Sacred herbs have a special place in human history. Many of the common species in our herb gardens were revered by the ancients and used in spiritual rituals. Here are reviews of some books that shed light on the subject.

“The Wicca Handbook” by Eileen Holland with a foreword by Raymond Buckland was released by Weiner Books. This definitive guide covers everything the novice needs to know. In addition it is comprehensive enough for those with more experience. This has all the basics from rituals and invocations to spells and everyday practices.

This easy to use book guide provides all the basics of the Wiccan faith. It explains the qualities of the different herbs that are used during rituals. One section is devoted to the different elements that are endowed with spiritual properties, including animals.

For each ritual or spell, the author discusses the appropriate plants as well as the plants to use for incense. There is a very helpful glossary of terms. This has a general index as well as one for the spells.

“Northern Tradition for the Solitary Practitioner-A Book of Prayer, Devotional Practice, and the Nine Worlds of Spirit” is by Galina Krasskova et al. This enlightening guide was released by New Page/Career Press. This brings together all the practical knowledge from a variety of spiritual paths that are known collectively as the Northern Tradition.

The authors cover all the things these faiths have in common. This volume explores all the different rituals, practices, and invocations as well as the lore. It devotes a chapter to each spiritual practice. It sheds light on the various deities that are honored in the Northern Tradition.

The authors recommend which sacred herbs and plants to use for different situations, including ones that are known as the ‘Nine Sacred Herbs.’

“Witch School-Living the Wiccan Life” by Debbie Tompkins was released by Llewellyn Worldwide. This introductory guide is a treasure-trove of useful information. It is part of the Witch School Series, which includes four other volumes. This one covers all aspects of Wiccan beliefs and rituals. It is especially recommended for novices.

All of the basics of everyday Wiccan practices are presented through 49 easy to follow lessons. One deals with the various seasonal celebrations, such as Yule and Samhain. This explains the various items that are used in the Wiccan rituals. It gives details about the magical properties of herbs and spices.

One of the lessons is devoted exclusively to herb gardens. This discusses all the recommended herbs and their corresponding qualities as well as the magical powers of the trees. This also covers all of the different herbal concoctions that are used for sacred purposes.

“Walking with the Green Man-Father of the Forest, Spirit of Nature” by Dr. Bob Curran has illustrations by Ian Daniels. This was released by New Page/Career Press. As a historian, the author is an expert on folklore. In this definitive volume he explores the lore and history surrounding the Green Man and what this mythical figure has to offer for our modern times.

The intricately carved face of the Green Man is very familiar. Framed by foliage, his visage was familiar to the Greeks and other cultures. In the modern day, the Green Man serves as a valuable connection to nature. Curran traces the origins of this figure and the spiritual role it has played throughout the centuries. Interestingly enough, he also finds ties to the secular world as well, such as a relationship to Robin Hood.