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carolinalopes's review
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.25
mihrreader's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
This is a cute, interesting, lighthearted overview to modern magical practices. I definitely learned a bit and picked up some interesting ideas to investigate further. It was helpful in figuring out if I want to develop a personal magical practice, and if so, how.
d3nim_diva's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.75
almendrita's review against another edition
5.0
great beginner book, would recommend to buy as a reference copy for the personal library of anyone who is interested in witchcraft, astrology, crystals, etc.
wanderwithjon's review against another edition
3.0
Disclaimer: The publisher has given me an E-COPY of the book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my criticism of the book in any way. All opinions are mine and mine alone.
A charming and unconventional "self-help" book for witches. Enchantments is a collection of ideas, tips, and knowledge about the witch culture, but it isn't one that you'll typically hear from a serious mentor.
Mya Spalter really did a good job in conveying her emotions and thoughts of the culture of witchcraft in this handy guide of hers. Her writing is quirky and funny that'll make you absolutely in sync with her while at the same time keep your interest for the subject matter grounded.
Enchantments wouldn't be a recommendation for me in terms with the interest of familiarity for witchcraft and its culture. It is more of something that should be read by someone with a premeditated knowledge or an experienced witch. Why, you might ask? Because her thoughts are more on the notion that we can do our own thing with witchcraft since it relies heavily on our own spiritual energy and vibe.
Overall, this book is outstanding. It made me laugh, curious, and it made me want to learn tarot more (teehee~!).
A charming and unconventional "self-help" book for witches. Enchantments is a collection of ideas, tips, and knowledge about the witch culture, but it isn't one that you'll typically hear from a serious mentor.
Mya Spalter really did a good job in conveying her emotions and thoughts of the culture of witchcraft in this handy guide of hers. Her writing is quirky and funny that'll make you absolutely in sync with her while at the same time keep your interest for the subject matter grounded.
Enchantments wouldn't be a recommendation for me in terms with the interest of familiarity for witchcraft and its culture. It is more of something that should be read by someone with a premeditated knowledge or an experienced witch. Why, you might ask? Because her thoughts are more on the notion that we can do our own thing with witchcraft since it relies heavily on our own spiritual energy and vibe.
Overall, this book is outstanding. It made me laugh, curious, and it made me want to learn tarot more (teehee~!).
samagader35's review against another edition
4.0
The author’s blunt wit and personal antidotes and stories of working at the Enchantments shop make this a new favorite. I also can’t wait to order one of their candles for myself.
thenerdybookfairy's review against another edition
3.0
When you hear the words "witch", "spells", "potions", "Wicca", "Wiccan" or "witchcraft", what comes to your mind? If you haven't researched these topics before, or are not a Wiccan, these words might conjure images of strange people doing mysterious, and dark, things. Magic, potions, spells, etc. sound like nonsense at best, and evil, demon work at worst.
In Enchantments, Mya Spalter de-mystifies the world of witchcraft by explaining in simple, clear, and humorous language exactly what goes on in this, and similar, practices. Using herself and her personal practice of Wicca as her starting point, Spalter takes witchcraft out of the realm of the dark and spooky, and into the realm of the every day. When it comes to things like rituals, altars, intentions, and spells, Spalter breaks down the rules, practices, and symbols, (and the rationales behind each), while simultaneously saying that one can do things in whatever way works for them. Ultimately, for Spalter, there is no "right" or "wrong" way to do things. It's what feels right and works for you that is most important.
Fundamental to Spalter's philosophy is that "magic" really boils down to just being in touch with yourself and the world around you, trusting your instincts, being open to possibilities, and believing in yourself and your ability to effect change: "A magical person embraces the presupposition that you can materially impact the condition of your life by setting a goal or intention, ritualizing that intention, visualizing the outcome of your desire, and letting it happen... One of the principles of magic that I appreciate the most is the notion that you have what you need all around you. You just have to see it."
Enchantments has 12 chapters, each one addressing the various aspects of Wiccan practice:
Chapter 1 discusses "witchy implements": altars & shrines - what they are, how to make one, and what should be on them.
Chapter 2 discusses colors: "Colors are like a physical manifestation of a mood." Spalter describes what each color represents, and how to use color to effect change.
Chapter 3 discusses candles and their use in spell casting.
Chapter 4 discusses herbs - the various kinds of herbs and their uses.
Chapter 5 discusses the stars, planets, the moon, and the sun - their significance, and what each represents, and each of them plays a role in our lives.
Chapter 6 discusses the Wiccan calendar: holidays, festivals, etc
Chapter 7 discusses "magical collaboration" - practicing your craft with other people.
Chapter 8 talks about protection and banishing: "Witchcraft is about noticing and engaging with the forces that are always operating in the world around us." This chapter talks about how to protect yourself by setting boundaries to prevent negative or unwanted energies clinging to you.
Chapter 9 discusses the different types of "love" magic/spells
Chapter 10 discusses the different types of "money" magic/spells
Chapter 11 discusses divination - ways to gain insight, or a new perspective, and
Chapter 12 discusses astrology
Spalter is a big fan of writer Grant Morrison, best known for his work in comic books. She quotes him often, and she sites his essay, "Pop Magic", as being the inspiration for her writing Enchantments. Throughout Enchantments, Spalter wants to encourage readers to pay attention to the world around them - notice things, and see the divine in them. Practicing witchcraft is really just a way to bring the divine into your every day consciousness via awareness and ritual. As she says in her conclusion to the book, "My dear hope is that you use some of these suggestions to enchant your daily life."
You Can Buy Enchantments By Clicking The Image Here:
In Enchantments, Mya Spalter de-mystifies the world of witchcraft by explaining in simple, clear, and humorous language exactly what goes on in this, and similar, practices. Using herself and her personal practice of Wicca as her starting point, Spalter takes witchcraft out of the realm of the dark and spooky, and into the realm of the every day. When it comes to things like rituals, altars, intentions, and spells, Spalter breaks down the rules, practices, and symbols, (and the rationales behind each), while simultaneously saying that one can do things in whatever way works for them. Ultimately, for Spalter, there is no "right" or "wrong" way to do things. It's what feels right and works for you that is most important.
Fundamental to Spalter's philosophy is that "magic" really boils down to just being in touch with yourself and the world around you, trusting your instincts, being open to possibilities, and believing in yourself and your ability to effect change: "A magical person embraces the presupposition that you can materially impact the condition of your life by setting a goal or intention, ritualizing that intention, visualizing the outcome of your desire, and letting it happen... One of the principles of magic that I appreciate the most is the notion that you have what you need all around you. You just have to see it."
Enchantments has 12 chapters, each one addressing the various aspects of Wiccan practice:
Chapter 1 discusses "witchy implements": altars & shrines - what they are, how to make one, and what should be on them.
Chapter 2 discusses colors: "Colors are like a physical manifestation of a mood." Spalter describes what each color represents, and how to use color to effect change.
Chapter 3 discusses candles and their use in spell casting.
Chapter 4 discusses herbs - the various kinds of herbs and their uses.
Chapter 5 discusses the stars, planets, the moon, and the sun - their significance, and what each represents, and each of them plays a role in our lives.
Chapter 6 discusses the Wiccan calendar: holidays, festivals, etc
Chapter 7 discusses "magical collaboration" - practicing your craft with other people.
Chapter 8 talks about protection and banishing: "Witchcraft is about noticing and engaging with the forces that are always operating in the world around us." This chapter talks about how to protect yourself by setting boundaries to prevent negative or unwanted energies clinging to you.
Chapter 9 discusses the different types of "love" magic/spells
Chapter 10 discusses the different types of "money" magic/spells
Chapter 11 discusses divination - ways to gain insight, or a new perspective, and
Chapter 12 discusses astrology
Spalter is a big fan of writer Grant Morrison, best known for his work in comic books. She quotes him often, and she sites his essay, "Pop Magic", as being the inspiration for her writing Enchantments. Throughout Enchantments, Spalter wants to encourage readers to pay attention to the world around them - notice things, and see the divine in them. Practicing witchcraft is really just a way to bring the divine into your every day consciousness via awareness and ritual. As she says in her conclusion to the book, "My dear hope is that you use some of these suggestions to enchant your daily life."
You Can Buy Enchantments By Clicking The Image Here:
xtinagroe's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
arationalvein's review against another edition
5.0
A great intro book discussing ideas behind a witchcraft practice! It strikes the perfect balance for me of being genuine about what it is to be a witch without claiming that Magick and Spirits and Gods are Real. It allows for the level of belief in things outside of ourselves that is comfortable to the reader.