BonaDea’s Book of Everyday Enchantments, by Patricia deSandro
Crossed Crow Books, 1964537487, 100 pages, November 2025
It’s easy to forget that magic is not confined to ritual circles or rare celestial alignments. Rather, it lives in the very fabric of our ordinary moments. Each breath, each exchange, each shift of energy carries an invitation to participate more consciously in the world around us. When we slow down enough to acknowledge the life humming in plants, in objects, and in the unseen currents of spirit, we begin to remember that enchantment is not something we wait for – it is something we co-create.
BonaDea’s Book of Everyday Enchantments by Patricia deSandro offers readers a gentle yet potent framework for weaving practical magic into the rhythm of daily life. Instead of focusing on elaborate spellwork or arcane magic, deSandro emphasizes accessible techniques such as using made up chants, gestures, familiar objects, and meaningful alliances, to intentionally shift energy, manifest opportunities, and protect what matters most. Her approach makes the art of enchantment into a living, relational practice that can grow organically from everyday moments.
The book is divided into four parts. “Part I: Will You Be My Friend?” focuses on enchanting everyday objects and creating relationships with “non-human living beings”1 (animals, plants, Elemental spirits).From establishing plant allies to getting to know your local woods, deSandro shares plenty of advice and personal stories about the value these relationships bring to one’s life. Her anecdotes make this section more than an animist approach, allowing readers to really see how these relationships should be conducted. She writes:
“We introduce ourselves to each other. We each decide if we want to be allies. We each come to the table with an offer of friendship based on how we define it. Sometimes, negotiations are required. Promises are made and trust is established. It becomes a contract we wouldn’t want to break.”2
“Part II: Making Magic” is the longest section, and it’s where deSandro shares different techniques for creating your own enchantments. She teaches how to use one’s words wisely, see patterns, connect the dots for manifestation, maintain protection, and do healing energy work, among other things. All the spells are ones she’s developed over the years, and many times she has a story to illuminate how the spell has worked for her.
The final two parts, “Part III: Endings and Beginnings” and “Part IV: The Temple of the Sacred Flame” are much shorter. The former focuses on the coming and going of those we love (when people pass and when babies are born) as well as establishing connection with those on the other side. Meanwhile, in the final section, deSandro guides readers through creating their own “Inner Temple, a sacred place inside you for your soul.”3
With its short length (around 100 pages), small size, and conversational style, the book is well-suited for those who want inspiration without intimidation. Quickly glancing at it, one might perceive the enchantments shared by deSandro to be beginner level magic, yet that impression overlooks the depth contained within the simplicity. The concepts shared are at the core all magic, skillfully weaving together intention with belief in a way that feels relevant and personalized in order to effect meaningful change. Plus, the way deSandro has personal experience that highlights the magic she shares is a wonderful testimony to its potency.
Honestly, this is a book I will probably return to again and again when more formulaic magic leaves me feeling jaded or frustrated, as the content reminds me of the power of being in the present moment, attuned to energies around me and the needs within, and how to create this bridge to change the circumstance.
I plan on keeping my copy on my night table or desk for a refreshing approach to magic, as deSandro’s approach reminds me that we live in an ensouled world, and there’s plenty of relationships that can be forged with living entities. Too often, plants are reduced to a table of correspondences, and I forget these vital sprouts have a will and energy pattern of their own I can interact with. DeSandro awakens this deep magic that unifies the world by highlighting the livelihood of all beings.
Likewise, this approach is a great confidence booster for when you need to remember your own magical agency. DeSandro imparts to readers that you can trust your instincts, make up things as you go, and honor natural relationships without to trying control things. Rather, the key to this magic is acknowledgement and attunement. A feature of this book that makes it great for readers is the lined pages that deSandro includes throughout for readers to jot down their own reflections in regard to a question she proposes. This makes the book a fun tool for introspection, in addition to being a handy guidebook for everyday enchantment.
All in all, BonaDea’s Book of Everyday Enchantments is a friendly and grounded approach to tapping into magic that does not require elaborate tools or lengthy rituals. When approached with sincerity and awareness, even the simplest gestures become enchantments and the vibrancy of magic surrounding us begins to glimmer. DeSandro’s friendly approach is great for those who appreciate lived wisdom and are looking for a relationship with magic that feels personal, intuitive, and inviting. All of her tales were inspiring, guiding readers towards embracing the enchantment for themselves!
Alanna Kali is an astrologer, numerologist, and pioneer spirit that loves to explore life through the lens of depth psychology. She has a passion for studying the humanities and social trends. Her academic work is centered upon reuniting body, mind, and spirit through eco-psychology. She loves reading, spending time in nature, and travel.