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The Oracle of Forgotten Witches, by Balázs Tátrai with illustrations by Lilla Bölecz

The Oracle of Forgotten Witches, by Balázs Tátrai with illustrations by Lilla Bölecz
Watkins Publishings, 978-1-83681-042-1, 192 pages, 60 cards, August 2026

There is something deeply compelling about potent magic of the past. The Oracle of Forgotten Witches by Balázs Tátrai and illustrated by Lilla Bölecz, invites readers to encounter tales of mystery, exploring the enduring relationship between witchcraft, folklore, and magical power.

This deck expands upon the content introduced in Tátrai and Bölecz’s earlier collaboration, The Book of Forgotten Witches: Dark and Twisted Folklore Stories from Around the World. While familiarity with the original book can enrich the oracle experience, the deck offers its own system for exploring these figures through personal reflection and creative storytelling, so you can definitely work with it individually.

The structure of the deck is quite interesting. The 60 cards in the deck are divided into 10 suits: Curse-bringers, Shape-shifters, Survivors, Avengers, Mesmerizers, Well-wishers, Alchemists, Revenants, Nature Witches, and Fate-turners.

The guidebook details the general energy of each type, noting how Mezmerizers “See through every trick, even those you use to deceive yourself.”1, while Nature Witches help readers to “Find your pace in the intricate web of nature and society.”2.

Then within each of the 10 suits, there are 6 cards: witch, familiar, spirit, deity, magical item, and magical place. You can tell which the card is from by looking at the symbol on it. The cards also feature a keyword too, which is helpful for learning to read with the cards.

And in case the variety of suit types didn’t tip you off, this deck has a range of energies! This makes for some elaborate readings that don’t shy away from darker elements. The Oracle of Forgotten Witches makes room for vengeance, curses, death, and other unsettling aspects of folklore. This provides an opportunity to engage with the complexity of magical traditions rather than reducing the witch archetype to a purely comforting or nurturing presence, which OFTEN happens with oracle decks, so I really enjoy working with it for this reason.

Bölecz’s illustrations beautifully complement this darker atmosphere. Her artwork brings to life through visual language enchantment, mystery, and hidden realms. The cards feature richly atmospheric colors, intricate details, and a distinctly gothic vibe. The black borders and black-edged cards further contribute to the deck’s shadow element, inviting all energy into the oracle conversation, not just the bright and shiny aspects of witchcraft.

It’s very cool how the imagery extends beyond portraits of witches to include mythical creatures, spiritual beings, enchanted objects, and fantastical landscapes. This diversity encourages readers to consider how the setting, symbolism, and accompanying keyword of each card contribute to its message. Additionally, the illustrations serve not only as visual representations of the stories they’re related to but also as imaginative starting points for personal interpretation or storyweaving (more on this to come).

As for the guidebook, Tátrai offers an amazing balance of esoteric knowledge and spiritual guidance. Each entry shares the category, key words, an overview of the historical relationship the card has to witchcraft (whether it’s how an item is used or the mythological origins of a tale), a whisper from the card, which is as though is it speaking directly to the reader, and finally reflection questions. While I haven’t read The Book of Forgotten Witches, it seems like Tátrai has done a great job distilling and condensing vital information and transforming it into oracular guidance.

Tátrai also includes various spreads readers can do with the deck. In addition to the standard one-card and three-card readings, he also shares Hecate Spread and Magnum Opus Spread. The latter is very interesting because it uses a card from each suit to lead readers through the alchemical process of transformation. The final spreads are focused on storyweaving, both individually and collectively. 

And I think the storytelling element is my favorite aspect of this deck! The Storyweaving Spread that encourages readers to create their own folktales using the characters, objects, and places depicted on the cards. By examining the narratives that emerge, readers can explore the symbolic connections between the stories they create and their personal experiences.  Through its combination of storytelling and symbolism, it offers an opportunity to reflect on what these elements of witchcraft might reveal about your own relationship with intuition, autonomy, and the unseen. There’s even a spread for collective storyweaving, which I look forward to doing with friends!

When using the cards for storyweaving, you get the chance to imagine yourself on a journey, encountering the cards and developing your own sense of how they fit together. Is Spinning Wheel an opportunity for rebirth or something to avoid pricking your finger on? Is your encounter with Deer Woman meant to help you embrace your wild nature or lead you down a path of seduction? While you can go by the guidebook definitions, it’s also an opportunity to expand your senses and practice discernment: what do you feel about the energies and the tale being told?

Here’s an example of a storyweaving I recently did:

My first encounter was with Sirona, a well-wishing deity, who offers vitality by connecting to the life source, encouraging natural medicines like laughter and water to boost one’s overall health and well-being. I felt immediately rejuvenated when I pulled this card, especially because I had felt a little melancholy and out of sorts. It was a sign that following my intuition to take the magical path was giving me the restoration my soul needs.

Believe it or not, the second card I pulled was The Sibyl’s Grotto, also within the suit of well-wishing, though this is a magical place. It felt amazing to venture further into this healing journey to enter such a sacred space, especially since I specifically went to my special spot for solitude (my favorite Barnes and Noble cafe) in order to have some alone time to refresh my energy.

BUT ALAS, here in the grotto, I encounter Strzygon, a vampiric spirit from Polish folklore that indicates too much attachment to material things and people. Alone, I must reflect on these unhealthy attachments draining my energy and rectify them. I am grateful for the extra vitality that Sirona has given me and the healing properties of Sibyl’s Grotto during this process,

Here, Louhi, a Finnish deity filled with wrath, comes to show how I can use my anger constructively to sever these ties. She reminds me that it’s okay to speak up for myself and anger can be a reminder of where my boundaries have been over-stepped. As I release a primal scream, bringing forth all that I’ve held inside, suddenly a magical object appears before me: Grimoire.

The Grimoire is filled with spells from my heritage, reminding me of the special knowledge passed down through time that links me to those who have come before and those who will come after. I am but one link in a long line of ancestry, never alone yet still with my own unique purpose.

With this revelation, I am graced with the presence of a new familiar: Moon Spider. The guidebook reminds me, “We can’t escape all the hardship in our lives by shutting ourselves off from the world completely. Some form of human interaction is vital for our mental wellbeing. To grow as individuals, we need to express ourselves, share ideas and listen to others.”3

This storytelling session showed me that I can regain my vitality by taking time for myself in healing spaces to do the inner work of examining my attachments and where I might need to speak up more, express my true feelings, and address imbalances by acknowledging my anger. I have the resources and spells needed to do this with sovereignty. When I am ready, I can remerge to communicate and connect again.

Overall, The Oracle of Forgotten Witches offers an imaginative exploration of the witch archetype, bringing together the wisdom of folklore, the symbolism of alchemy, and the transformative potential of storytelling. Tátrai’s narrative approach and Bölecz’s atmospheric illustrations create a richly developed magical world that encourages readers to engage with all aspects of witchcraft. For those drawn to the mysterious figures who inhabit the magical margins of history and mythology, this oracle provides an intriguing opportunity to encounter their stories and discover what they might illuminate within our own lives.

I recommend this deck to those interested in mythology, folklore, shadow work, and storytelling. Its layered structure and accompanying stories make it especially suited for those who want to learn more about cultural narratives and historical experiences that have shaped our understanding of the witch. Connecting with figures associated with curses, survival, vengeance, and transformation, alongside healing, connection, and inner wisdom makes for a comprehensive reading.

Witch’s Homestead Oracle, by Hadas Knox and Giada Rose

Witch’s Homestead Oracle, by Hadas Knox and Giada Rose
Rockpool Publishing, 1922468452, 160 pages, 44 cards, October 2026

There is a particular kind of magic that emerges when the ordinary rhythms of home become sacred: tending a garden, preparing food, watching the seasons shift outside the window, preserving what has been harvested, or simply noticing the plants and creatures sharing the land with us. Witch’s Homestead Oracle by Hadas Knox, with illustrations by Giada Rose, builds an entire divinatory world around this expression of witchcraft.

It’s truly beautiful to tap into this essence, but to be honest, I didn’t know what to make of this deck when I first opened the box. I absolutely love Giada Rose’s illustration style, which is undoubtedly what drew me to the deck. But despite enjoying household magic, I was getting a bit paranoid it had a “trad wife” essence glamourizing the domestic routines instead of liberating the spirit. But the more I worked with this deck, I discovered what this deck really is: a portal to a world where the witch’s spirit is brilliantly alive and thriving in home and hearth, keenly attuned to the rhythm of life, whether it be seasonal tasks, rest vs activity, or creation vs. destruction.

“The homestead is more than sun-dappled routines and kitchen witchery. There is a second life there – quieter, more urgent. After the bread is baked and the jars are sealed, the witch returns to herself. A candle flickers. A journal opens. She writes by the fire, aching and alive. The same hands that gather eggs also ink spells into the margins of well-loved books. This is where outer and inner lives meet, intertwining like ivy across old stone.”2

Allowing myself to slip into this magical landscape, I opened up to embrace the wisdom of this “ever-shifting spirit of time, memory, and season”4 presented in Witch’s Homestead Oracle, which feels like a living magical landscape. This deck feels very fantastical with its mysterious farm, blending cottagecore imagery with themes of nature, domestic life, folklore, and mystery. Yet within the depictions, I still was able to glimpse parts of my own path, living in a small condo in modern day, unfortunately lacking my own Hutch, Livestock, or Secret Staircase.

The Victorian theme also gives the deck an interesting edge, and I feel like I resonated with it more once I understood Knox’s style by looking at her Instagram. First of all, it’s just an incredibly curated profile. She makes the cards’ artwork into very funny and very relatable images, and it was through this way of relating to the cards that I started to feel a connection. Knox is a pretty cool witch, and she’s got her own unique vibe, which is depicted in her eclectic humor and vintage style. Never so much has discovering the creator of the deck given shape to my relationship with it, but to me, this speaks to how imbued it is with her authentic energy.

Indeed, this is not bright, whimsical homesteading, such as my initial worry about the “trad wife” element. Knox’s Instagram describes her as a “haunted house dweller” and that essence, of being attuned to the spirits and secrets within the walls, is more aligned with this deck’s energy. That slight darkness makes the concept considerably more interesting. Suddenly, the farm feels less like an idealized escape into rural life and more like a place that has accumulated memories, stories, work, loss, abundance, and mystery over time.

And Rose does an amazing job bringing this atmosphere to life with her illustrations. Her artwork finds special meeting points between nature, femininity, and witchcraft, with the imagery speaking to the way landscapes and homes can themselves function as oracles. The colors are vivid, arresting, and cozy all at once. The textured, painting quality is reminiscent of illustrations in storybooks, leaving plenty of room for the mind to wander beyond the scene at hand.

For the interior home illustrations, the slightly imperfect lines, shadowy interiors, and vintage furnishings give each scene a nostalgic, lived-in feeling to the scenes on the cards. Meanwhile, the images depicting scenes from outdoors bring to life the enchantment of nature, the beauty in the seasons, and magic of the elements. Together, the indoor and outdoor illustrations create a cohesive visual world in which the witch’s homestead encompasses both the sanctuary of the home and the living landscape surrounding it. I also just adore the purple gilded edges of the deck!

As for the guidebook, Knox has a poetic way of bringing to awareness aspects of the inner world readers can explore. Each entry has two parts: the meaning and the story. The meaning section is not overly divinatory, rather Knox poses questions for the readers for further exploration and contemplation.

Knox weaves together the special essence of the image on the card, ranging from the Hayloft to Tea Kettle, and conveys their meaning in a comforting, gentle way. This is a great deck for sinking deeper into the present energies at hand, noticing what is bubbling up to the surface for acknowledgement or swirling around you in need of tending. One of my favorites, Nightgown, reads:

“To don the nightgown is to slip into the realm of rest, dreams, and the unique power of liminal time. Sleep is not blankness, but a veil thinned by darkness, where healing stirs and messages rise. What memories, emotions, or energies might your garments hold?”5

Mmm, so potent! Then the story aspect of the guidebook ignites the imagination, aiding readers in putting themselves into the scene. Written in second-person (“you”), Knox brings to life the scents, feelings, and inner knowing that comes through the encounter depicted on the card. Here’s a sample from another card I love, Quill & Ink:

“Quill scratches and worn wood notwithstanding, your writing desk is sacred. You’ve placed it beneath the dormer window, which always catches a cool breeze and the most golden morning light. An inkwell rests atop your desk, beckoning like a dark mirror. Pages are everywhere: half-written sheets beside the inkwell, discarded drafts curled on the floor, some crumpled in frustration. Your cat has made a bed of them, purring softly among stacks of unshelved books.”6

Transport me, please! Because my reality is a hyper toddler shouting and jumping on the bed, while my happy baby babbles and tries to get up to join her brother. For a few delicious minutes, this deck brings me into a different world, allowing a special part of me a reprieve as it sinks into the delicately crafted homestead of Knox and Rose. I love all the realms this deck moves me through.

Overall, Witch’s Homestead Oracle offers a vision of witchcraft rooted in a solitary connection to the rhythms of nature and features of the home life: the feeling of the sunlight or moonlight shining in the window, the plants that need picking or cooking or canning, the festivities or responsibilities of daily life. Most of all, this deck is a way to reconnect with the inner witch within who tracks these patterns, even if subliminally, in the modern world, and needs a moment to pause, breathe, and embrace these liminal places created for our spirits to rest, contemplate, and rise again from.

For witches who find magic in gardens, kitchens, creaky stairs,  jars on pantry shelves, herbs drying from rafters, and the quiet repetition of everyday rituals, this is your type of oracle deck! And even if you don’t typically consider yourself a homey witch, such as I initially felt, the magic of immersion is powerful with this deck. You might not initially recognize yourself in its imagery, but I feel confident that you’ll discover new aspects of yourself in the unfolding scenes. I will continue to return to this deck for daily card pulls, journaling, altar work, and sabbat celebrations.

2027 Seasons of the Witch Wall Calendar, by Lorraine Anderson, Tijana Lukovic, and Rose Giada

2027 Seasons of the Witch Wall Calendar, by Lorraine Anderson with illustrations by Tijana Lukovic and Rose Giada
Rockpool Publishing, 1922468487, 28 pages, August 2026

2027 Seasons of the Witch Wall Calendar is so much more than a place to jot down appointments, activities, and events. It is a beautiful companion for living in rhythm with the seasons. Created by Lorraine Anderson and brought to life through the enchanting artwork of Tijana Lukovic and Rose Giada, this calendar transforms an everyday organizational tool into a yearlong spiritual practice.

Admittedly, while I love living in harmony with the seasons, I am also a structured planner. This calendar combines both the natural rhythms and day-to-day reality with ease. Official holidays worldwide (UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, etc.) are joined by sabbats and moon phases, making it especially useful for those who live a dual life of mundane and magical dates. And alongside the nicely-sized calendar grids for appointments and reminders is a monthly ritual that offers a way to ground and connect with the season.

Each month features breathtaking full-color artwork that captures the dreamlike, folkloric aesthetic fans of the Seasons of the Witch oracle series have come to love. Lukovic and Giada’s illustrations feel both timeless and contemporary, blending mystical symbolism with lush natural imagery. I always feel like I could step into the setting when I gaze at them. And I love how whenever I look up at the page, I can imagine myself, calm and settled in the scene depicted. As someone who adores their artwork, it’s a real pleasure to see it larger in this 12 x 12 inch calendar!

Within the calendar’s monthly frame, there’s also one ritual for each month. Looking through them, they’re all very easy to perform without needing an excess of materials; Anderson keeps this simple, allowing for readers to integrate the seasonal energy at their own pace.

Some examples of the monthly rituals include a summer berry milk bath, honest journal reflection, ritualizing the sunset, deep cleaning, communing with an every day familiar, making a fennel digestive soda, and creating a poinsettia vessel. As you can see, there’s a full spectrum of ritual, giving readers a variety of ways to make their daily life inspired and attuned to the energies around them.

And just this one act of sacred devotion to focus on each month is enough to keep my inner magical fire going, despite the many obligations that scatter my energy and pull me in different directions. I feel more aligned with my witchcraft practice, which tends to ebb and flow depending on the time and attention I have available, by weaving Anderson’s rituals into my month (I know this from having the 2026 version of the calendar!). And I think she does a wonderful job of matching the seasonal energy with the ritual for each month.

Fans of Anderson’s oracle decks (me!!!) will recognize familiar themes of self-reflection, seasonal wisdom, and personal transformation woven in the calendar. However, no prior experience with the oracle series is necessary; this calendar stands alone as a quite magical household item. Even those simply looking for an aesthetically stunning wall calendar will appreciate its blend of practical planning and quiet inspiration.

Additionally worth noting, Rockpool Publishing has continued its commitment to environmentally responsible production by eliminating single-use shrink wrap and using FSC-certified, responsibly sourced paper. These details align beautifully with the earth-centered philosophy reflected throughout the calendar itself.

Overall, in the midst of my focus on plans and productivity, the content in the 2027 Seasons of the Witch Wall Calendar invites me to slow down, tap into my inner knowing, and cherish the magic of each day.  It’s both a practical and pretty thing to have hanging in a room. The combination of the imagery with the monthly ritual gently reminds me to appreciate the moment and attune myself to the different phases, elevating the humble wall calendar into a daily ritual of connection. For anyone seeking to weave mindfulness, seasonal awareness, and beauty into everyday life, I highly recommend this calendar!

The Green Witchery Tarot, by Cerridwen Greenleaf

The Green Witchery Tarot, by Cerridwen Greenleaf
CICO Books, 1800655916, 78 cards, 64 pages, March 2026

Where tarot offers a mirror for the soul, green witchcraft grounds this insight into the living world through flowers blooming in their season, herbs gathered with intention, moonlit rituals, and the steady guidance of the Earth itself. Together, they create a practice that is both mystical and deeply embodied: one that invites us not only to seek answers, but to reconnect with the rhythms of our intuition, our environment, and our own inner magic. The Green Witchery Tarot by Cerridwen Greenleaf weaves these paths together, creating a deck where the whispers of the natural world nurture the wisdom already growing within you.

Perfect for Pagan readers, The Green Witchery Tarot carries the energy of nature reverence, offering gentle guidance and botanical ritual inspiration. The design of the deck and format of the guidebook make it quite accessible for readers of all levels. There’s a simplicity to the deck, as only the Major Arcana and Court Cards have illustrations of people or animals on them. The Minor Arcana cards have a different color and plant background for each suit and feature just the number of the suit symbol (crystal (pentacles), athamae (swords), goblet (cups), and wands). I appreciated this design choice because it decenters humans and invites the energies of nature to come front and center.

As for the aesthetic, the Court Cards and Major Arcana look a bit like a storybook version of medieval tapestries. The illustrations are flat, stylized, and a little stiff in their posture, which remind me of iconography. There’s whimsy, but it’s structured. I was a little surprised by the images at first, as many nature-inspired decks tend to have softer illustrations, but there’s something about the images that works well for the energy of the deck. It gives the cards a timeless, old-world magical feeling, bringing forth unique symbols to draw from as you read the cards. 

The illustrations stick pretty close to the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) deck though, so people already familiar with those images will easily be able to read with this deck. Similarly, this deck is a suitable one for beginners learning the traditional card imagery that isn’t the standard RWS deck, great for those who want to infuse their practice with some earth-based magic. It’s pretty neat how the Major Arcana cards are “accompanied by trees, herbs, and flowers, as well as tools of green witchery” to further bring dimensions to the meaning of each card.

Referencing the guidebook is a great way to get acquainted with the subtleties of this deck. The full-color book is nice and big, easy to hold in one’s hand and read. There’s a table of contents, so readers can quickly find the card they’re looking for. Greenleaf provides a bit of direction for working with the deck and offers spreads to get started with.

As for the card entries, for the Major Arcana cards entries Greenleaf offers insight into the symbolism, the meaning, one-sentence guidance, and a practice that can be done. This is a really nice combination because it offers practical advice, symbolism to contemplate, and an action that can be done to integrate the energy. The practices are varied too, ranging from gazing at a white flower and thinking about the good things ahead (The Fool) to creating a magical ink to boost your self-esteem (The Lovers) to removing negative energy by placing a bowl of salt and a bowl of water on your altar (The Tower).

The Minor Arcana card entries are a bit shorter, only sharing the card’s meaning and practice. However, this was more than enough to continue to work with the cards in a magical way. The Eight of Athames suggests lighting sandalwood incense, while the Ace of Goblets encourages carving a heart into a lavender-scented candle. For the magically-minded that like to do hands on crafting or spellwork, the guidebook has 78 ideas of how to incorporate the tarot into meaningful practices! This is definitely what makes the deck so valuable to me.

Here’s an example of how I utilized one of the practices recently: I had a blessing for my new daughter, which included a community maypole dance. My family and my husband’s family are both entirely Catholic, nevertheless we decided to have the ceremony in alignment with our own spirituality (opening a circle, blessing my daughter with all the elements, Pagan prayers, and of course, the maypole).

I was a bit nervous about how it would go, so I pulled a card for guidance. The card I got was Seven of Athames. Greenleaf’s guidebook entry reads:

“Customarily, this card warns of opposition and urges you to protect your beliefs with resilience. Find courage under pressure and swap doubt for determination.”7

While the message alone was enough to give me the encouragement I needed to be true to my own beliefs, it was the practice that really helped me get out of my head and back into my magical sense of trust. The practice Greenleaf suggests for this card is holding an obsidian stone and visualizing a shield around you to bolster your resolve and defend intellectual territory. Doing this practice before the blessing ritual definitely gave me the energy I needed to tune out the judgement of others (specifically my staunchly “religious” father-in-law) and be in my own high priestess energy.

Overall, The Green Witchery Tarot is a multifaceted tool that one can use for both divination and magical practices. This combination of oracle wisdom and Earth-based magic, which is reflective of the tarot energies, make for a very well-rounded deck. Readers gain insight into plant symbolism while also seeing the traditional tarot energies from a new perspective.

I would definitely recommend this deck for those interested in plant magic. It’s a deck that quickly becomes a ritual companion, as it’s easy to integrate into one’s daily life. Working with this deck attunes readers to the magic of the natural world and reminds us of the special energies we can tap into to ground our tarot readings.

Ensouling the Effigy, by Matthew Venus

Ensouling the Effigy: The Witch’s Arte of Enspirited Objects,  by Matthew Venus
Crossed Crow Books,  978-1964537030, 420 pages, October 2025

“There is a crimson thread sewn through the diverse and rich spiritual and magical traditions humanity has crafted throughout our history, A thread drawn through conjuring lips and hallowed by the breath of life that stitches together the embodied realm and the Otherworld and binds both spirit and body by acts of devotion, desire and demand. This vivifying thread is, of course, the arte of crafting and working with enspirited objects, or what many refer to as spirit vessels.”8

Ensouling the Effigy: The Witch’s Arte of Enspirited Objects by Matthew Venus is a book that has within it a breath of life that inspires and encourages the practitioner to push a little further than what they may have considered as a means of deepening their connection to the work of the witch. Working with magical objects and empowering them is not a foreign concept to those engaged in the sacred arts, but maximizing the use and specifics of such tools is one often overlooked at worst and given a cursory glance at best. Venus brings this practice to the forefront as not only a viable methodology but also as the natural support towards successful workings.

Ensouling the Effigy is a 420-page tome that is impressive in that fact alone. Not many newer works are this lengthy and often just skim the surface of what is possible within their content. This is definitely not the case in  this writing, while also not adding anything extraneous or unintentional in its material. The title is organized into twelve chapters, contained within three parts. “Part Four: A Book of Secrets” provides the reader with a grimoire of sorts containing recipes, sigils and selected ritual workings.  And, given the size of this title, there is thankfully a glossary, bibliography, and index for quick search.

Scattered throughout are many praxis (practical application) opportunities and the overall style of the book is one of having opened the pages to a book written long ago and imbued with the formal structure of academia and concise focus. Many of the chapters conclude with a recommended reading list which provides the opportunity for further study and research for those so inclined. I particularly appreciated a specific inclusion within the introduction about general advice and precautions:

“As with most things worth doing, Witchcraft is not free from risk. Whenever engaging in magical work, particularly when working with spirits, there exists a possibility for delusion, obsession, or any number of other adverse situations to arise. Though I have included many warnings and instructions throughout this work regarding establishing protections and exercising discernment, the reader is encouraged, as much as possible, to approach this work from a place of preexisting stability in their life situations, and mental health. If you find that engaging in this work, or magical work in  general, begins to cause imbalance in your life, you should seek the aid and counsel of spiritual elders, trusted and objective peers, and medical professionals, as needed.”9

“Part One: On An Inspirited World” contains five chapters that in and of themselves could be the content of a singular title on the nuances, realms, and workings of the witch and the spirits that are called to aid in their workings. The material contained provides the reader with a clear picture and understanding of who and what “spirits” are, the identification and workings of a “witch”, ethics of magical work, tools of creation of sacred space, communication with spirits and more. 

Having laid the foundations of what the work of engaging spirits, “Part Two: On Inspirited Objects” dives right into the use of objects as ensouled allies for magic. Concise information is given about the various types and uses of ensouled objects such as spirit vessels, effigies, poppets etc. The history of such items is of particular interest in bringing their use from a place of archaic relegation into the modern world and practice of witchcraft. 

“Part Three: Ensouling the Effigy” gets to the meat and bones (no pun intended) of bringing life to the tools of working and the use of breath:

“One of the threads woven through the binding of this book is the idea that breath is the primary vehicle for spirit.  As we have seen, the spiritus, the breath , is found both at the literal and mythological birth of humanity.  It is the whisper that inspires us to create new forms. It is the vox magica that speaks desire into form and chants, charms, and conjures the spirits.  Air, breath, and voice are inseparable from our understanding of spirits and spirit work. And, it is through the breath that we will ensoul the effigy.”10

The chapters contained therein, provide specific instructions, practices and considerations for the reader, if they choose to actualize this work and incorporate into their magical system. A variety of breath work practices are offered in “Chapter Ten: Spiritus Vitae: On the Arte and Act of Enspiriting Objects”. These praxes and the author shares his methodical and step-by-step approach in the act of ensouling. 

And, in living no stone unturned and accountable, the concluding portion of the final chapter of “Part Two”, discusses release of bonds, exorcism, and banishment of those spirits and tools you no longer wish to engage with. Three praxis rituals are provided in detail to provide clean and effective disengagement. 

“Part Four: A Book of Secrets” offers a robust conclusion to the works contained within Ensouling the Effigy. Included within is a section of recipes and correlating sigils for botanical allies. Incense recipes include protection, cleansing, exorcism, evocation, and others. Each is concise including both botanical and commonly used names of the botanicals, as well as instructions for creating and best practices for use. 

The second offering of “Part Four: A Book of Secrets” is a selection of workings. Venus writes:

“The following operations bring together many of the approaches explored throughout this book’s work.  They are presented so the reader might perform them as written, or make judicious alterations as best suits their own craft.  It is my hope in sharing them here that they may give a good illustration of the manner in which such workings as are implied throughout the course of this book may be crafted and formatted to suit your own work.”11

The book concludes with six appendices that provide the reader with additional supports and tools of working that include planetary correspondences and magic squares (App. 1); the use of color (App. 2); the basics of crafting consecrated water (App. 3);  a ritual for creating sacred space (App. 4); consecration of your blade of Arte as a working tool dedicated to spirit workings (APP. 5); and an Example of a Formal Written Pact, a necessity for clear and clean spirit engagement (App. 6). The  Glossary and Index provide easier navigation through topics and nomenclature not traditionally used in your lighter offerings of text  on this subject. 

Would I Recommend?

Ensouling the Effigy by Matthew Venus is a title that has been carefully crafted and well researched in a way that is appealing both to seasoned practitioners and those new to the craft of the witch. This work is truly one that will take its place among the classic compendiums of magical work that are the foundation for informed and deep magic. 

It is not by any means a “light” read, nor should it be given the subject matter, and will require time, effort and methodical building of your specific work in this art, but the results and general expansion of those who choose to approach this subject in this way, will carry far and deeply into all of your practice. In the words of Venus:

“It is my hope that the spirit of this book has perhaps “breathed into” you in some small or significant way and that my efforts here will have enriched both your arte and arte going forward. If this tome has served in extending a witching hand across to the Otherworld and opened some eyes a bit wider around our ideas concerning spirits, personhood, and bodies, I will be quite pleased. If it has inspired you to move more consciously and actively enspirit, and in turn be enspirited by the world around you, and to perhaps take up this arte more actively, then it will have done its work,  and I will be grateful to have aided in its creation.”12

About the Author: Matthew Venus

Matthew Venus is an artist, folk magician, and witch in Salem, Massachusetts. His craft centers on animism and ancestral, land-based traditions. His practice is enriched as Tata Ndenge in a lineage of Kimbanda Angola and his experiences as an Aborisha in the Lucumí Orisha tradition. For over two decades, Matthew has shared his teachings worldwide through courses on witchcraft and folk magical traditions.
 
Matthew owns the apothecary of Spiritus Arcanum, a shop that specializes in handcrafted incense, oils, and talismanic art. He cofounded the Salem Witchcraft and Folklore Festival, which hosts events around magical education, community building, and activism.

A Grimoire of Italian Witchcraft, by Raven Grimassi

A Grimoire of Italian Witchcraft: Practical Spells & Rituals of the Old Religion, by Raven Grimassi
Crossed Crow Books, 1964537584, 276 pages, February 2026

My ancestors were from Italy. And while it appears I belong to a longtime staunchly Catholic family–while reading this book, my 89-year old Italian-American Grandmother picked it up and said, “What the hell is this?”–I can’t help but (wishfully) believe there is some lingering Italian folk magic within my veins. This has led me on a quest to learn more about neo-Pagan Italian witchcraft, or Stregheria. Having read other books by author Raven Grimassi, I was drawn to A Grimoire of Italian Witchcraft because it offers lore, spells, rituals, and teachings intended to bring this tradition into everyday magical practice.

As someone looking to build a foundation from the ground up, this book was a great starting point. Grimassi covers a variety of topics in this book, providing a structural overview of Italian spirituality, folklore, and ritual practices for those interested in the Old Religion. The book begins with a synopsis of Italian witchcraft and offers a ritual of dedication to begin one’s journey on this path. Grimassi also discusses Lasa and Lare, spirits who protect the Old Ways, encouraging readers to build a shrine as part of this work.

Chapters four through seven–”Making Contact”, “Sign and Symbol”, “Raising and Drawing Power”, and “The Art of Magick”–focus on core magical concepts but from the perspective of Italian witchcraft. For instance, there’s illustrations of physical poses to connect with the Grigori, “the entities that guard the ritual circle’s portals”13, as well as tables for symbols important in this tradition (Eight-Fold Path, Tanus (light), The Spirit of Aradia, and many more). Grimassi covers God and Goddess currents, explaining how energy flows through the body and teaching how to raise this power and move it accordingly. He also covers different types of magic and mechanisms of magic, noting the overlap between witchcraft and magical energy and components of ritual magic.

Chapter eight “Aradia, Woman of Power” and chapter nine “Moon Tree” delve more into the folklore of this path. The story of Aradia, popularized by Charles Leland, and her relevance to Italian witchcraft are explained. The symbol of the Moon tree and its ancient and esoteric meaning are also discussed, providing fascinating coverage of this lore.

The final four chapters– “Magickal and Ritual Gestures”, “Italian Folk Magic”, “The Ritual Tools”, and The Rituals”–are the practical “how-to” of the book. Readers learn the gestures and poses associated with Italian witchcraft, including “Calling Down the Goddess”14. Then there’s guidance about the saints and archangels to work with along with traditional spells and enchantments (silencing gossip, gambling, blessings). Additionally, all the tools needed are covered, including how to prepare them for use.

As for the rituals, they are varied but written out in full, so the reader can easily follow the script. Grimassi includes a ritual for a full moon and then all eight of the tregenda, or sabbats (Shadowfest, Winter Solstice, Lupercus, Spring Equinox, Diana’s Day, Summer Solstice, Cornucopia, and Autumn Equinox). To me, they were very traditional rituals, reminding me a lot of traditional Wicca, so I would probably adapt them, but they still serve as a good starting point.

The Appendices are also filled with a ton of additional information about Strega. Grimassi provides a history of the Old Religion, overview of the main deities, lists important plants and their uses, shares some Italian lore, an overview of palmistry, and more! It’s almost like all the neat other stuff that didn’t fit neatly into the structure of the book got put in the appendices, and I enjoyed it very much!

Compared to other books on this subject by Grimassi, A Grimoire of Italian Witchcraft functions much like a structured magical handbook (hence it’s name!). More than focusing solely on theory, the book is organized around practical application, presenting spells, rituals, and devotional practices that draw from the imagery and mythology associated with Italian witchcraft to make for a year-round meaningful practice. From workings related to seasonal observances to the ritual tools used, this book lays out an entire Stregheria practice that is accessible to modern practitioners.

What’s nice about the book as a whole though is that it also includes history that bridges past and present. Grimassi explains how this magic has evolved through time, dating back to the cult of Diana referenced as early as 30 BC, situating readers in the lineage and offering a connection to the origins of this magic. I really enjoyed the table of Old Gods of Tuscany and their Roman correspondences in “Chapter 3: Between Worlds”, as I previously hadn’t heard of any of these deities before.  Tapping into the historical roots of Italian spirituality made me feel like a portal was opening to all those who walked this path before me, even if it wasn’t technically Strega. There’s still this deep connection I felt towards those who honored nature and the old gods and goddesses in this way.

Overall, A Grimoire of Italian Witchcraft continues the legacy of Raven Grimassi’s work by presenting Italian-inspired witchcraft as a living and accessible tradition. The book emphasizes practice over theory, offering readers a collection of rituals and magical exercises rooted in Italian history and Pagan spirituality. In this way, the grimoire attempts to serve both as a reference text and as a working manual for those interested in exploring the path of the Strega. I definitely plan to continue to refer to it as a I connect with my Italian ancestors.

About the Author

Raven Grimassi (1951–2019) was a prolific American writer on witchcraft, Wicca, and Neopagan spirituality, publishing more than twenty books throughout his career. He is particularly known for popularizing Stregheria, a form of Italian-inspired witchcraft that blends folklore, historical research, and modern Pagan ritual practice. Grimassi was also a practicing Wiccan priest and a teacher within Pagan communities for decades, shaping the way many modern practitioners encountered Italian magical traditions.

Coven, by Fiona Horne

Coven: Where Witches Gather, by Fiona Horne
Rockpool Publishing, 1923208462, 272 pages, March 2026

For many witches, the path begins in solitude – a quiet unfolding of intuition, ritual, and personal power. Yet there is a different kind of magic that awakens when practice becomes shared. Being part of a coven offers more than companionship; it creates a living current of collective energy where wisdom is exchanged, strengths are amplified, and individual blind spots are gently illuminated. Within a trusted circle, ritual deepens, accountability strengthens intention, and transformation becomes both witnessed and supported. Coven: Where Witches Gather by Fiona Horne explores how magic can be enhanced through group relationship, becoming shared sacred work, and offers guidance for creating or finding your own magical community.

Author Fiona Horne is an Australian witch, author, musician and teacher who emerged publicly in the 1990s as one of the first modern practitioners to openly identify as a witch in mainstream media. Raised with an early interest in mysticism and the occult, she later helped popularize contemporary witchcraft through bestselling books that reframed it as a nature-honoring, self-empowered spiritual path rather than something secretive or sensationalized. Over the decades, her work has focused on making witchcraft accessible, community-oriented, and aligned with modern life, encouraging practitioners to claim their identity openly and practice with confidence. This book is a revised and updated version of her previous publication The Coven: Making Magick Together (2003).

I was immediately impressed with the smooth texture of this book and gilded green edges. Though light in weight, there is a feeling of spiritual significance that comes through the book’s design. There’s a sensory elegance to it; the surface feels deliberately textured with care, as if it was made to be handled slowly. Instantly, I recognized this as a potent grimoire.

Peeking inside, I noticed the enchanting design continues within too. The interior pages all have an intricate border design, adding a feeling of elegance. The text is well structured and neatly organized with plenty of headings, bullet points, and different size and style of fonts. There’s also a nice ribbon for bookmarking your place. All throughout illuminating black and white images that contribute to the magical resonance, infusing the text with visual prompts too.

As for the content, Horne begins with a chapter introducing witchcraft, including what witches believe and laws of witchcraft (many from traditional Wicca), followed by a chapter on witchcraft in the past, present, and future. The information in these sections sufficiently grounds readers in the wider context of witchcraft, a base from which they can then go and explore covencraft.

“A coven is a sacred space – but it’s also a shared space, and that means it comes with all the beauty and complexity of human interaction.”15

There’s so many elements to a coven, and Horne covers the different aspects and layers of this joint interaction in the following chapters. From the get-go she distinguishes the type of coven this book is aimed for is different from traditional Gardnerian and Alexandrian witchcraft ones. Some of the differences in modern covens that Horne values are things such as shared leadership, inclusivity, environmental focuses, and rapid adaptation and flexibility. Meanwhile, she also shares different types of covens, ranging from eclectic ones with members who have a mixture of magical backgrounds to “working” covens that are more focused on learning and discussion, and noting how some covens meet in-person while others are virtual. The main emphasis is on the variety of ways a coven can exist, giving readers plenty of room to feel into what would be best suited for them.

As for actually forming or finding a coven, Horne provides plenty of advice for where one might connect with other like-minded souls, even providing an attraction spell. She also shares how to know if someone is a good fit for a coven. Once the group is established, Horne guides readers through the process of establishing responsibilities, picking deities, naming the coven and choosing a magical name for one’s self, and deciding where to gather. She also covers topics such as choosing which tools to use within the coven as well as wardrobe when gathering, noting the financial element of these decisions too. All of these small decisions laid out clearly provide a good roadmap for beginning a coven’s journey.

Horne has a whole chapter dedicated to how to run a coven meeting, including preparation, casting a circle, element invocation, inviting the deities,raising energy, and closing the circle. This chapter is a great resource for those familiarizing themselves with group magic. Subsequent chapters then cover topics such as sabbats, spellwork, group meditation, magickal gathering (open to those outside the coven too), sacred play, sex within the craft, and healthy living.

One chapter that I think is very valuable is “The Art of Coven Keeping” because I’ve seen SO many covens fall apart from disagreements, gossip, jealousies, misunderstandings, and simple lack of energy or interest in maintaining them. There’s usually a potent energy at the formation of a coven, but sustaining this energy takes work. In addition to this information in this chapter, Horne also has created an oracle deck, Coven Oracle, to provide insight into group dynamics that I think is a great tool for any group work.

I really resonated with her approach to covens, making it feel much more accessible than the traditional, “hidden” covens that require much more rigid adherence to a belief system and thorough initiation. In fact, Horne’s approach to the coven dispelled many long-standing beliefs I had about covens. For the first time, I believed it was possible I could create my own or find an aligned magical community. Not only does Horne provide an overview of how to do this, but she leaves so much room for personalization, especially considering every coven will have unique energies. I enjoy how she honors the art of covencrafting, rather than trying to make it fit in specific and outdated boxes.

At the same time, Horne takes a very practical approach to covens. The chapter dedicated to legally incorporating a coven as a spiritual organization was all novel for me. I had never really thought about this approach, but it makes sense in that the organization becomes tax exempt and is eligible for grants. I appreciate how Horne offers this, in addition to all her magical advice, because it grounds the potential of each coven in our structured reality.

“Because beneath the hashtags and highlight reels there is still a living, breathing mystery – a sacred, subversive truth that belongs to witches; a truth about power, connection, and the unseen forces that shape our world. This book isn’t just a how-to. It’s a lived testament to community, courage, and the magick we create when we gather in trust and intention.”16

Overall, Coven stands out as a thoughtful and practical resource for witches drawn to group magical working. Horne offers meaningful insight into not only how to form a coven, but how to nurture, protect, and sustain its energetic integrity over time. By weaving foundational witchcraft principles with guidance on leadership, harmony, and shared intention, she creates a framework that feels both accessible and purposeful. For those seeking to move beyond solitary practice and into the alchemy of collective magic, this book serves as a steady and encouraging guide. There’s so much to explore within a group witchcraft practice, and Horne has truly provided the community with a valuable tool for navigating this special type of magic.

Word Witchery, by Katie Ness

Word Witchery: Walking the Path of the Poetry Priestess, by Katie Ness
Moon Books, 1803417064, 304 pages, November 2025

Does writing or reading make you feel inspired? Have you ever felt an immense relief, joy, or catharsis from penning your feelings? Or perhaps you’ve artfully woven together your sentences to create a soulful tale that took on a life of its own? Well then, you might just be a word witch! Part spiritual history, part poetic grimoire, Word Witchery: Walking the Path of the Poetry Priestess by Katie Ness explores the ancient power of the spoken and written word as a form of magic, inviting modern readers to reclaim the tradition of “word witchery” as a mystical art.

“Poetry and the written word as a vessel of devotion is a universal act of worship around the world that helps us not only make sense of the signature of all things and commune with the elements within it, but to make the intangible tangible and to recognise how sacred it all is.”17

Divided into three parts, this book is a great mixture of theoretical and historical material and hands-on suggestions for magical workings. “Part 1” begins with an introduction to Ness’s path as a word witch. She then delves into the power of the spoken word, highlighting the importance of storytelling and word craft through time. Ness shares her insights on what it means to be a poet and word witch who weaves magic through text., words as spells, and poetry as alchemy. There’s even an invitation to connect with Minevera through ritual.

In this first part, she also takes readers on an excavation of magical poetry, showing how the use of language to “invoke or manifest an outcome in a magical way”18 has been done for thousands of years. The longest section, “The Lost Voices of the Feminine Divine”, highlights lesser known women with a talent for word craft: Bullutsa-rabi from first millennium BCE in Babylon, Anyte of Tegea from 3rd century Arcadia, Gangasati from 13th century western India, Zhou Xuanjing from 12th century China, Gwerful Mechain from 15th century Wales, and many, many more. There’s a fluidity to “Part 1”, as it roams through time and space, as Ness guides readers through different cultures who have used this form of magic.

“The writing of poems is an alchemical process. Concrete words can frame more ephemeral thoughts and emotions.”19

“Part 2” is dedicated to readers creating their own word witchery practice. Ness covers a wide range of poetry-inspired topics readers might be called to write about: devotionals to deities, to celebrate sabbats, connecting with the phases of the moon, spellwork (love, healing, protection, abundance), shadow work, dream work, and even magical crafting (talismans, stitching, and more!). For all the chapters, Ness provides directions to follow, including ingredients and tools needed, which I felt gives readers more freedom to then just focus their creative energy on creating their poetry rather than having to come up with the entire spell or ritual from scratch.

My favorite type of poetry Ness suggests in “Part 2” was tarot poetry. I’ve been on a huge tarot kick recently, so this was a very neat way to further integrate the tarot wisdom I’ve been absorbing. I decided to do the “Five Card Tarot Poetry” exercise Ness shares where you do a reading and then write one sentence for each card, creating a short poem. I decided to do this, pulling five cards to divine what the rest of 2025 holds for me.

Card 1 – Judgement
Card 2 – Ten of Pentacles
Card 3 – King of Pentacles
Card 4 – Queen of Swords
Card 5 – Knight of Pentacles

I release the burden of self-blame,
rising anew in a fiery blaze.
My family bonds are deeply rooted,
I am building my legacy.
Fortified by my strength and resources,
I am recognized for my abundance.
What stands between me and fulfillment is easily sliced away,
while boundaries safeguard my peace.
A time for methodical new beginnings,
I move ahead strategically.

Okay, so it turned out more like an empowering poetic affirmation, but the process of creating this poem was quite fun and tapped me deeper into my creativity, affirming my reading in a new way. And this just goes to show that you don’t necessarily need to be an incredible word smith to embrace the process of using language, word, and speech for magical purposes. Whether it’s manifestation or divination, honoring a sacred deity or tuning into the Wheel of the Year, it’s much more about the process than the final product. Ness teaches readers how to discover their unique expression.

“Poetry and spell casting exist in the liminal realms, they are gatekeepers to portals within our subconscious mind, space, time and the aether; heightened ways to harness and manifest our seeds of potential.”20

In the final section, “Part 3”, Ness brings the book full circle by closing with a ritual honoring Brigid. She also shares writing prompts for further exploration.

One thing I really appreciate about this book is how Ness reinforces that word-based magic was once a living spiritual practice, and that it’s still possible for us to tap into this for ourselves. The history she shares, particularly the forgotten ancestry of women who wielded language as their wand, made this path of word crafting feel grounded for me. Ness shows the power of language is not just mystical lore, but a real, ancient tradition that can be reclaimed within our own spiritual practice. There’s a long lineage of female voices in magical traditions, and accepting Ness’s invitation to reconnect with this path is aiding me in finding my own voice as a source of power.

Overall, Word Witchery is an inspiring read for anyone who senses that writing, poetry, or spoken word is a magical practice in itself. Ness offers a bridge between ancient traditions and contemporary spirituality, reclaiming the role of the word witch and poetry priestess through thoughtful research and practical ritual readers can do. If you’re someone who loves diving into the power of language, healing through creative expression, or working with feminine spiritual energy, this book is perfect for learning how to weave your own worlds with words.

Entering Hekate’s Cauldron, by Cyndi Brannen

Entering Hekate’s Cauldron: Spells, Spirits, Rites & Rituals, by Cyndi Brannen, PhD
Weiser Books, 157863881X, 256 pages, July 2025 

Entering Hekate’s Cauldron by Cyndi Brannen, PhD, is a thorough, evocative exploration of Hekatean witchcraft that stands apart from most contemporary works on the goddess. Brannen, already well known for her contributions to modern Hekatean practice, brings an  academic precision and a deep personal devotion that gives this book both authority and soul. This beautifully structured volume blends scholarship, spirituality, and ritual praxis into a guide that is both accessible to newcomers and profoundly enriching for seasoned practitioners. 

What immediately drew me into this book was its depth. Brannen approaches Hekate not  simply as an archetype or historical figure but as a living, multidimensional goddess whose presence is felt in the liminal spaces of nature, psyche, and spirit. Her writing is grounded  in research—mythological, historical, and ritual—but also shaped by decades of personal devotional practice. This combination gives the book a tone that is both reverent and confident, offering readers a clear and coherent path into relationship with Hekate without sensationalism or oversimplification. 

One of the best aspects of Entering Hekate’s Cauldron is its organization. Brannen builds the reader’s understanding gradually, beginning with foundational mythos and historical context before moving into ritual structure, devotional work, and spellcraft. The sections exploring Hekate’s epithets are especially compelling. Brannen treats these titles not merely as poetic descriptors but as gateways into the goddess’s distinct powers and personalities. Her method of using the epithets for divination and for discerning which  aspect of Hekate is present is refreshing, innovative, and deeply rooted in traditional magical sensibilities. For practitioners seeking a nuanced relationship with the goddess, this section alone is invaluable. 

The practical material is another highlight. Brannen includes recipes, ritual components, correspondences, and offerings, each framed within a culturally respectful and historically informed understanding of Hekate’s cult. Her instructions for crafting sacred  items, preparing devotional foods, and working within the cauldron as a metaphysical space are presented with clarity and care. These recipes and rites feel both approachable and potent, offering readers tangible ways to bring Hekate into their daily or monthly spiritual rhythms.

Perhaps what resonated with me most was the way the book illuminated Hekate’s  presence not only in ancient myth and ritual but also in modern life. Brannen’s discussions  of symbolism (the crossroads, torches, keys, dogs, serpents, herbs, and moon) encouraged me to reflect on how these signs have appeared throughout my own  experiences. The book sparked a sense of synchronicity, revealing connections I had not  previously recognized. In many ways, reading this book felt like being led step by step  toward an encounter I had long sensed but never fully understood. 

Brannen writes with the voice of someone who has walked this path sincerely and  extensively. Her explanations of liminality, shadow work, and spiritual sovereignty are  clear, articulate, and grounded in both academia and lived devotion. The tone is warm yet authoritative, offering guidance without prescriptive rigidity. She emphasizes personal discernment and encourages practitioners to build a relationship with Hekate that is ethical, reciprocal, and authentic. 

The book is also visually and structurally well-designed, with thoughtful interior formatting  and an intuitive chapter progression. It is evident that great care went into arranging the  material so that readers can deepen their understanding progressively as they work  through the text. Whether used as a study manual, a ritual guide, or a devotional  companion, it adapts beautifully to the practitioner’s needs. 

Overall, Entering Hekate’s Cauldron is one of the most comprehensive and meaningful  works on Hekate currently available. It bridges scholarship and witchcraft seamlessly,  honoring both the historical tradition and the living, evolving nature of modern Hekatean  practice. Brannen’s approach is mature, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine reverence,  making it an invaluable resource for anyone wishing to cultivate a deeper relationship with  the goddess. 

For me personally, this book opened the door to a new level of connection with Hekate. It clarified aspects of her mythology that I had only glimpsed, illuminated her symbolism in  ways that felt personally relevant, and provided a framework for approaching her with  respect and understanding. By the time I finished the last page, I knew that Hekate would  become part of my own spiritual practice moving forward. 

I highly recommend Entering Hekate’s Cauldron to witches, spirit workers, scholars of  ancient religion, and anyone seeking to explore the mysteries of a complex and powerful  goddess. Brannen offers a guide that is both academically rigorous and spiritually  transformative—a rare combination, and one that makes this book truly exceptional.

The Witching Stones, by Nicholas Pearson

The Witching Stones: The Lore and Craft of the Essential Crystals, Gemstones, and Minerals to Empower Your Magic, by Nicholas Pearson
Weiser Books, 157863833X, 288 pages, October 2025

The Witching Stones by Nicholas Pearson is a captivating journey into the world of folklore, magic, and the sacred significance of stones. Known for his expertise in the field of crystals and their metaphysical properties, Pearson takes the reader into the historical, cultural, and spiritual roles that stones have played in the traditions of witchcraft and magic. Pearson offers readers a comprehensive blend of knowledge and practical guidance, making it an essential addition for those intrigued by both the mystical and the historical aspects of stone lore.

Nicholas Pearson has studied and worked with minerals and crystals for almost thirty years. His relationship with gems and crystals began when he was a small child. Pearson is an author, teacher, Reiki master and energy healer, who uses magic and flower essences in his practice.  He loves to show how crystals can change lives and believes he serves as a bridge between science and spirituality. Pearson appears on numerous podcasts and workshops around the country, including a tarot and divination workshop in Dallas which I attended a few years ago. Learn more about Nicholas Pearson on his website.

In this extensive work on witching stones, Nicholas Pierson has put together a guide to the 14 stones which he attests are integral to witchcraft. What follows are thirteen chapters, each one devoted to one magical stone, with the exception of amber and jet, which he combines into one chapter. He explains this pairing:

“Two particular stones that were prized by magicians and priests of prehistory, amber and jet are both organic gems of fossil origin. Because of their similar luster, comparable weight, and being found in the same kinds of environments they have developed parallel imagery as complementary stones. At several points in history, they were regarded as the same or remarkably similar substances.Today these stones have come to be known as the gemstones of the high priestess, priest, or priestess.”21

Pearson structures The Witching Stones in a way that is both accessible to newcomers and enriching for seasoned practitioners. The book begins with an exploration of the mythology and history surrounding stones, tracing their importance from ancient times through modern practices. Pearson weaves together stories from various cultures, showcasing the universal reverence for stones as sources of power, wisdom, and protection.

Next, Pearson provides detailed descriptions of individual stones, their mythology, their properties, and their traditional uses in magical and healing practices. Each chapter is well-organized, often including practical exercises, meditations, and rituals that readers can apply in their own spiritual work. This information comes under a heading that the author calls “Craft.”

Near the end of the book, Pearson recommends that the reader enjoy the book in the order in which he wrote it:

“Working through the chapters in order represents a symbolic journey of crafting the witch’s soul, of embodying magic inside and out. . . The role of the witch is to stand at the threshold of the material and the magical, learning from and partnering with the spirits of place. Let the landscape reveal its magic to you and surely you will know the witching stones residing there.”22

My favorite chapter was “Lodestone: Stone of Attraction and Direction”. Like all curious students, learning about stones and their properties is interesting, entertaining fun.  I was unaware that lodestone had magnetic properties. Pearson explains, “The earliest evidence of magnetite comes from Mesopotamia, where it was used alongside other iron ores to fashion weights and cylinder seals more than 4000 years ago.”23 Because of its magnetic qualities, lodestone has been used in magic and medicine for millennia. This stone is useful for “attracting” all types of desires:  love, money, health and happiness.

Pearson includes a lodestone manifestation and attraction spell, as well as a spell to reverse or stop unwanted attractions. He also includes a spell for when you may have lost your way and want direction or inspiration.  All of the spells are easy to conduct and most include simple ingredients.

I also really enjoyed the chapter on Jet and Amber, as I have been a fan of amber for many years. Did you know that you can create a necklace of amber and jet, representing the ultimate power of the witch? Pearson shares the history of this claim in both myth and literature.

Pearson writes in a clear and inviting style and makes complex concepts understandable, without oversimplification. His prose is educational and entertaining.  He includes five pages of notes that include references to each chapter, as well as a four-page bibliography.

The cover is beautifully designed with embossed, varnished letters and photos of three stones. On the back cover, his author photo is varnished and embossed. Inside the cover pages, the book features beautiful four-color photos of all fourteen stones. Each is shown in chapter order, which makes these photos a great reference tool. 

Overall, The Witching Stones by Nicholas Pearson is an enlightening and practical resource for anyone interested in the intersection of stones, folklore, and magic. Pearson’s expertise, combined with his passion for the subject, shines through in every chapter, making this book a valuable companion for both study and practice. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a curious newcomer, this book invites you to discover the ancient mysteries and enduring power of the stones beneath your feet.

“The witching stones are magic embodied. They are the tools for casting spells and carrying out rituals to commune with gods and spirits. They are part and parcel of the witch’s cabinet, the materia magica of the secret art.”24

I’ll be sure to keep The Witching Stones on hand for reference for client readings and follow up notes. I can see myself using and recommending many of the spells and potions he describes. I often recommend specific crystals or stones to clients and this book will be a valuable resource to share.