This is a very thorough discussion of magical uses and relationships with plants found in Iceland and northern Europe. It is NOT standard medical herbalism. The list of more than a hundred plants is an excellent reference.
He begins with cautions about protected plant species, with guidelines for sustainable plant gathering and use. His approach is animist, and he gives suggestions on developing relationships with the spirit of the plant and respectfully asking permission before gathering. He provides a glossary of Icelandic terms as well.
Bjorn lists plants alphabetically by English name, provides the Icelandic and Latin names, briefly describes the plant, gives the relevant planetary association and then describes in detail magickal uses of the plant – some have many, some fewer – in protection or cursing charms, in divination, in combination with other plants, in fertility spells. A second chapter deals with fungi and includes the uses of some deadly fungi in cursing magic.
There’s a short chapter on making infusions, oils, salves, one on plant associations with the gods. Then a solid chapter on working with plants to charge and consecrate tools for magical working, together with ceremonial magickal ideas taken from Agrippa and rune staves from Icelandic native tradition. The assortment of tools is different than the standard toolkit, including bowls, knives, bones, a staff, a root fetish (typically made of mandrake). This chapter also includes ritual suggestions – spitting, the use of recited charms and prayers. This is followed by short chapters on making incense with dried plants, one with oil recipes, one on ritual baths, one on foods.
The last section is spellcraft mixing in a variety of influences from European magic with Icelandic methods and utilizing the powers of various plants to amplify and charge the work. Carving staves into bone or wood, protection in general or to repel ghosts, for a variety of specific purposes, healing or harming, for luck, for money or love, to call upon spirits for assistance.
This is a thorough and very helpful reference work, with a lot of valuable tips and ideas outside of the specifics of Icelandic botany and traditional magic. His insightful discussion of combining techniques to amplify the power of the plants and the wide range of associations which he discusses for each of the plants is very helpful.
~ review by Samuel Wagar
Author: Albert Bjorn
Crossed Crow Books, 2023
295 pg. Paperback £11 / $20 Can / $15 US
