A Shamanic Herbal - by Matthew Wood (Paperback)

About the Book

"An experiential exploration of nature's teachers on the shamanic spiritual path"--

Book Synopsis

An experiential journey into shamanism as a spiritual path and the teachings of plants, animals, and Nature

- Explores the alphabet of Nature personified in animals and the spiritual lessons of animal medicines--animals personified in plants--including Turtle, Bear, Deer, Wolf, Alligator, and Horse Medicine teachings

- Shares profound experiences from the author's long career as an herbalist and his first years growing up on a remote Seminole reservation in the Everglades

- Offers shamanic adventures interwoven with comparisons to the psychology of Freud and Jung, the visions of Castaneda, and the occult teachings of Steiner and Gurdjieff

Sharing profound experiences from his long career as well as his first years growing up on a remote Seminole reservation in the Everglades, renowned herbalist Matthew Wood interweaves practical herbalism and the spiritual potency of Nature to deeply explore the plant teachers, animal medicines, and foundational principles of shamanism as a spiritual path.

Wood describes a universal "language of the shamans," based on direct, sometimes supernatural experiences as well as case studies from his practice. He examines the alphabet of Nature and spiritual lessons personified in animals and plants, especially "animal medicines"--when the plant looks like an animal. He shares accounts of Turtle Medicine plants for self-examination, Bear Medicine plants to open the imagination, and Wolf Medicine plants for wholeness and magic. He explores the plants of Alligator Medicine for healthful prosperity, Horse Medicine plants to bring the conscious self in harmony with the animal self, Badger Medicine plants to strengthen gut instincts, and many other herb and animal teachers. He also looks at plants associated with journeying to the spirit world through the medicine of Crane, Dragon, and Bat.

Revealing the shamanic roots of his herbal teachings, Matthew Wood provides not only an inside view of his lifelong spiritual path but also an immersive and experiential guide to the shamanic wisdom of countless plant and animal teachers.

Review Quotes

"A Shamanic Herbal is an exploration of a myriad of traditions from the history of humanity in the quest for merging the messages of plants, animals, and the elements for a greater understanding of our place in the universe."-- "Brigitte Mars, coauthor of Natural Remedies for Mental and Emotional Health"

"A Shamanic Herbal is an opus on working with shamanic medicine power via plants, animals, and 'the spirit.' This groundbreaking treatise will bring validity to incorporating spirit into all herbal healing practices. Present and future healers will praise this book for being the seminal body of work on the topic."-- "Pam Montgomery, author of Plant Spirit Healing"

"A unique and remarkable herbal that describes how plants work at a shamanic level. Through engaging stories and drawing on authentic experience, together with centuries-old wisdom, Matthew reveals how plants can assist us on a spiritual journey of transformation. Highly recommended for anyone interested in herbs and shamanism."-- "Carole Guyett, author of Sacred Plant Initiations"

"As a formative, new, well-written, and well-researched book by master herbalist Matthew Wood, this book opens new doors for a greater understanding of the sacred tools used by shamans throughout the world. It is a comprehensive, inspiring, and practical journey."-- "Itzhak Beery, author of The Gift of Shamanism"

"As a lifelong practitioner of Plant Spirit Medicine and Animal Spirit Medicine, Matthew Wood gifts us with a truly profound volume. This is a book to turn to again and again, addressing both physical and spiritual needs."-- "Ellen Evert Hopman, author of Secret Medicines from Your Garden"

"As an elder, herbalist, and adventure shaman, this is one book I could spend the rest of my life with."-- "Thea Summer Deer, D.S.P.S., author of Wisdom of the Plant Devas"

"In this multidimensional study, Matthew Wood explores the various cross-cultural, mystical, and phenomenological paths that lead to a truly profound understanding of herbalism."-- "Wolf-Dieter Storl, Ph.D., author of The Heart and Its Healing Plants"

"Matthew Wood explores the spiritual and cosmological patterns behind nature, people, and plants, showcasing how herbal medicines have the power to not only heal us physically but also to support our personal growth and spiritual development."-- "Sajah Popham, author of Evolutionary Herbalism"

"Matthew Wood's story is told, and suddenly you realize that you are the seed growing to fruit within the cocoon, the circled filaments of this amazing adventure wound 'round until you have understood. You are the chrysalis, now ready to wiggle out into a new world."-- "Margi Flint, herbalist and author of The Practicing Herbalist"

"The title of this book doesn't begin to describe the range of what is covered within its pages. Along with fulfilling the title's promise, Matthew Wood looks at shamanism concerning Western traditions and religions."-- "Evelyn Rysdyk, author of The Norse Shaman"

"When it comes to plant medicine, Matthew Wood is an absolute genius. With A Shamanic Herbal, he demonstrates how our ever-generous plant allies not only heal our bodies but also help our souls to evolve and guide us in experiencing wholeness/holiness."-- "Jen Frey, author of Communicating with Plants"

"Wow! Matthew Wood, one of our great modern-day herbalists, integrates his knowledge and wisdom of spirit and soul into a rich medley of animal medicine, human health, and clinical experience. He is a brilliant poetic genius!"-- "Robert Dale Rogers, RH (AHG), mycologist and author of The Fungal Pharmacy"

About the Author

Matthew Wood has been a practicing herbalist for more than 40 years. An internationally known author and lecturer in the field, he holds a master of science degree in herbal medicine from the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine and is the author of several books, including The Earthwise Herbal and The Book of Herbal Wisdom. He runs an online school, the Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism, and lives in Spring Valley, Wisconsin.