Arin Murphy-Hiscock’s The Green Witch is a beautifully written, beginner-friendly guide to nature-based witchcraft, focusing on herbs, flowers, essential oils, and the spiritual connection to the natural world. Unlike books that focus on ceremonial magic, deities, or structured Wiccan rituals, The Green Witch embraces an intuitive, personal, and earth-centered approach to magic.
Perfect for solitary practitioners, herbalists, and those who feel deeply connected to the Earth, this book teaches how to align with nature’s rhythms, create natural spells and remedies, and cultivate a harmonious, magical lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned witch or just starting your journey, The Green Witch serves as an inspiring and practical companion.
Overview of the Book
Murphy-Hiscock presents a holistic and mindful approach to green witchcraft, organizing the book into key sections that guide readers through philosophy, practices, and magical techniques.
1. What is a Green Witch?
The book opens by defining what it means to be a green witch, emphasizing that green witchcraft is not a religion, but a practice rooted in:
- A deep respect for nature
- Working with plants, herbs, and the elements
- Healing, balance, and energy work
- A self-guided, intuitive approach to magic
Murphy-Hiscock states:
“The green witch sees the divine in nature and finds magic in the everyday world.”
This section also debunks myths about what a green witch is and isn’t, making it clear that green witchcraft does not require formal initiation or adherence to Wiccan traditions.
2. The Green Witch’s Connection to Nature
Murphy-Hiscock discusses how green witches develop a spiritual bond with nature, including:
- How to attune to the cycles of the moon and seasons
- The significance of trees, plants, and flowers in magic
- Understanding and respecting local ecosystems
She encourages readers to observe, listen, and interact with nature, stating:
“The green witch is a steward of the Earth, working in harmony with the land and the energies around them.”
3. Herbal Magic and the Power of Plants
One of the book’s strongest sections covers the magical and healing properties of herbs, flowers, and plants. This includes:
- How to grow, harvest, and store magical herbs
- The spiritual properties of common plants
- Ways to incorporate herbs into spells, teas, sachets, and oils
A useful example is her suggestion to:
“Infuse a cup of chamomile tea with the intention of peace and relaxation before drinking it as a simple, everyday spell.”
4. Creating a Green Witch’s Home and Sacred Space
Murphy-Hiscock explains how to turn your home into a sanctuary of natural magic, including:
- Cleansing rituals using salt, smoke, and sound
- Using plants, crystals, and essential oils to create sacred spaces
- How to set up a home altar dedicated to nature
She suggests simple, effective techniques, such as:
“Place rosemary by your front door to protect your home and invite positive energy.”
5. Green Witchcraft Practices and Spells
This section focuses on everyday magical techniques, including:
✅ Kitchen witchery – Infusing meals with magical intent
✅ Herbal remedies and tinctures – Using plants for health and magic
✅ Candle magic – Using natural wax candles for spells
✅ Working with moon cycles – Aligning magical work with lunar phases
A reader favorite is her recipe for an herbal protection sachet, combining lavender, rosemary, and thyme for spiritual protection and peace.
6. Developing Your Own Green Witchcraft Practice
The final section emphasizes personal intuition and self-guided exploration, covering:
- Keeping a Green Witch’s Journal (a personal Book of Shadows)
- Crafting personal rituals that align with your lifestyle
- Honoring nature in small, meaningful ways every day
Murphy-Hiscock reassures readers:
“Green witchcraft is personal and fluid. There is no ‘right’ way—only what feels right to you.”
Strengths of the Book
1. Perfect for Beginners and Solitary Practitioners
Murphy-Hiscock’s writing is clear, gentle, and accessible, making this book an excellent starting point for those new to green witchcraft. She explains concepts without dogma or rigid rules, which makes the book feel welcoming and inclusive.
A reader commented:
“This book felt like a warm invitation into green witchcraft—no pressure, just gentle guidance.”
2. Focuses on Everyday, Practical Magic
Unlike books that overcomplicate magic, The Green Witch teaches that magic can be as simple as brewing tea, walking in the forest, or growing herbs on your windowsill.
A reviewer noted:
“I love how this book makes magic feel natural, not theatrical. It’s about living in harmony with the Earth, not performing rituals.”
3. Encourages Intuition and Personalization
Rather than providing rigid spells or step-by-step rituals, Murphy-Hiscock encourages readers to trust their instincts and create their own magical practices.
She states:
“Your magic is uniquely yours—listen to your intuition, and nature will guide you.”
4. Beautifully Connects Spirituality and Nature
The book is filled with reverence for the Earth, making it perfect for those who:
✅ Want a more nature-focused spiritual practice
✅ Feel drawn to herbalism and plant magic
✅ Prefer a non-religious approach to witchcraft
Many readers describe The Green Witch as calming and meditative, offering not just magical guidance but also a deeper appreciation for nature.
5. Aesthetic and Easy to Reference
- Well-organized chapters make it easy to find specific topics
- Herb correspondences and magical properties serve as quick references
- Simple, natural spells and rituals provide immediate ways to practice
A reader wrote:
“This book is so beautifully laid out—I keep it on my coffee table and flip through it whenever I need inspiration.”
Weaknesses of the Book
1. Lacks Advanced Magical Techniques
While great for beginners, experienced practitioners may find it too basic. The book does not cover advanced spellwork, ritual structures, or deep magical theory.
A reviewer noted:
“I enjoyed it, but if you’ve been practicing witchcraft for years, you might find it repetitive.”
2. Few Detailed Herbal Recipes
Although the book covers herbal magic, it doesn’t include detailed recipes for herbal remedies, teas, or tinctures. Some readers might prefer a more in-depth herbalism guide.
One reader mentioned:
“I wish it had more structured herbal recipes instead of just general suggestions.”
3. No Historical or Cultural Context
The book focuses on modern green witchcraft, without discussing historical traditions, folklore, or cultural influences. Readers interested in traditional folk magic or historical herbalism may need additional resources.
A reviewer stated:
“I would have loved more history on how different cultures have practiced green witchcraft throughout time.”
Personal Experience and Perspective
When I first read The Green Witch, I was looking for a simple, nature-based approach to magic, and this book delivered beautifully. It helped me see magic in everyday life, from growing plants with intention to brewing tea with purpose.
One of my favorite takeaways was how to spiritually connect with trees—something I now practice regularly. While I wish it had more detailed herbal remedies, I appreciate that this book serves as a gentle, inspiring introduction to nature magic.
Conclusion: A Beautiful Guide to Green Witchcraft
The Green Witch is a calming, intuitive, and practical book for those who want to infuse their daily lives with nature-based magic. It’s perfect for beginners and solitary practitioners, though more advanced witches may find it lacking in depth.
Recommended for:
✅ Beginners and solitary practitioners
✅ Green witches and herbalists
✅ Those wanting a non-religious, nature-focused magical practice
Not ideal for:
❌ Advanced witches looking for deep magical techniques
❌ Readers seeking historical or folk magic traditions
❌ Those wanting structured herbal recipes and remedies