Friday 3 May 2024

Review: Witch's Forest: Trees in Magic and Folklore

Enter the Witch's Forest and you might find gods, ghosts and monsters, magic, charms and natural remedies. Open the pages of the book with that title and you will learn their secrets. 

Witch's Forest is the latest in Kew Gardens' series by Sandra Lawrence, published through Welbeck. Here's the description:

"There is more folklore, mythology and magic associated with our trees and forests than with any other living things. Known throughout the world as dark and wild places where witches make mischief and eerie creatures dwell, forests are also places of sanctuary for the ancient magic and the most enchanting species of trees. Kew: Witch’s Forest is a beautifully illustrated, captivating journey through the magical woodland and its stories, from birch broomsticks and the sacred olive, to alder doorways and the Tree of Life."

The book has pages on a hundred or so different trees, describing folk tales and beliefs about them from around the world as well as their traditional uses. Each entry is accompanied by a gorgeous botanical illustration. There are also sections on the Wheel of the Year, ancient and sacred groves, and The Cunning Woman's Stillroom. It's engagingly written and full of fascinating information.

I was very much looking forward to reading Witch's Forest as I love Sandra's earlier ones on the Witch's Garden and Mushrooms. I was not disappointed. 

You can view Kew - Witch's Forest on Amazon and via Welbeck. (Please note: I earn commission from some links. This helps subsidise my blog at no extra cost to readers.)

Other previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2019/11/pagan-eye-scarlet-oak-leaves-in-autumn.html 
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/09/healing-herbs-periwinkle-flowers-at-kew.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/09/pagan-eye-hive-at-kew-gardens.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/03/rounding-year-too-soon-for-silver-birch.html

No comments: