Coby Michael is an occult herbalist and magical practitioner who teaches about the ritual use of poisonous and psychoactive plants. The author of The Poison Path Herbal and coauthor of Leo Witch, he owns and operates The Poisoner’s Apothecary, an online shop and educational resource for the poison path. He has been blogging since 2016 and has written articles for Alraune: The Poisoner’s Guild, This Witch Magazine, and The Witches’ Almanac. He lives in St. Petersburg, Florida.
“Readers are taken on a captivating journey through the mysterious and often misunderstood world of poisonous plants. We are fully immersed in the forbidden gardens of herbalism, uncovering the secrets, history, folklore, recipes, and cautionary tales that bloom there. For those with a budding interest in herbal magick and medicine as well as seasoned green witches, this book is an indispensable resource that delves into the shadowy aspects of working with poisonous plants. The Poison Path Grimoire provides a fresh perspective on the ever-so-delicate dance between medicine and poison!” * Nicolette Miele, author of Runes for the Green Witch * “Coby Michael guides us into the forbidden corner of the witch’s garden and reveals the link between our shadow selves and poisonous plants. Coby dispels fear about these plants and their relation to the occult without removing the magic and mystery, deepening our connection with these outcast plants. This book contains valuable insight into a lesserknown subject that will surprise and enlighten readers of all practices.” * Kate Freuler, author of Magic at the Crossroads * “Coby Michael weaves a tapestry of myth, magic, alchemy, and spellcraft in this tour de force of plant magic. The recipes, rituals, and hands-on practices are clearly rooted in the author’s own experiences, and they’ll inspire you to deepen your love of poisonous plants and the wisdom they have to share. The Poison Path Grimoire elevates the practice of green magic to new heights.” * Nicholas Pearson, author of Crystals for Psychic Self-Defense * “Just like her aunt Circe in Homer, Medea was called by Apollonius of Rhodes a polypharmakos—'one who knows many drugs.’ She was famously joined by Jason—a name given by Cheiron that also implies a knowledge of pharmaka—in the legendary search for the Golden Fleece. According to alchemical tradition, the Aureum Vellus was less a gilded ram’s pelt than it was a priceless sheepskin parchment possessed of a potent recipe for a magical pharmakon. Coby Michael has proven to be a veritable polypharmakos himself, and The Poison Path Grimoire qualifies as nothing short of a genuine Aureum Vellus.” * P. D. Newman, author of Theurgy * “The Poison Path Grimoire is a mixture of science-backed herbalism, history, established poison path praxis, and deeply personal experience that is a well-constructed, desirable addition to any herbalist’s library.” * Kamden Cornell, author of The Tameless Path * “Readers will be showered in the emerald gifts of poison plant sorcery and guided into connection with a host of plants, practices, and perspectives fueled by Coby’s intense connection to this work and all it’s capable of.” * Josh Williams, traditional herbalist, author of Spiritual Herbalism * “An excellent book for those wanting to dig their roots deeper into the gardens of shadow and wind their way down the crooked path with the help of its most famous and infamous green spirits.” * Albert Björn Shiell, author of Icelandic Plant Magic * “In his second book, Coby delves in-depth into the poison path, giving us many threads to explore from the tapestry of witchcraft and plant gnosis.” * Laurie Bianciotto, author of La voie du poison * “Examples of Coby’s deep respect of and refreshing approach to verdant magic and lore are stunningly presented within the pages of The Poison Path Grimoire.” * Vex Blòðstjarna, occultist and northern mysteries specialist * “This grimoire holds universal wisdom related to baneful plants suitable to all type of magical practitioners and herbalists. Coby’s philosophical approach to the poison path transforms this book into a guide not only for magick but also for contributing to spiritual development.” * V. Faemana, animist herbalist, artist, and musician * “The Poison Path Grimoire was especially meaningful to me in broadening my repertoire of tools with the use of plants and ways of calling the spirits in my work with ecstatic trance for healing and spiritual growth, for communing with my ancestors, spirits of the earth, and the spirits of the mythic stories of antiquity.” * Nick Brink Reviews * “The Poison Path Grimoire exceeded my expectations, and I cannot state enough how much I love this book, and Coby Michael’s work in all the forms it takes. I recommend this book to any witch looking into the Poison Path, flying ointments, and dark herbalism, but with the caveat that The Poison Path Herbal should be read first, as The Poison Path Grimoire works with material directly from the former. I rate The Poison Path Grimoire 5/5 stars....The Poison Path Grimoire is my favorite book of 2024!” * The Modern Merlin, PaganPages.org *