The Metaphysical Physician
The Symbolic and Hermetic Basis of the Western Herbal Tradition
Will be published approx. on 5. November 2026
Book
Hardback
220 pages
978-1-912807-97-0 (ISBN)
Description
A brilliant restoration of the symbolic, philosophical, and spiritual foundations of the practice of herbal medicine
Expansive and ambitious in scope, Dylan Warren-Davis' book chronologically follows the practice of physic from Hippocrates in the classical world up until the modern day. He posits an essential argument for a return to the metaphysical underpinnings of herbalism that were central to the art of working with plants for centuries prior.
The Metaphysical Physician explores concepts central to the practice of physic throughout history, such as the elements, the hermetic three worlds, the signs of the zodiac, alchemical principles, the tree of life, and metaphysical fusion. Dylan Warren-Davis expertly weaves these concepts through different period of history, focusing on key moments and figures, such as Galen, monastic culture, the black death, witch hunts, Culpeper, the Elizabethan period, the enlightenment, and more - up until the twenty-first century.
The Metaphysical Physician provides a foundational backdrop to understanding the rich history from which physic was born, and derives a vital path forward for a richer appreciation of working with plants. It is essential reading for any herbalist wishing to deepen their practice, or indeed any person interested in the fascinating and complex history of herbal medicine
Expansive and ambitious in scope, Dylan Warren-Davis' book chronologically follows the practice of physic from Hippocrates in the classical world up until the modern day. He posits an essential argument for a return to the metaphysical underpinnings of herbalism that were central to the art of working with plants for centuries prior.
The Metaphysical Physician explores concepts central to the practice of physic throughout history, such as the elements, the hermetic three worlds, the signs of the zodiac, alchemical principles, the tree of life, and metaphysical fusion. Dylan Warren-Davis expertly weaves these concepts through different period of history, focusing on key moments and figures, such as Galen, monastic culture, the black death, witch hunts, Culpeper, the Elizabethan period, the enlightenment, and more - up until the twenty-first century.
The Metaphysical Physician provides a foundational backdrop to understanding the rich history from which physic was born, and derives a vital path forward for a richer appreciation of working with plants. It is essential reading for any herbalist wishing to deepen their practice, or indeed any person interested in the fascinating and complex history of herbal medicine
More details
Person
Dylan Warren-Davis is a second-generation herbalist. He was first exposed to the healing properties of herbs by his mother Ann Warren-Davis, FNIMH, at 10 years old, while she trained to become a herbalist. In 1982 he qualified as a prize-winning student with the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, and has subsequently spent over 30 years researching, teaching and writing about the metaphysical basis of the European herbal tradition.Dylan first became interested in handreading whilst a herbal student, from needing to find a holistic diagnostic tool as an alternative the reductionist thinking of conventional medicine. He originally studied the Chinese Buddhist tradition of Mudra & Teso. After 10 years of practicing and teaching hand reading in the Chinese idiom, he became interested in the Western Cheiromantical tradition. 'The Hand Reveals' was first published in 1993 as the summation of his Western research. He was subsequently invited to contribute a section on palmistry in the 'Oxford Companion to the Body', published by Oxford University Press, 2001. The latest 4th Edition of 'The Hand Reveals' is further expanded with material derived from the Western Hermetic tradition. Dylan has travelled widely, reading hands and exploring different cultures in Europe and Australasia, for over 40 years.