
Member Reviews

Thank you so much to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. This title had to be read through the app, so I want to preface this by saying I would love to buy a physical copy once this releases. I downloaded this book today and finished it in one sitting. I really loved the accessibility of this guide overall. It has a very clean layout and the illustrations are absolutely beautiful. I had a strong appreciation for the charts included. As a fantasy author, I'm always looking for new references, especially when it comes to witchcraft and herbal remedies. to get my characters out of a bind. I was most fascinated by some of the darker/poisonous plants, and enjoyed reading about the folklore that served as an introduction to the plants and their medicinal and magical properties.
I would have loved to see more folklore throughout the book, but that's truly more of a personal preference. I think this is a great guide for someone who is looking to casually dip a toe into the world of witchcraft and folklore magic, or for someone in the middle of doing research for a creative project! Those who are more experienced might not get the same reward while reading, but it would make a great guide for any aspiring magick lovers out there.
My personal favorite was the section about dandelions! I had no idea they could be used to summon spirits! This was fascinating to me both as a reader and a writer.

This is an easy to read reference book with cute illustrations. However, this doesn’t go very in depth regarding the folklore connections of any of the plants discussed throughout the book. I did like that there was the beginning section detailing different ways to utilize these plants (poultices, tinctures, teas, etc.) but it would have been helpful to have some specific instructions on how to create these applications, rather than just a general brief of what they are.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. I gave it the fourth star for the illustrations and wonderful illustrated charts. I will buy a copy of the book when it's published for those alone. For the experienced witch and or herbalist the information in the book will be very basic but I would recommend it to young or new witches or people who, like me, can't resist the artwork. I also think the title is a bit misleading as there is more herblore than folklore. One other thing I loved about the book is that it contains the Anglo Saxon nine herbs charm.

Beautiful reference book about herbs, plants, flowers, and their uses in both magick and medicine. The section on dangerous/toxic plants was most interesting to me. Loved the beautiful illustrations!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC that allowed me to make this review.
This is a lovely little reference book that talks about the magickal and medicinal uses of many different herbs, flowers, trees, and even poisonous plants. It dives into just enough technical information to inspire the reader to create something from these bits of plant. The beginning of the book also describes many different forms that these herbs may take on, from oils to balms to tea mixes.
However, the actual folklore aspect of the book was lacking. It goes briefly over where the magick ideas of the plants originate, but it leans far more heavily into the uses of these plants than the ideas behind them. If you're looking for a reference book, this is great for a beginner to herbal magick. If you are looking for a deep dive into the history of these plants, this book will not please you.
Having been given the digital copy for free, I'm certainly inclined to buy the physical copy and add it to my collection of informational books. There are quick charts to find the uses of each plant, while also providing more in-depth information for each.

I had the pleasure of reading this today. Thank you very much for the ARC. I don't typically request non fiction but as a crystal witch and lover of myths and fairytales I knew I had to check this out!
This is a staple for any green witch looking to growth their garden for herbs/ flowers. Is specializes in creating Tea's, infusions and tisanes and give also many home remedy applications and uses for the flowers and herbs listed. Many of which I didn't know! The book was beautifully laid out and I loved that they included both metaphysical and physically applications as well as astral signs' found myself making notes as I went for herbs that I would like to use in my garden and will come back to this book as a reference for my practice.
NOTE: It should be noted that when I downloaded it to the Netgallery App a few of the pages through out the book were upside down. I don't know if this is just an app or e book issue.

This is the perfect beginners guide to the magic of the world! ✨
I also loved the historic folklore that was intertwined! It was a really nice starting place for a beginners and I will definitely be doing more research on the back of this.
The illustrations were gorgeous and the book flowed really well. I would definitely buy this as a present for a loved one! 🧙🏼♀️🍃

Perfect beginner's guide 🌿✨
If you want somewhere to start your knowledge about the different herb and flower properties, this guide is definitely one you will keep reaching for!
This book was really instructive, beautiful, and fun to read. I did learn a lot, and I adored every little bit of knowledge it gave me. The illustrations were also so beautiful and enhanced the reading experience tenfold.
Lindsay Squire recently became an auto-buy author for me because their books are such great resources and so beautiful and this book is definitely one of them!
Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Leaping Hare for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this! I loved learning about different herbs/plants/trees and their magical and medicinal properties.

I received this book as an Arc!
It is absolutely stunning with the art throughout it!
However, in my eyes it’s incredibly simple. It doesn’t really dive into folklore so much as it does just herbs and their usage.
Adding on top of this many of the pages were upside down or too blurry to be able to read!
Hoping that gets fixed!!

This is a good intro for anybody who wants to learn more about folklore, herbology and modern witchery. I liked the spotlights on different herbs.

If you’re a fan of witchy vibes, ancient wisdom, and all things green magick, The Witch of the Forest’s Guide to Folklore Magick is like stepping into an enchanted forest. Lindsay Squire weaves together folklore, plant magick, and historical witchcraft traditions in a way that’s both informative and inviting — perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to deepen their practice with a bit of old-world charm.
This isn’t just a spellbook; it’s a walk through the past, connecting modern witches to the wisdom of those who came before. And that’s where the real magic lies.
✨ What’s Inside?
The book explores how folklore and witchcraft have always gone hand in hand. It covers a wide range of topics, including:
- The folklore of plants and trees — from protective charms to healing remedies.
- Historical witches and wise women — and how their stories have shaped modern witchcraft.
- Seasonal rituals, Sabbats, and how they’re rooted in ancient traditions.
- Practical tips on incorporating folklore magick into your daily practice, with spells, charms, and herbal lore.
♥️ What I Loved: A Personal, Down-to-Earth Approach
What sets this book apart is how personal and grounded it feels. Squire doesn’t just present facts — she shares insights from her own grimoire, making it feel like you’re sitting down with a knowledgeable friend who’s excited to share what she’s learned.
There’s also a strong focus on connecting with nature and trusting your intuition. The book invites you to slow down, notice the world around you, and tap into the wisdom that’s been hiding in plain sight — in the trees, the seasons, and even in old superstitions your grandmother might have shared.
🎯 Final Thoughts: A Magical Walk Through History
The Witch of the Forest's Guide to Folklore Magick is a charming, accessible book that makes you feel like you’re uncovering ancient secrets hidden in the natural world. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to infuse their witchcraft practice with a little old-world wisdom.
Whether you’re brand new to witchcraft or simply looking for a fresh perspective, this book reminds you that the magic of folklore is all around us — in the plants, the seasons, and the stories we carry from generation to generation.

I really enjoyed this book as someone new to medicinal plants. I loved the lore for each plant and learned a lot of new things. The illustrations were very nice, but I did have a few formatting issues. While I wouldn't feel confident making many of these in practice, this was a great intro guide!

This book was very informative, and perfectly written for beginners, a very nice reference guide.
The illustrations were beautiful and kept me wanting to turn the page for the next.

Did you know that basil has many magickal and medicinal properties? I learned in “The Witch of the Forest’s Guide to Folklore Magick” that basil can be used for peace, courage, love and protection. It also can be used to soothe an upset stomach or to ease anxiety! There are so many more uses, and if you end up making some basil pesto, you can save some basil for one of these things.
“The Witch of the Forest’s Guide to Folklore Magick” is very informative for witches and mortals alike. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. It’s a great read!

The book is as it says: a guide to folklore magic and witchcraft. Even if I don’t practice witchcraft, i do find this book quite interesting and informative. It gives you simple knowledge on the folklore but also herbs and flowers. The illustrations brought everything together, giving a beauty to the book.
Overall i think that if you have a like for witchcraft, either practicing or just curiosity, this book will be of interest.
thank you NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy!

As a big part of my practice as a witch consists of folklore, plants, and using them in all different manners, I simply had to pick up this book. From its stunning cover, its promising description, ahd its very thorough index: it absolutely appealed to me.
Besides the visual issues (images being too blurry, pages turned upside down), this book seems to be a great one at face-value. However, information is really basic, lacking depth, and aimed at a young audience. As a somewhat older person, with quite some years of experience under my belt, it was a bit too simple for my liking, and it read to me more like a small handbook to start dabbling into green magic as opposed to the deepdive I thought it would be.
I do love how all plants, herbs, flowers, and trees do have their own "cheat sheet", where correspondences are listed (including element and zodiac sign, besides the basics as uses), which have stunning artwork (as far as I could see through the aforementioned issues), and are easy to look up when the need arises. I also appreciated the chapter on baneful plants being singled out, including a hefty dislaimer, which was repeated on every page.
What I missed in this book, were recipes, perhaps dedicated to their own chapter and pages. I also think a short disclaimer on making herb oils would have been a good idea, considering a few herbs can create botulism when put into oil at room temperature.
All in all, I'd give this book a 2. It's a good starter book, but more experienced practitioners might prefer other compendiums. I also hope the visual issues will be resolved before printing, as they're distracting from the text in this book.

Interesting and check full of information. The lore was my favorite part along with the practical uses.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

*The Witch of the Forest's Guide to Folklore Magick* is an insightful and practical resource for those interested in connecting with the ancient wisdom of folklore and magick. With its well-organized structure, the book makes it easy to reference key information quickly, whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner. Each page is clearly defined, offering detailed explanations of folklore traditions, magickal practices, and their meanings, making it a great tool to revisit specific topics as needed. Additionally, the guide is visually stunning, with every page adorned with beautiful botanical artwork that enhances the overall experience. This combination of informative content and artistic imagery makes the book not only a useful reference but also an inspiring and enchanting companion for anyone on their magickal journey.

This is the perfect gift for the kitchen witch in your life! 🧙🏻♀️🌿☕️
Definitely a beginners intro to herbs and their magical properties (as well as medicinal value and folkloric history). The information was interesting, but very basic for anyone with any background in the subject.
Still! I found this to be a well thought out guide, with many GORGEOUS illustrations found on nearly every single page.