Book Review: The Illustrated Herbiary: Guidance and Rituals from 36 Bewitching Botanicals by Maia Toll, Katherine O'Hara

The Illustrated Herbiary: Guidance and Rituals from 36 Bewitching Botanicals is a guide written by Maia Toll, with illustrations by Katherine O'Hara. Rosemary is for remembrance; sage is for wisdom. The symbolism of plants — whether in the ancient Greek doctrine of signatures or the Victorian secret language of flowers — has fascinated us for centuries. Contemporary herbalist Maia Toll adds her distinctive spin to this tradition with profiles of the mysterious personalities of 36 herbs, fruits, and flowers. Combining a passion for plants with imagery reminiscent of tarot, enticing text offers reflections and rituals to tap into each plant’s power for healing, self-reflection, and everyday guidance. Smaller versions of the illustrations are featured on 36 cards to help guide your thoughts and meditations.

The Illustrated Herbiary: Guidance and Rituals from 36 Bewitching Botanicals is a lovely book for both exploring to expand your knowledge and understanding of herbs, and to narrow in on a certain plant and better understand it. I like that the book explains the path to knowledge that led to the book I also really enjoyed the artwork, beautiful regardless of if it is there to decorate a section's beginning or to illustrate the herb being explained and explored. As someone that grows their own herbs and enjoys explore their uses, understands that most medicine began with the basics of herbal knowledge, and the belief in science and study I found the idea and approach of this book to resonate with me on several levels. For those looking for a new way to center themselves or meditate these rituals could be just what they are looking for. Since I was reading a digital copy I did not have the botanical cards, and so did not got to try the layouts and ideas offered at the end of the book for their use. However, I did like the ideas for rituals and the new ways of looking at some of my favorite herbs, and some that I had never thought too much about. 

This book is exactly what you would expect from the title, and has lovely illustrations alongside the text throughout the entire book. If this is the type of information and ritual that hold interest for you, this book will be a valuable addition to your library. 

Book Review: Faeries & Elementals for Beginners: Learn about & Communicate with Nature Spirits by Alexandra Chauran

Faeries & Elementals for Beginners: Learn about & Communicate with Nature Spirits is a nonfiction book by Alexandra Chauran. For those interested in the earth based religions or those just interested in faery lore, this guide will explain the natures of a wide assortment of Fae. If you are a practitioner looking to understand and work with  faeries and elementals and attract them to your home and garden, or just fascinated with the mere idea of them, this book is a wonderful starting point in your research.

Faeries & Elementals for Beginners is very matter of fact about the ideas of Fae, including elementals. While I am a practicing Lutheran and not one to dabble, I love reading about other beliefs and the foundations of various lore. There are far more things on earth and in the world in general than I can even pretend to understand, so I would rather research everything just in case. Also, as I read quite a bit of fiction that is paranormal, faery tale based, and urban fantasy I often will see mention and brief explanations of certain creatures in the pages, and find that more background and understanding of the lore adds an extra layer of enjoyment to my reading. So, if you do not believe that the Fae are real, do not immediately turn your nose up at the book, it is still an interesting read if approached with an open and curious mind.

For those that are interested in a practical application of the information found in Faeries & Elementals for Beginners, I have to say that it offers detailed information and would work as a wonderful cornerstone for your research. There is detailed information about the rituals, including the whys and wherefores. The wide variety of beings are well organized and described, offering more information on just about all of those listed then I have seen in any other book. There are step-by-step instructions for invoking faeries and elementals, you'll find rituals, meditations, and everything you need to begin safely interacting with these magical entities. I cannot attest to the accuracy of the methods offered, as I have not tried any of them.

I would recommend Faeries & Elementals for Beginners to anyone looking for more information of these creatures, and those looking to work with them. I think that it can also work as a great resource to readers and writers that are looking for more information on the subject, as well as to those looking for practical instruction.