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The Illustrated Herbiary: Guidance and Rituals from 36 Bewitching Botanicals
Celebrate the wild wisdom of 36 herbs, fruits, and flowers in this award-winning book by herbalist Maia Toll, featuring rich illustrations by artist Kate O’Hara, and oracle cards for each plant to help guide your personal reflections.
Rosemary is for remembrance; sage is for wisdom. Would meditating on the starflower help heal you? Does the spirit of sweet violet have something to offer you today? Contemporary herbalist Maia Toll, author of The Illustrated Bestiary and The Illustrated Crystallary, profiles the mystical, magical, bewitching personalities of 36 powerful herbs, fruits, and flowers in this stunning volume. The book includes a deck of 36 beautifully illustrated oracle cards — one for each plant — and ideas for readings and rituals to help you access your intuition, navigate each day's joys and problems, and tap into each plant's unique powers for healing, guidance, and wisdom.
Also The Illustrated Bestiary , The Illustrated Crystallary , Maia Toll's Wild Wisdom Companion , The Illustrated Herbiary Collectible Box Set, The Illustrated Bestiary Collectible Box Set, The Illustrated Herbiary Oracle Cards, The Illustrated Bestiary Oracle Cards, The Illustrated Crystallary Oracle Cards, The Illustrated Herbiary Puzzle, The Illustrated Bestiary Puzzle, The Illustrated Crystallary Puzzle, and Maia Toll's Wild Wisdom Wall Calendar.
Rosemary is for remembrance; sage is for wisdom. Would meditating on the starflower help heal you? Does the spirit of sweet violet have something to offer you today? Contemporary herbalist Maia Toll, author of The Illustrated Bestiary and The Illustrated Crystallary, profiles the mystical, magical, bewitching personalities of 36 powerful herbs, fruits, and flowers in this stunning volume. The book includes a deck of 36 beautifully illustrated oracle cards — one for each plant — and ideas for readings and rituals to help you access your intuition, navigate each day's joys and problems, and tap into each plant's unique powers for healing, guidance, and wisdom.
Also The Illustrated Bestiary , The Illustrated Crystallary , Maia Toll's Wild Wisdom Companion , The Illustrated Herbiary Collectible Box Set, The Illustrated Bestiary Collectible Box Set, The Illustrated Herbiary Oracle Cards, The Illustrated Bestiary Oracle Cards, The Illustrated Crystallary Oracle Cards, The Illustrated Herbiary Puzzle, The Illustrated Bestiary Puzzle, The Illustrated Crystallary Puzzle, and Maia Toll's Wild Wisdom Wall Calendar.
168 pages, Hardcover
First published August 7, 2018
197 people are currently reading
2824 people want to read
About the author
Maia Toll
16 books343 followersMaia Toll is the award winning author of Letting Magic In, The Night School, and the Wild Wisdom Series (including The Illustrated Herbiary). After pursuing an undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and a master’s at New York University, Maia apprenticed with a traditional healer in Ireland where she spent extensive time studying the growing cycles of plants, the alchemy of medicine making, and the psycho-spiritual aspects of healing. Maia maps new pathways for seeing our lives, inspiring those who encounter her work to live with more purpose, more intention, more meaning, and, maybe, even more magic. She is the co-owner of the retail store Herbiary, with locations in Philadelphia, PA and Asheville, NC where she lives with her partner, three ridiculously spoiled dogs, and her gorgeous rescue horse. You can find her online at maiatoll.com and writing on her Unkempt Substack at maiatoll.substack.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
August 8, 2018
'The Illustrated Herbiary' is a beautifully illustrated book that highlights what specific plants and flowers have been used for and what physical and spiritual healing they can offer. Each one also features a little anecdote. A perfect introduction for someone interested in learning more about how herbs can be used to live a better life.
I tend to love learning about alternative medicine/therapies and have read many books on herbs before. My issue with 'The Illustrated Herbiary' was that there was no indication that this book looks at the use of herbs to complement Tarot so this was not what I was expecting and felt that the synopsis I read was misleading. Had I known that this relates more to Tarot than anything else, I would not have opted to read it and would've found another book that puts the herbs front and centre.
Many thanks to Storey Publishing, LLC for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I tend to love learning about alternative medicine/therapies and have read many books on herbs before. My issue with 'The Illustrated Herbiary' was that there was no indication that this book looks at the use of herbs to complement Tarot so this was not what I was expecting and felt that the synopsis I read was misleading. Had I known that this relates more to Tarot than anything else, I would not have opted to read it and would've found another book that puts the herbs front and centre.
Many thanks to Storey Publishing, LLC for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
August 1, 2018
I'm starting to think about Christmas gifts (yes already) and when I saw this book up for request on NetGalley I knew I had to grab it and check it out. My daughter is into all things "magic" and "occult," and this seemed like it could be an excellent gift for her come December 25th.
So first thing first, this book is just a real pleasure to look at. It is bright, colorful, and artsy. It is chocked full of beautiful illustrations, quotes, and interesting typography. It starts out with a preface and a short introduction. That is followed by THE HERBIARY which includes chapters on thirty-six different plants and flowers. Each section gives a little overview of the plant/flower and includes both a ritual and a reflection as well. After the Herbiary chapter, we get a short introduction on how to work with Herbiary cards (which come included with the book purchase).
All in all, this was an interesting and visually pleasing (add in the cards that come with it) book, and I am confident this will be a hit gift-wise for anyone who loves all things "occult".
December 15, 2018
Maia Toll apprenticed for a year in Ireland, studying the old ways of plant uses while staying with a traditional healer and herbalist, tending the garden, helping to make medicines, and observing the care of clients. Secluded in a “little house set among the Irish cattle fields” away from distractions, she begat the share knowledge of her “scientist, witch, gardener, and detective” as she learned deeply by smelling, tasting, and feel of the herbs being used. An intimate introduction to nature’s medicine cabinet and understanding how traditional healers know, first hand, how their remedies work, via their own self-inducements. How the plants are used “both for healing the body and for salving the spirit.” 36 plants, common & botanically named, are gorgeously illustrated by Kate O’Hara, and given a brief introduction with existential properties, followed by a meditative ritual and then a reflection. This, to me, was the most disappointing part of the book. I, somehow, expected to have actual rituals, as in using the herbs in a tincture or actual healing process. Instead, we get a loose meditation on the herb, itself. I wanted to read of its magical history and properties, ways it had been known to cure and things to avoid, The only thing that came close was on the Hawthorn tree, Yarrow and Oat bathing recipes. But, still, a beautiful book to add to one’s collection.
Hats off to Mz O’Hara. Her art was enthralling, especially her Quaking Aspens.
Included in the book are 36 oracle cards of the illustrations within, along with a “how to” section on their usage.
Hats off to Mz O’Hara. Her art was enthralling, especially her Quaking Aspens.
Included in the book are 36 oracle cards of the illustrations within, along with a “how to” section on their usage.
November 21, 2021
Gorgeous! Beautiful just beautiful illustrations! Very simple and easy to grasp information. It felt like a love letter from each plant. Calming and soothing. Grounding. I could look at the pictures all day. Wonderful gift for a plant lovers or healers or anyone who is interested in either. It comes with a set of cards that are just as lovely as the book and fun as well.
May 21, 2020
Right of the bat, I have to say I don't know why, but as I was reading this book I felt calm. I got to the point where I was halfway through and wanted to go outside and meditate (this is not how I am at all) but I just felt good.
The beginning at each chapter (?) there was the common name given the plants and herbs as well as the scientific name, which makes it easier since the common names cover a lot of varieties, an illustration also followed the names.
It also includes a few ritual/activities that can be done to improve the mind and "organize" the feelings.
Overall, this is a quite interesting book, to say the least, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who's into herbology and spirituality.
The beginning at each chapter (?) there was the common name given the plants and herbs as well as the scientific name, which makes it easier since the common names cover a lot of varieties, an illustration also followed the names.
It also includes a few ritual/activities that can be done to improve the mind and "organize" the feelings.
Overall, this is a quite interesting book, to say the least, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who's into herbology and spirituality.
January 21, 2020
Although it draws you in with its astonishing artwork I felt there was something missing. Most of its content was an introduction and I wanted to dig deeper and find more meaning. I wanted to know more about the herbs and flowers and their healing properties along with more stories. I felt each component mention was cut short and I would have appreciated a furthermore elaboration. Maybe the author’s intention was to keep it short and simple. However, I did enjoy how eloquently it is put together. But it did leave me craving for more!
December 16, 2021
2.5 stars on the blog.
Most of the illustrations were lovely. This would be a nice book for a teenager. It gives rudimentary information for each plant. I did like that the author included the scientific names alongside the common names. There was a nice little ritual and "reflection" for each plant, nice but a bit juvenile for adults.
The .5 star deduction is for the author calling mushrooms "plants" when they are not... they're fungi, and for not giving any history about attributes she gave some of the plants.
Most of the illustrations were lovely. This would be a nice book for a teenager. It gives rudimentary information for each plant. I did like that the author included the scientific names alongside the common names. There was a nice little ritual and "reflection" for each plant, nice but a bit juvenile for adults.
The .5 star deduction is for the author calling mushrooms "plants" when they are not... they're fungi, and for not giving any history about attributes she gave some of the plants.
April 3, 2023
OMG, this book is so cute! I loved all the beautiful illustrations and the herb tarot cards, those were so much fun! I NEED this book on my home bookshelf.
July 20, 2018
A selection from Iphelia.com’s Editor’s Bookshelf review: While the science of herbalism and the application of plant medicine to various ailments and conditions have produced a great deal of captivating literature and research, The Illustrated Herbiary is not a manual on using plants as medicine per se. Rather, it is an inspirational guide reminiscent of Ted Andrew’s Animal Wise and encyclopedic books on dream interpretation. Flip to any page in The Illustrated Herbiary and you’ll be met by gorgeous illustrations and tidbits of wisdom inspired by a single plant. Captivated? Tuck into the plant-by-plant ritual and reflection Toll recommends to see where her suggestions and the plant on the page take you. If a given plant isn’t speaking to you, though, move on a few pages to see if you can find the right fit for your day or week.
In addition to illustrator Kate O’Hara’s highly detailed artwork, which emerges as a marriage of Eastern mandalas and Western manuscript illumination (the snake in the apple tree image is one of my favorites), the book is filled with inspirational quotes from visionaries from Brene Brown and Elizabeth Gilbert to Dolly Parton (yes, you read that right). Like Iphelia: Awakening the Gift of Feeling, The Illustrated Herbiary acknowledges the child self we all have within and suggests ways of soothing and celebrating this part of ourselves (see Toll’s daisy ritual for a wonderful exercise that maps onto Iphelia’s Love on Connected Kid practice). It also includes suggestions in the way of yoga poses, meditations, tips for mindful eating, breathing and journaling exercises, and means of moving energy (similar to Iphelia’s Anger Release Ritual), all inspired by plants.
The Illustrated Herbiary is a gem, quite literally given its jewel tones, that does not shy away from either the whimsy or the shadows we walk with. It’s a book I look forward to gifting—one that will be appreciated by landowners and apartment dwellers alike—and will be especially celebrated by anyone who has an affinity for the Old World (I’m looking at you, friends who attend Renaissance fairs!).
In addition to illustrator Kate O’Hara’s highly detailed artwork, which emerges as a marriage of Eastern mandalas and Western manuscript illumination (the snake in the apple tree image is one of my favorites), the book is filled with inspirational quotes from visionaries from Brene Brown and Elizabeth Gilbert to Dolly Parton (yes, you read that right). Like Iphelia: Awakening the Gift of Feeling, The Illustrated Herbiary acknowledges the child self we all have within and suggests ways of soothing and celebrating this part of ourselves (see Toll’s daisy ritual for a wonderful exercise that maps onto Iphelia’s Love on Connected Kid practice). It also includes suggestions in the way of yoga poses, meditations, tips for mindful eating, breathing and journaling exercises, and means of moving energy (similar to Iphelia’s Anger Release Ritual), all inspired by plants.
The Illustrated Herbiary is a gem, quite literally given its jewel tones, that does not shy away from either the whimsy or the shadows we walk with. It’s a book I look forward to gifting—one that will be appreciated by landowners and apartment dwellers alike—and will be especially celebrated by anyone who has an affinity for the Old World (I’m looking at you, friends who attend Renaissance fairs!).
August 28, 2021
This was very pretty and easy to spend time just looking at the gorgeous pictures more than reading. It takes the form of 4 pages per "herb" (is aspen an herb?) - A full page illustration, a page on the qualities of the herb, a ritual relating the qualities, and a reflection that is a question or line of thought to spend some time thinking on. It definitely meanders into woo-y territory, the qualities aren't really practical more emotional, but overwhelmingly it's full of just nice self care and introspection more than anything, so I think it is easy to still enjoy if you aren't down with the mysticism. There is also an included quite lovely tarot deck with guide at the back, aligning with the herbal qualities.
Bonus: Here's my cat enjoying reading about Thyme
Bonus: Here's my cat enjoying reading about Thyme
July 30, 2018
The first thing that struck me when I opened this book was how stunningly beautiful it is; I probably would have bought it for the illustrations alone (done by Kate O’Hara), but the real magic is in the text. Author and trained herbalist Maia Toll profiles 36 different plants -- mainly herbs and flowers, but trees, fruits, and even a grain make appearances as well-- in this gorgeous volume.
Toll honors each plant with a brief description of its use, though the emphasis is put not on its medicinal use (although, as an herbalist myself, I know these plants have their place in any healer’s tool kit) but on its spiritual gifts. The description of each is followed by a ritual -- anything from an oatmeal bath scrub to remind you to “just be,” to free writing to communicate with your ancestors-- and then a reflection on how you might invite the characteristics of the plant into your life or your spiritual practice. Aspen (”We are one”), for example, reminds us that we live in community even as we strive to be unique individuals. “Call on Aspen,” Toll writes, “She knows how to be cradled by the collective while stretching her very individual limbs up to the stars.”
With the book, you will receive a deck of cards with the illustrations for each plant. You can use these cards however you wish, of course, but there is ample room for their use as oracle cards. In fact, there are a handful of suggested spreads at the end of the book, including a “Root, Shoot, Flower, Fruit” 4-card spread that uses the life cycle of a plant to help you work through a situation, with the root helping you see where the situation started and the fruit helping you find that which will nourish you. If you are not interested in their use as oracle cards, however, the delightful artwork lends itself well to their decorative or aesthetic use.
As always, there are a few critiques, and as may be unsurprising, these center on the use of terms or items in ways that feel if not appropriative than at least walking a line of cultural (in)sensitivity. The ubiquitous use of smudging as a term for smoke cleansing is the major example (with a mention of Celtic and Middle Eastern cultures, but no mention of Native American/ First Nations cultures who, to my understanding, have the cultural if not legal rights to the term), and the suggestion of using Tulsi beads sort of got my hackles up since the only Tulsi beads I have seen are mala beads which, of course, come from a specific religious and cultural context. However, she does not suggest using the Tulsi beads as a tool for prayer, rather as a reminder to “carry the sacred out into the world and gift it to yourself upon your return,” so perhaps that’s more my concern over appropriation than actual inappropriate use of a cultural artefact -- I suspect I, as a white person, am not the one to make that final call, but did want to at least acknowledge the potential for discomfort there. I think the thing that I found most curious about the inclusion of Tulsi is the emphasis the author put on her education in the United States and Ireland, making this South Asian plant feel a bit out of place in the company of things like oats, apples, and yarrow.
These questions of cultural appropriate-ness notwithstanding, I did love the book and will read it again. In fact, despite the advance copy I was given in exchange for this review, I have already placed a pre-order for a hard copy of the book (and the attendant cards!). The book will be officially released on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, and I do highly recommend it if you are at all interested in the lessons we can learn from plants and the natural world.
Toll honors each plant with a brief description of its use, though the emphasis is put not on its medicinal use (although, as an herbalist myself, I know these plants have their place in any healer’s tool kit) but on its spiritual gifts. The description of each is followed by a ritual -- anything from an oatmeal bath scrub to remind you to “just be,” to free writing to communicate with your ancestors-- and then a reflection on how you might invite the characteristics of the plant into your life or your spiritual practice. Aspen (”We are one”), for example, reminds us that we live in community even as we strive to be unique individuals. “Call on Aspen,” Toll writes, “She knows how to be cradled by the collective while stretching her very individual limbs up to the stars.”
With the book, you will receive a deck of cards with the illustrations for each plant. You can use these cards however you wish, of course, but there is ample room for their use as oracle cards. In fact, there are a handful of suggested spreads at the end of the book, including a “Root, Shoot, Flower, Fruit” 4-card spread that uses the life cycle of a plant to help you work through a situation, with the root helping you see where the situation started and the fruit helping you find that which will nourish you. If you are not interested in their use as oracle cards, however, the delightful artwork lends itself well to their decorative or aesthetic use.
As always, there are a few critiques, and as may be unsurprising, these center on the use of terms or items in ways that feel if not appropriative than at least walking a line of cultural (in)sensitivity. The ubiquitous use of smudging as a term for smoke cleansing is the major example (with a mention of Celtic and Middle Eastern cultures, but no mention of Native American/ First Nations cultures who, to my understanding, have the cultural if not legal rights to the term), and the suggestion of using Tulsi beads sort of got my hackles up since the only Tulsi beads I have seen are mala beads which, of course, come from a specific religious and cultural context. However, she does not suggest using the Tulsi beads as a tool for prayer, rather as a reminder to “carry the sacred out into the world and gift it to yourself upon your return,” so perhaps that’s more my concern over appropriation than actual inappropriate use of a cultural artefact -- I suspect I, as a white person, am not the one to make that final call, but did want to at least acknowledge the potential for discomfort there. I think the thing that I found most curious about the inclusion of Tulsi is the emphasis the author put on her education in the United States and Ireland, making this South Asian plant feel a bit out of place in the company of things like oats, apples, and yarrow.
These questions of cultural appropriate-ness notwithstanding, I did love the book and will read it again. In fact, despite the advance copy I was given in exchange for this review, I have already placed a pre-order for a hard copy of the book (and the attendant cards!). The book will be officially released on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, and I do highly recommend it if you are at all interested in the lessons we can learn from plants and the natural world.
Read
October 12, 2022Oh I’m so torn with this one. I mistakenly purchased it when I turned over a new leaf. I started eating healthy, gardening and making most things from scratch. I thought this was going to be a good resource for knowing what certain herbs were capable of doing.
That’s not this book. This book is something else entirely. And I don’t think I’m there yet. That’s no fault of the book.
In a way this book is for the Biekenstock wearing hippie. Me? No way. I’m a conservative accountant sudoku playing nerd.
But…(there is always a but) I did get some useful information from it. My ubiquitous page tabs are page tabbing in this book. So that’s a good sign. It was not wasted on me!
And it is a joy to look at. I mean truly stunning. One of the most beautiful non-fiction books I own.
If you are looking for a true herb resource book then I imagine this book is not for you. If you are one with the earth and you wear the aforementioned ugly arse shoes then this book is for you.
There is also this whole Tarot card thing going on. Sorry, I just don’t get it. Also, the Aspen Tree…that’s an herb? Mushrooms, are herbs too? Huh?
I’m choosing not to rate this book as it was my fault for buying it. But who knows maybe in a short time I’ll be one with the earth and truly get this book. I’ll come back then and rate accordingly.
I’m going to go do a Sudoku puzzle now to clear my head.
P.S. This is a really small book. I know it took me four months to read it but that's just because it kept losing my interest...oh look Squirrel!
That’s not this book. This book is something else entirely. And I don’t think I’m there yet. That’s no fault of the book.
In a way this book is for the Biekenstock wearing hippie. Me? No way. I’m a conservative accountant sudoku playing nerd.
But…(there is always a but) I did get some useful information from it. My ubiquitous page tabs are page tabbing in this book. So that’s a good sign. It was not wasted on me!
And it is a joy to look at. I mean truly stunning. One of the most beautiful non-fiction books I own.
If you are looking for a true herb resource book then I imagine this book is not for you. If you are one with the earth and you wear the aforementioned ugly arse shoes then this book is for you.
There is also this whole Tarot card thing going on. Sorry, I just don’t get it. Also, the Aspen Tree…that’s an herb? Mushrooms, are herbs too? Huh?
I’m choosing not to rate this book as it was my fault for buying it. But who knows maybe in a short time I’ll be one with the earth and truly get this book. I’ll come back then and rate accordingly.
I’m going to go do a Sudoku puzzle now to clear my head.
P.S. This is a really small book. I know it took me four months to read it but that's just because it kept losing my interest...oh look Squirrel!
June 2, 2020
I finally finished reading this after renting it (digitally) 3 or 4 times!!! Honestly, I really loved these cards and I think this would be a great set for beginners or just someone who wants something simple and straight forward to give them some hope/advice every once in a while. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and I love the implementation of a ritual and reflection to perform when you pull a card. May pick myself up a set at some point, as I can't see myself printing these out with the PDF given seeing as the artwork was gorgeous, which means the back cover of these cards must be gorgeous as well.
November 25, 2020
Like other readers, I also thought this book was going to be information about herbs. I enjoyed reading about the author's experience in Ireland and found that to be really interesting. Kate O'Hara's illustrations are gorgeous and worth the price of the book just to be able to regularly view those. The cards are a fun bonus and I do enjoy the thoughtful writing for each plant. This is a unique book and I really like it.
November 5, 2023
1/5
Disappointing, little to no substantial information and cluttered with shallow philosophies. Beautiful illustrations, but remove those and its really just a copy-paste of wikihow articles about spiritual healing. The way the information was presented felt superficial, and shows a lack of actual knowledge or respect for the history and cultures behind the usage of these plants, herbs, and fungi shared within the book.
Disappointing, little to no substantial information and cluttered with shallow philosophies. Beautiful illustrations, but remove those and its really just a copy-paste of wikihow articles about spiritual healing. The way the information was presented felt superficial, and shows a lack of actual knowledge or respect for the history and cultures behind the usage of these plants, herbs, and fungi shared within the book.
January 23, 2019
The illustrations are lovely in this sweet book that examines a variety of plants for their qualities.
April 2, 2023
Gorgeous illustrations!
Lots of quotes, spiritual prompts, and botanical info!
Lots of quotes, spiritual prompts, and botanical info!
October 6, 2019
Cute and fun but felt a little repetitive at times! 3.5?
March 21, 2020
I absolutely adore this book and cards! I use them all the time 🍀💚🌿
July 20, 2019
This is a beautifully illustrated book but the content leaves a lot to be desired. There are no instructions, no history, no recipes only non-sense philosophies. To be fair the philosophies are kind and things we should all be aware of in our daily interactions like the ritual of a daisy "Be Kind to Yourself" no kidding.
This is a pretty book to look at which is why I'm keeping it but don't buy it expecting to gain any knowledge from it. The cards that come with it are just picture cards and have no writing or explanation on them. If you do tarot then they'll be nice to add to your collection.
This book could've been so much more if Maia Toll had added a brief history of the herb, instruction on the use of the herb and a daily use of the herb along with the philosophy that she wanted to get across but it ends up being nothing more than a pretty book with a lot of useless words.
This is a pretty book to look at which is why I'm keeping it but don't buy it expecting to gain any knowledge from it. The cards that come with it are just picture cards and have no writing or explanation on them. If you do tarot then they'll be nice to add to your collection.
This book could've been so much more if Maia Toll had added a brief history of the herb, instruction on the use of the herb and a daily use of the herb along with the philosophy that she wanted to get across but it ends up being nothing more than a pretty book with a lot of useless words.
July 3, 2018
This book isn’t a description of herbs, which is what I had been looking for when I requested it. It uses the symbolism of the herbs as a guide for life providing sweet rituals and reflections that can enhance your perspective.
This book should be read for the illustrations alone. They are beautiful, with rich vibrant details reminiscent of tarot cards.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For more reviews please visit my blog:
http://www.wonderfullyweird88.com/
This book should be read for the illustrations alone. They are beautiful, with rich vibrant details reminiscent of tarot cards.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For more reviews please visit my blog:
http://www.wonderfullyweird88.com/
July 20, 2018
While I would not use this as true reference book it is still very pretty book lots of beautiful illustrations and nice alternative uses, descriptions, and properties. This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
December 24, 2019
The *book* is absolutely gorgeous, beautifully illustrated throughout. The content is lovely, well written and fascinating too. If I had bought the book alone, it would be a five-star review.
However, I paid for the box set, to include book, oracle cards, and carrying pouch. If I were reviewing those items alone, I would give it *negative* stars -- the minus range.
* The oracle cards are small, and on flimsy paper, thinner than a greeting card, and they're on a perforated sheet!
* The so-called carrying pouch is a thin paper envelope.
However, I paid for the box set, to include book, oracle cards, and carrying pouch. If I were reviewing those items alone, I would give it *negative* stars -- the minus range.
* The oracle cards are small, and on flimsy paper, thinner than a greeting card, and they're on a perforated sheet!
* The so-called carrying pouch is a thin paper envelope.
May 18, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I requested this thinking I would be getting a book with information on the uses of certain herbs and flowers and while this is very lightly touched on, it wasnt enough. There was some "cute" description of each flower/herb from the authors point of view but nothing factually useful. The rituals seemed a bit daft but some people might like them. They were all very.....sweet and cutsy.
I requested this thinking I would be getting a book with information on the uses of certain herbs and flowers and while this is very lightly touched on, it wasnt enough. There was some "cute" description of each flower/herb from the authors point of view but nothing factually useful. The rituals seemed a bit daft but some people might like them. They were all very.....sweet and cutsy.
May 14, 2018
This book is curious and beautifully illustrated.. I'd say that's what got my attention in the first place.
Each page has a flower or plant's name and each one contents an anecdote , and advice to feel better.
Not my personal cup of tea.. but if you are into this sort of books you will enjoy.
Each page has a flower or plant's name and each one contents an anecdote , and advice to feel better.
Not my personal cup of tea.. but if you are into this sort of books you will enjoy.
Read
March 15, 2021Beautifully illustrated with easily digestible sections on herbs and plants. However, I did have some issue with some of the sections feeling as though they were appropriating different cultures in how they approached the use of different herbs.
November 3, 2018
I absolutely love this book. The illustrations and wording are really great.
March 18, 2024
Magnificent
Artistic
Intelligent
Amazing
Healing
Entertaining
Realistic
Basic
Informative
Altruistic
Relatable
happY
Artistic
Intelligent
Amazing
Healing
Entertaining
Realistic
Basic
Informative
Altruistic
Relatable
happY
August 14, 2018
I have Celiac Disease. When I was attending the PLA (Public Library Association) Conference in Philly back in March, I got sick off of cross contaminated food. For the first two days I was there I was miserable with a migraine, sleeplessness, stomach problems, inflamed lymph nodes, and fatigue. One day, when I was meeting up with some conference friends at Reading Market for lunch, I stumbled upon the Herbiary.
I’m generally drawn to any place that looks like it was plucked fresh from a wildwood, so I went to see what I may find. I told the girls at the counter I was needing something for lymphatic health, and they lead me to a burdock and red root compound. I also decided to purchase some Moon Drops to help me sleep, and off I went.
Within 10 hours of taking the compound I finally felt better and slept through the entire night. I was able to enjoy the rest of the conference without issue! I decided to look this “Herbiary” up and was ecstatic to find this book was releasing...but not until August!
Back up a little. Herbalism is something I’ve taken an interest in over the last year or so. My family doctor is a Naturopathic Doctor, and I’ve always favored natural pathways to health. I knew how to use plants once they got to me, but cultivating the plants themselves is something I’ve never done before. So, I moved into a house and started a garden and learned to wildcraft. Because of this, Maia Toll’s approach to building a relationship with the plants came through to me in a language I wanted to understand better. That’s why I preordered the book back in April and anxiously awaited its launch (and attended the online watch party!).
The Illustrated Herbiary is one of the most gorgeous books I have ever owned. Kate O’Hara’s artwork is lavish and inspiring. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it online, but when I had it in my hands the metallics brought it all to life.
Each section has a beautifully illustrated interpretation of a plant, followed by Maia Toll’s commentary on the importance of that plant. After we are introduced, Toll provides a ritual and reflection to know our plant better. A ritual may be a meditation or a recipe, and the reflection will give us a focus.
In the back cover of the book, all those illustrations are provided as oracle cards for easier meditation. I love this aspect of the book. In the last several pages, you will find images or them laid out, and advice on how to use them.
If you are looking for a textbook on herbs, this probably isn’t what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a practice to connect more with your herbs, then I highly recommend it.
I’m generally drawn to any place that looks like it was plucked fresh from a wildwood, so I went to see what I may find. I told the girls at the counter I was needing something for lymphatic health, and they lead me to a burdock and red root compound. I also decided to purchase some Moon Drops to help me sleep, and off I went.
Within 10 hours of taking the compound I finally felt better and slept through the entire night. I was able to enjoy the rest of the conference without issue! I decided to look this “Herbiary” up and was ecstatic to find this book was releasing...but not until August!
Back up a little. Herbalism is something I’ve taken an interest in over the last year or so. My family doctor is a Naturopathic Doctor, and I’ve always favored natural pathways to health. I knew how to use plants once they got to me, but cultivating the plants themselves is something I’ve never done before. So, I moved into a house and started a garden and learned to wildcraft. Because of this, Maia Toll’s approach to building a relationship with the plants came through to me in a language I wanted to understand better. That’s why I preordered the book back in April and anxiously awaited its launch (and attended the online watch party!).
The Illustrated Herbiary is one of the most gorgeous books I have ever owned. Kate O’Hara’s artwork is lavish and inspiring. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it online, but when I had it in my hands the metallics brought it all to life.
Each section has a beautifully illustrated interpretation of a plant, followed by Maia Toll’s commentary on the importance of that plant. After we are introduced, Toll provides a ritual and reflection to know our plant better. A ritual may be a meditation or a recipe, and the reflection will give us a focus.
In the back cover of the book, all those illustrations are provided as oracle cards for easier meditation. I love this aspect of the book. In the last several pages, you will find images or them laid out, and advice on how to use them.
If you are looking for a textbook on herbs, this probably isn’t what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a practice to connect more with your herbs, then I highly recommend it.
January 5, 2019
I had the pleasure of being able to buy this book from the Herbiary shop, which is located in Reading Terminal Market for any Philly locals or those who might pass through the area (and if you pass through Philly for any real length of time and don't go to the Terminal, uh... why not?). I know they have another store in another city, but I don't recall which one at the moment.
ANYWAY the book, ya? Let me preface this with letting you know that this book will not teach you about herbal medicine. It is not an herbal dictionary or textbook or reference guide of any kind. I bought this book because I like quirky botany and botany-adjacent books. I have books solely about deadly plants, edible plants, Victorian flower language, and one that I can quick reference the national flowers of Iran and Russia from if I suddenly find myself needing that information. This book was another quirky botany-adjacent book that I found myself drawn towards.
This is an oracle card deck and guidebook with absolutely fabulous illustrations for both the deck and the text. Maia Toll uses common herbs and plants and their strengths to create a unique oracle deck for those that are into that kind of thing. She outlines some rituals you can do when you draw on a specific card, as well as reflections to ponder about when you draw that card. I'm not a very ritual-based person, so most of them are way out of scope for me, but a few I could see myself being drawn towards if I wanted extra grounding in a specific area. I am far too analytical for my own good most of the time so I tend towards thinking rather than doing. I'm far more comfortable with the idea of contemplating a concept and its relevance than I am with trying to write a letter to myself in the voice of an ancestor. Either way, this book offers something for the thinkers and the doers, and those who fall in between.
I don't have an altar, I'm not an herbalist, I don't know a darn thing about crystals, I rely on other people to tell me about my birth chart, and I can't heal an aura with teas and incense. All of that is a long winded way to say that I think that even if you aren't interested in using the oracle deck or the rituals and reflections for each herb, it's a great book to have just for the stories about each plant. Some of the plants in the book mean a great deal to me and reading her take on their properties and strengths was beautiful. The book is also just visually stunning, and that alone is worth the money if you ask me.
ANYWAY the book, ya? Let me preface this with letting you know that this book will not teach you about herbal medicine. It is not an herbal dictionary or textbook or reference guide of any kind. I bought this book because I like quirky botany and botany-adjacent books. I have books solely about deadly plants, edible plants, Victorian flower language, and one that I can quick reference the national flowers of Iran and Russia from if I suddenly find myself needing that information. This book was another quirky botany-adjacent book that I found myself drawn towards.
This is an oracle card deck and guidebook with absolutely fabulous illustrations for both the deck and the text. Maia Toll uses common herbs and plants and their strengths to create a unique oracle deck for those that are into that kind of thing. She outlines some rituals you can do when you draw on a specific card, as well as reflections to ponder about when you draw that card. I'm not a very ritual-based person, so most of them are way out of scope for me, but a few I could see myself being drawn towards if I wanted extra grounding in a specific area. I am far too analytical for my own good most of the time so I tend towards thinking rather than doing. I'm far more comfortable with the idea of contemplating a concept and its relevance than I am with trying to write a letter to myself in the voice of an ancestor. Either way, this book offers something for the thinkers and the doers, and those who fall in between.
I don't have an altar, I'm not an herbalist, I don't know a darn thing about crystals, I rely on other people to tell me about my birth chart, and I can't heal an aura with teas and incense. All of that is a long winded way to say that I think that even if you aren't interested in using the oracle deck or the rituals and reflections for each herb, it's a great book to have just for the stories about each plant. Some of the plants in the book mean a great deal to me and reading her take on their properties and strengths was beautiful. The book is also just visually stunning, and that alone is worth the money if you ask me.
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