Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, A+

If you haven’t picked up Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, you’re definitely missing out. After all, this book is practically required reading for anyone who works with herbs—whether in spells, talismans, or simply harnessing their natural power. Therefore, if you’re serious about magical herbs, you really need to get your hands on a copy. Our occult books section has several books by Scott Cunningham.

I keep a couple copies by the herb cabinet in our physical store, where we do tarot readings (we do them online too) and educate people about herbs and other magic, come visit! Connect with us for more on Instagram, Facebook (Meta) or TikTok.

Why You Need Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

Paul Beyerl, a respected author on herbs, calls this book “an essential reference for students of herbalism and magick.” Honestly, I agree with him. Scott Cunningham’s engaging style makes even complex information enjoyable. In fact, his charm keeps you reading, and you’ll find that every page holds something new and useful. So, if you want to dive deep into the secrets of magical herbs, you won’t regret having this book.

Moreover, Jeanne Rose, a renowned herbal expert, praises this book for being both accessible and easy to read. She also loves how it includes a comprehensive index—something most herb books fail to deliver.

What’s Inside This Magical Herb Book

This expanded and revised edition marks the 15th anniversary of its original release in 1985. Therefore, it’s packed with even more valuable insights. Inside, you’ll find magical properties and folklore for over 400 herbs—yes, 400! What’s more, the book organizes herbs based on their magical powers, planetary associations, genders, and more. You’ll quickly discover that the more you read, the more you learn.

If you are going to start working with magical herbs, you may need a mortar and pestle, perhaps a cauldron or other altar supplies.

Perhaps the most useful feature is the folk name cross-reference. For example, if you see a recipe calling for “bramble,” you’ll know it means blackberry. Similarly, if a recipe mentions “enebro,” you’ll recognize it as juniper. These little details make all the difference when you’re working with magical plants, and Cunningham’s Encyclopedia ensures you never miss them.