pepper_sage's review
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I think I’ll have to come back to actually write the review. Out of all the “beginner” witchcraft/pagan books I’ve read, this one aligns the closest to my personal world/spiritual view. I’m an animist through and through and see the world as energy flowing and sharing or taking from all living things.
With that said, I am still processing the information and can’t put much more into words.
With that said, I am still processing the information and can’t put much more into words.
alexiasophii's review
4.0
I read this as part of a Book Club I'm organizing, it was our vote for Sept/Oct. It's a very interesting book that shows the tradition of the author and how it works. There are several points that I didn't identify with, mainly the deep animism, in which even a branch of rosemary is a "sentient being", so to speak, but I understand its validity and the reason why their work is like that. I really liked the quote "It is more important to honor the cycles of nature in a way that is authentic to your location and sense of spiritual ancestry than to do what is done by others." and the chapter on festivals and ways to celebrate, because I really like the way the author spoke about the fluidity of celebrations and nature, which must always be adapted to the place where we live. I think it could have had more warnings about specific practices that the author "recommends" or talks about like the consumption of herbs and other hallucinogenic products and the part about doing hedge riding in the middle of the woods alone but oh well... Let's believe in people's common sense
victoriadevita17's review
4.0
this book has spent about a year on my TBR and i am so happy to have finally made my way through it! The Witch at the Forest’s Edge by Christine Grace (@awitchbetwixt) was a delightful and refreshing read. Review below:
•
With accessible language, a cheerful guiding voice, and information backed by years of personal experience and research, this book is one I would recommend for witches of all levels.
•
Though this book focused on a lot of “beginner” topics such as the wheel of the year, types of spell work, creating a code of ethics, etc., there were definitely bits of knowledge in here that an intermediate or veteran witch could find new! For example, the chapter on “Green and Local” witchcraft shared interesting perspectives on how to connect with the spirits of the land around you as well as any ancestral lands that you may connect with!
•
Speaking of ancestral ties, this book’s section of ancestors and ancestor work was a really great read and I bookmarked a lot throughout this section to return to later!
•
Overall, I highly recommend checking out this book if you’re looking for a comprehensive yet easy-to-read witchy book!
•
With accessible language, a cheerful guiding voice, and information backed by years of personal experience and research, this book is one I would recommend for witches of all levels.
•
Though this book focused on a lot of “beginner” topics such as the wheel of the year, types of spell work, creating a code of ethics, etc., there were definitely bits of knowledge in here that an intermediate or veteran witch could find new! For example, the chapter on “Green and Local” witchcraft shared interesting perspectives on how to connect with the spirits of the land around you as well as any ancestral lands that you may connect with!
•
Speaking of ancestral ties, this book’s section of ancestors and ancestor work was a really great read and I bookmarked a lot throughout this section to return to later!
•
Overall, I highly recommend checking out this book if you’re looking for a comprehensive yet easy-to-read witchy book!
hlessiroo's review
5.0
I’ve been listening to Betwixt and Between podcast for about 5 years now, and this book was one of my most anticipated of the year. It did not disappoint. Written in Christine Grace’s gentle style, The Witch at the Forest’s Edge offers an accessible framework for developing your own witchcraft practice. No worldview/deity/theology specific material is presented; the book includes reflection questions and practice exercises for the reader to come to their own conclusions. (Plus, the further reading section is particularly indulgent :) ) Highly recommend.
comicgirl's review
4.0
This book is a beginners guide to a specific branch of the study of witchcraft. While it was interesting, and offered some thought proving questions, it isn't what I am looking for with my practice.