By Paula Dennan
In this piece, our guest contributor, Paula, talks about the best witchy books to add to your reading list. With the reboot of Sabrina, witches are definitely back in vogue but we’re of the believe that a little witchcraft is always relevant and chic. If you’ve always wanted to know a little more about what real-life witches are like and get up to, these are the perfect resources to seek out. From meditation practices used in pagan practices today to witchcraft as self-care, these intriguing books are just the thing to bring a little magic into your life in 2019…
At Bean we’re obsessed with all things witchy and what better way to indulge this interest than learning about real life witches? You may even practice a ritual or cast a spell of your own! Here are five books to help you express your inner witch.
1. Moon Magic: Your Complete Guide to Harnessing the Mystical Energy of the Moon by Diane Ahlquist
The moon, according to Moon Magic, affects us in so many ways that it makes sense to use it to our advantage. This in-depth look at the lunar cycle also explores meditation, divination and astrology.
Full of tips on how to set intentions, Moon Magic is for those who find themselves drawn to the moon and want to learn more about why.
2. Light Magic for Dark Times by Lisa Marie Basile
Light Magic for Dark Times places witchcraft firmly in the realm of self-care. Lisa Marie Basile, founder of Luna Luna Magazine, contends that anyone can make magick because, at its heart, witchcraft is a way of connecting to ourselves and the world around us.
Featuring spells, rituals and journal prompts for everything from body acceptance to rebuilding self-confidence and recharging after attending a protest or doing other social justice work, Light Magic for Dark Times is suitable for newbies as well as experienced witches.
3. The Magical Year by Danu Forest
The Magical Year is the only book on the list that is specifically focused on Paganism – Celtic Paganism to be exact. Dealing with the Wheel of the Year, Danu Forest takes us through the eight Sabbats or festivals and their correspondences to traditions old and new; Winter Solstice, Imbolc, Spring Equinox, Beltane, Summer Solstice, Lughnasadh, Autumn Equinox, and Samhain.
4. Craft: How to be a Modern Witch by Gabriela Herstik
Craft: How to be a Modern Witch is, as the title suggests, an introduction to modern day magickal practices. For Gabriela Herstik, becoming a witch is about working with, rather than ignoring, your intuition.
With chapters on the Tarot, Earth Magick, Moon Magick, Fashion Magick, and crystals; the underlying theme of Craft is that magick doesn’t look the same for everyone so it is OK to focus on the particular aspects that match your beliefs and interests.
5. Basic Witches by Jaya Saxena and Jess Zimmerman
If your curiosity about witches stems from their pop culture revival, Basic Witches is the book for you. While it doesn’t take itself too seriously, there is an emphasis on the idea that witchcraft is a way for women to reclaim their power.
Combining self-care and self-love with feminism and humour, Basic Witches is a self-help book with a witchy twist.
Witchcraft can mean different things to different people, so have fun exploring these books whether you plan on practising it yourself or you’re just curious about a different way of life to your own or you’re interested in taking on some aspects that might be useful in your own life…
For more great reads, check out Chloe’s list of some excellent creepy tomes and some translated works by great international female authors.
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