Thirteen Pathways of Occult Herbalism

by Daniel A. Schulke

As a foundational treatise introducing Schulke's "The Green Mysteries (Arcana Viridia)", "Thirteen Pathways of Occult Herbalism" speaks to its interior philosophical concerns. Circumscribing the metaparadigm of herbal magical practice, providing useful examples of its manifestation, as well as demonstrating its time-honored routes of inquiry, it examines the ways in which knoweldge of this type is acquired and put into practice. This perennial wisdom animates many global spiritual traditions, especially those that have maintained their integrity of transmission even in the face of industrial development and cultural destruction.

Often concealed within the deepest strata of the Western Esoteric Traditions, this green strand of wisdom, though obscured, is a potent legacy of all magic, sorcery, and occult science. In addition to the hard sciences of botany, ethnology, agriculture and ethnopharmacology, a number of pathways can assist the magical herbalist in furthering the depth of understanding and integrity of personal approach.

Genres: Witchcraft, Occult, Nonfiction, Plants, Magic, Spirituality, Folklore

138 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2016

Reviews

[Deborah Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Viridarium Umbris several years ago and in the intervening years, forgot how pedantic his writing is. I could only read a section or two before needing to take a break.

That said, if you can get around the tone (and have a dictionary at hand for the five dollar words), there's some useful information. He presents potential paths and gardens in which to study, both of which can and do overlap. Another section is devoted to a little folklore and mythology.

This is a book for someone interested in learning about herbs from the herbs. It gives no medicinal or magical uses. Instead, it presents methods for interacting with the herbs on an occult level. I would not consider it a beginner's book ... perhaps for someone who has worked with herbs for several years and wants to deepen their connection.

[Ari Carver · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, this book is not a "practical guide" to herbalism, so if that's what you're looking for, look elsewhere. It's a very interesting work on different approaches to herbalism, and I found the imagery and ideas quite compelling. However, it is written in a rather pedantic and dated style. If you enjoy reading occult works from the pre-1900s (or translations thereof) as literature, the style may appeal to you. Personally, I found it somewhat detracted to the appeal of the work for me. Nonetheless, it is a quick and interesting read.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

IN typical Schulke form, the whole book is just about an esoteric freeverse poem written with a thesaurus at hand by a highly erudite chap.
Luckily, I like that.
A heap of utility and prompts one could take for meditation, scholarly pursuit and personal experimentation.
Very much a book for someone already familiar with lexicon and general gestalt of the topic at hand already, this is not a beginners 'how to'.
Excellent references, I enjoyed it.
Much like Daniel's other books I will need to read it several times to start to digest it.

[Victor Cirone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a work that discusses a wide array of remarkable and extremely insightful ways of relating to and understanding the tremendous power of the plant kingdom and the ancestral and preternatural forces that have served as the basis for the transmission of esoteric plant knowledge for millennia. This work is a must for anyone interested in the magical dimensions of herbal practice.

[Cornelius Bythesea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a fine introduction to various ways one can explore botany and herbalism, and it includes some uses and schools of study that some may not think of, such as perfumes and cosmetics rather than leaving a focus on the medicines, poisons, and incense that are usually the focus of occult herbalism.

However, that's about all this book is. I wasn't quite sure what to expect going in, and what I was given were pages and pages of incredibly romanticized looks at the approaches one can take when learning about plants and a vivid description of the categories they might fall into (medicinal, herbal, incense, etc) in the form of imagined gardens.

While it was an enjoyable read and well written by a man who clearly knows what he's talking about, I hope to find a more workable, in depth read by him next. For me, this provides little more than some very poetic motivation to continue my own studies.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the premise was interesting and I enjoyed Veneficium, Pathways is mostly just lists, the portrait of what the author thinks of as the 13 paths - and all of them seem a bit reductive and imposing of a questionable moral standard. It's really hard for me to get into anything that unironically references virgin and whore archetypes - even with caveats, which the author gives. Schulke's prose is lush and academic, at times enticing and at times overdone and unnecessarily opaque. He has a specific moral compass common in herbalism that one should only get high for sacred reasons, not for pleasure, or the plants will get angry(?). Whether or not you agree, it's probably good to understand that the author has some pretty pronounced biases that he treats as truths when going into this work. I kind of skimmed this past a certain point with the idea I might come back to it, but I probably won't.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me 353 days to read this book because the text is so poetical, full of rich imagery, and difficult for the mind to take in. It is full of allegorical descriptions that require serious contemplation, and more than a few re-readings paragraph by paragraph. Schulke has returned the reader to the roots of the mysterious symbiosis between plant and Man. As much as men have cultivated plants for their society, so have plants cultivated us in return through the ages.

[Nico Walsh · Rating 1 out of 5]

A horribly written book. I’m shocked that this person even got it published… Oh, right - he owns his own publishing house. Must be handy.

[Thomas Pinneck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few books capture the essence of occult herbalism with the precision and depth found in Thirteen Pathways of Occult Herbalism. Daniel A. Schulke’s work is a masterful exploration of the hidden philosophies and traditions that shape the green mysteries, offering readers a rare glimpse into a complex and often misunderstood aspect of magical practice. Serving as both a standalone text and a precursor to his more expansive The Green Mysteries, this book distills core concepts and approaches, making it an essential read for those serious about engaging with the esoteric dimensions of plant lore.

Schulke does not merely discuss herbs as physical ingredients or botanical specimens. Instead, he presents them as living entities infused with potent spiritual and magical significance. Each of the thirteen pathways serves as a unique lens through which to view the herbalist’s journey, emphasizing the interplay between plants, spirits, and the practitioner’s own consciousness. What sets this book apart from more conventional herbal manuals is its emphasis on gnosis—the direct, experiential knowledge of plants that transcends mere study and enters the realm of initiation.

The text is dense and evocative, filled with the type of language and symbolic references that demand careful attention. Schulke’s writing style is not designed for casual readers; it requires a deep understanding of occult terminology and a willingness to engage with the material on multiple levels. Yet for those prepared to undertake the work, Thirteen Pathways offers a treasure trove of insights. It outlines the philosophical foundations of occult herbalism, examines the role of the magical herbalist, and provides examples of how to engage with plant spirits in a meaningful and transformative way.

One of the most striking features of the book is Schulke’s emphasis on the integrity and lineage of magical herbal knowledge. He explores how this wisdom has been passed down through various global traditions, often hidden within the deeper strata of Western esotericism. By drawing connections between seemingly disparate traditions, Schulke highlights the universal themes that underpin plant magic, from the sacred gardens of antiquity to the herbal practices of folk witches and cunning folk.

In addition to the philosophical exploration, Schulke also touches on the practical routes of inquiry available to the magical herbalist. He acknowledges the importance of grounding one’s practice in the hard sciences of botany and ethnopharmacology while simultaneously pushing readers to go beyond the material into the metaphysical dimensions of the craft. His approach is balanced, encouraging a blend of intellectual rigor and spiritual intuition that is rarely seen in occult herbals.

Ultimately, Thirteen Pathways of Occult Herbalism is a cornerstone text for those who wish to go beyond surface-level herb lore and delve into the true heart of plant magic. Schulke’s treatment of the subject is both reverent and uncompromising, making this book a powerful initiation into the deeper mysteries of herbalism. For readers and practitioners seeking a deeper understanding of how plants, spirits, and the human will intersect, this work is not just recommended—it is essential.

[Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

As has been widely noticed, this is not a practical primer but rather a short philosophical/ poetical treatise on how to engage with the green kingdom in principle. That doesn't mean it isn't without practical merit, on the contrary. To actually engage and get use out of this small volume, the reader should have solid experience working with plants (not necessarily in an esoteric or occult manner). then, I imagine, Schulkes meditations on pathways and gardens might yield some useful pointers towards deepening ones engagement and connection towards the green.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gem wrapped in obscure and sometimes archaic language, which I thoutoughly enjoyed. Pathways and gardens section are brilliant and inspiring. I think it’s pretty good introduction to occult herbalism and I’d also say in the pathways section there are plenty of practical hints, so it’s not just theory.

[Mitchell Stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not someone who has found herbalism and plant magic interesting in general but this book made me much more interested in the topics. I liked how it was a primer on HOW to approach herbalism rather than herbalism itself. It was a great read ahead of the coming year and I hope to apply it well.

[Gretchen Case quattrini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of great insight and information but so winded and dry