Viridarium Umbris

Viridarium Umbris

The Silver Branch and the Otherworld

• Shares insights from herbalism, ecology, neurobiology, psychology, Irish history, and magical tradition to show how to tap into the flow of communication from the wild world • Explores the seven principles of animist herbalism and the ancient Irish understanding of the “three cauldrons” of the body, showing how they can be applied to the practice of modern herbalism • Introduces thirteen important plant and fungi allies and provides simple practices for deepening your connections with wild plants and your ancestors To our ancestors, the wild world around them was filled with meaning, guidance, and insight. They recognized the symbols hidden in Nature that represent invitations to connect with our wild kin, such as the Silver Branch of Irish legend. They understood that plants and fungi are living teachers who can become our allies in healing and magic. They knew that there is deep healing available when one lives in direct connection with the living world. Braiding together insights from herbalism, ecology, neurobiology, psychology, Irish history, and magical tradition, Seán Pádraig O’Donoghue shows how we, too, can tap into the flow of communication from the wild world and our ancestral traditions to transform our lives, culture, and worlds. Introducing the seven principles of animist herbalism, he revitalizes the ancient Irish understanding of the "three cauldrons" of the body and shows how this framework can be applied to the practice of modern herbalism. He examines the importance of physical and spiritual nourishment, including the role of seasonal ritual in setting the rhythms of our lives. He shares ancient Irish stories, with precautions and protocols regarding the ethics of engaging the Otherworld and working with plant medicines, especially psychedelics. O’Donoghue introduces 26 of his closest plant and fungi allies, discussing what it means to develop a relationship with a plant and how to work with their medicines for healing and magic. He also provides simple practices for rooting in nature, navigating the wheel of the year, and deepening your connection with wild plants as well as the sun, water, and the ancestors. Revealing the depths of healing and magic available through wild plants, O’Donoghue helps us to reconnect body and spirit with the living world around us.

The Many Faced Jewel, vol. 1, Traditional Witchcraft

"The Many Faced Jewel" deals with the primal, transcendental, reality of the witches' Sabbat. It outlines how the individual can hook into this reality, as well as how this basic reality has been recognized by a variety of mystical religious traditions throughout the ages. These include Christian, Gnostic, Islamic, and Pagan mysticism. It examines the fundamental unity between these esoteric traditions based on their partaking of the "Primal Vision" of the Sabbat. Next, it looks at 19th century influences on 20th century traditional witchcraft. This includes themes such as the megalithic tradition in Europe, Gerald Massey's work, the concept of the Cabiri, and Neo-Druidism. It documents an example of the influence of Freemasonry on the Craft. Finally, it presents practical instructions and theory. These include treatments of the thought of Austin Osman Spare and Andrew Chumbley. It includes a grimoire with cosmology, descriptions of gods, advice on ritual, as well as a ritual framework. It also contains a treatment of the Toadstone in relation to the Sabbat and witchcraft, and outlines a system of esoteric anatomy and practice. "The Many Faced Jewel" complements "The Magitians Discovered", volumes 1 and 3, and clarifies and deepens themes in these works, relating them to traditional witchcraft.