The Green Witch: Your Complete Guide to the Natural Magic of Herbs, Flowers, Essential Oils, and More

The Green Witch is designed for the witch who feels most home with nature and working with the wild world in their path. The book is divided into two parts, Discovering the Green Witch and then Walking the Green Path.

The first few chapters offer a great introduction into what is Green Witchcraft, the history, tools, as well as working with the elements and seasons. The author describes a Green Witch as an herbalist, a naturalist, and a healer. Those drawn to this path will work with the natural world around them in harmony. The book is written in an easy to understand guidebook for those who want to learn more about walking the green path. She provides rituals, spells, exercises, meditations and more in this guidebook.

The book doesn’t take the individual away from the modern world and technology, but rather assists the reader in finding a balance between the two. It focuses on developing the relationship to the natural world around us. I really loved what the author coined as the ‘Oath of the Green Witch’. She says, “Fundamentally, green witchcraft is an attitude, an approach to life.” Instead of relying on long rituals, special tools, etc, this path is more about creating and keeping relationships with nature, the community and oneself. It is more of a way to live than a religious path with a set of rules.

This guidebook explains how to set up sacred spaces inside and outside of the home. For beginners or those who need to brush up on a few things, the book provides great suggestions and a few simple rituals for cleansing etc. One of my favorite sections is getting to know your space and where you live. The interaction exercises are perfect to strengthen and open your eyes to the surroundings of your neighborhood and home. We sometimes forget to stop and smell the flowers (literally!) and the book helps guide you on reconnecting and grounding to the natural world.

In Part Two, the author dives deeper in to those who walk this path. The chapters cover how the green witch works with various elements, trees and plants, the sun and moon, gemstones and more. There are some great recipes for herbal teas, essential oils, and tips on crafting your own blends.

The appendix at the end of the book is a must have for your magickal bookshelf for a quick reference on herbs and uses.

Overall I recommend this book for your shelves whether you are brand new or have been practicing for years. The Green Witch is filled with great information for those following a nature path.

~review by Amber Barnes

Author: Arin Murphy-Hiscock
Adams Media, 2017
pp. 256, $16.99