The Witch's Cabinet: Plant Lore, Sorcery and Folk Tradition

by Corinne Boyer, Peter Köhler (Illustrator), Daniel A Schulke (Introduction)

Plant folklore contains a persistent group of plants associated with witches, and baneful magic. These spells, rituals, and taboos reflect a hidden dimension of the vegetal world, mantled with ominous attributes. The Witch's Cabinet contains thirteen essays on these dark plant aspects, revealing their powers, fearsome qualities, and occult uses. Certain trees were considered cursed and thought to carry afflicted power, to be exploited by witches. Particular roots and flowers were used for causing disease, conjuring demons, or bringing nightmares; other plants fell under the governance of Satan, or were used to gain the powers of witchcraft itself. A particularly pernicious reservoir of corrupt power was the graveyard, with a unique retinue of plants all its own. Not all such herbal lore is malevolent; countless teachings reveal how certain plants ―sometimes the same ones which are considered cursed― can protect a person from witches, evil spirits or other users of malefic magic. Other plants of dark character, like the Hawthorn, were in perpetual communion with the souls of the dead, and possessed the power to reveal hidden treasure. As a meditation of the shrouded dimensions of plant folklore, The Witch's Cabinet approaches this often-disquieting garden holistically, a gathering of allied power-plants, many of which contain keys of spiritual transformation, healing, and occult mysteries of the plant world. In addition to the enigmatic original drawings of artist Peter Köhler, the book also contains an introduction by Daniel A. Schulke, author of Thirteen Pathways of Occult Herbalism.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Witches, Crafts, Occult, Plants, Gardening

208 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2021

Reviews

[TamaraO · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I really enjoyed about this book was the down to earth approach at giving us a glimpse into folk tradition and plant lore.

This book takes you on a walk on that fine line between "good and evil", because witchcraft isn't just one or the other. And that is exactly what I want from a book in that category.

I found familiar stories, as well as ones that were completely new to me. A good mix to touch your heart a bit and keep you engaged and curious at the same time.

The references in the book can send you further down the rabbit hole, which is always appreciated.

The only thing my brain had a hard time with was the editing. A purely visual issue, but nothing a marker can't fix.

This is definitely a book I will come back to - leave little notes and thoughts in, underline, etc. The books that keep you coming back are my favorite ones and this one definitely delivers.

[Kindra RavenMoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a definite keepsake. This is a classic work that every witch, folk witch, or anyone interested in the history and folklore of plants should own. I love Corinne Boyer's books, reading this one, or any of them, feels like coming home. I appreciate the author's writing style and research put into what she presents. The Witch's Cabinet is a total gem. A lot of great and atypical information can be found herein.

[Kafka Houed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corinne has a beautiful way of sharing her connection with the dark and magical side of plant lore.

[Nicole Bergen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible collection of plant folklore.

[Emma C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read, so much well researched information and folklore, imbued with the authors own personal anecdotes and uses of plants.

[Tanja · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but I still really wish she would go deeper into the subject