Featured Film Review
'Herb Magic' by Scott Cunningham © Llewellyn Worldwide ISBN 0-87542-117-2 VHS Tape (Approximate running time 1 hour) $19.95 (U.S.)
I first saw this video a number of years ago. It is presented by one of the better known herbalist of recent memory, the late Scott Cunningham.
Scott spends several minutes outlining his views on magick and herbs and explains his perception of how to do works. He lays out a basic understanding of respecting plants (never harvest young plants, never harvest more than 25% of any given plants, etc.).
The one problem with this video is an inconsistence in the audio quality.
He shows the basic tools you will need (and explains why). He shows how to make basic incense, amulets (or sachets), tinctures (or macerations), and bath salts.
Do not expect this tape to make you an herbalist - it won't. After viewing this tape, however, you will be a bit more familiar with the appearance and use of various North American herbs.
If you follow the directions Scott gives you, you will be in a position to start making your own incenses and tinctures, thus helping to imbue them with your own magickal energies.
Although Scott is a highly respected author, his nervousness in front of the camera comes through in more than one spot. It makes him all the more appealing to some who might be intimidated by "experts."
The last half of the tape is mostly dedicated to showing the appearance of many different herbs in the garden, as well as some of the more obscure herbs only available from reputable herb shops and occult suppliers.
He stresses, throughout, the need to trust your own instincts. He also makes a serious effort to make the procedures as non-mysterious as possible. He doesn't expect you to obtain obscure tools to do they work; household objects are just fine.
The entire tape is set in areas, such as an uncluttered work area and a garden, which are not at all esoteric in appearance. Although Scott obviously has a specific work area, it is also equally obvious that you could do the work sitting at your kitchen table.
He shows how to use herbs as an adjunct to scrying. This is a method which is not much used in our society, but it serves a good purpose to help make the connection to our subconscious minds
It is an excellent introduction to the topic and well worth the price.
Reviewer: Mike Gleason
If you would like to join in on a discussion about this film, please go to the forum here: Herb Magic