Cover Image: The Witch's Herbal Apothecary

The Witch's Herbal Apothecary

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Member Reviews

Thanks to Quarto and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was mildly obsessed by this book from the cover alone, which drew me in straightaway. It is a really beautiful book, with a lot of attention having been paid to the layout and design. As with many of these books, it wasn't really a "read straight through" experience for me, hence my delay in giving it a review. I really liked many of the recipes, although I don't know if I'd find all of the ingredients here. I'm willing to give it a go though! I think I would have liked a heavier focus on actual recipes or references etc, rather than the current focus on what it's like to be a witch etc. On the one hand having the author's personal experiences can be very inspirational and encouraging, but sometimes it also overwhelmed me a bit. I did like Miernowska's general approach however, especially how she also acknowledged where there were gaps in her knowledge or experience. At times the tone was a little too poetically whimsical or to "empowerment"-y for me, but that is quite a personal thing so this might work very well for other readers.

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Marysia has an incredible wealth of knowledge. After reading this book, I started following her on Instagram. She is a wise and caring woman who deserves success from this book.

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Thank you to the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this book. Unfortunately, upon reading it, I realised that this was not for me. I did not gel with the writing style of this author at all.

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A beautiful, whimsical tome that is both a handbook and a guide to the use of what nature provides us to help and heal. While I ended up skimming most of it before it got archived, I liked what I saw. On my to-buy list.

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I am a novice in witchcraft and loved this book for the foundation it has given me to move forward in my path. It is clear, with information linked to the seasons and I love the illustrations. I was given a temporary digital copy to give my honest review and I am looking forward to owning a physical copy to reread and refer to when needed. It belongs on every beginners bookshelf.

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Although interesting, with several recipes and useful information, the whimsical style took me out of the reading several times. For those who like metaphorical ad illustrative books on the subject, it will be a good choice, but didn't work that much for me.

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I was super happy to get an ARC of this book.! My honest opinion is that it's great for anyone. I have been reading about green witches and how they use kitchen herbs, plants, flowers, and all manner of things provided by Mother Earth to help heal and found this book to be very helpful. I love that it's easy to follow along with and filled with all kinds of new info I can put into practice!

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This book is definitely being added to my collection. The perfect gift for any fans of herbalism, witchcraft, spells etc. A fully comprehensive guide to natural alternatives.

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Great comprehensive book that gives some new insight on working with herbs and what to have in your wares. Gave some new tidbits that were interesting to me. I can see myself to add this book to my collection

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I loved this. So much info and tips. Am trying to learn how to use more natural ingredients and this definitely helped!

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This is the "Definitive" book on building your own apothecary. The Witch's Herbal Apothecary
Rituals & Recipes for a Year of Earth Magick and Sacred Medicine Making
by Marysia Miernowska I highly recommend. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. After you read this incredible book you will want to purchase your own copy for your home library.

As a new witch I was intrigued by the title and know of the author through Instagram. Throughout reading this book I found myself highlighting passages, words and receipes that I will use throughout my own home practice. Inclusive to this book is: how we personally can have a deeper attachment to the earth and what we can grow to create our own receipes. The exquisite detail included beautifully done drawings for each section that are exceptional in detail yet soft and present perfectly with the book contents. . The author divided the book by seasons and each season of the year provides information, teachings and receipes. The attention to detail and research here is phenomenal. You will find seasonal rituals which are done generously many here, receipes for each season and even meditation. Everything you need to educate yourself and utilize a home apothecary is here. I love that the focus is on a gentle use of the earth and working with plants to better our lives. A very outstanding read and one I am proud to add to my home library.
I highly recommend this book.

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While the cont is okay, I couldn't get over how the illustrations and pictures do not fit well in the layout of the book and made it hard to read. It was like someone just pasted them on the page without a care in the world.

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A beautifully presented and informative guide to earth magick. A must have for any witch or magick practitioner.

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This is a wonderful guide for anyone wanting to get more involved with the practice of Magik. Lots of information on herbal recipes. Not only do you learn the recipes, but also the properties and background of the various ingredients. Unique visuals carry the theme of the book.

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First off I want to say how beautiful the cover is of this book. The colors , moon phases and symbols feel so earthy! "The Witch's Herbal Apothecary" by Marysia Miernowska is like your own personal herbal grimoire. The information presented in this book is essential to anyone who would like to add herbalism into their lives. Plants are not just vegetation but a unique life force that we need to recognize in order to deepen our relationship with mother earth. The book touches on the wheel of the year, what it means to be a witch and how to create your own apothecary. Each chapter is a different season, there are numerous herbal recipes, rituals and meditations I have found to be very grounding and spiritually uplifting.
"The Witch's Herbal Apothecary" by Marysia Miernowska is a must for any witches library!
Blessings

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An excellent handbook to follow the seasons and reconnect with nature and ourselves. Recipes and rituals to follow.

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This book was interesting from beginning to end. It's a book you would return to time and time again and would always find something new.

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https://caThe Witch's Herbal Apothecary
Rituals & Recipes for a Year of Earth Magick and Sacred Medicine Making
by Marysia Miernowska

Intrigued from the first sighting of this book up for review I was pleasantly surprised by the wisdom put into organizing information in this book and the way it was presented for the reader. The seasons in the wheel of the year are related to the wheel of life and regenerative currents we should all tap into. The beginning was spiritual, mystical and reverent and I drew me in. I was reminded to deepen my relationship with living earth, spirit and self. Told what a witch is and that a Green Witch aligns with the earth’s cycles I wanted to do the same.

Each Season has a beginning page that lays out the basics and then carries on to give more detail. The illustrations are gorgeous and monochromatic giving an intensity but also a softness. Included in the pages are basic information on witch/wicca and the relationship to the earth, seasonal information on plants...well...there is a LOT of information for the novice but the herbal information is minimal but enough to whet the appetite.

I might caution the reader to make sure they do due diligence and seek to ensure that all recipes included are “safe” by referring to more than one other resource so no harm is done another. I did not take the time to make sure but would if this book were in my possession and planned to try the recipes.

I enjoyed reading this book and believe it would be one to refer to throughout the year and perhaps return to from year to year. I believe I need more time with the book to fully appreciate what is within its pages but...did enjoy reading it today.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars
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This book of full f theory and explanation of various witch philosophies. When it's time for the actual apothecary, the book is split in the season. Each season has specific prayers and rituals, herbs and recipes to use such herbs. This is a great source of information for those wanting to learn.
I wasn't big on the full page art works. The blue was lovely but I didn't understand what was trying to be conveyed. The line drawings with were lovely and appropriate.

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The Witch's Herbal Apothecary is a handbook, herbal, and tutorial guide by Marysia Miernowska. Due out 14th Jan 2020 from Quarto on their Fair Winds Press imprint, it's 224 pages and will be available in paperback format.

This is a nicely formatted and logically laid out book. The subject matter is more philosophical and contemplative than scientific. If the title sounds like this book is full of new age 'woo' (and ancient wisdom), well, it is, honestly. That being said, I (firmly 'school of western medicine' and about as non-'woo' as it's possible to be) found quite a lot of interesting food for thought here. This is a well structured and well written book. The author has a sure voice and a deft touch with the written word. She's never strident or preachy and I found a lot to like.

There is a fair bit of meditative poetry and awareness activities included. The first main section of the book: Weaving yourself back into the great web, contains a number of explanatory information about our universe, energy, cycles, and becoming more aware. There is also a chapter containing very general information about healing, basic ritual, what witches do/believe, and there are a number of practical exercises.

The second part of the content (about 75% overall) includes seasonal based ritual and exercises for spring, summer, fall, and winter. There are meditations and practical recipes for the reader to try out.

The last section of the book includes some affirmations, links, resources for further reading, and an index.

All in all, this is a very well made, beautifully illustrated, and gentle book full of alternative wisdom. There is nothing harmful and no evil intent contained here. The 'vibe' of the book is positive and comforting. I could definitely see a lot of practical information here being incorporated by people who follow other belief systems. Is it trendy? No, honestly, it's full of very traditional ideas and ancient philosophy.

I'm a bioengineer, a fully formed product of the western medical school tradition, and I found a lot to like here. Slowing down and being aware of our interconnectedness and our responsibility to one another is absolutely vital to our continued survival on our planet. The sooner the better. If this type of philosophy gets some people to slow down and become more aware of what we're doing to ourselves, then I'm 100% for it.

Four stars.

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