litematcha's review
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
4.25
I picked up this book from my local library to learn more about green witchcraft as a disabled person with chronic pain. Each chapter covers a range of ways to incorporate wellness tools and tips that can only be learned from years of experience. I was moved to hear from another witch who lives with chronic pain, as most of the tips for disabled witches I've seen online only advise to meditate and research topics from bed. This book was a breath of fresh air for new advice, including tucking sigils for pain relief between layers of bandages, carrying aromatherapy inhaler tubes to smell when anxious, and working with supportive plant spirits/allies. Blackthorn's writing is easily understood and grounded in reality, and safety tips are pointed out at every turn.
I found the chapters "Plants of Purpose" and "Essential Oils for Wellness" to be most helpful for my interest in green witchcraft, specifically interviewing potential plant allies and a beginner's guide to creating essential oil blends. I skimmed the parts about astrology and tarot because they didn't apply to me, so I can't offer a review for those parts. Overall, this book inspired me to incorporate witchcraft into my care practices and was a great introduction to working with essential oils.
Content Warnings
Chapter 2, Facing Our Fear, gets into the shadow work of wellness and may be triggering to some people.
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