Sacred herbs have always held a significant role in various spiritual practices, including Wicca. In Wiccan beliefs, herbs are believed to possess magical properties that can be used for protection, healing, and enhancing psychic abilities. In particular, there are several herbs that are highly regarded for their protective qualities. **One such herb is sage**. Sage is often used in Wiccan rituals and ceremonies as it is believed to ward off negative energy and spirits. Burning sage, also known as smudging, is a common practice to cleanse and purify a space or person.
During their flight, Liir and Trism become lovers. They eventually end up at the Cloister of St. Glinda, where Commander Cherrystone and the Home Guard besiege them. The mauntery is spared from attack because Glinda is staying there on retreat. With her help, they come up with a plan for the pair's escape: Liir will fly away on his broom, while Trism will leave with Glinda, disguised as her servant. Returning to the Conference of Birds, Liir flies about Oz, collecting and training a huge flock of Birds, which he leads to the Emerald City. Over the City, they fly in formation as a huge representation of the Witch, with Liir as "the keen black eye of the Witch."
Liir becomes convinced that Nor is in Southstairs, a subterranean city that operates as a maximum-security prison, and seeks the aid of Glinda, appointed acting ruler of Oz after the Wizard s departure. Son of a Witch continues the story after the fall from power of the Wizard of Oz and the death of Elphaba, Maguire s reinvention of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Burning sage, also known as smudging, is a common practice to cleanse and purify a space or person. It is believed that the smoke of burning sage clears away any negative influences and creates a protective barrier. **Another powerful herb is rosemary**.
Son of a Witch - (Wicked Years) by Gregory Maguire (Paperback)
In this follow-up to "Wicked"--the basis for the Tony Award-winning musical--beloved novelist Maguire returns at last to the land of Oz and introduces readers to Liir, the small boy Elphaba leaves behind at her untimely death.
Book Synopsis
The Wicked Years continue in Gregory Maguire's Son of a Witch--the heroic saga of the hapless yet determined young man who may or may not be the offspring of the fabled Wicked Witch of the West. A New York Times bestseller like its predecessor, the remarkable Wicked, Son of a Witch follows the boy Liir on his dark odyssey across an ingeniously re-imagined and nearly unrecognizable Land of Oz--a journey that will take him deep into the bowels of the Emerald City, lately abandoned by the Wizard, and into the jaws of dragons. At once a grim fairy tale and an uplifting adventure, Son of a Witch is a true wonder.
From the Back Cover
In this captivating New York Times bestseller, beloved author Gregory Maguire returns to the land of Oz and introduces us to Liir, an adolescent boy last seen hiding in the shadows of the castle after Dorothy did in the Witch. Is he really Elphaba's son? He has her broom and her cape--but what of her powers? In an Oz that, since the Wizard's departure, is under new and dangerous management, can Liir keep his head down long enough to grow up?
Review Quotes
"Maguire is full of storytelling brio . . . his Oz is meticulously drawn." -- New York Times
"A tale that adroitly mixes drama, humor, and political satire into a well-knit examination of good and evil." -- Library Journal
"Maguire has done it again: Son of a Witch is as wicked as they come. . . . Thoroughly entertaining." -- Boston Globe
"Maguire's captivating, fully imagined world of horror and wonder illuminates the links between good and evil, retribution and forgiveness." -- People
"As fantastical as a novel set in Oz should be." -- Entertainment Weekly
For Wicked: "I fell quickly and totally under the spell of this remarkable, wry, and fully realized story." -- --Wally Lamb, author of She's Come Undone and I Know This Much is True
"An amazing novel." -- --John Updike
"Save a place on the shelf between Alice and The Hobbit--that spot is well deserved." -- --Kirkus Reviews
From the Back Cover
Rosemary is associated with the element of fire and is believed to provide protection, purification, and clarity. It is often used in charm bags or added to bathwater to cleanse and protect the individual from negative energies. In Wiccan rituals, rosemary can be used to create sacred space and enhance spiritual connections. **Mugwort** is also highly regarded for its protective properties in Wiccan practice. It is believed to possess strong psychic abilities and can be used to ward off evil spirits, negative energies, and nightmares. Mugwort is often used in dreamwork to enhance lucid dreaming and astral projection. It can be burned as incense or used in herbal sachets for protection. **Juniper** is another herb commonly used for protection in Wicca. Juniper berries are believed to possess powerful protective properties and can be burned, carried in a pouch, or used in magical rituals to ward off negativity and evil. Juniper is often associated with the element of fire and is used to cleanse and purify a space. **Finally, lavender** is a widely-known herb with many uses, including protection. Lavender is believed to calm and soothe the spirit, as well as dispel negative energies. It is often used in purification rituals and can be placed under the pillow to ensure restful sleep and to ward off nightmares. In conclusion, sacred herbs play a vital role in Wiccan practice, particularly for protection. Sage, rosemary, mugwort, juniper, and lavender are just a few examples of herbs that are highly regarded for their ability to ward off negative energies, cleanse spaces, and enhance spiritual connections in the Wiccan tradition. By incorporating these herbs into rituals and personal practices, Wiccans seek to create a protective barrier around themselves and their surroundings while enhancing their magical abilities..
Reviews for "Wicca and Herbal Alchemy: Bringing Protective Herbs to Life"
1. Sarah - 1/5
I was really disappointed with this book on sacred herbs for protection in Wicca. The information provided was extremely basic and lacking in depth. It felt like the author just skimmed the surface of each herb without providing any practical tips or advice on how to use them for protection. I was also hoping for more detailed explanations on the correspondences and symbolism of each herb, but again, this was lacking. Overall, I found this book to be a waste of time and money.
2. John - 2/5
I had high hopes for this book on sacred herbs for protection in Wicca, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. While the author briefly mentions various herbs and their supposed protective properties, there was no scientific evidence or historical context provided to support these claims. I was looking for a more scholarly approach to the subject, but this book fell short. It seemed more like a collection of personal beliefs rather than an informative guide. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone looking for a comprehensive and well-researched resource on the topic.
3. Emily - 2/5
I found "Sacred Herbs for Protection in Wicca" to be quite underwhelming. The information provided was quite superficial and lacked in-depth knowledge. The author briefly touched upon various herbs, but didn't provide any practical guidance on how to use them effectively for protection. I was hoping for more detailed instructions and rituals, but this book barely scratched the surface. Additionally, the writing style was quite dry and uninspiring, making it difficult to stay engaged with the material. I would advise looking for alternative resources if you are truly interested in learning about sacred herbs for protection in Wicca.