The basis of herb magic~and all magic~is the power. This power has worn many names and forms through the centuries; at times even its existence was kept secret; at others it was common knowledge. The power is that which generated and maintains the universe. It is the power that germinates seeds, raises winds, and spins our planet. It is the energy behind birth, life, and death. Everything in the universe was created by it, contains a bit of it, and is answerable to it. In other words, the power is the life~force, the stuff of creation. It is the very substance of existence itself.

The power has been deified and anthropomorphized into a thousand ~thousand Gods and Goddesses, spirits, demons and other unearthly beings. It has been only partially explained in the terms of science, which today is still "discovering" some of its aspects. The power has played an important part in the evolution of the human race, for better or worse. All religions have tapped into it using different symbols and rites, and all magicians have wielded its powers.

Above the ritual and religion and magic the power exists, changeless in its eternal change. The power is in everything, and everything is in the power. (One of the problems of some modern religions is that they assert that the power is outside us, and not within.) Call it what you like, visualize it as you may, the power really is the power.

Definition~ Magic is the practice of causing change through the use of powers as yet not defined or accepted by science. I can cause change by accepted means (by calling a friend on the phone I can find out how she's doing); this is not magic. But when I do not have access to a phone, or my friend does not answer, I can make a sachet of thyme, yarrow, and bay, tie it around my neck, still my mind and, using my herb ~ fortified psychic powers, discover if she is all right. This is its practicality: magic can be used when no other means are available.

What methods are at the disposal of most people to guard their homes against theft? How can a lonely woman attract a love into her life? In what manner, beyond visiting doctors and buying medicines, can most people aid their bodies to combat illness?

Most people would not know how to answer the above questions save in the most physical ways: a lock, a new perfume and bed rest may be suggested as solutions. These are fine starts, but they can be supplemented with surer methods~they can be backed up with magic.

Magic is useful for solving these, and other common problems, but it becomes indespensable when dealing with occult matters. Need a glimpse into the future? Make a tea of rosebuds, drink it directly before going to bed, and remember your dreams. Or, wear some deerstongue wrapped in yellow cloth. Do you believe you're the target of a hex or curse? Doctors will direct you to the nearest psychiatrist; Witches and Magicians will tell you to sprinkle red pepper around your property and then bathe in mimosa flowers. Magic has many (but not quite all) of the answers.

There is an important point running through these words: magic, however simple it might seem, provides practical solutions to problems.

The power behind herb magic is formless, shapeless, eternal. It doesn't care whether you call on it in the name of a Witch Goddess or the Virgin Mary~or tap it within no religious framework at all. It is always there, present in abundance no matter where we are or where we travel in the universe.

Though the power is formless, it takes on many forms: a wildebeest has the power, so does a computer, or a dandelion. Some materials contain higher concentrations of the pwoer than others; these include plants, gems, and metals. Each substance also contain different types of power, or vibrational rates. The vibrations of a piece of pine wood, for example, are far different from those of a perfect, faceted diamond.

This vibratory rate is determined by several factors: chemical make-up, form, density, and so on. The powers resident in herbs are determined by the plant's habitat, scent, color, form, and other considerations. Similar substances usually possess similar vibrations.

Herb magic, then, is the use of herbs to cause needed changes. These plants contain energies~each as distinct as human faces. For maximum effects the herbs chosen for a spell should possess vibrations that match your need. Cedar is fine for attracting money, but wouldn't be of help in a fertility spell.

To practice herb magic you must know the powers of the plants. To fulfill a need, just manipulate the herbs to give their powers direction. It is that simple.

Herb magic is easy because the powers (i.e., vibrations) lie in the herbs themselves. No outside forces need be called into play, for the power is resident within the organic matter. A few simple procedures are all that is necessary. These "rites" include tying knots, boiling water, lighting candles, sewing and burying things in the Earth. More important than its simplicity, perhaps, is the fact that herb magic works.

Adapted from ~ Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, by Scott Cunningham