I'd like to learn more about healing magic and herbalism. I'm new to everything and I have no idea where or how to start. Please can I get some advice?
I would consider starting to research and learn about herbs and plants common in your local area. Wild plants which grow within the area in which you live. This can be done as well if you live in an urban area, learn about the plants that grow in nearby countryside. In this way, you will be as well more likely to build a supply of medicinal herbs and plants to use.
Now the most important thing, be very careful with working with plants as medicines. Learn about edible plants first, and always exhaust professional medical advice first.
This type of learning involves responsibility. Do not offer herbal remedies to individuals without advising them to exhaust professional medicine themselves.
As well I would recommend asking yourself why you want to do this. Are you looking for payment for services?
In all honesty I've studied local plants for quite a while, over 20 years, and the number of people who have approached me for healing? One person a number of years ago, whom knew I studied Shamanistic practice.
To note as well, I caution you because you can be held liable for your actions. Say if you give another an herbal remedy, without them seeking professional advice, and something goes wrong or conditions get worse? Their family may seek justice.
Plants, can have a plethora of side effects. My suggestion is to study them long and hard before ingesting anything, or using anything on the skin, etc.
There are a number of plants that a percentage of people whom are sensitive to, don't even need to ingest to suffer side effects, even severe ones at times.
Use caution, and learn everything you can, including identifying, dosages, and side effect warnings. Then learn it all, all over again.
All sage advice. (Yeah, that pun was intended) I would add that by way of healing magic, I would recommend studying up on Reiki, Auyerveda, and perhaps Chigung. There are tons of books out there, and many teachers. Shy away from people offering a 'become a master in a weekend' courses though. There are all sorts of people these days professing to be able to get you level 1 and 2 mastery in a seminar, which is bunk.
There are several methods out there to use, so look into as many different tools and practices as you can in order to find what resonates with you. Crystal working, laying hands, reiki, sound healing, remote healing, acupuncture, meridian work, reflexology... just to name a few.
Depending on your beliefs as well, it may be worth looking into folk traditions for healing magic. For example drawing out fire from burns, as in Appalachian folk magic, and the curing of warts, cholic, etc., from the same. Although the words of power or relevant Bible verses may not be the easiest to find, information is out there.
I really love Scott Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. I love Scott Cunningham in general lol but as of healing the body and I recommend.
The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia
By Vance H. Ferrell
Harold M. Cherne, M.D.
I currently have the seventh edition Heritage edition.
Blessings on your journey )0(
