The Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs is a comprehensive guidebook that explores the uses, properties, and folklore of various herbs in magical and mystical practices. This extensive reference provides a wealth of information for those interested in herbalism, witchcraft, and other magical traditions. The encyclopedia delves into the history of herbal magic and its connection to ancient civilizations. It examines how different cultures and traditions have utilized herbs to achieve specific magical goals. From ancient Egypt and Greece to Native American and Celtic practices, the book explores the diversity and significance of herbs in various magical systems. Each entry in the encyclopedia provides in-depth information about a specific herb, including its botanical name, common name, magical properties, and folklore.
Each entry in the encyclopedia provides in-depth information about a specific herb, including its botanical name, common name, magical properties, and folklore. The entries also detail the herb's associations with astrology, deities, elements, and other aspects of magical and spiritual practices. In addition to the individual herb entries, the encyclopedia offers comprehensive sections on topics such as herb gathering, drying and storing herbs, creating herbal remedies, and using herbs in rituals and spells.
The site where Salem’s ‘witches’ were executed is now next to a Walgreens
The morning of June 10, 1692, started with a hanging.
Bridget Bishop, a woman convicted of witchcraft — though it’s more likely her only crimes were promiscuity (by Puritans’ strict standards) and a tendency to gossip — was escorted to a prominent spot near Salem, Mass. Her hands were bound behind her back, her legs and petticoat tied tight. Her neck was slipped through a loop of rope tied to a tree branch, and she was placed halfway up a ladder.
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Then, even as Bishop protested her innocence, the ladder was kicked out from under her. The woman fell, her neck wrenched by the rope. Within a few minutes she was dead.
Bishop was the first of 19 people to be hanged in this spot, more than 300 years ago, during the months of paranoia and pain that were the Salem witch trials. But until this week, no one knew exactly where it was that Bishop and her fellow “witches” had been killed.
AdvertisementIt happened, it turns out, on a wooded ledge overlooking town that could have been seen from houses in the village below. A sensible spot for a public execution, allowing everyone in town to witness “an example of what happens to people who break the law,” researcher Emerson “Tad” Baker told the Boston Globe.
These days, the site of so much senseless death is dominated by something slightly less ominous than a gallows.
It overlooks a Walgreens.
“When people come here from other places . . . they all want to know where it happened,” Kenneth Glover , who gives tours in Salem, told the Globe.
Now he can tell them. If he wants to.
The city of Salem, which has spent much of the past three centuries both reveling in and atoning for its grim history, plans to install a plaque at the humble spot, according to the Salem News. Authorities are also seeking funds to clean up the area and to prepare it for the inevitable tourist traffic.
Advertisement“This is part of our history,” Mayor Kimberley Driscoll told the Globe. “And this is an opportunity for us to be honest about what took place.”
Salem’s witch trials started in January 1692, when the 9-year-old Elizabeth Parris and her 11-year-old cousin Abigail Williams — the daughter and niece of Salem’s minister — began having strange fits. A doctor diagnosed the cause as supernatural, and under pressure from local officials, the girls blamed three local women for their affliction.
The hysteria was contagious, as was the girls’ mysterious illness, apparently. Before long, the “affliction” spread to nearly a dozen girls, and more than 200 people would be accused of witchcraft, according to Smithsonian Magazine.
Share this article ShareBishop was the first to die. According to contemporary accounts, she was carted to a spot called “Gallows Hill” for her hanging, as were 18 other accused “witches.” Giles Corey, the 20th person to be executed for witchcraft, was killed via an archaic punishment called peine forte et dure because he refused to enter a plea — heavy stones were loaded onto his chest until he suffocated.
Although the Salem trials and executions are among the well recorded events in early American history — more than 1,000 documents survive from the time, Baker told the Salem News — none of the accounts were very specific about where exactly the hangings happened. Witnesses were too busy passing judgment on their ill-fated neighbors, most likely. Or else they were trying to make sure that they didn’t get accused next.
AdvertisementEither way, pinpointing the spot where 19 Salem “witches” died turned out to be a near-magical investigative feat.
Some believed that the men and women were hanged at the top of a hill in Salem called Gallows Hill — a sensible conclusion, given the name and the fact that witnesses identified the hill as the execution spot. But that hill didn’t quite fit the descriptions from contemporary accounts.
So the seven-member Gallows Hill Project team, which included Baker and other Salem scholars, began combing through the documents looking for alternate proposals. Their best bet was the spot near the Walgreens, known locally as Proctor’s Ledge (John Proctor was one of the “witches” killed there, and the ledge is named for one of his descendants), about a quarter of a mile from Gallows Hill.
These sections provide practical guidance and techniques for incorporating magical herbs into one's spiritual practice. The encyclopedia emphasizes the importance of ethical and sustainable herbal practices. It encourages readers to respect nature, cultivate their own herbs, and source herbs responsibly. The book also educates readers about the potential dangers and contraindications associated with certain herbs, promoting a safe and responsible approach to herbal magic. Overall, the Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the rich and intricate world of herbal magic. Its extensive coverage, comprehensive information, and practical guidance make it an indispensable tool for practitioners, researchers, and enthusiasts alike. Whether one is seeking to enhance their magical spells, connect with nature, or explore the fascinating history and folklore of herbs, this encyclopedia offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration..
Reviews for "Dive into the Enchanting World of Magical Herbs with this Comprehensive Encyclopedia"
1. Jane - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the "Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs." I was hoping it would provide detailed information about various herbs and their uses, but I found it to be lacking in substance. The book only covered a limited number of herbs and the information provided was very basic. It didn't go into much depth on the magical properties and uses of each herb, which was a major letdown for me. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for comprehensive and detailed information on magical herbs.
2. Mark - 2 stars
I purchased the "Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs" with high hopes, but sadly, it didn't meet my expectations. While the book did include a decent variety of herbs, the information provided was often too vague and lacking in practical advice. I was hoping to learn more about how to incorporate these herbs into my magical practices, but the book fell short in that aspect. Additionally, the overall organization of the book was confusing and made it hard to find the specific information I was looking for. I would suggest exploring other resources if you're serious about delving into the world of magical herbs.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I was excited to dive into the "Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs," but unfortunately, it left me feeling underwhelmed. The book lacked depth and failed to provide comprehensive information on each herb. I was expecting more detailed explanations of the magical properties, associations, and uses of each herb, but instead, I found myself left with more questions than answers. The lack of visual references or illustrations also made it difficult to fully grasp the characteristics and appearances of the herbs. All in all, I found the book to be a bit lacking in substance and would recommend seeking out more in-depth sources on magical herbs.