Mastering your magic takes time, focus, and dedication. Especially when just starting a magical journey, navigating the vast and intricate world of spells, rituals, and energies can quickly feel like uncharted territory. Getting to know what works best for you is a practice of trial and error, a journey where each misstep is as crucial as every success. In Your Book of Shadows: Make Your Own Magical Habit Tracker, Cerridwen Greenleaf teaches readers all they need to know about tracking their own magical practice, refining it by figuring out what did and did not work well, in order to chronicle a repertoire of the wisdom gained from magical experimentation.
Right off the bat, I was drawn to this book for the bright colors and many images throughout the pages. Each section is short and sweet, covering the necessities while creating the space to engage with the book by performing the suggested spells and rituals along the way. The layout of the content makes it easy to engage with the text as you move through the book–there’s a lot of places for your eyes to roam, helping your mind to take in Greenleaf’s wisdom through the sensory appeal of color, font style, and text organization. The design of the book makes me feel inspired, playful, and crafty!
Greenleaf begins by covering the history of Books of Shadows and their importance to a coven or solo practitioner. She then moves into how to choose and design your Book of Shadows, consecrating and protecting your Book of Shadows (as well as creating a shrine), and creating organization through a Table of Contents. She offers advice on how to select a book, decorate it, and keep it magically protected.
As one moves through the process of creating their own Book of Shadows, Greenleaf provides easy-to-follow rituals and spells to assist with the process: a ritual of thanks, inscription rite, pendulum spell for choosing the right book, self-assurance charm for creativity when decorating, and safeguarding spell to clear away unwanted energy from your Book of Shadows. There’s also parts on color magic (one focusing on the associations of each color and the other a correspondence chart of each zodiac sign with colors), along with crafting tips for adding pages and creating a book lock.
“… making a Book of Shadows is a very personal endeavor–let go of that fear of making mistakes. Always remember that perfection can be boring–something that is real and unique is much more appealing and special. Keep an open heart and mind, and your Book of Shadows can become a stunningly beautiful work of art.”1
Greenleaf’s emphasis on personalization is particularly noteworthy, encouraging readers to see their Book of Shadows as a living document that evolves with their spiritual journey. This approach not only helps one to build confidence in one’s practice but also makes the process of creating and maintaining a Book of Shadows a deeply personal and fulfilling endeavor.
The following chapters cover cyclical energies of nature that can influence one’s magical practice. Greenleaf first writes about moon spells, specifically focusing on the phases of the moon. For each phase, she gives an overview of the best type of spellwork to do at that time, a table of magical correspondences for the energy of the phase (days, colors, herbs, incense, essential oils, crystals, and metals), and a spell, ritual, or magical craft one can do for that phase.
For instance, Greenleaf describes how new moons are best for new beginnings and offers an incantation for new ideas, while noting waning moons are a “time to conserve our power, to turn our attention towards home and inner peace and wisdom”2 and sharing a recipe for spiritual scrub to cleanse energies from one’s home or ritual space.
Next, Greenleaf covers The Wheel of the Year. Beginning with the Celtic New Year, the high holiday Samhain, she details the eight sabbats, sharing recipes, rituals, divination spells, prayers to the god and goddess, and more. The descriptions of each sabbat aren’t too long, just an introduction, but each one contains enough information for readers to familiarize themselves with the energy of The Wheel of the Year to then further their own practice.
Now that readers have an understanding of the quick-paced moon cycle and the overarching Wheel of the Year, Greenleaf delves deeper into astrological energies. She describes the twelve zodiac signs, along with the correspondence stone for each time period. Later in the chapter, she also provides herbal correspondence for every sign too.
There’s also a very helpful table of the magical planetary hours, which shows the ruling planet for every hour throughout the week. This table is extremely useful for those who are at the level of fine-tuning their spell work to correspond with specific planetary energies, such as doing a love spell during Venus hours or an abundance spell during Jupiter hours. Greenleaf also delves into the elemental power of signs, highlighting which each element is best suited to perform certain magic.
There’s an entire chapter to tracking your magic as a solo practitioner too. Greenleaf recognizes that it can be hard to find community at times or that one might want to keep some matters private, but she still assures readers they can grow their magical practice through their personal Book of Shadows. She advises “keeping a list of personal intentions”3 as these are the key to success in magic. She shares a visualization to create an inner temple, how to make your own DIY wand, meditations for centering yourself, and a candle ceremony to invoke a deity.
Then the final chapter is a real gem because it is filled with different correspondences to help readers discover more about subtle energies. There’s a list of trees and what else one can assist with spiritually; flower, herb, essential oil, and color correspondences; correspondences and enhancement abilities for gems, stones, and crystals; totem animal correspondences; significance of numerology; planet correspondences and colors; metal magical correspondences; and a list of magical domains and deities one can work with.
Overall, Your Book of Shadows is a compelling guide for those embarking on or furthering their journey into the realm of witchcraft, Wicca, or other pagan paths. This book serves not just as an introduction to aspects of these spiritual paths, but as an interactive tool, encouraging readers to actively engage with their practice by creating their own Book of Shadows. Greenleaf skillfully demystifies the process of starting a Book of Shadows, presenting it in a way that is both inviting and profound, providing all the essential guidance and spellwork readers need to take this step of connecting with their magical practice on a deeper level.
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.
Wiccan Crystals: Harness the Power of Magical Stones for Spells, Rituals, and More by Cerridwen Greenleaf is a nifty guide to using crystals for magical and spiritual goals. Greenleaf has aptly applied her decades of witchcraft experience to teach readers about magically incorporating crystals into their lives. Covering a wide range of topics, from crystal basics to the many one can work with crystals, the breadth of guidance in this book makes it a one-stop resource for those looking to boost their craft.
“Crystals each have unique vibrational energies, which you can use to connect yourself to the Earth and are associated with a vast spectrum of healing properties. One of the fundamentals of crystal magic is intention—a crystal can be programmed with your intentions and desire and will in turn magnify your intent and assist you in bringing forth whatever sort of change and benefits you are seeking.”4
In the first chapter, Greenleaf lays the foundation needed for a successful crystal practice from a Pagan perspective. She covers topics such as charging and cleansing the stones, setting one’s intentions, crystal correspondences to zodiac signs and days of the week. Greenleaf also shares about walking a Pagan path and building altars. She specifically covers what can be put on an altar for each moon cycle, which I thought was very interesting! I look forward to adding this dimension to my moon practice.
The following chapters are all dedicated a certain type of intention one might want to manifest in their lives. Greenleaf leads readers through “Sacred Space and Magical Protection”, “Witchy Wellness and Calm”, “Personal Power and Inspiration”, “Prosperity and Abundance”, “Love and Relationships”, and “Divination and Psychic Vision”.
While this book is not too long, Greenleaf has packed a ton into each chapter! Each page is something new, making it so the spells or rituals are quick and easy to do even with a busy schedule. And for every spell, Greenleaf tells readers exactly what to say, so readers of all background levels can perform them. There’s also often tables of gemstone and crystal recommendations based on the topic. For instance, there’s a whole list of crystals and their energetic properties that are good for Feng Shui, space clearing, healing, and aiding mystical abilities.
Greenleaf also offers ideas about how to use crystals to connect with angels, goddesses, chakras, and nature. I found it fascinating to see which crystals enhanced these relationships, as well as the crystals that could aid me personally in health, wealth, love, and divination abilities. There’s even a page on how to create your own wand with a table of attributes certain crystals have to harness energy for the wand’s purpose.
One of my favorite things about this book is the colorful illustrations throughout the text. The detailed drawings and photos of crystals enhances the visual appeal of this book, aiding in crystal and gemstone identification. All the pictures are clear, making it easy to recognize the crystals in the book when you’re searching for the right on in your collection, in a shop, or online.
Overall, I would recommend Wiccan Crystals to those seeking to another tool to their magical practice. Whether you’re drawn to crystals for spiritual benefits, self-care purposes, or personal growth and new opportunities, Greenleaf has provided guidance on how to easily connect with the right crystals to bring your intentions into alignment. This book is suited for beginners, as it is descriptive enough to be an introduction one can follow, or those who are familiar with crystals, but looking to further learn more about how to work with them magically.
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.
Wiccan Self-care Spells by Cerridwen Greenleaf is a delightful guide that blends the principles of Wicca with the essential practice of self-care. This book is a treasure trove for those looking to nurture their spiritual, physical, mental well-being through simple yet effective spells and rituals. From enhancing personal energy to fostering emotional healing, the book covers a wide array of topics that are pertinent to anyone seeking balance and harmony in their life.
Cerridwen Greenleaf is a seasoned author in the realm of witchcraft. Her previous publications include Your Book of Shadows, The Book of Kitchen Witchery, Wiccan Teas & Brews, Wiccan Crystals, and The Modern Wiccan’s Guide to Living. In this book, she weaves her expertise into a comprehensive collection of self-care, offering readers magical ways to ease their burdens and bring more self-nurturing into their lives.
The book is well-structured, featuring eight chapters arranged by theme, along with an introduction and conclusion too. The eight chapters cover personal self-care, home magic, office magic, crystals, essential oils, meditation, teas/tonics, and sleep. I like how the book is arranged because it makes it easy to pick out just what area of life you feel could use some tending to magically. While this book can definitely be read cover to cover, being able to quickly look up a topic makes it easy to come back to again and again.
Each section provides magical methods for topics related to the theme, which can range from detailed instructions on how to perform the spells, including the tools and ingredients needed, to recipes for elixirs, brews, essential oil sprays, and body-care products. Most of the ingredients are things people have on hand in their home, though some readers might need to pick up some essential oils, herbs, crystals, and other items to do all the spells. Here are some examples of spells, crafts, and rituals Greenleaf offers throughout the book:
✨ Gather Your Guardians: Simple Home Shrine
✨ Fire of Focus: Inspire Abundance and Success
✨ Happy Home Spray: To Refresh, Restore, and Uplift
✨ Career Candle Magic: Color craft
✨ Witch Craft: Kitchen Cupboard Incase
✨ Sweeping Change: Broom Blessing Spell
✨ Lavender and Chamomile: Tranquility Tonic
✨ Prophetic Pouch: Diana Dream Divination
✨ Positive Incantations: Compose Your Own
In addition to these, Greenleaf also covers more broad magical workings, including sigil magic, using a crystal ball, working with the moon’s phases, connecting to nature, using affirmations and incantations, and candle magic. I love the variety of approaches Greenleaf shares in regard to self-care. The different at-home body care products she teaches how to make such as a mango-butter bars to feel better to a soothing potion to apply to one’s pulse points to bring a sense of calm. There’s a good mix of hands-on ways for readers to be active in their self-care with relaxing and soothing ways too (think baths, forest bathing, and visualization). Whether you’re someone who finds peace in motion or in stillness, there’s opportunities abound to offer yourself care and nurturing.
Greenleaf really knows how to engage the senses with her spellwork too. Whether it’s incredibly good smelling incense, delicious tasting brews, or soothing homemade balms, these magic crafts all ground readers in the physical body while nourishing their spirit. One of my favorites so far is Salts and Pepper: Raise-Your-Spirits Ritual which combines Epsom salts, pepper, and essential oils to bring contentment and a fresh perspective.
I’ve also enjoyed Greenleaf’s suggestions in Holy Smoke: Hygge Home-Fire Rite, which suggests different herbs that can be added to the fire for various purposes. I recently stocked up on new herbs, so we have quite a selection to choose from. We started with adding roses to our fire, to “bring sweetness and peace to any space”5 as Greenleaf shared. Both my husband and I could sense a lightness in our hearts, making us feel close and connected as the fire burned.
All the spells are designed to be accessible for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Greenleaf avoids overly complex rituals, making it easy for readers to integrate these practices into their daily routines. Most of these spells are things that can be done within the span of a few minutes to an hour; none are too long, energetically demanding, or overly complicated. Greenleaf’s write style in an empowering and supportive tone, encouraging readers to embrace their inner magic and prioritize their well-being, which I think many witches need to be reminded of often!
Greenleaf’s approach is also inclusive to all, even if you’re not Wiccan. The focus on self-care is particularly timely, given the increasing awareness of mental health and wellness. I shared quite bit of Greenleaf’s advice with family members who are not magically-included, such as the healing teas and ideas for certain gemstones to use to bolster their goals. For those just dipping their toes into magic, this book is a great place to start!
Beyond the content, the layout and format of this book is extremely visually appealing. There’s beautiful illustrations and a clean layout that enhance the reading experience, filled with color and different fonts and text sizes to make reading engaging. There’s plenty to take in on each page, and the well-crafted aesthetic offers additional pleasure when reading this book.
Overall, Wiccan Self-care Spells is a charming and practical guide for anyone interested in integrating magical practices into their self-care routine. Greenleaf succeeds in providing a resource that is both informative and empowering, making it a valuable addition to the library of any modern witch or self-care enthusiast. Whether you are new to magic or a seasoned practitioner, this book offers a wealth of inspiration and guidance to nurture your mind, body, and spirit. As Greenleaf writes, “Take good care of yourself. You are very much worth it and the better you are, the better our world will be.”6
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.
When I first started reading Cerridwen Greenleaf’s Magic for Change: Spells and Rituals for Social Transformation, I wasn’t fully sure what to expect. I had read other books with similar themes in the past, so I wasn’t completely unfamiliar with the concepts that were going to be introduced; however, I know that there are some methods of discussing social justice and social change from a (very) narrow perspective, so I didn’t necessarily have high hopes that this book would be different.
I was pleasantly surprised. Greenleaf discussed several different manners and topics for activism, including chapters on climate change; peace, which featured not only country-level conflicts but also gun violence as a whole; ending hunger, not only in the world, but also in your local community; witchcraft for feminists; and ways to manifest money and other material gains for the benefit of all. According to Greenleaf:
“This book stems from my years of activism and is based on the magical intention to provide practitioners with the tools, ideas, and inspiration to make this a better world.”7
Out of everything in their book, I was particularly interested in some of the concepts and practices that Greenleaf discusses in their chapter about feminist witchcraft. Their section on Solidarity Shrines was especially interesting to me because I can’t always have an obvious shrine set up in my space; their suggestions for small things to use in place of a full altar that will still attract like minded people motivated me to set up a small Solidarity Shrine of my own! (And if you’re curious, I think it has worked so far; I’ve met several more writer friends both in-person and online, and have even found a local group to go play trivia at bars, which is something I’ve never been able to do before!)
Greenleaf’s discussions about tea were also some of my favorite parts of Magic for Change. I’m a huge tea drinker, so it seemed natural that I would gravitate toward these recipes, especially since I could very easily translate them into my morning or nighttime rituals. Most of the herbal teas that they discussed were equal parts magical and delicious, with their herbal money brew being one of my favorite new recipes that I tried. As to whether I’ve been able to manifest more money, that remains to be seen… but I have found money in unexpected places that I must’ve stored away and forgotten about, so if that counts, then the herbal money brew works quite well!
Throughout the book, Greenleaf’s writing style was very approachable and accessible for all levels of practitioner, from beginners to those who are more advanced in their craft; the content seems to be more geared toward beginners and early-intermediate practitioners, though. If you’ve been practicing witchcraft for years, you most likely will know a lot of the information that they discuss already, though you may not know exactly how to apply it in the context of creating social change, which could make this book an interesting addition to any witch’s bookshelf.
Another aspect of Magic for Change that made the book very accessible to read was the fact that it wasn’t all simply blocks of text; rather, there were a lot of illustrations included, many in what would be considered the borders or margins of the page, but that served to break the text into easily digestible pages.
It seems that they have a very strong understanding of kitchen and home/hearth styles of witchcraft, which is what a majority of this book focuses on; I would have appreciated if they included some material on more diverse forms of magic that could also be used for change, protest, and resistance, but it did not impact my enjoyment of the book in any way. It’s probably just a personal preference, but if you’re like me and something like divination or ancestor worship are at the forefront of your practice, you might find it a little difficult to fully immerse yourself .
I also would not recommend this book for anyone who is unable to practice openly or who doesn’t have any safe spaces to practice, also known as being “in the broom closet.” A lot of the rituals Greenleaf suggests will leave physical evidence or will require the practitioner to acquire supplies that may raise some red flags for nosy individuals in their life.
However, if you’re looking to expand your knowledge of magical practices that can very easily be adapted to activism, Magic for Change would be a good choice. There were a lot of examples of rituals that I had never thought to apply to the context of activism; if you have a coven, this book will give you ideas of how you can all work together to manifest change, but there are also plenty of rituals and ideas for a solo practitioner to develop their craft.
I’ve always been drawn to runes, believing they are one of the most accurate divination methods, but my lack of knowledge of Norse magic has always made me a bit hesitant to explore this curiosity. While I know the well-known gods and goddesses – Loki, Odin, Freya – I had never taken a deep dive into Norse mythology or background that would give me a foundation for expanding my practice of rune reading.
But when I first picked up The Book of Norse Magic: Charms, Incantations and Spells Harnessing the Power of Runes, Ancient Gods and Goddesses, and More by Cerridwen Greenleaf, I felt my trepidation and anxiety about learning more about Norse mythology, magic, and beliefs melting away, replaced by an excitement that I might have finally found my in to explore Norse magic. Greenleaf has distilled the essentials to open a door for beginners to gain insight into how one can use Norse practice in their own magickal practice.
Divided into six chapters, this book covers different aspects of Norse magic: runes and divination, goddesses and gods, folklore of the forest, crystals and healing, essenes and incenses, and norse astrology. All throughout, there are beautiful graphics and color pages that make the information pop out to the reader. Whether one is looking for a quick spell or hoping to initiate a deep personal transformation, this book provides all that is needed.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much information Greenleaf provided about runes. From helping the reader pick the runes that are right for them (there are different sets spanning from the 2nd to 19th century!) to create a runic blessing bowl and altar, Greenleaf covers all the steps to get started doing readers. In addition to sharing the rune meanings, she also offers different methods of casting the runes, so the reader can discover their own divination style. There’s even information about how to create one’s own rune set! And my favorite part of this section was suggestions for how to use runes magically in one’s daily life through spellwork, candle magic, and creating charms.
The section on Norse legends covered the main gods and goddesses, as well as other spirits, such as Puddlefoot, a nature spirit, fairies, meremaidens, and Nidhogg, the dragon of envy. There’s also rituals for calling down the gods and goddesses, quelling restless spirits, and conjuring spirit guides. While these all are more in-depth magic practices, Greenleaf also includes more light-hearted sections, such as a table to create your own mythical name using dice. Mine turned out to be Queen Amethyst the Enchantress of the Night. Lol!
The section “Folklore Forest” felt really grounding, as it opened with a ritual for earthing, or connecting with Mother Earth. Greenleaf teaches the magical properties of various trees and how to use tree essences and herbal oils. There’s also bath potions (my favorite!), spellwork for prosperity, and guidance on how to create a wand from a tree branch.
Next Greenleaf’s focus switches to crystals, teaching the readers about the legends and magical properties of different crystals and gems. She includes spells for invoking Thor’s thunder and grounding with earth and water. Briefly tapping into lithomancy, Greenleaf shows how crystals can be used for divination and shares the meaning of different crystals. There’s also tons of rituals for a variety of things, including creating healthy habits, boosting your enthusiasm, relaxation, and inspiring creativity.
The following section, “Transformative Essence and Incense” was my favorite because of the recipes and “cozy witch” hygge vibe! Greenleaf writes, “I have incorporated everything I have learned from the wise women in my family and the greater community to which I I belong into my mindfulness regarding home and the creation of sacred space.”8 There’s brewing spells for magical potpourri and teas, DIY self-care blends, and aromatherapy guidance. All of which inspires me to bring a bit of enchantment to my home!
The final section details how the “Germanic and Nordic pagans of old saw the year as only two seasons-winter and summer”9. Greenleaf includes rituals for Yule (start of winter) and Litha (start of summer), along with information on the nordic lunar system, astrological seasons, energy of the days of week.
I cherish authors who take their expertise, which this absolutely is for Cerridwen Greenleaf who is a scholar and dedicated teacher, to open new pathways for those eager to learn. It could appear this book is only skimming the surface or that the book has a Wiccan spin to it, but I’ve found that by making my way through The Book of Norse Magic and taking the time to do the exercise, spellwork, and recipes, there is potency in the content. I highly recommend it for those looking for a beautiful book to expand their magical cultural knowledge.
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.
From the very beginning, the book immerses readers in the rich history and significance of tea and brewing in Wiccan traditions, weaving together spirituality and healing properties of herbs. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a novice, the book caters to all experience levels, providing clear instructions and explanations throughout.
The heart of Wiccan Teas and Brews lies in its carefully curated tea recipes, each thoughtfully designed to align with specific intentions, seasons, and rituals. From invigorating morning brews to calming bedtime blends, each recipe is accompanied by its magical correspondences, allowing readers to infuse their teas with intention and purpose. The book goes beyond mere recipes, encouraging readers to explore the art of tea making as a sacred ritual, a way to connect with nature’s elements, and a means of spiritual growth.
The captivating illustrations lend a personal touch, almost as if you’re peering into the private journal of a Wiccan practitioner. One of the book’s most admirable traits is its accessibility. The recipes are clear and straightforward, making them easily understandable, even for those new to blending their own teas. The book offers a delightful array of tea recipes, catering to the simple and readily available ingredients and those that require more effort to find.
Each recipe comes with a detailed list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions, ensuring you can effortlessly recreate these magical potions in the comfort of your home. The book’s logical organization makes it a breeze to locate the information you seek whenever you need it. Greenleaf also provides readers details about the diverse herbs and flowers utilized in the teas, including guidance on cultivation, harvesting timings, and an enjoyable exploration of which herbs align perfectly with each zodiac sign!
In addition to the recipes, the book emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and intention during these ceremonies, creating a space for self-reflection and connection to the natural world.
Overall, Wiccan Teas and Brews is a captivating and irresistible resource for anyone interested in the magical world of Wiccan tea magic. The author’s expertise and genuine love for the subject shine through every page, making it a pleasure to read and an invaluable addition to any witch’s bookshelf.
Enchanting witches with a penchant for exploring the magical realm of tea and curious new seekers alike will find Wiccan Teas and Brews a cherished resource and an absolute essential for their bookshelf. Whether you seek healing, empowerment, or a deeper connection to nature, this book offers a delightful journey into Wiccan tea magic, inviting readers to savor the magic in every sip.
Nichole is a writer, adjunct professor and mother who is happiest in the forest or garden. She holds MA in Communication from Duquesne University and her MFA from New England College. She has leaned into the power of words for healing and spiritual journeying. Her poetry often explores the relationship between the natural world and human longing, and the magic that arises from that connection. Her academic, business, and creative writings have appeared in national and international publications.
