thelexingtonbookie's review against another edition
4.0
This is a fantastic beginners guide to modern witchcraft. For anyone who has ever been curious about what it means to be a witch, or how to practice magick, or what the history behind witchcraft is, this book answers so many questions. It's conversationally written, which I also appreciated as it keeps the reader engaged rather than alienating them with new-age speak. There is also a lot of practical information for those looking to encompass more modern witchcraft into their daily routines.
As someone who is genuinely curious about all sorts of metaphysical spheres, I found this book very informative and interesting!
As someone who is genuinely curious about all sorts of metaphysical spheres, I found this book very informative and interesting!
boopointeshoes's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
By far the best book I could’ve chosen to be introduced with to the world of witchcraft!
lily628's review against another edition
3.0
A good overview of Goddess-focused Wicca. It's more based in the theoretical than the practical, but as someone who doesn't know as much about deities, I found it to be an interesting read. While I wouldn't consider it a must-read for a baby witch, it certainly is clear to read, enjoyable, and not too dense and relatable..
redhairedashreads's review against another edition
5.0
This book was an excellent book for anyone interested in Goddess worship and empowerment. Blake does a wonderful job at teaching beginners how to embrace, interact, and connect with the Goddesses. This book discusses how to meet and greet the Goddesses, tune into nature, how to apply Goddess worship to daily life, types of witches (i.e. solitary, group, family), adapting to the current political and cultural climate, using meditations, affirmations and spells, and some appendices of useful supplies and books for further education.
While I have been studying witchcraft for a few years now I still consider myself a beginner because I am a solitary and I am not great at making time for my craft. I am constantly learning new things that change my perspectives and my path as well. This book was easy to read and apply to daily life, which I have found isn’t always the case for witchcraft books. I also love how Blake frequently reminds you to do what works for you and your situation. It is so easy to get caught up in all the stuff you don’t have and feel like you can’t do a ritual because of it, especially if you have allergies or restrictions for certain items, like I do. I cannot have candles or incense because my husband has a fragrance allergy so I have to find new ways to work around them (i.e. fake tea candles). So being reminded that all you really need to commune with the Gods is your mind, heart, and intent was very impactful for me.
Overall, this was a wonderful book for beginners or just for anyone looking for more information on connecting with the Goddesses. I will be buying a copy of this when it comes out.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
While I have been studying witchcraft for a few years now I still consider myself a beginner because I am a solitary and I am not great at making time for my craft. I am constantly learning new things that change my perspectives and my path as well. This book was easy to read and apply to daily life, which I have found isn’t always the case for witchcraft books. I also love how Blake frequently reminds you to do what works for you and your situation. It is so easy to get caught up in all the stuff you don’t have and feel like you can’t do a ritual because of it, especially if you have allergies or restrictions for certain items, like I do. I cannot have candles or incense because my husband has a fragrance allergy so I have to find new ways to work around them (i.e. fake tea candles). So being reminded that all you really need to commune with the Gods is your mind, heart, and intent was very impactful for me.
Overall, this was a wonderful book for beginners or just for anyone looking for more information on connecting with the Goddesses. I will be buying a copy of this when it comes out.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
izmirlimelike's review against another edition
5.0
Modern Witchcraft is an excellent introduction to the divine feminine and neo-paganism as a spiritual path. If you have been practicing for a few years and you are more experienced in your chosen path this book may not be for you. It is definitely geared towards beginners and it does a great job explaining clearly and simply what witchcraft is without sounding preachy. I especially loved the chapter on feminine divine where the author lists many of the goddesses in a meet and greet. She has a short summary of who the goddess is and how you can connect with her using simple, from the heart rituals that are not complicated. Another chapter that stood out to me was Meditations, Affirmations and Rituals. I loved her approach to them. At the end of the book, the author includes many resources if you want to dig deeper into this path.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
gefnjardottir's review against another edition
2.0
I was given a copy by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A basic guide to Wiccan witchcraft for women. A major issue I have with it is the author conflates witchcraft with Wicca. The Threefold Law and Law of Return are not "Pagan" ethics, they are specifically Wiccan. Many of the things she claims that all witches do (like celebrating the esbats) are important to the religion of Wicca but not to all witches, who may be a part of any religion or non religion.
I've certainly read worse books on witchcraft but there are much better books out there.
A basic guide to Wiccan witchcraft for women. A major issue I have with it is the author conflates witchcraft with Wicca. The Threefold Law and Law of Return are not "Pagan" ethics, they are specifically Wiccan. Many of the things she claims that all witches do (like celebrating the esbats) are important to the religion of Wicca but not to all witches, who may be a part of any religion or non religion.
I've certainly read worse books on witchcraft but there are much better books out there.
tracie_nicole's review against another edition
3.0
Book: Modern Witchcraft: Goddess Empowerment for the Kick Ass Woman
Author: Deborah Blake
Publisher: St. Martin's Essentials
Genre: Metaphysical/Self-Help
Publication Date: July 7, 2020
Rating:
*Thank you NetGalley and Random House for a copy of this book in exchange for a review!*
The Low Down:
Deborah Blake's Modern Witchcraft is a guidebook to witchcraft as a female-empowering religion, including detailed instructions on how to practice self-care in today's society through goddess worship and magic.
In a time when most formal religions are on the wane, Wicca is said to be the fastest growing religion in North America. What is it that draws people to Witchcraft, and how does a spiritual path with its roots in ancient beliefs and traditions transform itself into a practice that resonates so deeply with today's modern woman?
There are a number of explanations for the phenomenon, such as Witchcraft's connection to the natural world, or acceptance of members regardless of lifestyle choices. For women, however, the greatest appeal may be the worship of a goddess (or goddesses). No stern patriarchal God here. Instead, Wicca and most other forms of modern Witchcraft embrace deity in both the feminine and the masculine. Suddenly, women can look at the divine and see themselves reflected back. In addition, many women are frustrated, frightened, triggered, and down-right furious with the current social and political environment, but feel powerless to create positive change. Witchcraft can give them a sense of personal empowerment.
There are many different Witchcraft paths and a multitude of approaches to its practice. This book will guide the reader on the journey to connecting with the feminine divine both without and within, and open the door to this magical religion that will enlighten, uplift, and energize their lives.
My thoughts:
This book isn't really my jam. I wouldn't consider it a bad book or badly written at all, really, but this book is very much mired in the Wicca tradition and in ritual for my own personal liking. I'm not really a follower of any religion completely, though I take ideas from both Christian and Pagan traditions to form some of my beliefs. I believe that any person, male or female, can be a witch. There are witches who do not follow Wicca or any other belief system or religion. There are even Witches who consider themselves Christians. Also, many witches don't follow all the rituals that are highlighted in this book.
This book did have many good ideas, however, and I liked learning about all of the different Goddesses a person could connect with or be connected with if they find they hold similar personalities or correspondences. I didn't know about all of the Goddesses, so I feel this is a very good reference if you feel connected to a deity and would like to know more about them and what they like. I feel like this book would also be perfect for people who are interested and want to learn more about the Wiccan tradition, and how to get started in Wicca.