Discover the power of natural magic and healing through herbs, flowers, and essential oils in this new guide to green witchcraft.
At her core, the green witch is a naturalist, an herbalist, a wise woman, and a healer. She embraces the power of nature; she draws energy from the Earth and the Universe; she relies on natural objects like stones and gems to commune with the land she lives off of; she uses plants, flowers, oils, and herbs for healing; she calls on nature for guidance; and she respects every living being no matter how small.
In The Green Witch, you will learn the way of the green witch, from how to use herbs, plants, and flowers to make potions and oils for everyday healing as well as how crystals, gems, stones, and even twigs can help you find balance within. You’ll discover how to find harmony in Earth’s great elements and connect your soul to every living creature. This guide also contains directions for herbal blends and potions, ritual suggestions, recipes for sacred foods, and information on how to listen to and commune with nature. Embrace the world of the green witch and discover what the power of nature has in store for you.
Currently a resident of Montreal, Canada, Arin works as a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of Power Spellcraft for Life: The Art of Crafting and Casting for Positive Change (2005), Solitary Wicca for Life: A Complete Guide to Mastering the Craft on Your Own (2005), The Way of the Green Witch (2006), The Way of the Hedge Witch (2009), and Pagan Pregnancy: The Journey From Maiden to Mother (TBA). She is also the editor of the anthology Out of the Broom Closet (2009).
Arin is a third-degree Wiccan High Priestess in the Black Forest Clan, a tradition linked both by lineage and practice to several other branches of Wiccan thought and philosophy including the Caledonii Tradition, Druidism, Gardnerian practice, Seax-Wicca, general Celtic Wicca, and German witchcraft. She works as a priestess in her community performing rites of passage and giving occasional workshops, and leads a private coven.
Her hobbies include playing the cello, handspinning, and weaving.
3.5 stars, really, but I felt like rounding up. I bought this because I wanted to learn more about the health benefits behind different oils, crystals, herbs and also how to harvest certain things from nature.
For the most part, I was given the information i was seeking, just in more of a Wiccan/pagan feeling way. Throughout the whole book, amidst the spells and blessings and rituals, I felt that the author was missing the whole point of all the incredible items nature gifts us with: GOD. I know, I know, she’s entitled to her own beliefs which clearly don’t transcend this earth, but it did sadden me a little. Being in awe of God is what I love most about immersing myself in nature. It fills me up with overwhelming gratitude for His mercy and love. I will definitely keep and look back on this book for the interesting recipes and mixtures it suggests, but you won’t find me blessing stones or praying to incense.
Too much of the same to my liking. Some points are repeated at least 5-10 times in a little over 200 pages. Has some nice recipes and ideas, but that’s about it. Also it mentions putting crystals in sunlight to charge them but doesn’t add that this severely damages some crystals listed, amethyst for example.
The Green Witch is a good introductory text to a particular brand of witchcraft focusing on connections to nature. This is not about being Wicca, but about traditional and often solitary witchcraft. I would have enjoyed more imagery, but it's a clear and strong text for beginners.
Picked it up for free and spent a couple hours paging through it.
All the things that bore me about "witchcraft" books are nicely contained herein:
- wiccan-influenced without understanding just how much so it is. "In general, witchcraft acknowledges a god and a goddess (sometimes solely a goddess)" p. 14; oh, *does* it now?
- vague claims of continuing a tradition multiple hundreds of years old; no exploration of how it continues from european witch/pagan traditions of the last 150 years. (Or a vague claim that all those traditions actually come from it?? (p. 23)) Bonus points for invoking the image of "midwives, wisewomen, and healers who live on the edge of town" repeatedly. Hey, an intriguing quote from actual medieval scholarship about how the main function of "cunning-folk" was removing curses/evil eye, and how that dried up as belief in curses/evil eye did! But no further information there, or acknowledgement that those cunning-folk wouldn't recognize anything about white north american green witchcraft including the name.
- but really, where *does* the author get all this stuff about the green witch path? I get that the real history is much less important to witches than the mythical history (p. 21), but I care! I hate the false, insulating sense of timelessness and culturelessness it creates. If it's her own creation or that of a community located in spacetime she should say so.
- puts "earth" and "humanity" before "yourself" as the focuses of green witchcraft (p. 16), but then all the spells/crafts/rituals are about things you can do for yourself and maybe your friend circle and/or customers of your small business. That's not much of a definition of other humans, much less the earth.
- much too brief reference to "Pennsylvanian pow-wow" as a type of "spellcasters who performed folk magic particular to a region" (p. 19). I wish there was more info here, as it's hard to internet search: most of the references that aren't to horror fiction are back to this book. Seems to be some kind of christian faith healing thing with a name appropriated from Native people to make it exotic and dangerous.
- lists of plants and gems with uses/correspondences, but *zero* interest in botany or geology. This is overwhelmingly common, and so self-centered! Not finding things beautiful or fascinating for what they are and how they came to be that way, only concerned about what they can do for you.
- where do gemstones come from? IDK, the store?? Seems a little disconnected from the earth. The quartzite, mica, and feldspar you can probably find in your backyard or park don't merit a mention.
- exclusive focus on harmony, abundance, and other positive emotions/states of being. (p. 31) Where does justice enter this picture? Productive conflict? Economic scarcity? Other people's needs and feelings?
This book was quite disappointing. I had assumed that it was a book of basics for beginners, but it gave a very vague overview of each of the essentials and then basically encouraged readers to freestyle it. With anything, it's important to thoroughly understand the basics and develop senses and intuition with a guide before leaning too heavily on your intuition, especially if you're doing invocations and herbal preparations. Beyond encouraging folks with minimal understanding and undeveloped intuition to just "see what feels right", the book was rife with cultural and spiritual appropriation. The way that the author referenced "ancient traditions" or just failed to reference the cultures that used the ritual unless it was Wiccan, Nordic, or Western Occult (for example, asking a tree permission to harvest is an Indigenous ritual that was never cited) really rubbed me wrong, especially being encouraged to freestyle the rituals taken from other cultures without knowledge, awareness, or permission. Overall, I wouldn't even recommend this book for beginners, much less anyone who has experience in any form of witchcraft or natural healing.
(This is the first in a series of books I'm reading as a way to further my occult and esoteric knowledge, which I will henceforth be referring to as 'Occult book of the month.')
Having had this on my shelves for several months, I thought it was about time to give it a read. At only 200-and-something pages, this was a quick read, only taking three days to complete at my regular reading pace.
Overall, this book is very informative. It made a clear distinction between witchcraft and Wicca (always nice) and it also made a point of mentioning that the path of a green witch is secular and can be paired with any religious or spiritual beliefs (this isn't something I couldn't have guessed for myself, but as my spirituality can only be described as 'eclectic' it was nice to read.) In fact, in terms of the spiritual side of things, it's made abundantly clear that there are no prerequisites to being a green witch other than to believe in the natural spiritual energy of the world around us: an abstract concept which most people believe anyway. All it asks is that we hold the natural world as sacred.
This book is also a breath of fresh air. As someone who frequents the online druid and witchcraft community, it's often that you find people criminally uneducated about their surroundings preaching about all of the different invasive species they brought into their environment because 'plants are sacred' without doing any research. This book was not like that. Research into the existing local environment and native species is highly encouraged and the way in which Murphy-Hiscock talks about the natural world is scientifically and environmentally responsible. Additionally, any time herbalism is mentioned, it is made sure that it's followed with 'you need to actually take a course in medicinal herbalism before you practice it.' Without that, a witch can only claim to be healing the spirit, not the body or mind.
Additionally, there are numerous directions to further reading on the subjects covered, allowing for a deeper exploration of the various topics. This is particularly useful for those who, like myself, decided upon reading this book that they'd like to know more.
The book also contains a myriad of meditations; energy sensing techniques; spells and recipes; all of which are suitable for witches of any experience level. It covers methods of initiating yourself as a solitary green witch, to methods of deepening your practice, making it over all the perfect book for anyone looking to get started on the green witch's path. It's also highly readable, with easily understandable language, allowing the reader to fly through.
However, this is not to say that I don't have my gripes. For a start, Murphy-Hiscock does not make a clear enough distinction between spiritual healing and physical healing in the early chapters. It should be noted that, though homoeopathy is mentioned, it does not have any of the physical benefits of herbal medicine and cannot be distinguished in its success from a regular placebo. This is not to say that it is not valid: just that it should not be presented as anything more than what it is.
Additionally, Murphy-Hiscock claims that green witches do not need circles for protection because "everything is nature." First off, this doesn't entirely track, but secondly, it's not clear enough that this only applies to working green magic. Instead, the phrasing implies that green witches never need protection. This is untrue; if a green witch is going to, say, work with the spirit world for a spell, they still need to cast a circle because that type of work is dangerous to everyone.
Of course, these are minor concerns that can be cleared up by prospective readers with a quick Google search at any points of confusion (always get second opinions when you're looking into magic!)
Overall, this book is a wonderful introduction and companion for anyone considering the path of a green witch and I 100& recommend it. I can foresee myself coming back to this over and over again to brush up on knowledge or find the exact recipe I need for a spell or certain type of incense.
I think the best about this book - beautifully designed, by the way! - is that it has lots of suggestions on what one can do as part of her green magic, 'stuff' you can do with plants, stones, essential oils etc. I only wish the author would go more in-depth, and as a matter of fact, I'm starting to realise this is the thing with a lot of magick literature: there's much more 101-type info than anything else. Still, I found this book inspiring, and I will definitely explore some of the suggested methods.
Excellent resource for incorporating herbs, flowers, essential oils into healing and self-practice. The cover is absolutely beautifully done.
I would suggest this book only for "beginners-to-novice's" of the "Green Witch" lifestyle. Unfortunately for me, I didn't get a lot of new information, but it is an excellent resource that I will hold on to when needed.
Me encantó el libro. Es una guía al mundo de las hierbas, flores, árboles y frutas y sus aplicaciones en la medicina, curación y otros usos que mucha gente considera "brujería" y para mi son simplemente tradición de las abuelas. Fue bonito recordar todas esas cosas que le enseñaba a uno la abuela: la manzanilla para dormir mejor y calmar el dolor estomacal, la menta para relajar... etc. Este libro resuelve muchas dudas sobre lo que es "ser bruja": es saber utilizar el poder de la naturaleza en favor de muchas cosas como la salud mental, espiritual y el bienestar corporal. Contrario a lo que muchos pueden pensar, no, no ofrece soluciones o "hechizos" para atraer el ser amado o el dinero, pero sí habla sobre cómo la energía de ciertas plantas ayud a alcanzar un estado mental de claridad para lograr todo eso. Cero patrañas, para eso se hicieron los buenos libros, para desmitificar.
I couldn’t finish this book. I got to chapter six and was really sick of each chapter, new thought or section heading saying “the green witch”. It’s a monotonous book to read, despite the information being generally OK.
It’s an OK beginner witchcraft book, but move up and move on from this one. Aside from the rather beautiful cover of the book this book is pretty shallow. It’s perfect to photograph for Instagram and that’s about it.
It gave this book 2 stars because I did like some parts of the activities, as they are a decent structure to build on, but it’s fairly bare bones.
The green witch is a book I often come back to; A familiar face... a great tool to reconnect back to the natural world around us. How to harmonise yourself with the heartbeat of nature. It also has some great manifestations & tea recipes.
A condensed version of how to integrate your life with crystals and magic. If you have lived in harmony with the earth, know your basic crystal and celestial lore - then you don’t need this. I feel like this is directed towards the Millenials that think being a “witch” might be cool. Glad I got it from the library before buying!
Labai laukiau šitos knygos kada bus išversta į lietuvių kalbą, nes buvau parsisiuntęs ebook. Netikėjau, kad ji bus išversta. Tad kai pamačiau buvo didžiulis siurprizas ir nusipirkau. Knygoje supažindinama su žaliosios raganos istorija, paaiškinama kuo skiriasi šis kelias nuo Wicca tikėjimo. Taip pat kalbama apie šventovės kūrimą, energijas, kaip užmegzti ryšį su gamta, apie gamtos stichijas, metų laikus. Apie meditaciją, medžius ir medienos rinkimą, gėles, vaistažoles, akmenis ir kaip užsiveisti sodą. Perskaičius knygą bus galima pasigaminti savo smilkalų, kerų maišelių, šluotą, balzamų ir sodo akmenų. Knygoje taip pat yra gydymas arbatomis ir jų receptai. Be to maisto receptai ir magiškos gamtos elementų asociacijos.
Knyga skaitėsi gan lengvai ir parašyta suprantamai. Didelis ačiū vertėjai, kuri taip gražiai išvertė visą knygą. Teisingai išvertė Šešėlių knygos pavadinimą ir kitus specifinius raganų terminus. Dauguma dalykų man jau buvo žinomi, tad atnaujinau žinias. Autorė moko gyventi taikoje ir ramybėje su savimi ir aplinka. Šią raganavimo praktiką galima praktikuoti ne tik gamtoje, bet ir savo namuose mieste. Taip pat kai pirma pavarčiau knygą užkliuvo, kodėl viskas parašyta moteriška gimine, bet atsivertęs kelis pirmus lapus radau atsakymą: vyrai taip pat vis dažniau užsiima šia praktika, o moteriška giminė pasirinkta dėl patogumo.
Šią knygą anglų kalboje esu vartęs pas vieną draugą, kuris gyvena pagal knygoje aprašytus principus. Labai norėjau popierinės versijos šios knygos ir štai turiu. Pats esu Wiccan‘as su polinkiu į krikščionybę. Žinau, kad bažnyčia draudžia raganavimus, bet aš niekam nieko blogo nedarau. Anaiptol – padedu žmonėms. Ir labai tikiuosi, kad bus išversta daugiau šios autorės knygų.
Rekomenduoju visiems, kas domisi raganavimu, augalais, eteriniais aliejais, smilkalais ir nori gyventi santarvėje su gamta.
Tbh I bought this solely because I liked the aesthetic on my shelf. Hate me. I'm obsessed with plants and I make my own perfume but I'm not at all a Wiccan.
It's definitely not waxing philosophic about the planet, it's largely a recipe book for things like bath salts or herbal teas. The author uses the word "magic" quite broadly. It's a form of "magic" when peppermint or ginger helps with nausea. "Magic" when Epsom salts relax you. Etc.
Kinda boring though? Still looks good on my shelf, not mad about it.
This was recommended to me as a primer of green witch craft, and within minutes I understood why when the author began the book stating that there was no standard ethics involved in green witchcraft and then proceded to use colonialism and anti-indigenous themes within the book to validate themselves. I had high hopes only for them to be dashed and I used an audible credit on this! ;( Do not recommend, even as a primer
Okay, wow This book amazed me. I started reading it with the goal of learning more about the witchy culture (being interested in this sort of stuff and leaning towards that lifestyle) as to kind of begin my earthy path, so to speak... But the extraordinary thing about it is even people that don't want to become witches, can follow some of what's mentioned on the book in a way to better their lives and feel better. Definitely would recommend this book to whoever might be interested in the natural ways as well as the spiritual side of life. Special note though, this is not a "Wiccan book" but it does not stop wiccans from reading, practicing and utilizing this methods, everything can go together if you choose to do so.
The Green Witch is gentle, cozy, and very into plants. If you enjoy slow mornings, herbal tea, and books that feel like a deep exhale, this one fits the vibe.
The writing is warm and accessible, and the focus on nature, mindfulness, and simple rituals is comforting. That said, a lot of the content leans more lifestyle and philosophy than hands-on magic, and much of it will feel familiar if you’ve read other witchy or nature-based books.
Not a bad read—just not groundbreaking. Best for beginners or anyone wanting a calming, aesthetic guide to earth-based spirituality rather than something deep or advanced.
Three stars: pleasant, peaceful, and leafy… but a little light on substance.
This is definitely a book to own to refer to like a textbook or cookbook rather than a book to just sit down and read and learn something, so if you want to read this book and you don’t own it i would suggest taking notes to get anything out of it, otherwise it feels like a dry manual that you won’t remember anything from.
That being said this book felt really informative and while i don’t currently own my own copy, i’ll be adding it to the wishlist. I especially appreciated the appendix at the end and the recipes/spells throughout.
I would not recommend it. The information was scarce and too basic. And, most importantly, I found that it was much more related to Wicca than the author claims. Also, it has a shameful tone when talking about baneful magic which I did not like at all.
What a fun and magical read! I think this book was a great introduction to the green witch practice without being overwhelming or convoluted. I really enjoyed how it centers around nature and how we can better connect to our environment and inner self- whether that be through grounding techniques, energy work, an herbal tea, or a home cooked meal made with love and intention. This book reminds us that there’s magic in the everyday and I love that.
A very practical book, I really enjoyed it. It's one of those books you can keep for references. I loved the views of the author about the connection with the environment and nature that surrounds it. I highly recommend this book for those interested in Green Witchcraft. I do have two small complaints to make:
- The author did not mention any crystal care, especially regarding certain types of crystals being unsuited for water or sun exposer. - The author also did not mention any cares or alerts regarding the consumption of stone elixirs which is a VERY sensitive and careful topic due to the characteristics of certain stones.
Besides those two points, I really enjoyed the book.
La verdad no era lo que esperaba, pues me imaginaba que la bruja verde me daría un amplio recetario de hierbas curativas, pero fue lo que menos encontré en este libro, sin embargo amplié mis conocimientos sobre arboles y piedras ...
Interesting. Good for adopting ideas to put into practice. I liked that it was not a rigid manual, but rather an orientation to shape practices that feel comfortable for everyone. A quick and entertaining read.
While some of the information and correspondences might be redundant or nothing new, I love Murphy-Hiscock's witchcraft books. They're brief, never make me feel like I'm "doing witchery wrong" or not enough, and are like warm hugs. Helps that they're on audio and more easily consumable, too.
4/5 - learned a lot about all of the magick properties of plants, flowers, fruits, vegetables and everything else that has to do with nature! i think the last chapter is going to be extremely helpful for my everyday craft. i would have liked to see some pictures or drawings throughout the book tho, but i still really enjoyed my reading