Plant Magick. The Library of Esotericism

The fourth volume of The Library of Esoterica explores the historical roots of plants in myths and magical practices. Through essays, interviews and over 400 images - from ancient Egyptian stonework to Victorian botanical art to contemporary works celebrating nature - Plant Magick chronicles the symbiotic relationship between plants and people.

Plant Magick

The Power of Plants Throughout History

Celebrating the magic of the natural kingdom, Volume IV of The Library of Esoterica delves into symbolism, ceremony and our ritual relationships with the botanical world. A visual journey through our interdependent evolution with nature, Plant Magick celebrates botany as a creative muse, from ancient Greek sculptures to Renaissance paintings to visionary art inspired by psychoactive plants, cacti and mushrooms.

Our shared myths, beliefs and stories are continually reflected in nature; the purity represented by the white lily or the spiritual awakening by the blooming lotus. Our joys and laments are reflected in the cycle of the seasons, in the bud that grows from the seed or the dead leaf that falls softly from the winter branches. Plants, trees and flowers, as signs of transition, are also deeply rooted in the rites of passage of all the world's cultures. Rose petals strewn along the bridal aisle mark the evolution into womanhood and marriage. A wreath of lilies stands guard over an open grave. A bouquet of lover's flowers waits at the door. The wooden May Day pole is surrounded by girls wearing wreaths of daisies woven to celebrate the arrival of spring. Births, marriages and burials - cycles of joyous celebration and deep mourning - are symbolically marked with herbs, flowers or tree branches: the integration of nature into the ceremony is our method of signifying catharsis.

Since time immemorial, plants have also served as potent symbols within the world's religions: Buddha attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, Eve plucking the Apple of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden. From root to vibrant flower, Plant Magick explores the fertile interconnected history between plants and people, the myriad ways we embrace plants in spiritual ceremonies, as healing medicine, as creative muse and as gateways to deeper explorations of consciousness.

The designer

Thunderwing is a multidisciplinary Los Angeles studio co-founded in 2007 by Nic and J. B. Taylor. Thunderwing collaborates on a wide range of projects and creates brands and designs for film, editorial, fashion, food, music and interior design.

Editor and author

Jessica Hundley is an author, filmmaker and journalist. She has written for Vogue, Rolling Stone and The New York Times, and is the author of books on artists such as Dennis Hopper, David Lynch and Gram Parsons. Hundley often explores the counterculture in her work, focusing on metaphysics, psychedelia and magic.

Magic of Plants. The Library of Esoterica

-Hardcover, quarto binding, 17 x 24 cm, 1.77 kg, 520 pages.

-ISBN 978-3-8365-8564-4

-Editions: English.