Author: A. J. Drew Trade Paperback, 240 pages
Publisher: New Page Books
Publication date: 2004
List: US$19.95
ISBN: 1564147827 Price & More Info: Click Here
|
I hadn't planned on reviewing this book, but as I have enjoyed Mr. Drew's
other work I decided to put this book in my stack to be reviewed. Every
time I get one of his books, I find myself shaking my head. I'm not
disagreeing with what he has to say, just that he has the nerve to say it
(and in print, no less!!). His positions are always made absolutely clear,
with no apologies for making members of the Pagan community uncomfortable.
Now if we could get a few dozen more authors like him.
This is one of those books which should be in the library of every
Witch/Wiccan/Pagan healer out there. In fact, you don't need to be a healer
to include this book in your reading. A.J.'s approach to the subject of
herbalism and related topics is common-sense based. He explains why he
recommends specific actions, herbs, etc. You don't have to agree with him
(but I suspect most readers will find lots of reasons to do just that). He
explains the difference between gender (masculine/feminine) and sex
(male/female) in a way which attempts to be non-offensive. He will still
offend some people, he realizes, but makes the effort because it needs to be
done.
A.J. appears to me to be one of those individuals who "enjoy" the
distinction of being too dogmatic for some and too wishy-washy for others.
He opposes the "if it feels right, it is right" school of spellcraft (too
dogmatic), but won't condemn it if it works for you (too wishy-washy). He
knows he can't please everyone, so he doesn't try to please anyone but
himself.
I don't need to remind you that the information in this book is not intended
to diagnose or treat any medical conditions -- the author does that himself.
Nor does he pretend that the information assembled here is complete -- that
would be an impossibility. It is, however, an excellent reference book, wit
h enough remedies, recipes and guidance to be in constant use.
I'm sure there are "more complete" herbals available; and "more complete"
formularies; but for sheer ease of use and understandability, it would be
hard to beat this book.
Once again, Mr. Drew has produced an excellent resource for the Pagan
community. I hope he continues to produce such valuable books for a long
time to come.
Reviewed by Mike Gleason
|