Frequently Asked Questions
From the Archive Desk
What is the Moonlit Herbarium Society?
The Moonlit Herbarium Society is a private correspondence archive granting access to recovered materials from the journals of a 19th-century naturalist named Clara, whose botanical studies gradually led her into documented encounters with the fae.
Members receive these findings by post in the form of letters, pressed specimens, and collected evidence, released slowly from the archive over time.
Is this a work of fiction?
The Moonlit Herbarium is a creative archive that blends historical tradition, folklore, and imagination.
All correspondence and materials are presented as recovered archival findings. While inspired by real botanical practices and natural history, the narrative elements of the archive are fictional in nature.
What will I receive when I join?
Upon joining the Society, new members first receive an acceptance letter confirming their admission to the archive.
Thereafter, members receive one monthly archive parcel, which may include:
- A handwritten journal excerpt from Clara
- A pressed botanical specimen,
- A piece of faery evidence — an artifact, impression, or trace
Each parcel is wrapped in vellum and sealed with wax.
When are archive parcels sent?
Archive parcels are released at the beginning of each month.
Members who join later in the month will receive their acceptance letter first and begin receiving archive parcels with the following release.
Is everything handmade?
Yes.
Letters are written by hand, specimens are pressed and mounted by hand, and parcels are assembled individually.
Because of this, slight variations in handwriting, materials, and presentation are natural and considered part of the archive.
How many members are accepted?
Membership is intentionally limited.
This allows the archive to remain small, sustainable, and carefully maintained. Enrollment may close periodically without notice.
Can I cancel my membership?
Yes.
Memberships renew monthly and may be paused or cancelled at any time through your customer account.
Access to the archive ends once a membership is cancelled.
Where do you ship from?
Archive parcels are shipped from Canada.
Do you ship internationally?
International shipping may be available depending on location.
Shipping options and rates are calculated at checkout.
Please note that international deliveries may take longer to arrive and may be subject to customs delays.
Are parcels tracked?
Some shipments may include tracking, while others may not, depending on destination and shipping method.
Tracking details, when available, are provided by email once a parcel has been dispatched.
What if my parcel arrives damaged?
If an archive parcel arrives significantly damaged, please contact the Archivist using the contact page. While natural variation is expected, care is taken to ensure materials arrive safely.
Can I give a membership as a gift?
Gift memberships may be offered in the future. At present, memberships are intended for individual subscribers.
Who do I contact with questions?
You may contact the Archivist through the Contact the Archivist page.
Responses are sent thoughtfully and may take a few days.