This is an absolutely beautiful book all the way through and contains some amazing information about crystals.

The format was difficult to read on my ereader. Maybe as a print book, it would have been better, but I could barely get through it. The imagery is beautiful and the writing decent, but other than that, it doesn't have anything to make it stand out against the other books of the same subjec.t

This is a beautiful book. Well written. Helps one to understand crystals better and the effect they can have on ones life. I highly recommend it.

Excellent use of crystal knowledge shown in this book, which shows the author has experience working with these allies. This is really important as so much crystal information is regurgitated from other books without actual practice. Beautiful illustrations throughout. This book is a must have for any crystal lover, and lover of divination that would like to incorporate crystals into that.

New information and exercises to heighten your connections to crystals.

I “fell” into crystals and their uses years ago. They’ve become not just a collection, but my “go-to” companions in times of stress. As a result, I’m always interested when I come across new books on the subject. The Illustrated Crystallary has opened new possibilities and ideas with suggestions on how to connect again with certain crystals.

What is most fascinating about this book is my special connections to each of the crystals Maia Toll uses in the exercises. All the stones mentioned are stones that I’ve always worked with primarily. When I find information like this, it makes me realise just how strong my intuition has been throughout my life and how I should be concentrating and using it to a greater degree.

Thank you, Maia Toll, for reiterating my love for crystals and the power that they have in my life.

Imbali

Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.

As expected each crystal is depicted alongside stunning illustrations. Each of these is filled with symbolism which has been woven into the artwork. The result is a mixture of sublime and serene images that beautifully compliment the words on the pages. As I’d hoped The Illustrated Crystallary is the furthest thing from an encyclopedia then you’d expect. I’ve seen other reviews mention that this isn’t a book for beginners and honestly, I’d disagree; it depends on what you expect to get from this book. If you’re looking for a guide to crystals which explores what they are, what they do and how to use them then this is the wrong book. In that way it’s not an ideal book for a beginner looking to work with crystals, however, that’s because the book isn’t designed with that in mind.

In The Illustrated Crystallary, the crystals aren’t talked about factually; they are introduced to the reader as long lost friends. This level of personalisation distinguishes it from other books I’ve read and was reminiscent of self-help books, especially those on the topic of mindfulness. The messages within the pages of The Illustrated Crystallary is not one of the oversold self-help stereotypes, however. Rather Toll calls on a vast selection of resources, demonstrating brilliant research skills. From Victorian Britain to Taoism, Toll has lovingly put together this crystallary and it shows on each page. She has a way of bringing the information to life, of making it resonate and relatable to modern-day.

For once, crystals and minerals are not alien and mysterious lumps displayed in perfect photos with impersonal words smooshed together telling you how you can tap into their healing potential. Oh no, they’re old friends, reaching out through Toll to advise, reassure and encourage. They speak to us in whispers and anecdotes, reminding us of things we already know and tend to forget. They’ve been on longer journies than we have, Toll writes, have adorned kings and queens, and been forged in the earth. Emerald, for example, is described as a smoky cat who looks over her shoulder with “uncompromising eyes […] as she heads into the dark forest of yourself”. Each one has a message for us, and the way Toll brings these messages, and their stories to life aren’t hokey.

Each entry in the Crystallary follows a specific format; an introduction to the crystal/mineral, followed by a ritual and then a reflection. The rituals are grounded in spirituality rather than having any religious connotation. As a Pagan, I believe I noticed only one or two that felt specifically akin to Paganism. They reminded me more of mindfulness and meditation exercises, with a slight Pagan/Spiritual influence. The one thing I liked about this book was that there is absolutely no pressure to do any of the rituals or reflections. I got quite a lot out of the book just reading it and taking in the ideas and knowledge. The rituals themselves range from setting an intention for a day, carrying a crystal while you explore nature, practising gratitude, making a crystal elixir – as you can see it varies.

In comparison, the reflection section is much more passive and asks questions related to the messages that the crystals have for the reader. This section is designed to make you think, to make you look back over the information you’ve been given and as the title suggests ‘reflect’ upon it. Like the rest of The Illustrated Crystallary, I found the reflections to be insightful.

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I have always have had a fascination with crystals and gemstones. I saw this had to put in the request to read it. I like the illustrated pictures of the crystals inside the book. I received a digital copy of this so I did not get the oracle cards that come with the books. There are pictures of them in the back of the book. They are lovely. I would like to have them and maybe I will look into get a physical copy of this book so I can get the cards. This did make me looks at the true power of crystals and how I would like to read the rest of the books in the Wild Wisdom series.

This is such a beautifully illustrated informational book. The descriptions of the crystals are wonderful and it is a very easy to understand read.

The graphic design of this book is superb, love the illustrations. I also appreciated the different approach to crystals - there is not only a summary of corespondences and meanings, but you also get a meditation for each crystal. Which is really nice if you want to not only learn but also understand them and get to know them better.
I would not recommend this book if you want only some sort of encyclopedia of meanings. Also there is a selection of crystals so maybe look at the content and decide for yourself, if this is what you seek.

This is another stunning book by Maia Toll. I will be buying the hard copy for my library to go with The Illustrated Bestiary and The Illustrated Herbal. All of her books are filled with beautiful imagery and ways we can work with individual animals, herbs, or in this book crystals. I also love the cards that come with each book as they give a focal point for me, when I meditate. I recommend this book for anyone that loves crystals or beginners just getting into crystals - as these books are so easy to read and work with.

DNF
I tried reading this book and it had some pretty illustrations but the digital format was a little hard to read. So I decided to not continue reading the book

A different kind of crystal book, The Illustrated Crystallary by Maia Toll is rich in history and full of wonderful insight on some of the most beloved crystals. Gorgeously illustrated just like her previous books on herbs and animals and once again includes wonderful oracle cards for you to enjoy and work with. Each crystal includes a ritual or experience for you to try and use to connect with the energy of the stone. A wonderful addition to your magical library and perfect for someone who wants to learn more about these gifts from nature.

Such a beautiful book <3
It contains so many useful information about crystals, and it was exactly what I was looking for. I loved that it was focused on the rituals and mad my inner witch very happy.

This book is absolutely gorgeous from beginning to end. I really enjoyed the research and information included here. Each crystal stone is beautifully illustrated and has not only information listed about the stones but examples of rituals and reflections to be made with each one. I think this book offers information for people new to crystals and perhaps additional insight to folks who are already practitioners with stones. (Me? I mostly just like pretty rocks and this book did not disappoint!) My only complaint - and I consider it minor - is I wish there had been a bit more geological information to compliment the spiritual reflections.

This was such a stunning book, I couldn't stop staring. The illustrations just added the perfect element to it and the information presented was just enough to keep me interested. I recommend this to beginners mostly, but to anyone that enjoys a beautiful book as well.

The Illustrated Crystallary was a beautifully illustrated comprehensive dive into all things crystal. I really enjoyed the tone of voice Toll wrote with in the explanations of each crystal. It was less clinical and more conversational and made the whole book feel understandable and relatable instead of a big information dump.

The book included a brief descriptive introduction for each crystal, a ritual to perform with the crystal and a reflection aspect for each crystal. I enjoyed how the rituals and reflections varied in their complexity. Some were extremely simple while others were more involved. It made them seem less daunting for beginners.

All in all, if you’re interested in crystals and want to learn more information, I believe that The Illustrated Crystallary will be a great read for you!

The Illustrated Crystallary is the third book in the Wild Wisdom series. First was The Illustrated Herbiary which was so beautifully done it captured readers and taught us about the use of herbs . The Bestiary about the animal kingdom was next and equal to the first in its beauty and content. This her third book is about the magick of crystals, stones and minerals. 36 crystals are covered here in rituals, science and history of each. The illustrations as always are outstanding and the most beautiful art i have ever seen represented in a book. I highly recommend this series for your reading enjoyment. This is a book to purchase for your collection proudly.

Like Maia Toll's previous books, this one is plentifully illustrated with the most amazing full colour pictures!

It is a general primer about working with crystals and gives a little information about the most well known crystals. It's not a comprehensive book for a lapidarist, but a good introduction for someone who wants to work with crystals magically.

Some simple rituals are given and a paperback would make for an attractive addition to a Pagan bookshelf.

The Illustrated Crystallary Guidance and Rituals from 36 Magical Gems & Minerals is an insightful read with gorgeous illustrations. A book you are sure to read again and again. This is not a Crystal encyclopedia but more of how to work with crystal for self-reflection. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Book Review: The Illustrated Crystallary: Guidance and Rituals from 36 Magical Gems and Minerals by Maia Toll. Illustrated by Kate O'Hara.
Genre: Spirituality
Publisher: Storey Publishing
Release Date: 1st September, 2020

If you are not already aware of this wonderful series by Maia Toll then you are seriously missing out. The Illustrated Crystallary is the third book in the Wild Wisdom series. First there was The Illustrated Herbiary which explored all things plants, flowers and herbs, then came the Bestiary which delved in to the animal kingdom. Now we unearth the magick of crystals, stones and minerals.

As soon as I heard about this release I had to read it.

The format of this book is the same as its predecessors. Featuring 36 crystals/stones with an enchanting write up of their physical traits and energetic properties. Toll writes as though each stone is whispering its secrets to you. Furthermore, there are rituals and reflections that compliment each of the featured crystals.

And, Oh! The Illustrations!

You can't mention this series of books and not talk about the amazingly beautiful and vibrant illustrations by Kate O'Hara. The images are what first drew me to The Illustrated Herbiary and I can't imagine these books without them. I feel drawn to the illustrations the same way I would a stone or crystal. This is what makes the book so magickal.

Not only is this an informative and useful resource but it also works as an oracle; with each of O'Hara's illustrations featured on a deck of cards included with the book.

As I already own The Illustrated Herbiary I know that this book will also be one that I love to take from my shelf and flip through. I always keep the 'Herbiary' on hand for reference when curating spells and rituals. I feel like the 'Crystallary' is going to be just as important to my practice.

I suppose what I'm saying is I love this series of books and I can't wait to add a physical copy of The Illustrated Crystallary to my bookshelf.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for allowing me to read and review an E-ARC of this book.