A Wiccan herb garden is a sacred space where practitioners of Wicca can grow and cultivate a variety of plants that hold spiritual and magical significance. The garden serves as a connection to nature and a source for herbs used in rituals, spells, and potions. Wiccans believe in the power of natural elements and plants to enhance their spiritual practices and create a deeper connection with the divine. The herb garden is a physical manifestation of this belief, providing a tangible space to harness the energies and vibrations of specific herbs. In a Wiccan herb garden, there is a careful selection of plants based on their magical properties, associations with deities, and healing attributes. Common herbs found in these gardens include lavender, rosemary, sage, chamomile, and mint, among others.
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I was reading an ebook version, so maybe I was just caught by surprise more than I would have been had it been a physical book, but things did feel as if they got wrapped up fairly quickly. The threat of drakes who attack in the daylight is only the beginning of a darker menace stirring in the kingdom one whose origins have dire implications for Kate s father s attack upon the king and will thrust them into the middle of a brewing civil war in the kingdom of Rime.
Common herbs found in these gardens include lavender, rosemary, sage, chamomile, and mint, among others. Each herb holds its symbolic meaning and spiritual properties. Lavender, for example, is associated with promoting peace and calmness, while rosemary is believed to enhance memory and focus.
Serena’s Review: “Onyx and Ivory”
Book Description: They call her Traitor Kate. It’s a title Kate Brighton inherited from her father after he tried to assassinate the high king years ago. Now Kate lives as an outcast, clinging to the fringes of society as a member of the Relay, the imperial courier service. Only those most skilled in riding and bow hunting ride for the Relay; and only the fastest survive, for when dark falls, the nightdrakes—deadly flightless dragons—come out to hunt. Fortunately, Kate has a secret edge: she is a wilder, born with magic that allows her to influence the minds of animals.
The high king’s second son, Corwin Tormane, never asked to lead. Even as he waits for the uror—the once-in-a-generation ritual to decide which of the king’s children will succeed him—he knows it’s always been his brother who will assume the throne. And that’s fine by him. He’d rather spend his days away from the palace, away from the sight of his father, broken with sickness from the attempt on his life.
With their paths once more entangled, Kate and Corwin have to put the past behind them. The threat of drakes who attack in the daylight is only the beginning of a darker menace stirring in the kingdom—one whose origins have dire implications for Kate’s father’s attack upon the king and will thrust them into the middle of a brewing civil war in the kingdom of Rime.
Review: This is another book that I requested primarily based on the beautiful cover art. Another win for the “no models on covers” team! I was also intrigued by the dueling narratives, though I think I generally tend to be a reader who prefers only one POV. But, if done right, I’ve loved alternating narrators in the past, and I was hopeful for this one. Plus, I’m always there for any fantasy story that involves animal magic!
Kate is living a life in hiding. After her father was executed for attempting to murder his good friend, the king, Kate’s life fell to pieces. Where once she had a best friend and burgeoning love in Prince Corwin, now she has only estrangement and bitterness at his failure to stand up for her and her father. Her cozy life working alongside her father in the palace stables has turned to one fraught with danger and hard work as she tries to support herself as a mail carrier in a land full of dangerous beasts that kill any out after dark. All of this while she tried to hide her magical ability to influence animals from the inquisitionists roaming the realm looking to round up and dispose of those like her.
Corwin’s life, too, is not what he once believed it would be. After years in self-imposed exile, he has returned to a country that doesn’t seem to need him, being well run by his brother in his ailing father’s place. But when strange attacks begin to happen in daylight, Corwin and Kate find there paths crossing again, as they both strive against dark forces at work in the kingdom.
Both Kate and Corwin were strong narrators with compelling arcs of their own, plus the storyline of their re-building relationship. Kate’s magic was intriguing and throughout the story, we learn alongside her what she is truly capable of. What’s more, her story is an interesting take on persecution and privilege. Up to this point, Kate has been comfortable enough hiding her magic. She has believed the stories she has been told about the dangers of her magic and that of others like her. So, while she lives in fear of being caught, she hasn’t had to truly confront what life is like for those who didn’t grow up in a palace, free from suspicion primarily because of position. Throughout the story, Kate witnesses the harsh realities of what this type of persecution, based on nothing more than fear, is like for those who have not had this type of shield. Once she is thrown back into life alongside those in power, she begins to see that her role can no longer be that of a passive player, content to use her powers in secret and live a quiet life.
Corwin’s story is fraught with insecurity and doubt. His self-esteem and self-respect have been poisoned by regret over his lost relationship with Kate and his perceived failures of her and of his country. The story introduces an intriguing concept with a sort of test that historically has been signaled by the arrival of a two-toned animal. This test determines which heir will inherit the throne. In his early 20s, the time is well past when this sign should have arrived and Corwin sees this as confirmation of his own failures. When the sign finally does arrive, Corwin must learn to accept his own strengths and make his own choices.
I also very much enjoyed the romance between these two characters. This isn’t first love, as that happened earlier in each of their lives only to be cut short by the trauma of Kate’s father’s betrayal of Corwin’s father. So when they are forced back to each other, their is doubt, hurt, and betrayal that must be dealt with. Beyond this is the understanding that Kate, the daughter of a traitor, will never be considered a worthy consort for a would-be king. What’s more, they each have secrets: Kate’s own magic, which she fears to reveal to Corwin whose own mother was killed by an out-of-control magic wielder; and Corwin’s lost years which clearly added to the self-doubt he feels with regards to himself.
The world-building and magic system were fairly standard, but I didn’t really see this as a down side. I very much enjoyed the magical creatures who descriptions were terrifying and whose presence and limitations based on day and night clearly shaped much of what goes on in this kingdom. I particularly liked the magical system set up for the process of inheritance. It was a unique concept and the trials themselves were exciting. The villain was also quite good. There were numerous red herrings and the motivations and methods of said villain were also a good reveal.
Overall, I had a blast reading this book. I was able to slip quickly and easily into this world. I cared about both Kate and Corwin’s stories separately, and was invested in their relationship as a couple. My only criticism comes with the ending. There’s this great battle scene full of magic, fighting, and sufficient stakes, and then it kind of just…ends. I was reading an ebook version, so maybe I was just caught by surprise more than I would have been had it been a physical book, but things did feel as if they got wrapped up fairly quickly. I’m also assuming there is going to be a sequel, though I haven’t seem mention of that anywhere! All in all, however, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a fairly standard fantasy, but the strength of its two narrators and the solid romance kicked it up pretty high on my own personal rating scale.
Rating 9: Two main characters whom you can’t help but root for!
Reader’s Advisory:
“Onyx and Ivory” is a new title, so it isn’t on any relevant Goodreads lists, but it should be on “Multiple POV Fantasy Books.”
Find “Onyx and Ivory” at your library using WorldCat!
“Onyx and Ivory” is a new title, so it isn’t on any relevant Goodreads lists, but it should be on “Multiple POV Fantasy Books.”
These herbs are often used in spells, rituals, and incense preparations to invoke their specific energies. The layout of a Wiccan herb garden can vary depending on personal beliefs and preferences. Some practitioners may opt for a traditional layout with clearly defined sections for different types of herbs. Others may prefer a more free-flowing design that mimics the natural growth patterns of the plants. Harvesting herbs from a Wiccan herb garden is a sacred act done with intention and respect. Wiccans emphasize the importance of asking permission from the plant before taking its leaves or flowers. They believe that by expressing gratitude and acknowledging the plant's energy, they maintain a harmonious relationship with nature. Furthermore, Wiccans may incorporate lunar cycles and astrological influences into their herb-gardening practices. They may plant and harvest herbs in alignment with specific moon phases or when certain planets are in astrological signs associated with the plant's attributes. Overall, a Wiccan herb garden serves as a sanctuary for Wiccans to connect with nature, harness the energies of specific plants, and cultivate a deeper spiritual practice. It is a tangible reminder of the power of herbs and their ability to enhance magical workings and rituals within the Wiccan tradition..
Reviews for "The Art of Drying and Preserving Wiccan Herbs from Your Garden"
1. Emily - ⭐️⭐️ - I was really excited to try out the Wiccan herb garden, but I was ultimately disappointed with the product. The seeds took forever to germinate, and even when they finally did, the plants grew very slowly. The herbs that did manage to grow were stunted and had a very poor flavor. I followed the instructions carefully and provided the recommended care, but I just couldn't get the results I was hoping for. I was expecting a bountiful and magical herb garden, but all I got was frustration.
2. David - ⭐️ - I have to say, purchasing the Wiccan herb garden was a complete waste of money and time. The seeds provided were of very poor quality, and most of them failed to sprout at all. The few that did sprout were weak and unhealthy. I've had success with other herb gardens in the past, so I know it's not a lack of gardening skills on my part. This product was a huge letdown, and I would not recommend it to anyone. Save your money and invest in a different herb garden kit or buy seeds from a reputable supplier.
3. Sarah - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - While I didn't have a terrible experience with the Wiccan herb garden, I also didn't find it particularly impressive. The seeds germinated fine, but the growth of the plants was quite slow. The plants also seemed less vibrant and flavorful compared to herbs I've grown from other kits. Additionally, some of the seeds provided were mislabeled, which was disappointing. Overall, it was an average gardening experience, but I expected more from a kit specifically marketed as a Wiccan herb garden.