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Blackthorn's Botanical Magic: The Green Witch’s Guide to Essential Oils for Spellcraft, Ritual & Healing
"Brilliantly written and jam-packed with practical advice and easy-to-follow recipes, Blackthorn's Botanical Magic is the one book that no magical practitioner can do without." —Dorothy Morrison, author Utterly Hexes, Curses, and Other Unsavory Notions
Enter the magical world of scent and aromas. Blackthorn’s Botanical Magic is a fresh, groundbreaking guide to the transformative powers of essential oils for use in spellcraft, divination, and the cultivation of ritual power. Amy Blackthorn—the force behind Blackthorn’s Botanicals—guides readers on a journey into the hidden realms of plants and their magic powers , from rose-scented rosaries to the lingering aroma of frankincense and the cleansing energy of white sage. This book is suitable for beginners but also has lots of new information for the experienced practitioner.
Within these pages, you will
Enter the magical world of scent and aromas. Blackthorn’s Botanical Magic is a fresh, groundbreaking guide to the transformative powers of essential oils for use in spellcraft, divination, and the cultivation of ritual power. Amy Blackthorn—the force behind Blackthorn’s Botanicals—guides readers on a journey into the hidden realms of plants and their magic powers , from rose-scented rosaries to the lingering aroma of frankincense and the cleansing energy of white sage. This book is suitable for beginners but also has lots of new information for the experienced practitioner.
Within these pages, you will
336 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2018
148 people are currently reading
5084 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 27, 2019
ESSENTIAL Reading for Any Green Witch!
I simply can not recommend this book enough. I had always been meaning to give this a read since I saw it at a local metaphysical shop, but finally did when I joined Amy Blackthorn's Facebook Group called "Amy Blackthorn’s Green Realm" where she was doing a read-through, answering questions and hosting discussions as we all went along. Personally, I would even say this would make a great book for anyone who uses essential oils, whether they practice magick or not. Well-written, easy to understand, and a fantastic reference, this guide has helped me so much in my practice so far, as both a newbie witch and a newbie essential oil fanatic! Additionally, Amy is such an amazing teacher and resource from all that I have come to know about her from this book, her facebook group, and the classes she has taught that I've attended that I also plan to read any other future books she puts out and I suggest you do too.
I simply can not recommend this book enough. I had always been meaning to give this a read since I saw it at a local metaphysical shop, but finally did when I joined Amy Blackthorn's Facebook Group called "Amy Blackthorn’s Green Realm" where she was doing a read-through, answering questions and hosting discussions as we all went along. Personally, I would even say this would make a great book for anyone who uses essential oils, whether they practice magick or not. Well-written, easy to understand, and a fantastic reference, this guide has helped me so much in my practice so far, as both a newbie witch and a newbie essential oil fanatic! Additionally, Amy is such an amazing teacher and resource from all that I have come to know about her from this book, her facebook group, and the classes she has taught that I've attended that I also plan to read any other future books she puts out and I suggest you do too.
January 17, 2020
This book was so much more than I anticipated and everything I’d ever want in a book like this! I am 100% keeping it out as a reference. I’ve already implemented some new things I’ve learned, made shopping lists and took notes. There is SO much useful information and I can’t wait to deepen my studies with it. Generally, a lot of witchy herbal books are all recipes using the same herbs we see over and over and over again. I love them but I needed more. This has mundane and magical uses, associations beyond the Wheel of the Year, cautionary notes so you don’t poison yourself and more. I absolutely recommend this book!
December 9, 2022
This has got to be one of the best books about using essential oils in Magick. It is an easy to read book packed with information. Almost every herb from A to Z is mentioned. The author renders over to the reader what the magical and heath purposes these herbs have. Included in the explanation about the herbs are recipes for different oil blends geared toward a magical purpose of course. Also thrown in are corresponding deities, colors, crystals and astrological times.
There are many different ways to use essential oil. The most common way is to add essential oils to a carrier oil like olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut seed oil and almond oil. There are lots of names in this book, many of which i forget. There is a terms for multiple essential oils in a bottle. Hydro soul come after the oil is leeched from the herbs. The left over water is a called hydrosol. There is infused oil where in the herb is soaked in an oil that allows it to get the essence. Conditioned oil is oil that is heated with the herbs to get the essence .
The author also tells how to discern if an essential oil is diluted or if it is pure. All I can say is that when it come to essential oil she really knows her stuff.
There are many different ways to use essential oil. The most common way is to add essential oils to a carrier oil like olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut seed oil and almond oil. There are lots of names in this book, many of which i forget. There is a terms for multiple essential oils in a bottle. Hydro soul come after the oil is leeched from the herbs. The left over water is a called hydrosol. There is infused oil where in the herb is soaked in an oil that allows it to get the essence. Conditioned oil is oil that is heated with the herbs to get the essence .
The author also tells how to discern if an essential oil is diluted or if it is pure. All I can say is that when it come to essential oil she really knows her stuff.
January 31, 2022
A little too much focus on oils, not the properties of the magical plants itself; but as to be expected by the title, yet in comparison to other works a good primer for the work with oils itself. I wasn't too aware of how it would affect the contents of the correspondences, so that's basically on me.
If you're into herbalism / are a green witch and don't want to work with oils, rather prefer dried botanicals, incense, or so on, this wouldn't be the first book i recommend to you.
Still, the information in the book is still good, so it is my go-to for herbal work.
If you're into herbalism / are a green witch and don't want to work with oils, rather prefer dried botanicals, incense, or so on, this wouldn't be the first book i recommend to you.
Still, the information in the book is still good, so it is my go-to for herbal work.
April 21, 2019
A handy resource for sniffing your way through the properties and uses of essential oils. Also details safety measures, correspondences, methods for gauging oil quality, mixing perfume and other synergies, and recognizing replacement oils or variants.
September 6, 2018
This book may be the best I've added to my library in recent years.
It doesn't hurt that the cover & illustrations are gorgeous, but the beauty is way more than skin deep in this soon- to- be- an- essential tome.
Amy Blackthorn has written a thorough, well- researched, & informative guide on working with plants in the form of essential oils. Everything from their origins, associations, lore, uses, & safety concerns are covered, & Amy's unique writing voice shines. She's educational, but FAR from boring or dry.
She teaches about proper dilution, checking the quality of any oils you buy, & even instructs us on how to source, make, & store our own blends.
Though written by & for those in the magickal/pagan/witch communities, I believe this book is an incredibly valuable asset for ALL interested in using essential oils.
It doesn't hurt that the cover & illustrations are gorgeous, but the beauty is way more than skin deep in this soon- to- be- an- essential tome.
Amy Blackthorn has written a thorough, well- researched, & informative guide on working with plants in the form of essential oils. Everything from their origins, associations, lore, uses, & safety concerns are covered, & Amy's unique writing voice shines. She's educational, but FAR from boring or dry.
She teaches about proper dilution, checking the quality of any oils you buy, & even instructs us on how to source, make, & store our own blends.
Though written by & for those in the magickal/pagan/witch communities, I believe this book is an incredibly valuable asset for ALL interested in using essential oils.
October 31, 2018
A really great and mostly* grounded primer on safe and witchy aromatherapy. I've already tried a handful of the recipes and have really enjoyed them. I especially appreciate the section on testing oils for purity, as well as the inclusion of history for each plant. Solid book, great companion to Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs and other related books on my shelves.
* Blackthorn does occasionally slip into unscientific nonsense (e.g. "this oil treats burns"), but then in other chapters reminds the reader never to put essential oils on open wounds. I'm guessing the editor missed some inconsistencies. Not a damning error, but does make the book slightly less safe than it would otherwise be if she'd stuck to her overall message of "smell these and dilute them if you're gonna put them on your skin".
* Blackthorn does occasionally slip into unscientific nonsense (e.g. "this oil treats burns"), but then in other chapters reminds the reader never to put essential oils on open wounds. I'm guessing the editor missed some inconsistencies. Not a damning error, but does make the book slightly less safe than it would otherwise be if she'd stuck to her overall message of "smell these and dilute them if you're gonna put them on your skin".
September 13, 2018
Fantastic book by Amy Blackthorn. Seriously if you haven't bought it yet, what are you waiting for? I love the layout and easy to follow recipe ideas. Several of Amy's recipes are very similar to others that I've seen, but she presents them in new ways. This is a book that will be referred back to many times. Definitely not something to just toss on a shelf and forget about.
January 28, 2019
A lovely book, well-planned and easy to read. Great for beginners, which I am!
June 25, 2022
They connect a plant from the Americas to Ra. That makes no sense and makes me think that a lot of the 'magical connections' have been blatantly made up by someone.
July 27, 2020
Short review:
Delightful. I love smells. Probably could become an invaluable reference book, overall pretty solid and sensible. However, I borrowed this from the library, and I looked up its price on the net, and it's close to $40AUD on Amazon and Book Depository... so... I guess I will keep reading similar books and shopping around (even though I don't want to!) Especially enjoyed the particular focused combination of witchcraft with aromatherapy, exactly what I was after (I prefer a minimalistic and not so eclectic spellcraft practice, and oils/scent is what I have chosen to focus on at the moment.)
Two things though:
1. Where is lime?? As a citrus lover, I need my lime. Lol. (Is lime not commonly used/available?)
2. Too many flash paper suggestions!! It got a bit repetitive (I only noticed because it was so novel to me). I wouldn't even know where to get flash paper from in Australia?!
---
Some longer thoughts:
This does do the same thing as other witch/aromatherapy books in that keywords are given for particular usages of oils in the context of the blends - but this is usually contextualised in each herb's/oil's section, something I find lacking in most similar books (witchcraft books, not aromatherapy books - will be delving into that world!)
See, I find the keywords problematic because they are not standardised in meaning for me - sometimes I get the sense that they are using 3 different words for the same concept (looking at Rachel Patterson's book -- even though I love it otherwise -- sorry!!) But in this book, through reading the blurbs, I can understand exactly what Blackthorn meant by particular keywords and usages - this is the information I was looking for. I definitely feel her education in horticulture and aromatherapy shines through and informs her decisions in a way we, the readers, can see.
Ultimately, I like that Blackthorn says that you should just use what you like, because you're not gonna use something you don't like. This is fair. I'm never gonna like lemongrass, no matter how much it will apparently raise my spiritual vibration!! 🤣
Delightful. I love smells. Probably could become an invaluable reference book, overall pretty solid and sensible. However, I borrowed this from the library, and I looked up its price on the net, and it's close to $40AUD on Amazon and Book Depository... so... I guess I will keep reading similar books and shopping around (even though I don't want to!) Especially enjoyed the particular focused combination of witchcraft with aromatherapy, exactly what I was after (I prefer a minimalistic and not so eclectic spellcraft practice, and oils/scent is what I have chosen to focus on at the moment.)
Two things though:
1. Where is lime?? As a citrus lover, I need my lime. Lol. (Is lime not commonly used/available?)
2. Too many flash paper suggestions!! It got a bit repetitive (I only noticed because it was so novel to me). I wouldn't even know where to get flash paper from in Australia?!
---
Some longer thoughts:
This does do the same thing as other witch/aromatherapy books in that keywords are given for particular usages of oils in the context of the blends - but this is usually contextualised in each herb's/oil's section, something I find lacking in most similar books (witchcraft books, not aromatherapy books - will be delving into that world!)
See, I find the keywords problematic because they are not standardised in meaning for me - sometimes I get the sense that they are using 3 different words for the same concept (looking at Rachel Patterson's book -- even though I love it otherwise -- sorry!!) But in this book, through reading the blurbs, I can understand exactly what Blackthorn meant by particular keywords and usages - this is the information I was looking for. I definitely feel her education in horticulture and aromatherapy shines through and informs her decisions in a way we, the readers, can see.
Ultimately, I like that Blackthorn says that you should just use what you like, because you're not gonna use something you don't like. This is fair. I'm never gonna like lemongrass, no matter how much it will apparently raise my spiritual vibration!! 🤣
April 9, 2022
Probably more like a 2.5
This book might be the exception to my preferred nonfiction format. I like books that read like a dictionary, but this one didn't quite hit the mark for me. While very informative and well researched, felt very repetitive. Every herb discussed featured the same suggestions for putting a few drops of EO on a tissue and putting it in your pillowcase/pocket/near your heart, which isn't bad but some kind of list of the oils and their uses in this scenario would've felt less repetitive.
I do like how each oil has a warnings attached and there are charts in the back for easy reference. But the book doesn't say what to do with your mixture of 100 ml of water and one drop of EO. Because of that, it makes me think that the author wants us to drink it and consuming essential oils is not something anyone should do.
I will probably get this as a reference book at some point though
This book might be the exception to my preferred nonfiction format. I like books that read like a dictionary, but this one didn't quite hit the mark for me. While very informative and well researched, felt very repetitive. Every herb discussed featured the same suggestions for putting a few drops of EO on a tissue and putting it in your pillowcase/pocket/near your heart, which isn't bad but some kind of list of the oils and their uses in this scenario would've felt less repetitive.
I do like how each oil has a warnings attached and there are charts in the back for easy reference. But the book doesn't say what to do with your mixture of 100 ml of water and one drop of EO. Because of that, it makes me think that the author wants us to drink it and consuming essential oils is not something anyone should do.
I will probably get this as a reference book at some point though
April 18, 2021
Keep This By Your Bedside!
This is a super handy guide, I have had it for a week and it has greatly enriched my mental health and spiritual practice. I feel reinvigorated towards using essential oils in new ways, and less overwhelmed. The bulk of the book is an herbal on many common herbs and essential oils, very handy. I read this on Kindle which I recommend because of the search capability, she lists by herb not symptom or goal, so the search function is much more helpful guide finding what you need.
Blackthorn's writing is never dull and she has an amazing way of making you feel better about what you alreay know and simultaneously teaching you so much without you realizing it. This is my second book I've read of hers after Sacred Smoke, another excellent read, and I will be reading everything she publishes.
This is a super handy guide, I have had it for a week and it has greatly enriched my mental health and spiritual practice. I feel reinvigorated towards using essential oils in new ways, and less overwhelmed. The bulk of the book is an herbal on many common herbs and essential oils, very handy. I read this on Kindle which I recommend because of the search capability, she lists by herb not symptom or goal, so the search function is much more helpful guide finding what you need.
Blackthorn's writing is never dull and she has an amazing way of making you feel better about what you alreay know and simultaneously teaching you so much without you realizing it. This is my second book I've read of hers after Sacred Smoke, another excellent read, and I will be reading everything she publishes.
December 3, 2018
Do yourself a favor: pick up this book. If you are looking for an amazing herbal grimoire filled with lore, medicinal uses, and recipes for oils/incense/cooking, this is your one-stop shopping. The sheer VOLUME of information looks overwhelming (spoilers: it is) but Ms. Blackthorn's turn of phrase will put you at ease quickly. The index is wonderfully cross-referenced and I've already started to compile my shopping list of oils to make several of the blends. Each herb/blend includes the Latin name for the specific type of the specific herb/flower, so you know exactly what you should have on hand. All in all, a wonderful addition to any herbal witch's bookshelf! One pass through is not enough. This is definitely a book I will continue to return to over and over again.
September 3, 2021
The recipes are great, but what I found valuable was the thorough data on photo toxicity (it can a sneak up on you!) and contraindications of herbs. The lore itself was also different from the usual recycled herb tales, something I greatly appreciate!
December 7, 2022
Love this book! So informative and easy to understand. Such a fantastic resource
September 16, 2024
Useful for those with a concentrated interest in essential oils.
December 3, 2024
Mostly a book about essential oils. It was fine, but nothing special.
October 2, 2024
Amy Blackthorn’s Blackthorn's Botanical Magic is a refreshing and practical guide to incorporating essential oils into magical practice. The book is packed with recipes, spells, and rituals that make it easy for both beginners and experienced practitioners to explore the magical properties of plants and scents. What really stands out is Blackthorn’s clear, accessible writing, which blends botanical wisdom with a deep understanding of spellcraft. Whether you’re using lavender for protection or frankincense for spiritual clarity, the book provides a wealth of information on how to work with essential oils to enhance your practice.
One of the highlights is how well-organized and easy-to-follow the book is, making it a great reference whether you’re new to essential oils or looking to deepen your knowledge. The sections on specific oils and their magical uses are particularly helpful, offering both traditional and modern applications. The author also does a great job of addressing safety concerns when working with essential oils, which is often overlooked in similar guides.
That said, while the book is thorough, some of the material may feel a bit basic for more advanced readers. However, even for seasoned practitioners, there’s enough fresh information and new perspectives to make it a valuable addition to any magical library.
One of the highlights is how well-organized and easy-to-follow the book is, making it a great reference whether you’re new to essential oils or looking to deepen your knowledge. The sections on specific oils and their magical uses are particularly helpful, offering both traditional and modern applications. The author also does a great job of addressing safety concerns when working with essential oils, which is often overlooked in similar guides.
That said, while the book is thorough, some of the material may feel a bit basic for more advanced readers. However, even for seasoned practitioners, there’s enough fresh information and new perspectives to make it a valuable addition to any magical library.
August 8, 2025
While I find this book very useful and I recommend it for beginner witches, while reading I found it really difficult to connect with the book. There is little to no Aquarian representation in terms of herbs. I seen ones associated with fire, mainly Leo, Libra, Gemini and some water signs too but that’s it. Not only that but with deities associated with a plant, the goddess Brigid was only mentioned once too. The author associates Brigid with the herb Nutmeg, but ends it on that note. There is no proof or examples of why it’s associated with her or ways to worship her with nutmeg. Also, why would an herb that is from different terrains (Indonesia) be associated with a goddess who originated in the European region… wouldn’t the Indonesian plant be better associated with the deities from the region its grown from? Idk, this book just feels clunky to me. I believe plants that are native to a specific region have stronger bonds with gods that come from that area, I feel that is respectful to not only the plant, but the land, the spirits and deities as well.
January 17, 2021
Although billed as a guide to essential oils, this book is really quite a bit more than that. Blackthorn writes honestly throughout things like this PLUS talk therapy will help, or this PLUS addressing the issues between you and another, etc. It's a good example of chaplaincy in an unexpected place. Lots of great info on essential oils (including how processes of extractions work, diagrams of plants and which parts are used, which oils are contraindicated for certain issues, how to test for quality and purity) and lots of great info on a whole lot more (tea leaf divination, recipes for some great bread and vinegars, too much more to list). Highly recommended, not just for green witches.
August 21, 2020
Good on providing general instruction on aromatherapy and how it can be used in magic. However the only problem I had was that many of the oils mentioned could do contradictory things. Patchouli is a hex-breaker and binder, as well as a quick money-maker and overall prosperity oil. It was like reading zodiac horoscopes: detailed but vague and can apply to anything. Needs more synergy recipies, in my humble opinion.
February 17, 2023
Quite an amazing resource. I made a choice to listen to this on audio, but I found myself wanting to take so many notes so I will be purchasing this book as a resource for my practice. Every page had some thing that I will need in the future, or that I have needed in the past, and it provided pause for thought on whether books such as this should be read on audio or text or maybe both simultaneously.
March 7, 2023
Should be titled Essential Oil Magic. A fantastic addition to my witchy reference library, a must have! Many authors of witchy books don’t know about safety with essential oils, but Blackthorn discusses this. Essential oils shouldn’t be used neat (without dilution) but many authors write of anointing yourself or candles with EO’s without discussing how they need to be diluted first. EOs are concentrated and very powerful, used directly on the skin can cause problems.
November 17, 2023
This should be the first book you read by Amy Blackthron because she does refer to it in her other books but since this is such a great resource it's not a bad thing!
I've been debating getting back into essential oils after stepping away from them for a couple years and now I want to jump back in with both feet! Definitely one of the books I will keep close on hand to refer to during my practice.
I've been debating getting back into essential oils after stepping away from them for a couple years and now I want to jump back in with both feet! Definitely one of the books I will keep close on hand to refer to during my practice.
January 17, 2020
I really liked the amount of information in this book and the layout. Some older reference books feel so crammed but this one is a little easier to go through. Very thorough information on the herbs (planetary associations, elements, aromatherapy, magical uses, fragrance notes, etc)
August 25, 2022
This book contains a lot of information to absorb in one reading. For me this book will be added to the reference section of my bookcases. I will be looking up different oils to use during magical practice and rituals
January 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It was very informative about each herb/oil that was listed, both medicinally and magically. Some of the spells and oil blends listed I will definitely use. I will absolutely be coming back to this book again and again as a good reference book.
July 20, 2025
A great reference guide to botanical magic that deserves a spot on every green witches shelf! This book is a packed guide on utilizing essential oils in spell work. Well worth the read no matter how familiar you are at working with essential oils.
January 3, 2020
Great reference book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews