Natural Magic - Potions and Powers from the Magical Garden
"Step outside and look around. The whole world is full of magic if you know where to look. This book will open your eyes to the magical reality hiding in plain sight, in the forests and fields, and in the world's hidden recesses."
This wonderful resource book by John Michael Greer delivers 100% on it's promise to open modern day eyes to the ancient magic that has always been an integral part of our world. My husband brought this book with him when he moved here from England and it's since become a major source of inspiration and insight for me.
Natural Magic is a good read whether you're an experienced practitioner of the magical arts, or completely new to the process. The book is divided into three sections which cover the philosophy and practice of natural magic, a magical encyclopedia detailing the properties and uses of 176 magical substances (herbs, trees, stones, oils, resins, and more), and a workbook brimming with fascinating projects, recipes, and spells.
In addition to all this, the author does a fine job of explaining the four basic steps to working natural magic; Choosing the purpose for the working, Choosing the correspondences for the working, Selecting the specific materials to be used, and Combining purpose, correspondences and materials in the most effective manner possible. He addresses safety issues and is very careful to explain which plants and herbs should never be ingested.
Here's a small excerpt for you to enjoy:
"The universe of magic, as we've just seen, is a realm of many different powers, levels, and beings--a world where the visible is simply the outermost expression of a deeper reality, and where currents of magical power surge through even those things seem most insignificant. Much of this seems strange to those raised in a materialistic society such as ours. Still, this magical universe is the one we inhabit here and now. The potentials for magical power are always all around us, like doors we have forgotten--but those doors can still be unlocked by the right keys.
Learning how to use those keys takes practice, time, and effort. Magicians of every kind are made, not born, and talent--while it does play a role in certain magical disciplines--counts for very little compared to the lessons of steady practice and the ordinary gifts of patience, perseverance, and common sense."
Bright Blessings,
Robyn