves. There is lots of misinformation. This could have been done better.
I would only recommand this book if you're willing to double check the information on the plants with other (more trustworthy) sources.
If you're interessted in Hekate, there are better books on her out there. For example the books by Sorita d'Este, Courtney Weber or Tara Sanchez.
If you're interessted in healing with plants, well I would recommand books with a more scientific approach.
December 25, 2022
“Entering Hecate’s Garden” is one of three books by Cyndi Brannen about her version of worshipping the Greek goddess of magic Hecate. It is the second published, preceded by “Keeping Her Keys,” and focuses the types of plants someone could use to invoke the titular goddess. It is not necessary to read the first book to understand this one.
The book is divided into three parts, although they aren’t separated as such: an introduction to Brannen’s magical framework, a catalogue of magical plants, and a handful of spells and rituals at the end.
One small touch I liked was placing an initiation ritual at the very end of the book rather than at the beginning. The ritual itself didn’t excite me, though.
The bulk of the book is the plant reference section, which includes both beneficial and toxic plants. Brannen gives a brief overview of the plant, it’s history, any noteworthy magical associations and a spell, potion or ritual specific to it. She includes plants from all over the world, and usually notes when different varieties exist or there are different plants with the same common name.
Brannen’s version of the chthonic goddess would be unrecognizable by the Ancient Greeks. Along with two demigods, Circe and Medea her Hecate is a triple goddess who feels more like something found in Dianic Wicca. Brannen also takes inspiration from modern feminist mythological retellings, such as “Circe” by Madeline Miller. A mishmash of UPG and (perhaps willfully) misunderstanding ancient sources, but arguably more in-depth than other herbalism type books on the market.
Ordinarily, this approach to paganism would bother me—after all, she often commits bad research and stretches the good research into an unrecognizable mess.
However, Brannen readily admits her shortcomings and her mistakes with ancient sources are common misunderstandings. She put a lot of effort into her craft and I’m glad it works for her, even if a reconstructist like me doesn’t find much use for it.
Second, and very subjectively on my part, I had a blast looking up sources for every single one of her wild claims about Ancient Greek religion, Hecate, Medea and Circe. This book is covered in margin notes where I’ve corrected or expanded on various points and plants she discussed. My craft has greatly improved through this exercise—though probably not in the way Brannen intended.
It’s the night before Sol Invictus and I’m feeling generous. Have an extra star, “Entering Hecate’s Garden.”
The book is divided into three parts, although they aren’t separated as such: an introduction to Brannen’s magical framework, a catalogue of magical plants, and a handful of spells and rituals at the end.
One small touch I liked was placing an initiation ritual at the very end of the book rather than at the beginning. The ritual itself didn’t excite me, though.
The bulk of the book is the plant reference section, which includes both beneficial and toxic plants. Brannen gives a brief overview of the plant, it’s history, any noteworthy magical associations and a spell, potion or ritual specific to it. She includes plants from all over the world, and usually notes when different varieties exist or there are different plants with the same common name.
Brannen’s version of the chthonic goddess would be unrecognizable by the Ancient Greeks. Along with two demigods, Circe and Medea her Hecate is a triple goddess who feels more like something found in Dianic Wicca. Brannen also takes inspiration from modern feminist mythological retellings, such as “Circe” by Madeline Miller. A mishmash of UPG and (perhaps willfully) misunderstanding ancient sources, but arguably more in-depth than other herbalism type books on the market.
Ordinarily, this approach to paganism would bother me—after all, she often commits bad research and stretches the good research into an unrecognizable mess.
However, Brannen readily admits her shortcomings and her mistakes with ancient sources are common misunderstandings. She put a lot of effort into her craft and I’m glad it works for her, even if a reconstructist like me doesn’t find much use for it.
Second, and very subjectively on my part, I had a blast looking up sources for every single one of her wild claims about Ancient Greek religion, Hecate, Medea and Circe. This book is covered in margin notes where I’ve corrected or expanded on various points and plants she discussed. My craft has greatly improved through this exercise—though probably not in the way Brannen intended.
It’s the night before Sol Invictus and I’m feeling generous. Have an extra star, “Entering Hecate’s Garden.”
August 27, 2020
I was fortunate to read an advanced copy of this book and I was blown away by the content. Everything you need to know to forge a strong relationship with plant spirits is in this magical text. The explanations are clear, the rituals are powerful and the recipes are tried and true (some are even quite tasty.) I have personally received incredible healing medicine from the formulations and my relationship with Hekate and her witches has grown stronger. This is the book on Pharmakeia that I've been waiting for.
May 27, 2021
I actually listened to it on Audible - it is super informative and helpful. Well worth a paper and Audible copy.
March 26, 2022
I feel conflicted about this book, so I'm giving it an average rating until I get time to actually work through it. Will likely stay that way or possibly drop though. This was a library book that I didn't get to keep for long, so I read through it quickly without actually doing the exercises and rituals within. I do have some thoughts on what I read, though.
This is supposedly marketed to beginners but doesn't seem explanatory enough for beginners. It does include some good info on using herbs, but it also includes some very questionable info. I didn't mind the inclusion of poisonous herbs and baneful uses, but I think that her warnings were not strong or clear enough and her methods questionable. She later mentions techniques such as dressing candles before use but doesn't list which herbs should NOT be burnt and inhaled around people, nor does she give dosages for smoking herbs and herb mixtures, which she seems to enthusiastically encourage. I don't usually mind the "follow your heart and listen to what the goddess tells you" approach, except that pushing this approach is dangerous when also including poisonous and toxic plants. There is also zero mention of potential interactions with each other or prescription medicines.
I found it intriguing to mix a shamanic approach with Hecatean/Hellenic practices, but she expects the reader to have a strong foundation in both, I guess. I'm very familiar with shamanic work so wasn't confused there, but she didn't explain Upper/Lower/Middle realms within a shamanic framework. Alluded to them but didn't explain, which, if for beginners, is not helpful. I know nothing about latin/greek/whatever terms she was using, but she says she made a bunch up &/or repurposed older words, so I didn't have the framework to really understand most of those terms, didn't feel they were explained well at all, and there was no glossary to help (not in the ebook, at least). I wanted to learn more about Hecate as far as established myth and practices. I can go with my own heart; I didn't need her personal gnosis so much or at least would have appreciated clarity on what was her personal gnosis instead of a blanket "I reinterpreted a lot of things".
I would like this book for my own reference and a slower approach to working through the info presented. A lot of it made my eyes glaze due to terms not adequately explained. I take deep issue with how much she pushes protection magic, an issue I have with most "beginner" books, because in my experience, practice, and teachings that just reinforces the practitioner as someone weak and easily open to outside influence -- the opposite of what witchcraft should be empowering us for. This "Most Important Witchy 101 Tip" regarding protections and shieldings sets so many practitioners up for self sabotage and undermining, where we should be teaching that we are strong and our intention has more power in our own lives than anyone else's. The obsession with protection/shielding goes beyond this author with neo-witchcraft & neo-paganism, but it's a huge peeve of mine to see it pushed in supposed academic writing by experienced teachers.
There's a nice bibliography that could be helpful, but it reads more like "Here's the stuff to read to understand where I'm coming from" instead of just explaining where and why she's coming from in the book itself. Some of the rituals seem nice, but some seem silly and some seem overwrought. Overall, I both liked and disliked aspects, but I don't know how much was just her spin, so it's not as helpful for me as I would have hoped.
This is supposedly marketed to beginners but doesn't seem explanatory enough for beginners. It does include some good info on using herbs, but it also includes some very questionable info. I didn't mind the inclusion of poisonous herbs and baneful uses, but I think that her warnings were not strong or clear enough and her methods questionable. She later mentions techniques such as dressing candles before use but doesn't list which herbs should NOT be burnt and inhaled around people, nor does she give dosages for smoking herbs and herb mixtures, which she seems to enthusiastically encourage. I don't usually mind the "follow your heart and listen to what the goddess tells you" approach, except that pushing this approach is dangerous when also including poisonous and toxic plants. There is also zero mention of potential interactions with each other or prescription medicines.
I found it intriguing to mix a shamanic approach with Hecatean/Hellenic practices, but she expects the reader to have a strong foundation in both, I guess. I'm very familiar with shamanic work so wasn't confused there, but she didn't explain Upper/Lower/Middle realms within a shamanic framework. Alluded to them but didn't explain, which, if for beginners, is not helpful. I know nothing about latin/greek/whatever terms she was using, but she says she made a bunch up &/or repurposed older words, so I didn't have the framework to really understand most of those terms, didn't feel they were explained well at all, and there was no glossary to help (not in the ebook, at least). I wanted to learn more about Hecate as far as established myth and practices. I can go with my own heart; I didn't need her personal gnosis so much or at least would have appreciated clarity on what was her personal gnosis instead of a blanket "I reinterpreted a lot of things".
I would like this book for my own reference and a slower approach to working through the info presented. A lot of it made my eyes glaze due to terms not adequately explained. I take deep issue with how much she pushes protection magic, an issue I have with most "beginner" books, because in my experience, practice, and teachings that just reinforces the practitioner as someone weak and easily open to outside influence -- the opposite of what witchcraft should be empowering us for. This "Most Important Witchy 101 Tip" regarding protections and shieldings sets so many practitioners up for self sabotage and undermining, where we should be teaching that we are strong and our intention has more power in our own lives than anyone else's. The obsession with protection/shielding goes beyond this author with neo-witchcraft & neo-paganism, but it's a huge peeve of mine to see it pushed in supposed academic writing by experienced teachers.
There's a nice bibliography that could be helpful, but it reads more like "Here's the stuff to read to understand where I'm coming from" instead of just explaining where and why she's coming from in the book itself. Some of the rituals seem nice, but some seem silly and some seem overwrought. Overall, I both liked and disliked aspects, but I don't know how much was just her spin, so it's not as helpful for me as I would have hoped.
September 26, 2024
Entering Hekate's Garden by Cyndi Brannen immerses you in the world of plant spirit witchcraft through the traditions of Hekate. This book offers detailed knowledge on 39 plants, exploring their magical and medicinal properties alongside hands-on guidance for spellwork. The blend of ancient lore and practical applications is incredible, as Brannen weaves together the botanical connections of Hekate, Circe, and Medea with modern witchcraft practices.
I loved how Brannen provides specific information on identifying, harvesting, and preparing each plant, making it easy to bring these magical species into daily practice. Her understanding of the "Poison Path" offers a profound look at the powerful magic found in some of the most dangerous plants, which she handles with both respect and insight. Every entry feels rich with the history and magic these plants hold, allowing you to connect more deeply with their energies.
If you’re serious about plant magic or Hekatean witchcraft, Entering Hekate's Garden is essential reading. Brannen’s depth of knowledge on plant spirit magic and her reverence for Hekate create a comprehensive guide that invites witches to explore the transformative power of botanicals in a magical context.
I loved how Brannen provides specific information on identifying, harvesting, and preparing each plant, making it easy to bring these magical species into daily practice. Her understanding of the "Poison Path" offers a profound look at the powerful magic found in some of the most dangerous plants, which she handles with both respect and insight. Every entry feels rich with the history and magic these plants hold, allowing you to connect more deeply with their energies.
If you’re serious about plant magic or Hekatean witchcraft, Entering Hekate's Garden is essential reading. Brannen’s depth of knowledge on plant spirit magic and her reverence for Hekate create a comprehensive guide that invites witches to explore the transformative power of botanicals in a magical context.
February 8, 2021
This review originally appeared on The Magical Buffet website on 02/08/2021.
There is a lot to unpack in Cyndi Brannen’s book, “Entering Hekate’s Garden: The Magick, Medicine & Mystery of Plant Spirit Witchcraft.” Hekate and her children, pharmakeia, pharmakoi, and more abound in this lyrically beautiful, yet imminently practical text. Ready to dive in?
If you read this website, you’re probably already familiar with Hekate, but just in case, Hekate is the Greek goddess best known for magic, witchcraft, and plant knowledge. Brannen draws on Hekate’s history with magic and plants to update the practice of pharmakeia, plant spirit witchcraft and educating others on pharmakoi, master plant spirits.
Brannen deftly shows all the ways to incorporate plants into every facet of your practices, ranging from incense to servitors and tarot to tea. “Entering Hekate’s Garden” does what quality books of its kind should, inspire to start experimenting with what is found within it. Whether you’re seeking the goddess, or looking for inspiring ways to work with plants, “Entering Hekate’s Garden” by Cyndi Brannen will be a satisfying read.
There is a lot to unpack in Cyndi Brannen’s book, “Entering Hekate’s Garden: The Magick, Medicine & Mystery of Plant Spirit Witchcraft.” Hekate and her children, pharmakeia, pharmakoi, and more abound in this lyrically beautiful, yet imminently practical text. Ready to dive in?
If you read this website, you’re probably already familiar with Hekate, but just in case, Hekate is the Greek goddess best known for magic, witchcraft, and plant knowledge. Brannen draws on Hekate’s history with magic and plants to update the practice of pharmakeia, plant spirit witchcraft and educating others on pharmakoi, master plant spirits.
Brannen deftly shows all the ways to incorporate plants into every facet of your practices, ranging from incense to servitors and tarot to tea. “Entering Hekate’s Garden” does what quality books of its kind should, inspire to start experimenting with what is found within it. Whether you’re seeking the goddess, or looking for inspiring ways to work with plants, “Entering Hekate’s Garden” by Cyndi Brannen will be a satisfying read.
August 11, 2021
2.5 stars rounded up.
I don't know who I'd recommend this book for. I think it's a great conversation starter, it's great for people looking for inspiration for their witch work.
For anyone who has already begun Poison Path work or has practical ritual experience, this book will be too simple.
For anyone just beginning Poison Path work, this book is missing important details about working with poisons beyond just the generic warning.
I was a bit disappointed but how little academic Hecatean information was included, and how little gardening technique there actually was.
That said, I found the opening of this book to be beautiful and poetic. The authors passion does come through and I enjoyed the writing style, even if the content was too simple. It offered me inspiration for my own personal practice, but there's not much I will take from this and apply directly.
There was a self-blessing in particular that I thought worth copying down. The selection of plants was lovely, though distinctly European, and did not only include baneful plants, which I appreciate. They were presented with list of correspondences, which is a pet peeve of mine, but I think the author is personal stories made up for it, as they emphasize personal relationships.
I don't know who I'd recommend this book for. I think it's a great conversation starter, it's great for people looking for inspiration for their witch work.
For anyone who has already begun Poison Path work or has practical ritual experience, this book will be too simple.
For anyone just beginning Poison Path work, this book is missing important details about working with poisons beyond just the generic warning.
I was a bit disappointed but how little academic Hecatean information was included, and how little gardening technique there actually was.
That said, I found the opening of this book to be beautiful and poetic. The authors passion does come through and I enjoyed the writing style, even if the content was too simple. It offered me inspiration for my own personal practice, but there's not much I will take from this and apply directly.
There was a self-blessing in particular that I thought worth copying down. The selection of plants was lovely, though distinctly European, and did not only include baneful plants, which I appreciate. They were presented with list of correspondences, which is a pet peeve of mine, but I think the author is personal stories made up for it, as they emphasize personal relationships.
September 2, 2024
I’m very torn with this book. Especially in the first part of the book which was open to beginner witches reading it. I feel this quite advanced for a beginners. Especially when discussing working with poisons & spirt walking these are definitely for a more experienced practitioners. These are not things I would not jump into head first without a ton for of research and, further teaching. As these could be more harm then good.
Personal I did not feel connected to this book because it does not align with my personal practice. I definitely believe in not harming others, demanding requests from spirt and, bring poison into my house.
However if you wanting to get into working with Hecate this is a great place to start. The ritual and herbology profiles in the book are amazing. For a devotee of Hecate this has some great ritual work feel worth reading but, for me this one did not connect. I am really sorry.
Personal I did not feel connected to this book because it does not align with my personal practice. I definitely believe in not harming others, demanding requests from spirt and, bring poison into my house.
However if you wanting to get into working with Hecate this is a great place to start. The ritual and herbology profiles in the book are amazing. For a devotee of Hecate this has some great ritual work feel worth reading but, for me this one did not connect. I am really sorry.
April 7, 2025
Memorable Quote: "It is now time for you to remember the truth and cast aside their lies. We are rising." - Cyndi Brannen
This book started out strangely for me. I'm not too well-versed in Hekatean Witchcraft, and I don't consider myself a Hekate devotee. I'm not knocking it... I just don't personally believe that is my path, and culturally, it doesn't resonate with me. So it's interesting to read a book that is centered around Hekate and her daughters. All that aside, I did learn a lot from this book. For instance, I was "this book" years old when I learned that Mayapple is the same thing as American Mandrake! That fact in and of itself was worth reading this book for. I will eventually buy the print version because along with the very neat background information about the 39 plants that Cyndi Brannen introduces, she includes many many very useful and practical rituals and spells that I would like to incorporate into my own practice.
This book started out strangely for me. I'm not too well-versed in Hekatean Witchcraft, and I don't consider myself a Hekate devotee. I'm not knocking it... I just don't personally believe that is my path, and culturally, it doesn't resonate with me. So it's interesting to read a book that is centered around Hekate and her daughters. All that aside, I did learn a lot from this book. For instance, I was "this book" years old when I learned that Mayapple is the same thing as American Mandrake! That fact in and of itself was worth reading this book for. I will eventually buy the print version because along with the very neat background information about the 39 plants that Cyndi Brannen introduces, she includes many many very useful and practical rituals and spells that I would like to incorporate into my own practice.
October 1, 2021
Narrator is amazing! That’s my only thing I really like about this book.
Reviews and the synopsis led me to believe that this was a book about plants and symbolism/mythology on Hecate. It is neither of those things. Not even a little.
This is a witch’s cookbook. Plus a religious text for witches. That is okay. That’s just not what I was looking for. The writer comes right out and says she can’t live with plants. The title says Garden! Come on…. Re-listening to another book on plants and symbolism that isn’t prescriptive to reset after Thai very unfortunate experience.
If you are looking for a religious text and cookbook for witches and you identify as a witch or want to, this book might be your “cup of tea” (a topic discussed extensively with multiple recipes in this book).
Reviews and the synopsis led me to believe that this was a book about plants and symbolism/mythology on Hecate. It is neither of those things. Not even a little.
This is a witch’s cookbook. Plus a religious text for witches. That is okay. That’s just not what I was looking for. The writer comes right out and says she can’t live with plants. The title says Garden! Come on…. Re-listening to another book on plants and symbolism that isn’t prescriptive to reset after Thai very unfortunate experience.
If you are looking for a religious text and cookbook for witches and you identify as a witch or want to, this book might be your “cup of tea” (a topic discussed extensively with multiple recipes in this book).
December 17, 2020
An imaginative, intelligent, and meaningful book from author Cyndi Brannen. In this book the reader learns how to work with the spirits of plants in a unique and immersive way. Working through the trifecta of Hekate, Circe, and Medea, the book encourages and prepares the reader for Hekate’s Garden.
I found the book to be informative and concise; there was a wealth of knowledge as well as the reasoning behind it. The book was well written and well put together. The author did a great job at walking the reader through every spell, ritual, and recipe.
Entering Hekate’s Garden was worth the purchase both times (I purchased both the physical and audio versions of the book).
I found the book to be informative and concise; there was a wealth of knowledge as well as the reasoning behind it. The book was well written and well put together. The author did a great job at walking the reader through every spell, ritual, and recipe.
Entering Hekate’s Garden was worth the purchase both times (I purchased both the physical and audio versions of the book).
August 16, 2021
These Wiccan books are kind of a guilty pleasure for me, as I'm not a Wiccan. I approach them as sort of meditations on nature, which this volume does very well. I also like that it has recipes and how to advice from things like gardening, cooking, making incense, and candles. I'm a sucker for herb lore, which is really the heart of this book. I'm looking forward to planting and getting to know some of these mysterious plants.
January 11, 2022
I absolutely love this book. It's unpretentious and yet incredibly smart. It's organized very well and has a great flow. If you like mythology, pagan rituals, herbs, or wildcrafting, you will love this book. It's informative. She goes over the mythology of Hekate and her daughters Circe and Medea. She weaves the fact with fiction with great ease. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in the occult or botanicals. Enjoy!
June 26, 2023
As someone who is just starting to work with Hekate, I was incredibly eager to learn more about Hekate and plant witchcraft. Positioned early on as a guide for all levels of witches I felt this incredibly untrue the more I read on.
Caitlin’s review says it best, and perfectly describes how I felt towards the material having just been a short way in so I’ll link it below.
Caitlin’s review here 👉🏽 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Caitlin’s review says it best, and perfectly describes how I felt towards the material having just been a short way in so I’ll link it below.
Caitlin’s review here 👉🏽 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 28, 2024
While there was SOME helpful information here, the author is incredibly biased, and uses a lot of her own personal opinions as law. There are also some sketchy uses of poisonous plants/essential oils. ("I mix "X" toxic plant into this oil that I put on my BODY, and then stop once it starts tingling." "I ingest so much of "X" oil.")
Idk, there are so many more helpful plant witchcraft books, and so many more helpful/accurate Hecate books. Not my fave
Idk, there are so many more helpful plant witchcraft books, and so many more helpful/accurate Hecate books. Not my fave
October 7, 2024
I listened to the book on audio. If you are a devotee of Hekate or a green witch Ido think you will enjoy this book. There was about 30 or 40 herbs that the author reviewed and had ideas and suggestions how to use them. There were many rituals and spells in the book. Now I recommend ebook vs the audiobook. Because I was listening to the book and not reading it was hard at times to remember the little details of some of the exercises. Down the road I will buy this book.
June 2, 2021
It just felt like a deluge of fancy terminology spun again and again in the place of real substance. Still, I did learn some things from it, so I can't say it was wholly useless, but it certainly didn't live up to my expectations. That's what I get for becoming enchanted with book titles. *dramatic sigh*
March 16, 2023
I really took my time with this book (note the almost 2-year reading process).
Cyndi did an incredible job with this book. Beautiful imagery to connect the readers to Medea, Circe, and Hekate, extensive information provided on several plants sacred to Hekate, and ideas for HOW to work with each plant.
I will be using this book as a reference for years to come!
Cyndi did an incredible job with this book. Beautiful imagery to connect the readers to Medea, Circe, and Hekate, extensive information provided on several plants sacred to Hekate, and ideas for HOW to work with each plant.
I will be using this book as a reference for years to come!
December 27, 2024
Did not finish. I put it down as soon as it claimed people on medications are being robbed of a spirtual transformation. To then go on to condemn modern medicine entirely was concerning. She needs to research what she is talking about before she writes. She then gets a lot of the mythology wrong as well. If she wanted to reinterpret mythology she should be writing fiction.
January 4, 2026
Was curious about learning more plant education, didn’t understand that this was going to be fully on witchcraft but that’s on me. Fully enjoyed the narrator’s voice enough that I finished the audiobook. I can see how this can be very soothing and meaningful for those that do believe, but i did not make a connection.
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