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bresinabook's review against another edition
3.0
This book has good information in it. It’s a very good guide to hearth craft and home based magic. It captures how to change your mindset to a more mindful, peaceful one. I will say, the book gave blanketed credit to certain information mentioned to “folk practices”, but did not say the specific folk tradition. This can be problematic as we do not know if her information on this folk tradition came from a closed practice. However, it did seem to me that most of these blanketed folk practices came from Western European or Italian traditions, so that’s comforting as they aren’t exactly closed. (I came to this conclusion based on herbs used, elements of the spell and her bibliography). Besides that, another glaring issue with this book is that it recommends smudging using white sage. Multiple Native American communities have come out in recent years stating that smudging and the use of white sage is a CLOSED practice. Please listen to them. Overall, I think that this book has good information, but as with all things, one must remember to consume media/information critically.
luckyleaf's review against another edition
3.0
From the adorable cover to the creamy pages donned with purple (!) ink, this edition is gorgeous. I had every intention of loving this little book, but it was honestly a slog to get through.
I appreciate both theory and practice, but this book fell short on both counts. In The House Witch, Murphy-Hiscock investigates the basis of spirituality of the house/home/hearth and how one can better incorporate this spirituality into their home (which is interesting and all, but not at all what the synopsis makes the book out to be. Reader be warned.).
The author goes into great detail discussing the inherent sacredness of the hearth and home and setting out the framework of her worship. She then directs the reader to meditate, create an altar for the home spirits/ancestors/what-have-you, and rustle up some herbs to hangout in the cauldron among a few recipes, crafts, and herb correspondence lists.
And as far as the craft in hearthcraft goes, the author’s rituals (note: not spells), are fine but very surface level. If you’re just looking for spells, you can find similar quality on Tumblr.
This book feels like a second draft, with an incoherent structure and redundancy throughout. Can’t blame an author for an editor’s blunders, but I was surprised to see a number of errors, ranging from overall flow to typos, from a Simon & Schuster imprint. And then there’s the one-dimensional discussion on hearth deities from non-western traditions while pages and pages are given to Hestia…
But it’s not all bad! I found the sections on room energy readings and wards helpful, and I have found myself enjoying cleaning more than before. But will I be cracking this tome open every few weeks to inspire my craft? No.
If you’re interested in learning more about hearth-based spirituality with a few interesting rituals, The House Witch could be just what you’re looking for. If you read the synopsis and bought the book, but, like me, were disappointed by the contents, well hey, at least it looks cute on the coffee table.
I appreciate both theory and practice, but this book fell short on both counts. In The House Witch, Murphy-Hiscock investigates the basis of spirituality of the house/home/hearth and how one can better incorporate this spirituality into their home (which is interesting and all, but not at all what the synopsis makes the book out to be. Reader be warned.).
The author goes into great detail discussing the inherent sacredness of the hearth and home and setting out the framework of her worship. She then directs the reader to meditate, create an altar for the home spirits/ancestors/what-have-you, and rustle up some herbs to hangout in the cauldron among a few recipes, crafts, and herb correspondence lists.
And as far as the craft in hearthcraft goes, the author’s rituals (note: not spells), are fine but very surface level. If you’re just looking for spells, you can find similar quality on Tumblr.
This book feels like a second draft, with an incoherent structure and redundancy throughout. Can’t blame an author for an editor’s blunders, but I was surprised to see a number of errors, ranging from overall flow to typos, from a Simon & Schuster imprint. And then there’s the one-dimensional discussion on hearth deities from non-western traditions while pages and pages are given to Hestia…
But it’s not all bad! I found the sections on room energy readings and wards helpful, and I have found myself enjoying cleaning more than before. But will I be cracking this tome open every few weeks to inspire my craft? No.
If you’re interested in learning more about hearth-based spirituality with a few interesting rituals, The House Witch could be just what you’re looking for. If you read the synopsis and bought the book, but, like me, were disappointed by the contents, well hey, at least it looks cute on the coffee table.
yeriwithaj_'s review against another edition
5.0
Another inspiring read that made me want to clean, declutter my home and life, and find enjoyment while doing so.
Again, the author gives so much good information and yet allows the reader room to adjust it in a way that suits their path, life, and needs, all the while without forcing a particular agenda. Anyone from any walk of life can find helpful information without sacrificing their beliefs.
Again, the author gives so much good information and yet allows the reader room to adjust it in a way that suits their path, life, and needs, all the while without forcing a particular agenda. Anyone from any walk of life can find helpful information without sacrificing their beliefs.