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Hallowed Ground, by Mark Norman

Hallowed Ground: The Folklore of Churches and Churchyards, by Mark Norman
Crossed Crow Books, 1964537002, 207 pages, May 2025

I am writing this on Mischief Night, knowing that tomorrow on Halloween, children, accompanied by parents, will go door to door in costume asking for candy, with the warning that to not be given any might be met with a trick. Scary costumes, carving pumpkins, seeing ghosts are all part of Halloween. Many call this time on the calendar Samhain, believing that this is when the veil between our world and the other world is the thinnest. What began as folkloric stories and rituals in many cultures have become what we today embrace as Halloween traditions.  

In Hallowed Ground: The Folklore of Churches and Churchyards, Mark Norman, a noted folklorist, delves into the essence of folklore and how the church incorporated many pagan symbols and beliefs as it was growing in strength and power. Norman explains that folklore is a shared activity of common beliefs and experiences, neutral to many, without attachment to a particular religion or belief system.

“Folklore is about community. We are all members of folk groups – gathering places where people can enjoy shared interests.”1

That “folklore is neutral,”2 is the sentiment at the heart of the book.

Unknowingly, when I visited Lincoln Cathedral in Lincoln, England where my husband attended university, I, a lover of gift shops, bought a replica of the Lincoln Imp to hang in my home in New Jersey. The Lincoln Imp, a footlong grotesque creature that is part human and part animal, sits in the Angel Choir of the Cathedral which was built in the late 1200s. At the time it was not uncommon for churchgoers to see such an image built into their place of workshop. Seen as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil, the Imp was sent by Satan to cause mischief in the cathedral but it was turned into stone by an angel. The story of the Imp sprang from area folklore which Norman writes about in the chapter “Meeting the Devil in the Church”. 

Images of folklore in a cathedral I could somewhat understand. But magic and witchcraft in the churchyard seemed harder to accept. Norman explains, “The adoption and combining of older festival and celebration time with the Christian calendar has obviously fed into this dynamic.”3

I was aware of the efforts of the early church to incorporate pagan rituals into services in order to have the new converts more easily accept their rituals. The birth of Christ (December 25) occurred around the time of the Winter Solstice, when the light begins to return to the Northern Hemisphere. Easter coincided with Ostara, the time of fertility with those rabbits and eggs. As Norman states:

“The observation that all this leads to is that there are many connections between the Church, or Christian religion, and magic.”4

Another thing I was surprised to read is that while village witches and healers were almost always illiterate, most had a good working knowledge of the Bible and that clergy would sometimes seek their advice. Norman goes on to share about how many books of spells and charms feature biblical characters or psalms.

The book is filled with stories and examples from Babylonian times to modern day. Separated into seven chapters, readers can delve into the construction and role of the church, spectral figures in the courtyard, flora and fauna, pagan symbols in the church, superstition in the church and churchyard, and more. A multi-page bibliography provides the reader with resources for further research and reading. 

Norman often returns to the understanding that folklore doesn’t seem to prove or disprove anything. In the chapter titled “Spectral Figure in the Churchyard”, for example, he writes that “science cannot definitively prove or disprove the existence of ghosts, whatever they may be.”5 Instead, folklorists are “in the best position to examine some of the ways in which spectral apparitions have been recorded on hallowed ground, and what their meaning might be.”6

One could not wish for a more experienced author on this subject. Mark Norman, a folklorist, has one of the leading podcasts in the field (The Folklore Podcast). Based in Devon, England, he is curator of the Folklore Library and Archive. His other books on folklore are varied in subject matter: Dark Folklore, Folklore of Wales, Telling the Bees and Other Customs: The Folklore of Rural Crafts, The Folklore of Devon, Black Dog Folklore, and ZOINKS!: The Spooky Folklore Behind Scooby Doo.

Overall, Hallowed Ground will especially appeal to readers fascinated by the intersection of religion, mythology, and cultural history. Those who enjoy uncovering the layers of meaning behind long-standing traditions, whether rooted in pagan ritual, Christian symbolism, or village superstition, will find Norman’s work both enlightening and accessible.

I recommend this book for folklorists, historians, spiritual seekers, and lovers of ghost stories. Norman brings folklore to life with this engaging storytelling, inviting readers to  view sacred spaces through a new lens and revealing how centuries of belief, magic, and myth continue to shape our collective understanding of what is truly “hallowed ground.”

A Traveler’s Guide to Making Magic, by Lisa McSherry

A Traveler’s Guide to Making Magic, by Lisa McSherry
Crossed Crow Books, 1964537460, 220 pages, September 2025

Travel is a journey through thresholds, both seen and unseen. Every new landscape, culture, and experience becomes a portal, inviting us to step outside the familiar and into the realm of possibility. In these liminal spaces, where the routines of daily life are left behind, magic finds fertile ground to awaken. A Traveler’s Guide to Making Magic by Lisa McSherry teaches that travel itself is a magical act, offering endless opportunities to adapt our practice, expand our awareness, and discover parts of ourselves we may never have met without crossing those borders.

I’ll admit that I started this book feeling disenchanted with travel, a rare feeling for this Sagittarius moon. For the past year, I’ve been studying astrocartography, which over time transformed locations worldwide, rich with their own culture, traditions, and history, into astrological lines on a map. Focusing on the technicality of my readings diminished the more intuitive resonance I usually felt when thinking about traveling to faraway places.

For all the talk of travel in the astrocartography circles I’m in, no one seemed to really be addressing the actual experience of traveling, especially for magically-minded folks. It felt more like people were thinking in terms of what a location can offer them based on astrology (Where can I go to find the right job? What location will bring love?) rather than how they could open themselves up to fully experience the depth of location, embracing the genius loci.

And it’s for this reason that McSherry’s keen insights, practical advice, and magical know-how in A Traveler’s Guide to Making Magic were an absolute breath of fresh air! This, THIS, is the book that I was craving and needed to reignite my love for seeing and experiencing new places, especially while keeping my magical practice flowing and open to new revelations. McSherry has created a wonderful guide for those who are seeking to keep their practice alive, grounded, and meaningful while traveling that also includes the reality of travel (delayed flights, packing, being aware of other culture’s attitudes towards magic, ecological impact, etc.).

The beginning of the book really lays the foundation for the spells that come later. In her introduction, McSherry shares her view on magic, sharing that she perceives it “as a spiritual practice rooted in transformation, awareness, and responsibility.”4 She offers resources to plan sustainable travel, emphasizing the need to respect the ecology, limit one’s impact, and support local businesses that are sustained by tourism rather than larger chains that tend to be more exploitative. This was a great overall reminder of the need to center our travel within our belief systems, ensuring we are respecting the land and people we choose to visit.

The first two chapters cover the basics of magic and correspondences. McSherry covers the four main steps in her model of magic–intent, creation, raising, and sending–along with energy work, breathwork, and sympathetic magic. Then the next chapter on correspondences is packed with useful bullet-point lists and tables. The information McSherry provides is thorough! She provides lists of correspondences for animals, colors, metals, plants, seasons, stones, and tarot cards. Then there’s tables for the four elements, planets (yes, including Pluto!), and playing card meanings. For those traveling, this chapter is perfect for quick reference!

Now that readers have the basics of magic down, McSherry focuses on preparing to travel. This is one of the longer chapters in the book, which I appreciate because I feel preparation is key for a successful journey. From deciding where to go to picking out how to actually spend your time in that place, McSherry offers both pragmatic and magical guidance.

She teaches how to leave offerings at sacred sites and communicate with the divine both while planning and once at  your destination. For those in need of inspiration, she shares lists of sacred places around the world, along with a spell to manifest the travel desired. She goes in-depth about what to pack, even including types of packing storage and good-to-have items. This chapter definitely grounds the travel experience both magically through intention and realistically with the material items needed to make it as smooth as possible.

The remaining chapters focus on the actual travel experience. McSherry has a chapter on magical tools, guardian spirits and deities, locational magic, and spells and charms. There’s guidance on creating signals, enchanting one’s clothing, creating a portal ritual kit, along with elemental spells for connecting with air, earth, wind, and fire within a landscape. The list of travel deities is quite long, and readers are sure to find one that feels aligned with their energy while traveling.

For those a bit hesitant or nervous to travel, rest assured McSherry provides lots of spells for protection and safe travels. There’s a whole section called “Don’t Panic! Coping With (Inevitable) Trouble” where she teaches how to make due with common items (soap, mints, matches, napkins, etc.) for magic-on-the-go. McSherry offers ideas for a DIY first aid kit that can all fit within a prescription pill bottle to keep handy. And she even shares the phone number to contact the U.S. State Department, if needed, along with a list of specific scams to avoid and safety measures to take in case your belongings are stolen or lost.

The many specific spells and charms even further amplify readers’ magical protection. McSherry has spells for overcoming anxiety, clear communication, charm bags, vehicle protection, and multiple for safe travel and travel success. Plus, spells to manifest travel and divine where is best to go.

The final chapter, “Travel is a State of Mind”, reminds readers that you don’t have to even leave home to travel. McSherry has a whole list of ways to explore other locations without even walking out your door, ranging from taking virtual tours of museums worldwide to learning a new language. And since most people do leave home at least once a day, she offers magical ways to enhance the journey of stepping outside the comfort of home even when they’re not going far. Additionally, at the end are four appendices with additional magical guidance, a glossary, reference and resource list, and bibliography.

What I like most about this book is McSherry’s writing style. She often uses humor, bringing a smile to the reader’s face, but just as often she has a commanding tone that reflects her travel experience and accumulated wisdom. I really enjoy reading all the anecdotes in the book of her travels or her friends’ travels. Travel stories are always so interesting to me and hers really bring to life the context of what she’s talking about. I loved this one story of how she felt a man sending her negative energy and she pulled out a compact mirror to send it back to him, ultimately with him feeling ill and leaving the restaurant. Quick magical thinking!

Overall, A Traveler’s Guide to Making Magic is the single book I would bring with me on a trip, aside from a fiction novel to keep me occupied! This book is more than just a manual; it’s a companion for the road, offering wisdom, encouragement, and practical tools to weave enchantment into every step of the journey.

McSherry does such a great job covering all the bases of travel from the preparation to the safe return home and all that’s in-between. Whether or not one is a skilled magical practitioner, McSherry’s approach is accessible and easy to implement. Plus, her practical guidance is superb and akin to reading a travel guide. Her advice is much appreciated and definitely something I plan on making use of for my next big trip.

There’s a great blend of spellwork, divination techniques, elemental magic, and deity work for readers to pick and choose from as they adapt their travel magic on the go. And McSherry’s focus on cultural sensitivity, sustainability, and responsibility while traveling expands the awareness of readers, reminding them that actions have impact and it’s important to be a mindful global citizen.

McSherry shows that travel isn’t just about reaching destinations, but about opening ourselves to transformation, connection, and deeper awareness along the way. With this book in hand, even the most ordinary trip becomes an opportunity to explore new realms and carry your magic wherever you roam.

The Egyptian Tarot, by Oliver St. John

The Egyptian Tarot, by Oliver St. John
Crossed Crow Books, 978-1964537078, 154 pages, 78 cards, August 2025

The Egyptian Tarot by Oliver St. John is an excellent addition to any tarot collection. The cards feature a matte finish and traditional size which makes handling them easy. There’s a feeling of substantive tactile energy as you lay out the spread. Each card also holds the schematics of the Golden Dawn system of magick, inclusive of Qabalistic correspondences and elemental assignations, all the while processed through the imagery of Ancient Egypt and its Neteru (Gods/esses).

The back of each card is imprinted with a simplified image of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn’s Rose Cross Lamen, a key symbol containing attributes for the classical elements, classical planets, zodiac, Hebrew alphabet, alchemical principles, the hexagram and pentagram, the sefirot of the Tree of Life, and the formula of INRI.

Unlike more traditional tarot decks, the imagery is embedded with multiple Hermetic disciplines and can be interpreted from a variety of esoteric and magickal perspectives. Each card has a planetary and astrological glyph and the addition of the associated Hebrew letter, alchemical sigil, and hieroglyph on specific cards. And, even the background color of the suits of the Minor Arcana and Major Arcana cards is subtle using similar tones and correspondences as those of the Qabalistic sephiroth and some overt and latent elemental energies.

The accompanying guidebook is a full-sized 154 page paperback that serves as an excellent resource for the user in attuning to the departures in the naming of the Major Arcana and Court and Ace cards to align with the focus of the Egyptian pantheon and energy. The interpretations provided in the guidebook align the cards of the Major Arcana with the associated paths on the Hermetic Qabalistic Tree. In this way the reader is offered a course in Qabalistic principles as well as the practice of translating these energies into applied and practical use as in the form of a tool of divination. The guidebook also provides those less familiar with the Egyptian deities enough information to make the information user friendly regardless of previous experience.

The guidebook is organized into five sections including a group of appendices that could easily stand alone as teachings of Hermetic Qabalah, astrology, and Egyptian magick. The preface lays the groundwork of expectation and the promise that this is not “just another Tarot deck”6, but something more deeply intrinsic to the complexities and nuances of ancient magickal systems:

“The purpose of our Egyptian Tarot designs is to preserve the traditional elementals so far as possible, while at the same time presenting a unique perspective through the careful and knowledgeable use of ancient Egyptian symbolism. It is not within the scope of this book to explain the science of magick, astrology or Qabalah, although the Tarot correspondences utilize all of this. The reader must be referred to our other works for such things and indeed is encouraged to do so in order to gain the fullest comprehension of the Egyptian Tarot.”7

“Chapter One: The Egyptian Tarot” takes the reader on a journey through the basics of the Hermetic Tree of Life, the import of its correspondences on the cards and the astrological associations overlaid on the cards of the Minor Arcana. Additionally, a breakdown of the Major Arcana is a nice touch in giving the reader the more traditional assignment of each of the Keys as a reference point for how that card has been renamed and the broader way in which these associations are used:

“The Hermit is renamed Isis IX. The esoteric title is Prophet of the Eternal: Magus of the Voice of Power. This card portrays two sisters, Isis and Nepthys, performing an act of resurrection on the soul.”8

Having laid thorough and in-depth foundations for a shift in perspective for the cards’ broader interpretations, each card of the Major Arcana is dutifully given several pages of fuller explanation of its workings through the lens of Egyptian magick and how these may be applied to the disciplines of divination.

The subsequent section of The Egyptian Tarot guidebook, entitled “Tarot Divination”, provides an overview of the mechanics of using tarot as a tool for obtaining information and samples of card layouts, their interactions and potential interpretations of their collective energies. A grid of divinatory meanings for the Major Arcana cards provides a great starting point for deeper understanding and interpretations.

The final section, “Methods of Divination”, offers a variety of spreads that hold the symbology of the Qabalistic Tree of Life as the dominant underpinnings both in the layout, number of cards as well as the imagery and meanings of the cards themselves. I was intrigued by the many layers of each card and did a simple three card draw that produced Key XIX RA, Key XVIII Khonsu and the Four of Wands (completion):

Card 1 – Key XIX RA – The Lord of the Fire of the World. He is the holder of Light and renewable growth and regeneration. Just as the Sun rises and sets each day to be reborn the next, this card is a reminder about the power and limitless source we have as bearers of our own cycles of the Sun .

Card 2 – Key XVIII Khnonsu – Ruler of Flux and Reflux. This card calls to the acknowledgement of our inner cycles, our deep connection to the Lunar tides – Khnonsu is the Deity of the Moon – and the ability to remain in the twilight and become the reflection of the Light.

Card 3 – Four of Wands – The Lord of Completion. The cards of the Minor Arcana are each assigned a Decan (degree of placement) within the Zodiac. These are directly connected to astrological energies and in this case planetary Venus in astrological Taurus. This indicates the ability to bring what is most desired and holds the potential for creation (Venus) into manifestation with stability and strength (Taurus).

The appendices are a training manual in and of themselves, and are ripe with information about each aspect of what is depicted on the cards, alternate correspondences and Qabalistic wisdom. “Appendix I: Sephorotic Tree” provides the visual of the tree with path, name, Hebrew letter, and Tarot correspondences in one quick look.

“Appendix II: Tarot Paeans”, is a list of invocations specific to each of the cards of the Major Arcana that may be used as contemplative tools in calling in the energies of their wisdom. And “Appendix III: Key – Scale Correspondences” is an 18-page compendium of all the ways you can make connections to the specifics of the cards. Deity, plants, animals, Hebrew Letter, Gematria, and more fill these pages-each, clearly outlined in table form and useful in so many applications beyond divination.

Would I Recommend?

At first glance The Egyptian Tarot is not something that will immediately draw me in with its imagery, colors, or dynamic appeal, but rather from the treasure chest of wisdom held within each card and its potential are priceless. St. John has managed to draw into synthesis aeons of magick and craft it into a tool for divination and much, much more.

It is not a beginner deck, nor is it for those who want a quick and easy route to becoming paid readers, but it will, for those willing to put in the effort and open themselves to the greater teachings become a tool of vision and manifestation of the latent potential for deeper magick we all contain.

About the Author: Oliver St. John

Oliver St. John has dedicated his whole life to the theory and practice of magick and the occult, including related sciences of tarot, Qabalah, ritual, astrology, and divination; he is an acknowledged expert in these fields. He has written more than twenty books on these subjects and is the director of studies of Ordo Astri, Hermetic Order of the Star and Snake. He is also a musician, creates his own podcasts, and writes and edits the monthly journal Metamorphosis.

His background includes training and working with Mary Long, author and student of Dion Fortune; the late Gareth Knight; and Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki, cofounder of Servants of the Light. St. John was one of the very few people to complete a five-year course in Applied Qabalah then delivered by the latter group. He was also at one time active in the neo-Pagan Fellowship of Isis, enjoying a voluminous correspondence with Olivia Robertson, the cofounder. He has been a member of the Typhonian Order for over twenty years and has contributed articles, including a short story within the Lovecraft genre, to Starfire journal. He continues to teach students around the world and is working on several new book projects.

A Witch’s Book of Terribles, by Wycke Malliway

A Witch’s Book of Terribles: Legends, Tales, & Parables, by Wycke Malliway
Crossed Crow Books, 1959883054, 212 pages, March 2025

Just what is a witch? This is a question many of us who identify as one ponder. And while it’s very important to look within when deciding what flavors our witchcraft, we can’t help but be shaped by the stories about witches too. What secret wisdom might we glean? A Witch’s Book of Terribles: Legends, Tales & Parables by Wycke Malliway in an invitation to indeed look at the acts of other witches beyond the typical stereotypes, learn from their stories, and in turn discover more about the path we walk.

The witch is not a single figure; she is a mosaic of mysteries. In some stories, she is the feared outcast, cloaked in shadow and power. In others, she is the wise woman, healer, and midwife to transformation. These layers of identity–dark and light, feared and revered–mirror the inner complexity of every witch walking a magical path today. Within this book, each story is an invitation to meet a new part of ourselves.

Malliway’s “home-cooked folklore”1 is a really fun read! To be honest, I didn’t realize prior to beginning this book that she crafted all the stories herself, but I was thrilled once I found out. I love creative writing! In the introduction, Malliway describes:

“I’ve fumbled and grumbled through a lot in my own craft and have heard plenty of curious tales from other witches as well. I hope to pass on  these magical beliefs, practical applications, and personal warnings through the experiences of witches in this book.”7

Malliway has written nine main stories, which vary in length, along with nine one-page poems. Some of the tales are quick reads, while others really invite you to sit with the book and delve in with care. I enjoyed the way the poems come between stories, giving my mind a rest to engage with the shorter text.

Another thing that makes this book very entertaining to read is all the images throughout. On nearly every page there’s at least one illustration, which the text wraps around, that kept me engaged. Admittedly, sometimes they’d make my mind wander, but I feel like this liminal state of daydreaming created a more receptive state for reading the tales.

I have no idea why, but this book really reminded me of the series Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, which I was an avid reader of as a child. While intended for adults, there’s a childlike quality to the tales too, as it’s often younger folks learning the lessons.

One of my favorite stories was Ditty Denna and the Dismal Duenna, as I could really relate to Denna feeling left out of the more traditional magic while simultaneously enjoying her own brand of magic. In this tale, Denna, the youngest of six sisters, is often left out of the magic workings her sisters are crafting together. While her sisters all do things by the spell book, Denna is left to her own devices, left muttering:

“My magic does too work!” she mumbled to herself. “It’s just different.”9

Yet when her five older sisters summon an unfriendly fairy with their spell gone wrong, it’s Denna’s magic that is able to save them all. This story was very fun and a great reminder that it’s okay to do things your own way. You don’t need to be fenced in by the rules and expectations of others; you have your own potent magic within you!

Actually in quite a few of these stories, the witch is sought by the mundane folks, only to be mistreated. In quite a few stories, the greatest lesson was learning how to stand in one’s power and not succumb to the needs of others over honoring oneself. 

These tales were fun, mysterious, and even spooky at times. Malliway definitely has her own style, and it was a good time reading folklore and tales that are not bogged down with the ancient history of “once upon a time.” These stories have a freshness to them, allowing readers to retell them in their own way to be passed along and shapeshifted through time and space, as the greatest stories tend to be.

The real magic in this book is that when we work with stories as witches, we don’t just consume the tales — we enter them. And in doing so, we reclaim each version of the witch — and each version of ourselves. Malliway has offered some explorative pathways to venture through in these tales, some for the better and some for worse. We are given the opportunity to gain wisdom and avoid pitfalls, if we can decipher the message.

Overall, for those who enjoy creative writing and poetry, A Witch’s Book of Terribles has a lot to offer. No doubt each reader will have their own takeaway from the changes, which will most likely change with each reading. Malliway’s versatile tales are ones that readers can come back to again and again to discover something new.

The Cunning Craft, by Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold

The Cunning Craft: A Tortuous Path of the Wise Art, by Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold
Crossed Crow Books, 1959883933, 222 pages, February 2025

Sometimes, a book comes along that just, well, it makes you pause. The Cunning Craft: A Tortuous Path of the Wise Art by Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold is one of those. The title itself suggests something intricate, a journey perhaps not for the faint of heart, and the content certainly lives up to that. As someone with a long-standing interest in astrology and spiritual paths, the very concept of “cunning” as “to know,” especially “special knowledge of spiritual mysteries”10, immediately captured attention. It seemed to promise a deep dive into the practical and philosophical aspects of a craft that has often been, shall we say, misunderstood.

The author, Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold, approaches this complex subject with a clear scholarly background—degrees in psychology, anthropology, and cinema studies are noted. This is evident in the precise language and the historical breadth of the text. Frisvold unpacks what “Traditional Craft” truly means, distinguishing it from more modern, popularized versions. He’s pretty direct about it, too, explaining that early historical forms of witchcraft were, perhaps surprisingly to some, “intricately and intimately involved with and bound up within”11 Christian and other faiths of their time. 

The book is structured thematically, with chapters delving into concepts like the crossroads, serpents, the “Mountain of Lady Venus,” and the sorcerous dimensions of the craft. Each section builds upon the previous, creating, I think, a comprehensive, if at times challenging, picture.

One aspect that truly stands out is the exploration of working “with both hands”12—that is, engaging with both what might be called the Left Hand Path (Maleficia) and the Right Hand Path (Beneficia). The author doesn’t shy away from the darker, more ambiguous aspects that have historically been linked to the cunning ones. This pragmatic approach, where the “Devil” figure is presented as a powerful initiator of knowledge, someone who “transcends this and His origin is far beyond just this planet, in the realms of the stars and beyond”13, offers a perspective not often found in popular texts. The text even quotes directly from a description of this entity, emphasizing its liminal, trickster nature:

“He is the firstborn from the Darkness of Night, but contains within Himself Night’s opposite—the bright and blinding Light. He is therefore a complete duality in Himself, both Dark and Bright, which exemplifies the liminal nature so prominent in the Witch themselves.”14

It’s a compelling, if somewhat unsettling, portrayal, one that asks the reader to really, I mean really, grapple with the idea of paradoxical truths.

The book also delves into the concept of Witchblood or Elven blood, suggesting a unique, sometimes otherworldly, ancestry for practitioners. This idea of a secret pedigree, stemming from ancient unions, gives the craft a profound sense of otherness that I found fascinating. It’s not just about inherited traits, apparently, but also about a particular kind of perception. Frisvold states:

“The presence of this unique essence manifests in a natural and arcane perception of the world that comes easily to ‘the other,’ who sees the world as enchanted, filled with possibilities and secrets.”15

This is quite different from some more modern, human-centric magical systems, offering, in a way, a deeper, more inherent connection to the “enchanted worldview”16.

The historical context is, in my opinion, meticulously researched. Frisvold traces the evolution of witchcraft accusations and beliefs, demonstrating how ecclesiastical interpretations and societal fears shaped concepts such as the Witches’ Sabbath and familiar spirits. The discussion on how the Church, in its own struggles, needed the “existence of witches and devils to sustain their hold on people and to validate their theology“17 provides a crucial historical lens. This isn’t a light read, certainly not for beginners in the field of magic or occult studies, but it is gratifying for those willing to engage with its depth. 

The detailed ritual instructions, including The Masquerade of the True Cross, offer a practical dimension, allowing the reader a glimpse into the workings of cunning folk. The inclusion of these previously unpublished rites really gives the book a unique edge.

In conclusion, The Cunning Craft is a profound and thought-provoking exploration of traditional witchcraft and sorcery. It challenges popular notions and delves into the historical, philosophical, and practical intricacies of the wise arts. It makes you think about how we define truth, power, and the “other.” 

This book is best suited for intermediate to advanced students and practitioners of esoteric traditions, as well as historians interested in the nuanced evolution of magical practices. It will likely encourage readers to look beyond superficial interpretations, to, in the author’s words, “look beyond the surface of things and look deeper, to challenge, to consider different realities”18.

The book is a testament to the idea that “Humanity’s modern psyche is a product of their belief in their greatness and loss of spiritual connection”19, offering, through its pages, a powerful antidote to that very modern predicament.

A Gothic Witch’s Oracle, by Raven Digitalis and John Santerineross

A Gothic Witch’s Oracle, by Raven Digitalis and John Santerineross
Crossed Crow Books, 1959883690, 188 pages, 40 cards, February 2025

A Gothic Witch’s Oracle by Raven Digitalis with illustrations by John Santerineross is an oracle deck that approaches witchcraft in a dark and gothic way! I loved how different this deck was.

Each card features different gothic individuals and some art of baby dolls, jars, old photographs, and skulls. Santerineross’s artwork is so realistic that I thought these were from a photography shoot! The details are insane! Literally almost every goth witch’s dream is wrapped into this deck. The deck depicts themes from witchcraft, featuring cards like “Creating Dark Art”, “Enchanting Jewelry & Accessories”, “Embracing Musical Healing”, and “Bonding with the Elements”. There’s a great variety of cards with different activities that are performed in witchcraft.

The overall vibe is very witchy, whimsical, dark, and gothic. The art is beautifully peculiar and each card is, like I said prior, insanely realistic, very intriguing, and full of detail. There’s a lot of diversity involving the fashion of each card. Raven Digitalis says in the preface of the guidebook:

“It doesn’t matter what type of goth or witch you identify as. Both lifestyles are incredibly unique and diverse.”14

It’s amazing to hear and see such a diversity of style being put to place and accepted here. Two communities harmonizing in one deck is pretty cool. The fashion shown on the card varies, but it stays true to sticking with the dark, edgy, and risque theme the deck carries. Warning: There are some cards that involve some nudity, so just be prepared for that if you do purchase this deck!

I think hands down my favorite card in this deck was “Constructing a Shadow Shrine”; the skull pictured is epic. This deck had opened my mind to various different topics I heard of but really never looked into further until now. For instance, this card mentions building a shadow shrine, which is new to me.

The guidebook shows a full picture of the card with key themes underneath, then it provides a summary and a section called “Activating the Insight”. I found both of these helpful while I was reading more about this card. There’s three key themes for each card.

This deck has taught me valuable lessons, especially the card “Taming the Ego”. One of the key themes for “Taming the Ego” was “Considering helpful and harmful aspects of the ego”16. Then jumping into the “Activating the Insight” section told me more on how to go about taking this information into practice. In this card case, Digitalis asks readers to look at our attachments and then offers some questions that we must ask ourselves as we look inwards. I love exercises like this because I personally feel like I always end up learning something new about myself that I never realized before.

Outside of the artwork for the deck and the guidebook, the cards are very nice, sturdy and thin cards that shuffle quite nicely. This deck has been very awesome to shuffle. I can’t put into words at this very moment what makes it stand out from the other cards I shuffled, but this is the first deck that just shuffles like pure magic. The deck feels good in my hands.

Overall, I have to say that the guidebook is well written and it explains each oracle card excellently. This deck is perfect for any gothic, fashion, or glamour witch, who enjoys the darker sides of the craft and decks that involve a subculture in fashion. I would say that this deck is for the more intermediate practitioners in the sense of witchcraft.

For the average reader, on the other hand, this deck is cool to have to explore your craft further while applying the knowledge you will hopefully learn soon about witchcraft. But I just have to recommend caution, if you don’t feel ready to try something just yet, play it safe, and listen to your intuition always!

I love A Gothic Witch’s Oracle and enjoy working with the deck. Digitalis has written a creative, engaging guidebook. And the artwork alone is worth getting this deck because the detail is amazing, I had to do a double take when it said “Art by” on the box cover. I was deep into this review when I realized that these were not a part of a photography shoot (though I did find out that Santerineross does do photography but he is mostly inspired by Greek mythology and world religions!). Very cool to find out! This is most definitely worth trying out if any of these topics strike your fancy!

The Magical Notary Art, by Frater Barrabbas

The Magical Notary Art: Sigils, Seals, Notaries, & Signatures, by Frater Barrabbas
Crossed Crow Books, 1959883968, 170 pages, May 2025

Frater Barrabbas’s The Magical Notary Art is a detailed compendium for those interested in mastering the skill of transforming the written word, sigils, and symbols into vessels of power. Notably not a book for beginners, Barrabbas’s teachings are a mixture of scholarly background information and practical guidance for those interested in adding this skillset to their magical practice. Detailing different techniques and methodologies, Frater Barrabbas has created a multi-faceted resource that provides practitioners with a strong foundation to further their craft of notary arts.

“The notary art is a method of writing or producing an occult language that has meaning and significance within the spirit world, and therefore has a certain power and mystery in the mundane world.”1

Before delving into art of notary, Frater Barrabbas provides a solid introduction about what notary art is and how it works, including an overview of information model theory. (Side note: For those interested in learning more about the linguistics of magic, I encourage reading The Languages of Magic by Toby Chappell, which I read just a few weeks ago and made me feel more prepared for the content of this book.)

“Part 1: Sigils, Seals, and Signatures for Spirits” focuses on applying these notary arts to empower one’s rites with the invocation and evocation of spirits. The methods covered by Frater Barrabbas are magic squares, which he notes is one of the oldest methodologies to create sigils and seals, planetary kameas, alphabet wheels (Hebrew, Greek, and Latin), and angelic and demonic seals. There’s also a chapter on how to create magical signatures by condensing letters that includes a fascinating section on how tarot can be used to define the qualities of a spirit.

Frater Barrabbas teaches how if one wants to work with a spirit, especially one with minimal lore, the magical practitioner can do a general reading about their spiritual nature by noting the major arcana tarot cards that correspond with the letters in their name and doing a reading in order to prepare for conjuring. To be honest, I didn’t try it out with any spirits yet, but I did it for my name, along with some family members’ names to practice, and it was quite illuminating!

Through the chapters, Frater Barrabbas includes tables, drawings, and step-by-step instructions detailing exactly what to do for each of these methodologies. I appreciate how he openly shares which techniques he personally uses in his practice compared to those which he doesn’t utilize but is still sharing the how-to for others.

For instance, though he shares how to use magical squares to draw sigils, he also writes “Many spirits do not fit into these nice and neat categories, and some of them cannot be adequately represented by Hebrew spelling since they have Greek or Latin origin.”18 I enjoyed the balance of Frater Barrabbas’s teaching how to perform the methodology while also openly acknowledging the limitations; it gives a lot of room for the practitioner to make their own decisions and find what works for them.

“Part 2: Alphabet of Aspirations: Sigils, Words, and Phrases of Power” focuses on notary arts “derived from phrases that describe desires, aspirations, and magical objectives.”20 In this section, Frater Barrabbas shares the work of Austin Osman Spare (specifically his alphabet of desire), pictograms, and creating chants and mantras based on graphic sigils. This section gives readers free-range in crafting notary art that aligns with their personal intentions, offering plenty of creative freedom within these structured techniques.

My favorite part of this section is Frater Barrabbas’s discussion of Art Notoria: the Notary Art of Solomon the King from the late medieval period. The magical notae showcase “great symbolic figures and geometric shapes where these prayers and words of power and evocation were integrated into designs”21. Frater Barrabbas testifies the magical potency of working the nota and teaches how modern practitioners can include them in their workings now.

“Part 3: Rites of Sigil, Seal, Note, and Signature Consecration” and “Part 4: Magical Uses of Sigils, Seals, Notae, and Signatures” delve into the two ways the notary arts become activated and empowered: consecration and rites. These are how the magical link is established, determining whether the work is successful or not. In the introduction, Frater Barrabbas explains:

“It doesn’t matter if the main magical working is employing the spirit model, energy model, or the psychological model: building and deploying the magical link between subject and object through the domain of Spirit is integral to all forms of successful magic.”22

These sections are where Frater Barrabbas teaches just how to do this to ensure one’s notary art has the oomph and connection needed to serve its function. Methods covered include the use of sacraments, which themselves need to be consecrated and charged, mediation, and chanting. Also covered in these sections are creating sacred space and discussions of different forms of magical operations (energy, spirit, and psychological/temporal) so that readers can select the model approbate for their working. Within the spirit model is a great conjuring rite for those who are interested in performing this as part of their notary art.

Towards the end of the book, Frater Barrabbas covers the many ways a practitioner can incorporate the notary arts into their rites: imprinting and directing raised energy fields, symbolic naming for invoked or evoked spirits, building a temporal link and directing talismans, deity placeholders and naming animated statues and pictures, and working with consecrated sigils and notae. For each section, plenty of detail is provided, including tips from Frater Barrabbas and resources for further study, if the practitioner wants more information.

Frater Barrabbas writes with clarity and authority, ensuring his research and expertise comes across in a balanced manner. His tone is rather serious, giving a weighted testament to the content of the book. However, his earnestness lets readers know he understands the process of gaining experience and growing as a magical practitioner, leaving room within the text for readers to find their own way too.

Overall, The Magical Notary Art is perfect for practitioners seeking to become both scribe and sorcerer. To practice this craft is to engage with magic in a form that is both deeply structured and beautifully fluid, where every flourish of your pen becomes a spell and every seal a sacred binding. Frater Barrabbas’s coverage of this magical art is comprehensive, providing many directions one can take in their practice. For those feeling the call to study the notary arts, this book is a great foundation from which to take your craft to the next level. Your ink is your wand, and this book is sure to unlock new levels of mastery.

Money Magic, by Patricia Telesco

Money Magic: A Handbook of Spells and Charms for Prosperity, by Patricia Telesco
Crossed Crow Books, 196453710X, 189 pages, April 2025

Money — one of the most sought out manifestations in spellwork! Who doesn’t want a bit of extra coin to take a vacation, buy a new car, or sign up for a course that’s been calling? Money Magic: A Handbook of Spells and Charms for Prosperity by Patricia Telesco teaches readers how to bring about financial enhancement through a variety of magical methods. Filled with time-honored practices and Telesco’s magical insights, this book offers  inspiration and novel methods to increase one’s prosperity and abundance.

“I think a lot of people today feel overwhelmed with financial burdens. Having walked a mile in those shoes, and knowing what a difficult road it can be, inspired the material you’ll discover here. My hope is to give everyone reading this a clever, insightful, and practical magical blueprint for changing meager patterns in your life to those that reflect plenty, no matter how you wish to apply that energy.”1

Telesco, a seasoned author in the field of magical and spiritual literature, offers readers a comprehensive guide to attracting wealth that is very grounded and doesn’t eschew the hard work required to build and maintain one’s resources. Often referring to idioms and maxims, she encourages readers to do what’s necessary on a practical level, boosting it with magical intentions, rather than solely rely on one’s magical workings alone. I loved how she weaves together humor with a realistic approach to money magic, getting the reader in the right frame of mind to preserve, tend to their financial matters with care, and take personal responsibility for their money situation.

While Telesco doesn’t offer a get-rich-quick solution, she does provide TONS of guidance on magical methods one can draw upon to boost their financial flow. The book is organized into several chapters, each focusing on different aspects of money magic. The book includes hundreds of spells, chants, rituals, and more aimed at enhancing prosperity. These range from simple charms to more elaborate rituals, suitable for practitioners of all levels. Even more, she also includes folklore, superstitions, and customs from cultures both ancient and modern to provide a wide range of ideas and different perspectives for readers.

Telesco begins the book with lists of folklore, superstitions, signs, and omens related to money from around the world. Presented in lists, this section is easy to read and quite engaging, as there’s a lot of little tidbits of useful information. Next, she moves onto creating beverages and food for abundance, presenting recipes like “Prosperity Punch” and “Quick Cash Cabbage”. She offers tips for enhancing the recipe and making modifications to fine-tune your results.

Chapter three turns to aromatics, as Telesco notes “the nose knows”23 More than simply good-smelling oils, Telesco presents a variety of ways one can use scent to boost their magic. She lists prosperity aromatics, along with offering recipes for air sprays, bath salts, candles, creams, incense, and more. My favorite was her suggestion to create finger bowls, or small bowls fill with herbal water for cleansing. I had never heard of these before! Furthermore, Telesco shares ideas for potpourri, powders, and culinary infused aromatics, such as herbal butter, seasoned salts, and infused sugars.

The following chapter is all focused on spellwork. Telesco provides her general “rules” for spellwork, encouraging readers to disregard what doesn’t feel right for them and do what does instead, though I found her insights very helpful. She discusses how she doesn’t do magic if she’s too personally invested and only uses magical energy if it’s something she truly can’t do on her own. Great tips! And within this chapter are so many spells, ranging from “Eggshell spell” to “Money in the Moon”. Most of these are all the quick spells one can do with just a few items and a chant.

The longer rituals are shared in “Chapter Six: Rich Ritual”. Telesco provides background context for performing rituals, such as the components of a ritual and process, including invoking the elements and calling to spirit. She then provides pre-written rituals that can easily be adapted for a new job/raise/promotion, financial dream prophecy, stretching one’s resources, getting cash quickly, and banishing poverty and bringing in luck.

There’s also a chapter on talismans, where Telesco covers “portable magic”24–charms, amulets, talismans, and fetishes–and teaches readers the basics of crafting their own. She offers symbols one can carve into or draw on, charms from different places (bee, pumpkin seeds, coral) one can carry with them, crystals to keep on one’s person, and other materially tangible ways to boost one’s luck in financial matters.

The final chapter delves into astrology and feng shui. Telesco offers general astrological insight for Western astrology sun and moon signs as well as the Chinese astrology animal zodiac. She also covers the basics of feng shui, teaching readers about the significant regions, colors, and elements involved. Astrology and feng shui are clearly very in-depth fields in their own right, so what Telesco shares is only a brief introduction, but it’s enough to get the reader curious about learning more!

Telesco includes two appendices at the end. The first is a list of “suitable offerings, libations, incense, and spell and ritual components for money magic”25 and the second is a list of prosperity gods and goddesses. Both are very interesting reads!

What’s really lovely about this book is how it engages so many magical methods. For those more inclined to working with herbs or hands-on crafts, there’s plenty of options. Likewise, the kitchen witch will have a ball reading through all the magically-infused food options. Those who enjoy spellwork or astrology also have their pick of magical methods to boost their finances. From crystals and gems to sigils and chants, all kinds of magical workings are contained within this book! There’s so much to explore!!

So far, I’ve had two major money successes using tips from this book. First, I negotiated a 33% higher rate for an independent contractor job I’m starting in July. Then the next dayI was selected to do a focus group I had applied for that pays $150 for just an hour and a half of my time! These little boosts of cash made me quite happy and made me feel confident my money magic is working!!

Overall, Money Magic is a easy-to-read, well-structured, and insightful guide for anyone interested in utilizing magic to boost their financial well-being. Telesco’s practical advice coupled with decades of wisdom makes this book a valuable addition to the library of both novice and seasoned practitioners. Whether you are looking to enhance your financial situation or simply curious about money magic, you’re sure to find quite a few new tricks to add to your toolbelt.

As mentioned, I’ve already seen two major results from working with the book for just one week! I am excited to keep experimenting with the ideas shared in this book; it’s a relief to know I have a resource to go to for this specific type of magic. I love Telesco’s mix of correspondence lists, so one can craft their own magical recipes, spells, charms, etc., and step-by-step workings that provide full details about what to do, how to do it, and when the best time is for it. There’s so much room for creativity and personalization within Telesco’s guidance, which I think is the true key to successful magic!

A Witch’s Guide to Fetch Work, by Blake Malliway

A Witch’s Guide to Fetch Work: Rituals, Spells & Practices, by Blake Malliway
Crossed Crow Books,  1964537029, 200 pages, February 2025

A Witch’s Guide to Fetch Work: Rituals, Spells & Practices by Blake Malliway explores a lesser known aspect of witchcraft. Although historically creating and working with a fetch was common practice, there has been little written on both the methods of creation and the practical uses of a fetch. Malliway offers this most useful tool as one that can enhance the magical workings of those who commit to the study of this form of creation.

This book is organized into three parts: “Part I: Folklore & Theory”, “Part II: Beginning Magical Operations”, and “Part III: A Grimoire”. Additionally, there are twenty-five magical workings that address the needs for creating a fetch and how and what can be accomplished in its use. A robust bibliography and ever useful index round out the offerings of this title. 

“Chapter Two: Daimons, Fetches, Souls & Selves” clarifies for the reader the distinction between the semantics of these terms and the distinction between an actual fetch and daimon and the more complex nature of the Soul and division of self. Malliway has taken a very complex set of topics and dissected each in a fashion that is both logical and informative. 

“Chapter Three: The Fetch in Folklore” focuses on the Witch Folklore that has helped to form the foundations of how we practice the Craft today. These stories provided are those that hold the witch’s fetch, and its workings as an omen of death, a common theme of the past. Additionally, the frequency that the non-magical perceived a fetch as a corpse or other etheric spirit is a point of note in the writings Malliway shares of encounters that one would only associate with the skills of the witch. 

“Part II: Beginning Magical Operations” provides the reader with a ritual of calling and meeting your fetch and  exercises of engaging and tasking your fetch. “Chapter Four: First Steps in Fetch Work” sets the tone for a switch from the lore and academia of the fetch and hands on experience and workings. At the onset, Malliway pares down to three classifications of use for a fetch and their presentation:

“Fetch Beast: As a beast , the fetch serves as a mode of transportation, leading the Witch through the otherworldly landscape. Fetch Guide: As a guide , the fetch imparts unto the Witch certain knowledge and wisdom. . .Fetch Mate: As a mate, the fetch represents the complete coming together of two essences.”26

More detailed information is given for each in preparing the reader for the form that the fetch may take as it presents in the next steps of preparation. A ritual of calling ensures and is complete and easily used employing staples of magical exercise such as visualization, intent and quieting the mind’s chatter, creating the magical space of working and the actual calling and meeting of your fetch.

And, in the fashion of all successful magical working, “Chapter Five: Everyday Fetch Work” continues the work of ritual meeting and the reminder that sustaining what has been created is as important as the work of creation itself.   Malliway provides the reader with seven very sound exercises that build upon one another in exploring the many ways the fetch may be used, both priming the witch and the fetch for the necessary patterns of working. I especially enjoyed “Exercise Seven: Give Your Fetch A Break”:

“I know it’s exciting to see and experience the incredible works of magic you can create with your fetch, but don’t forget to give it-and consequently, yourself-a well-deserved break every now and then. Use this pause to reconnect with yourself.”27

This is a particularly useful reminder for any magical work, as burnout is real and sustaining a highly energetic level of practice such as this, requires recharging mundanely and magically. 

“Part III: A Grimoire” provides the reader with ample points of information and inspiration.

“Much of the work we’ve done up to this point has been focused on helping you learn some of the foundational techniques that will play into the more advanced methods of making magic. . .Now, as we move forward, we will shift from the exploratory phase into a more structured approach, where your foundational skills will be put to use in advanced and purposeful ways.”28

The chapters of this section cover topics such as divination, shapeshifting, spells, and rituals. “Chapter Eight: Fetch Spells and Rituals” returns to the three types of fetch introduced earlier (The Fetch-Beast, The Fetch Guide, and The Fetch Mate) and provides workings that are specific to each and their predispositions, as well as recommendations around making the best use of each. 

“The Conclusion: Go Boldly!” of this title and section offers the encouragement and wish that the work accomplished in creating your fetch will have only been a momentary project tied to the length of guidance contained in the reading of the entirety of the book. And, other important needs for successful magical work, inclusive of and beyond that of the fetch are highlighted as final reminders:

“The saying “practice makes perfect” is often tossed out as advice to those struggling with their efforts in both magical and mundane lives. While practice is certainly a  gateway to improvement, I believe there are other essential virtues that must be cultivated, especially in your work with your fetch-or any aspect of your Craft. These virtues are vulnerability, patience and perseverance.”29

Each of these “virtues” are discussed and given the attention required to apply to all of a magical practice. They are, in general, also excellent ways to proceed with the task of living as a powerful human being within the mundane experience. Malliway leaves the reader with one final exercise, “Remembering the Wins”, which says it all about staying mindful of your growth, offering gratitude for your progress, and using these traits to move you on towards greater goals.

Would I Recommend?

A Witch’s Guide to Fetch Work is an invaluable tool of resource and practice. It will deepen the understanding of the mechanisms of creation as well as broaden the perspective and enhance the workings of the modern witch. This is a smaller book in page count, but to fully understand the deeper nature of fetch work, it is dense with useful practice and information.

The index following the table of contents provides a quick reference point to return to the specific exercises you wish after having completed the title and then continuing to refine your practice. The bibliography provides ample material for the reader to explore, dissect, and come to their own conclusions about what the fetch is and how it may be used beyond the scope of this title. 

All in all, Malliway has crafted a title that opens the magical practitioner to the possibilities and potential of engaging ALL of yourself in workings. His writer’s voice creates a gentle tone of guidance and one could easily imagine the content as part of a treasured conversation of training.

About the Author: Blake Malliway 

“Blake Malliway, a Michigan native, has been a practicing witch since childhood. As a self-proclaimed oddball, Blake has always had an affinity for the other world and tends to incorporate his spirit allies into his practice whenever he can. When he’s not working magic, he can generally be found spending time at Malliway Bros., his Chicago-based witchcraft shop that he co-owns with his brother, Wycke. Blake lives in Highland Park, Illinois, with his spoiled black cat Feens.”30

A Witch’s Book of Wisdom, by Patricia Telesco

A Witch’s Book of Wisdom, by Patricia Telesco
Crossed Crow Books, 1959883542, 224 pages, November 2024

Looking for a charm guide to magic? A Witch’s Book of Wisdom by Patricia Tesleco is just for you! Telesco is a prolific author, whose other works include Mastering Candle Magic, A Floral Grimoire, and A Kitchen Witch’s Cookbook. In this book, she adapts the persona of “Granny Good Witch”, an archetypal Cunning Folk, who is happy to share their honest thoughts and practical knowledge based on decades of experience to those seeking guidance on magical topics.

“The entire purpose of this book is to provide a nurturing, sound, practical, and fun-loving outlook on magic and spirituality as they intertwine with your everyday life.”31

The book is organized alphabetically by topic. From A to Z, readers can browse the magical advice Granny Good Witch has to offer on all sorts of aspects of the Craft. From etiquette to gardening to beauty, Granny Good Witch has something to say. While a spell or incantation might be offered here and there, this book is definitely more focused on imparting general knowledge than offering “how to” advice. For those looking for specific spells with directions to follow, I’d recommend Telesco’s  Spinning Spells, Weaving Wonders.

Much of this book is sharing principles, lessons, helpful hints, and methods one can use to fulfill their intention. It reads like a magical compendium. For each topic, there’s a quote and Granny’s general take on the topic. Bullet-point lists are often included too, making the material easy to absorb and remember.

Telesco notes, “The processes provided are neither over time-consuming nor do they smack of Hollywood hocus-pocus.”32 I concur that all the advice was easy to implement! The whole book is very down to earth, acknowledging the reality that many magical practitioners don’t always have the time for complex workings. All this wisdom goes to show that our practice is meant to be lived and there’s many ways to incorporate magic into one’s day.

There’s quite a few tidbits of guidance from Granny that I picked up so far, yet three things have stood out the most. The first is to draw in luck by changing one’s routine around a bit. The second is a recipe for baking bread for kindness. And the third was a list of things fire magic can be used for.

Some of my favorite advice from Granny came from the “Manifestation” section:

“The question is, how do we go about encouraging manifestation? To answer this question, Granny looks at the ancients, who often used ritualistic dance to nudge the process along. Ritual dancing consummates the connection between the spiritual and temporal. It provides an energy-generating medium, and it then offers a way for the practitioner to express magical fulfillment as realized (in symbolic form).”33

Another aspect I like of Granny’s wisdom is the balance between encouragement and a healthy caution. This isn’t a fast-track to magic, and often, the advice is to keep on trying different things, such as working alone vs. in a group, until you find what works best for you. There’s absolutely not a “one-size fits all” mentality in these pages. Rather, the advice feels like it has your best interest at heart, as the message is tread of advice often circles back to discovering what’s best for your path, taking it slow in your exploration, and then keeping an open mind for the sake of flexibility; adaptation is definitely one of the Cunning Folk’s best attributes!

Overall, I recommend A Witch’s Book of Wisdom for those who are in need of someone (yes, even if it’s a book, Granny’s advice feels very comforting!) to turn to for magical advice. While some witches are blessed with a fulfilling community, others are left to seek out other like-minds in new groups or online forums, gathering the advice they can get from books and other resources. It’s very nice to have Granny in your corner; this is absolutely a book that is worth adding to your collection to turn to for inspiration when seeking guidance on a myriad of topics.