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Reviewed Titles

Autumn Equinox - The Enchantment of Mabon

Herb Magic for Beginners - Down to Earth Enchantments

Ellen Dugan Reviews

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Herb Magic for Beginners cover

Added June 23, 2006

Herb Magic for Beginners

Down to Earth Enchantments

Author: Ellen Dugan
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: May 2006
Genre: Nonfiction: Witchcraft/Wicca/Magic
Format: Trade Paper
Price: $12.95 US
ISBN: 0-7387-0837-2
Author Email/Website: www.geocities.com/edugan_gardenwitch
Reviewer: Safiya Tremayne

In her familiar homey style, Dugan pens a tome that really is accessible for beginners. Herb Magic for Beginners opens with a brief definition of herb magic and the basic rules of all magic. Next readers move onto the timing, terms and tools of herb magic. Planetary associations, colors and the few items to keep on hand are explored as well. Then the fun begins...

Four chapters are dedicated to spells; each chapter focusing on different intentions or results: Love/Happiness, Well-Being/Comfort, Protection, and finally Prosperity. Each chapter follows a basic format - "Spells from the Spice rack" or culinary herbs, "Romantic Plants You May Not Know Are Herbs", "Herbal Trees" and "Garden Witchery". The spells are quick, simple, down-to-earth, but pack a powerful punch. Nothing is extremely detailed or complicated and the book's layout makes it very user-friendly.

Herb Magic for Beginners is the perfect introduction to the fascinating world of herb magic! As an added bonus, this book is sure to pique the reader's interest in garden witchery.

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Autumn Equinox cover

Added January 22, 2006

Autumn Equinox

The Enchantment of Mabon

Author: Ellen Dugan
Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: June 2005
Genre: Nonfiction: Pagan/New Age/Holidays and Celebrations
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $14.95
ISBN: 0-7387-0624-8
Author Email/Website: www.geocities.com/edugan_gardenwitch
Reviewer: Safiya Tremayne

I've always loved the harvest Sabbats and Mabon is my favorite. To me, this Sabbat is the herald of cooler days and longer nights. Needless to say, I was thrilled when given this book to review. Having read Dugan's earlier works (Cottage Witchery and Garden Witchery both from Llewellyn), I was familiar with her casual, informative, friendly writing style. She conveys information like she's speaking a friend over afternoon tea. Even if you are familiar with some of the material/information in the book, Dugan's enthusiasm and joy makes it seem like you're learning it for the first time.

Divided into nine chapters, it is easy to find exactly what you're looking for. Dugan covers the myths and stories, even adding a new perspective on the myth of Persephone. The section on Fall Magick includes several unique rituals and don't require elaborate decorations or planning. Family-friendly recipes and crafts make it easy to involve the children in the preparation for this festival of balance and plenty. My kids enjoyed making the herbal soaps and devoured every batch of Rosemary Potatoes.

Perfect for the novice or long-time practitioner, Autumn Equinox is the perfect blend of magick, crafting, and a gentle reminder of the glories of an oft-times forgotten Sabbat.

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