Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham 1985
Annotated Bibliography
Tables & Appendices
Though the literature of magic is extensive, that relating purely to the powers of herbs is limited. Few works in history have specifically concerned the subject; thus this bibliography is, for the most part, composed of books in such fields as mythology, folklore, anthropology, ethnobotany, magic and Witchcraft.
All herbals draw upon earlier writings—this one is no different. While this list of books is representative of those I have researched, it is far from complete. It is a guide for those who wish to study further.
Because of the great diversity of subject matter I have annotated this bibliography with pertinent comments. The edition cited is not necessarily the most recent; simply the one consulted. Where later editions have altered names these have been used.
Agrippa, Henry Cornelius. The Philosophy of Natural Magic. Antwerp, 1531. Secaucus, (NJ): University Books, 1974.
This neglected work is a sound introduction to natural magic, including that of the planets, stars, colors, herbs, and stones. Full coverage of divinitory techniques and the elements is also included.
Aima. Ritual Book of Herbal Spells. Los Angeles: Foibles, 1976.
An herbal spellbook derived mainly from contemporary voodoo herb magic.
Apuleius, Platonicus (or pseudo-Apuleius). Herbarium. Circa 400 C.E.
One of the early herbals, interesting mainly for its curiosity.
Bailey, Liberty Hyde. Hortus Third: A Concise Dictionary of Plants Cultivated in the United States And Canada. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1976.
Invaluable for nomenclature.
Baker, Margaret. Folklore and Customs of Rural England. Totowa, (NJ): Rowman & Littlefield, 1974.
A breezy, information-packed book of British country lore and magic.
Baker, Margaret. Gardener’s Magic And Folklore. New York: Universe Books, 1978.
A delightful guide to rituals and magic concerned with the garden, as well as the plants contained therein.
Banis, Victor. Charms, Spells and Curses for the Millions. Los Angeles: Sherbourne Press, 1970.
A somewhat sloppily composed collection of magical information gathered from many uncredited sources, this book in the infamous “For the Millions” series contains some excellent herbal lore.
Barret, Francis. The Magus, or Celestial Intelligencer. London: 1801. New Hyde Park, (NY): University Books, 1967.
This classic work, mainly composed from ancient magical manuscripts, contains some herbal information, particularly in relation to the planets. Most of this work was culled from Aprippa.
Beckwith, Marth. Hawaiian Mythology. Honolulu: University Press of Hawaii, 1979.
This book contains information on the native Hawaiian’s uses of plants in magic and ritual.
Benedict, Ruth. Patterns of Culture. New York: Mentor Books, 1960.
In this classic of anthropology Benedict records some of the magical uses of datura among the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico, as well as some of the Dobu islander’s herb rites.
Best, Michael and Frank H. Brightman (editors). The Book of Secrets of Albertus Magnus of the Vertues of Herbs, Stones, and Certain Beasts, Also A Book of The Marvels Of The World. Oxford: Oxford University, 1973.
A scholarly and lively discussion of (and complete presentation of) the famous pseudo-Albertus Magnus work. It contains some very curious writings concerning plants and their alleged powers.
Beyerl, Paul. The Holy Books of the Devas: An Herbal for the Aquarian Age. Minneapolis: The Rowan Tree, 1980.
A poetic herbal with practical as well as esoteric information.
Blackwell, W. H. Poisonous and Medicinal Plants, Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1990.
Blunt, Wilfred and Sandra Raphael. The Illustrated Herbal. New York: Thames and Hudson, 1979.
A sumptuous guide to the history of herbals, this book also includes many tantalizing extracts and full-color illustrations.
Boland, Bridget. Gardener’s Magic and Other Old Wives’ Lore. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1976.
A charming book of plant and gardening folklore and magic.
Boland, Margaret and Bridget Boland. Old Wives’ Lore For Gardeners. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1976.
One more like the former.
Bolton, Brett L. The Secret Powers of Plants. New York: Berkley, 1974.
This popularized look at plants and their hidden powers contains an excellent section on magic.
Bowness, Charles. The Witch’s Gospel. London: Robert Hale, 1979.
British folklore and contemporary Wiccan practices with a bit of plant magic thrown in.
Briggs, Katherine. The Fairies in Tradition and Literature. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1967.
A chapter in this book is entitled “Fairy Plants.”
Budge, E. A. Wallis. Amulets and Talismans. New Hyde Park, (NY): University Books, 1968.
This monumental work contains information on plants used in magic (as well as some horrendously bad line-drawings).
Budge, E. A. Wallis. Herb Doctors and Physicians in the Ancient World: The Divine Origin of the Craft of the Herbalist. Chicago: Ares Publishers, 1978.
An excellent work on herbalism in the Middle East in ancient times. Some magical formulae are included.
Burland, C. A. The Magical Arts: A Short History. New York: Horizon Press,1966.
British and European Folk customs and magic, including that of plants.
Burris, Eli Edward. Taboo, Magic, Spirits: A Study in Primitive Elements in Roman Religion. New York: Macmillan, 1931.
Roman ritualistic and magical uses of plants.
Busenbark, Earnest. Symbols, Sex and the Stars in Popular Beliefs. New York: Truth Seeker, 1949.
Plants and sexual symbolism in early religions.
Castaneda, Carlos. The Teachings of Don Juan. New York: Ballantine, 1973.
Though the “Don Juan” works have come under fire regarding their authenticity, it cannot be argued that Castaneda researched his subject thoroughly and knows whereof he writes. This book includes a look at the magical use of hallucinatory plants in contemporary Arizona and Mexico among Yaqui shamans.
Chappell, Helen. The Waxing Moon: A Gentle Guide to Magic. New York: Links, 1974.
This pleasant book contains a chapter on herb magic largely drawn from present-day voodoo practices.
Coffin, Tristram P. and Henning Cohen (editors). Folklore in America. Garden City, (NY): Anchor Books, 1970.
Southwestern United States herb magic is included in this work.
Coles, William: The Art of Simpling. London. 1656. St. Catherine’s, (Ont.): Provoker Press, 1968.
Much information on Renaissance plant magic.
Conway, David. Magic: An Occult Primer. New York: Bantam Books, 1973.
This excellent (and dangerous) beginner’s guide to ceremonial magic also includes some plant information, some of which could be deadly for the unprepared.
Cooper, M. R. and A. W. Johnson. Poisonous Plants and Fungi in Britain, 2nd ed. London: The Stationary Office, 1998.
Crow, W. B. The Occult Properties of Herbs. New York: Weiser, 1974.
Crow’s “shopping list” approach to writing allows him to only briefly mention topics but many of these are interesting.
Crowley, Aleister. 777. New York: Weiser, 1973.
Crowley probably stole the bulk of this work from Samuel Mathers, whom he did not credit. It is still an amazing group of magical correspondences (including plants).
Culpeper, Nicholas. The English Physician. London: 1652. London: Foulsham, (ND).
This most popular (and unfortunately, least reliable) herbal contains some hints here and there on herb magic, as well as the traditional locations for finding plants (beside streams, on mossy cliffs, in fields, etc.). Later published as Culpeper’s Complete Herbal, under which title it is still available.
Cunningham, Lady Sara. The Magical Virtues of Candles, Herbs, Incense and Perfume. Glendale, (California): Aleph Books, 1979.
Ms. Cunningham (no relation) has produced a work of limited interest; her section on herbs is sketchy but good. Most of the rest of this work lists brand-name magical oils and incenses and is therefore of little value.
Dana, Mrs. William Starr. How to Know the Wild Flowers. New York: 1893; New York: Dover, 1963.
This handbook is of invaluable use in identifying American plants, and contains a few snippets of magical information.
Davis, Hubert J. (editor). The Silver Bullet and Other American Witch Stories. Middle Village, (NY): Jonathan David Publishers, 1975.
A bit of transplanted European plant lore is included here.
de Clairemont, Lewis. Legends of Incense, Herb & Oil Magic. Dallas: Dorene Publishing, 1966.
As with most books “written” by de Clairemont, this work is largely pirated, some from Leyel’s excellent The Magic of Herbs.
De Lys, Claudia. A Treasury of American Superstitions. New York: Philosophical Library, 1948.
Legends and myths concerning plants.
Densmore, Frances. How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine and Crafts. Washington, 1928. New York: Dover, 1974.
This work contains a short section on “Plants used as Charms.”
Derlon, Pierre. Secrets of the Gypsies. New York: Ballantine, 1977.
Gypsy uses of plants.
Devine, M. V. Brujeria: A Study of Mexican-American Folk-Magic. St. Paul: Llewellyn Publications, 1982.
Contemporary Mexican-American urban herb magic in the United States, written with wit and style.
Emboden, William. Bizarre Plants: Magical, Monstrous, Mythical. New York: Macmillan, 1974.
An unusual collection of plant information. Some shamanistic folk uses
listed.
Emrich, Duncan. The Folklore of Love and Courtship. New York: American Heritage Press, 1970.
A charming collection of spells and divinations, many utilizing plants.
Faulks, P. J. An Introduction of Enthnobotany. London: Moredale Publications Ltd., 1958.
Some information on ritual uses of herbs is continued in this fascinating work.
Fettner, Ann Tucker. Potpourri, Incense and Other Fragrant Concoctions. New York: Workman Publishing, 1977.
Some herb magic, and many quotes from Leyel’s The Magic of Herbs.
Fielding, William J. Strange Superstitions and Magical Practices. New York: Paperback Library. 1968.
Superstitions related to plants, sexual symbolism.
Fisher, M. F. K. A Cordiall Water. Boston: Little, Brown & Company, 1961.
A disorganized look at herbal medicine with a smattering of magic.
Fortune, R. F. Sorcerers of Dobu. New York: Dutton, 1963.
A fascinating account of an island people’s life, in every aspect of which
magic plays an important role.
Fox, Helen Morgenthau. Gardening With Herbs for Flavor and Fragrance. New York: Macmillan, 1934.
This delightful book contains a chapter entitled “The Witches’ Cauldron,” and details European magical herbalism. Most of the information contained herein, however, is commonly found elsewhere.
Frazer, James. The Golden Bough. New York: Macmillan, 1958.
This one-volume edition is quite long enough (as opposed to the thirteen-volume set) and contains much information on religious and ritual significance of plants. Mr. Frazer’s conclusions, however, must be taken with a large grain of salt.
Friend, Hilderic. Flower Lore. London, 1884. Rocktop, (ME): Para Research, 1981.
A fabulous book brimming with herb magic, once again available. Written before the turn of the century this volume records much country herb lore that would have probably been lost otherwise. Also contains Far Eastern herb magic.
Fuller T. C. and McClintock. Poisonous Plants of California, Berkeley CA: U of C Press, 1986.
Gamache, Henri. The Magic of Herbs. Highland Falls, (NY): Sheldon Publications, 1942.
A popular study of herbs, with an emphasis on mythological associations rather than magical uses. Almost worthless.
Gerard, John. The Herball, or Generall Historie of Plants. London, 1597. New York: Dover, 1975.
This massive volume, though written by an occult skeptic, nonetheless records many examples of herb magic current at the time of its writing.
Gilmore, Melvin R. Uses of Plants by the Indians of the Missouri River Region. Lincoln, (NE): University of Nebraska Press, 1977.
This work contains a large amount of information regarding Native American herb magic.
Goodyer, John (translator). The Greek Herbal of Dioscorides. 1655. New York: Hafner, 1968.
A classic herbal preserving much magic.
Gordon, Leslie. A Country Herbal. New York: Mayflower, 1980.
A beautiful book peppered with magic.
Gordon, Leslie. Green Magic. New York: Viking Press, 1977.
Myths and legends surrounding plants.
Grammary, Ann. The Witches’ Workbook. New York: Pocket Books, 1973.
A modern spellbook containing some herb magic.
Graves, Robert. The White Goddess. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1976.
Grave’s poetic account of one aspect of the Mother Goddess, although filled with wild speculation, contains some excellent mythic and ritual information concerning plants and trees.
Gregor, Arthur S. Amulets, Talismans and Fetishes. New York: Scribner’s, 1975.
A popular study illustrated with many spells.
Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal. New York: 1931; New York: Dover, 1971.
A massive two-volume set edited by Mrs. Leyel from a series of pamphlets, A Modern Herbal contains a wealth of magical and ritual information regarding herbs.
Griffith, F. L. and Herbert Thompson. The Leyden Papyrus. London: 1904; New York: Dover, 1974.
An ancient Egyptian magical book which contains a little herb magic.
Grigson, Geoffrey. A Herbal of All Sorts. New York: Macmillan, 1959.
All sorts of herb magic.
Gutmanis, June. Kahuna Laau Lapaau. Honolulu: Island Heritage Limited, 1979.
A detailed account of plant medicine and magic in ancient and contemporary Hawaii.
Haining, Peter. The Warlock’s Book: Secrets of Black Magic From The Ancient Grimoires. Secaucus, (NJ): Citadel, 1973.
A popularized, over-written collection of spells culled from old manuscripts.
Hansen, Harold. The Witch’s Garden. Santa Cruz: Unity Press, 1978.
Translated from the Dutch, this work is an investigation into some of the poisonous plants used in magic. No practical information.
Harner, Michael J. (editor). Hallucinogens and Shamanism. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1973.
A scholarly and informative collection of essays detailing psychotomimetic plants and their uses in religion and magic.
Haskins, Jim. Voodoo & Hoodoo: Their Tradition and Craft as Revealed by Actual Practitioners, New York: Stein & Day, 1978.
Some plant information is included in this fascinating study.
Hayes, Carolyn H. Pergemin: Perfumes, Incenses, Colors, Birthstones, Their Occult Properties and Uses, Chicago: Aries Press, 1937.
Many interesting incense formulae, most of which were included in Leo Vinci’s later book Incense.
Healey, B. J. A Gardener’s Guide to Plant Names. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1972.
An invaluable guide to taxonomy.
Heffern, Richard. The Herb Buyer’s Guide. New York: Pyramid 1973.
Little magical information but a great resource.
Helfman, Elizabeth S. Maypoles and Wood Demons: The Meaning of Trees. New York: Seabury Press, 1972.
A children’s book of tree myths and magic.
Hohman, John George. Pow-Wows, Or the Long Lost Friend. Dallas: Dorene Publishing, N.D.
A compilation of spells, many Christianized, which preserve some herb magic.
Hole, Christina. Witchcraft In England. London: Batsford Ltd., 1940.
Some information on country herb magic.
Hoyt, Charles Alv. Witchcraft. Carbondale, (IL): Southern Illinois University Press, 1981.
One chapter discusses the “pharmacological” school of Witchcraft, concentrating, as usual, on the poisonous plants.
Huson, Paul. Mastering Herbalism. New York: Stein & Day, 1974.
A short section on herb magic, much of which is reprinted from the author’s Mastering Witchcraft.
Huson, Paul. Mastering Witchcraft. New York: Berkley, 1971.
One of the books that aided the occult craze of the late 60s and early 70s in the United States, Huson covers European herb magic fairly well, although it is scattered throughout the book.
Jacob, Dorothy. A Witch’s Guide to Gardening. New York: Taplinger, 1965.
European herb magic is well represented, as is plant mythology and folklore.
Jacob, Dorothy. Cures and Curses. New York: Taplinger, 1967.
This book is a companion volume to A Witch’s Guide to Gardening and contains a chapter on herb magic.
Jones, T. Gwynn. Welsh Folklore and Folk-Custom. Cambridge: D. S. Brewer, 1979.
British herb magic and folklore.
Kamm, Minnie Watson. Old-Time Herbs for Northern Gardens. Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1938.
Folk names and ritual uses by the ancients.
Kenyon, Theda. Witches Still Live. New York: Washburn, 1939.
Some herb magic and folklore.
King, Dr. Ann I. Private paper on plant toxicity. Co-operative Extension 625 Miramontes STE 200 Half Moon Bay CA 94019: U of CA.
Kittredge, George Lyman. Witchcraft in Old and New England. New York: Russel & Russel, 1956.
Some medieval and Renaissance herb magic can be found in this work.
Kluckhorn, Clyde. Navajo Witchcraft. Boston: Beacon Press, 1970.
Information relating to datura.
Krutch, Joseph Wood. Herbal. Boston: David R. Godine, 1965.
European herb magic and a good article on the mandrake.
Krythe, Maymie. All About the Months. New York: Harper and Row, 1966.
Herb magic is contained in some of the sections on flowers of the months.
Lathrop, Norma Jean. Herbs: How to Select, Grow and Enjoy. Tucson: HP Books, 1981.
No herb magic but a delightful book of herb gardening.
Lea, H. C. Materials Toward a History of Witchcraft. New York: Thomas Yoseloff, 1957.
Herb magic taken from legal records, pamphlets, and old works.
Leach, Maria (editor). Funk & Wagnall’s Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend. New York: Funk & Wagnall’s, 1972.
A mammoth work with much plant lore.
Leek, Sybil. Cast Your Own Spell. New York: Pinnacle, 1970.
Ms. Leek includes some standard herb magic in this work.
Leek, Sybil. Herbs: Medicine and Mysticism. Chicago: Henry Regnery Co., 1975.
Astrological and planetary associations of herbs.
Leek, Sybil. Sybil Leek’s Book of Herbs. New York: Thomas Nelson, 1973.
Legends and myths surrounding herbs.
Leland, Charles Godfrey. Etruscan Magic and Occult Remedies. New Hyde Park, (NY): University Books, 1963.
Magical herbal information collected in Italy in the late 1800s.
Leland, Charles Godfrey. Gypsy Sorcery and Fortune-Telling. New York: Dover, 1971.
Gypsy plant lore and magic.
Leyel, C. F. Herbal Delights. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1938.
Folk names.
Leyel, C. F. The Magic of Herbs. New York: 1927. Toronto: Coles Publishing, 1981.
The most-quoted book of its kind, Mrs. Leyel’s work is a classic. It contains detailed spells and uses of herbs culled from ancient manuscripts in the British Museum.
Lust, John. The Herb Book. New York: Bantam, 1974.
Helpful for nomenclature, particularly folk names. This book includes some magical and mythic information.
Mabey, Richard. Plantcraft: A Guide to the Everyday Use of Wild Plants. New York: Universe Books, 1977.
A bit of plant magic .
Maple, Eric. The Dark World of Witches. New York: Pegasus, 1970.
This excellent work contains a chapter on folk magic.
Maple, Eric. The Magic of Perfume. New York: Weiser, 1973.
A short introduction to the magical aspects of scent.
Maple, Eric. Superstition and the Superstitious. Hollywood: Wilshire, 1973.
Some plant and herb magic is included in this delightful work.
Marwick, Max (editor). Witchcraft and Sorcery. Middlesex: Penguin Books, 1970.
Some of the essays contain plant magic.
Masse, Henri. Persian Beliefs and Customs. New Haven, (CT): Human Relations Area Files, 1954.
Persian (Iranian) folk magic and superstitions, some of which concerns plants.
Mathers, Samuel (translator, editor). The Key of Solomon. New York: Weiser, 1972.
This work, like most grimoires, was written with the assumption that its audience was knowledgeable in the magical arts. Therefore, no lengthy instruction is given in herb magic here, for this was common knowledge. However, Mathers’ version (pieced together from many extant manuscripts) does include some spells involving plants.
McGuffin, M. et al. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, (FL): American Herbal Retailer’s Association CRC Press, 1997.
Meyer, Clarence. 50 Years of the Herbalist Almanac. Glenwood, (IL): Meyerbooks, 1977.
This collection of essays from the Herbalist Almanac includes some American Indian herb magic.
Meyer, Clarence. The Herbalist. 1960.
Excellent for nomenclature, especially for Native American plants.
Mickaharic, Draja. Spiritual Cleansing: A Handbook of Psychic Protection. York Beach, (ME): Weiser, 1982.
A somewhat peculiarly written book, Spiritual Cleansing offers some valuable information regarding plants and their magical qualities. Heavily Christianized.
Mulligan G. A., et al. Poisonous Plants of Canada. Ottawa: Canada Dept. of Agriculture, 1990.
Murphy, Edith Van Allen. Indian Uses of Native Plants. Fort Bragg (California): Mendocino County Historical Society, 1950.
This book has a short section of plants used in magic and ceremonies.
Paulsen, Kathryn. The Complete Book of Magic and Witchcraft. New York: Signet, 1980.
A well-researched and footnoted work, it contains a large section on plant magic, drawing on both European and native American uses.
Paulsen, Kathryn. Witches’ Potions and Spells. Mount Vernon, (NY): Peter Pauper Press, 1971.
Spells involving plants.
Pelton, Robert W. The Complete Book of Voodoo. New York: Berkley Medallion, 1973.
Though vulgarized and popularized, this work contains one of the most
complete listings of voodoo herb uses, obviously drawn for a large variety of sources.
Pepper, Elizabeth and John Wilcox. Witches All. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1977.
This compilation of the authors’ annual The Witches Almanac includes a section on plants.
Petulengr, “Gipsy.” A Romany Life. London: Metheun & Co., Ltd., 1935.
A rambling account of a Gypsy’s life, with some magic and herb spells thrown in for good measure.
Pliny the Elder (Caius Plinius Secundus). Natural History. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1956.
This work, written by a Roman in the first century c.e., is a catalog of nature as Pliny knew it. In the sections on plants he records many superstitions and magical uses which were current nearly 2,000 years ago.
Porta, John Baptista. Natural Magic. Naples, 1558; London, 1658. New York: Basic Books, 1957.
In this classic work Porta preserves some herb magic.
Porteous, Alexander. Forest Folklore, Mythology and Romance. London: George Allen & Unwin, 1928.
Superstitions and magic concerning trees.
Radford, E. and M. A. Radford. Encyclopedia of Superstitions. Revised and edited by Christina Hole. London: Hutchinson, 1961.
British floral and herbal superstitions and magic.
Randolph, Vance. Ozark Superstitions. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1947.
Plant magic collected in the Ozarks.
Riva, Anna. The Modern Herbal Spellbook. Toluca Lake, (CA): International Imports, 1974.
The prolific Anna Riva relied mainly on voodoo herb magic when writing this book, though some European uses are also included. Strangely enough, cosmetic and medicinal directions are also given.
Rose, Jeanne. Herbs and Things: Jeanne Rose’s Herbal. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1972.
Jeanne Rose communicates some popular herbal magic in this excellent introduction to herbalism.
Rose, Jeanne. Jeanne Rose’s Herbal Guide to Inner Health. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1979.
More plant magic.
Rosengarten, Frederick. The Book of Spices. New York: Pyramid, 1975.
Historical legends and myths surrounding herbs.
Saxon, Lyle (editor). Gumbo Ya-Ya. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1945.
Louisiana voodoo herb magic.
Schmidt, Phillip. Superstition and Magic. Westminster, (MD): The Newman Press, 1963.
Written by a Jesuit, this book attempts to show the horrors of the occult while revealing some excellent magical procedures. Herbal lore is included.
Schultes, Richard Evans. Hallucinogenic Plants. Racine, (WI); Western Publishing Co., 1976.
A popularized yet detailed account of hallucinogenic plants and the role they play in shamanism.
Scot, Reginald. The Discoverie of Witchcraft. London: 1584. New York: Dover, 1972.
A classic on the subject, Mr. Scot records some herb magic in this book along with a host of spells, divinations, exorcisms and charms.
Shah, Sayed Idries. Oriental Magic. New York: Philosophical Library, 1957.
Shah includes some plant magic in this excellent and entertaining account.
Shah, Sayed Idries. The Secret Lore of Magic. New York: Citadel, 1970.
A compilation of ancient grimoires with some plant magic.
Shah, Sirdar Ikbal Ali. Occultism: Its Theory and Practice. New York: Castle Books, N.D.
Herb magic of the West and Middle East is included in this fascinating work.
Sharon, Douglas. Wizard of the Four Winds: A Shaman’s Story. New York: The Free Press, 1978.
This account of Peruvian shamanism (and a Peruvian shaman) discusses some of the plants used in magic, particularly hallucinogens.
Shosteck, Robert. Flowers and Plants: An International Lexicon. New York: Quadrangle/The New York Times Book Co., 1974.
Invaluable for nomenclature, this work also contains a bit of herb magic.
Simmons, Adelma Grenier. Herb Gardening in Five Seasons. Princeton: D. Van Nostrand Co., 1964.
Herbal mythology and magic.
Singer, Charles. From Magic to Science. New York: Dover, 1958.
Excellent coverage of English plant magic in early times.
Slater, Herman (editor). The Magical Formulary. New York: Magickal Childe, 1981.
A book of incense, oil and powder formulas, mostly derived from voodoo practices.
Spence. The History and Origins of Druidism. New York: Weiser, 1971.
Contains some interesting information on oak and mistletoe, but Mr. Spence is not to be trusted in his works. Too often he mistakes wild speculation for firm facts.
Spence. The Mysteries of Britain. London: Aquarian Press, 1970.
More plant lore from Britain and a great deal of speculation regarding ancient British religion.
Thistleton-Dyer, T. F. The Folklore of Plants. Detroit: Singing Tree Press, 1968.
Contains much herb magic and folklore.
Thompson, C. J. S. The Mysteries and Secrets of Magic. London: 1927. New York: Olympia Press, 1972.
An invaluable book with a chapter on herbs used in magic.
Thompson, C. J. S. The Mystery and Lure of Perfume. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1927.
A fascinating account of perfumery and magical oils.
Thompson, C. J. S. The Mystic Mandrake. New Hyde Park (New York): University Books, 1968.
Many spells and legends concerning the mandrake, as well as general plant magic information.
Thompson, Dorothy Burr and Ralph Griswold. Garden Lore of Ancient Athens. Princeton (New Jersey): American School of Classical Studies at Athens, 1963.
A small booklet with ancient Greek ritual and magical plant uses.
Thorwald, Jurgen. Science and Secrets of Early Medicine. New York: Harcourt, Brace & World, 1963.
Herb magic as related to ancient medicine.
Thompkins, Peter and Christopher Bird. The Secret Life of Plants, New York: Avon Books, 1974.
The big plant book of the 1970s. It doesn’t discuss magical information but does provide an intriguing look into the hidden powers of plants.
Tondriau, Julien: The Occult: Secrets of the Hidden World. Plant magic is among the “secrets” listed herein.
Tindall, Gillian. A Handbook on Witches. London: Arthur Baker, 1965.
This book includes a chapter on folk magic in which plants figure prominently.
Torkelson, Anthony R. The Cross Name Index to Medicinal Plants v. 1-3, Boca Raton, (FL): CRC Press, 1996.
Trueman, John. The Romantic Story of Scent. New York: Doubleday, 1975.
A book of the history of scents and oils. Little magic but much mythology.
Trigg, Elwood. Gypsy Demons and Divinities. Secaucus, (NJ): Citadel, 1973.
Gypsy plant magic.
Vahente, Doreen. Natural Magic. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1975.
Herb magic is among the types discussed in this book.
Valiente, Doreen. Where Witchcraft Lives. London: Aquarian Press, 1962.
British folk magic involving herbs is mentioned briefly.
Verrffl, A. Hyatt. Perfumes and Spices. New York: L. C. Page, 1940.
Historical sketches of herbs.
Vinvi, Leo. Incense: Its Ritual Significance, Use and Preparation. New York: Weiser, 1980.
A guide to incense.
Waring, Phillipa. A Dictionary of 0mens and Superstitions. New York: Ballantine, 1979.
Plants and herbs related to superstitions and divinations are examined.
Weslager, C. A. Magic Medicines of the Indians. New York: Signet, 1974.
Though not as fully covered as I would wish, this book does mention American Indian herb magic.
Wheelwright, Edith Grey. Medicinal Plants and Their History. New York: Dover, 1974.
A history of medicinal herbalism with some magic as well.
Westbooks, R. G. and J. W. Preacher. Poisonous Plants of Eastern North America, Columbia, (SC): University of South Carolina Press, 1986.
Whitman, John. The Psychic Power of Plants. London: Star Books, 1974.
Plants and modern scientific research.