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Secrets of the Witch: An Initiation Into Our History and Our Wisdom by Julie Légère, Elsa Whyte
fullsun00's review
4.0
With both amazing illustrations( really amazing illustrations) and text this work takes us on a journey through time to learn about witches and their history.
Witches have been feared since always but we don't really understand why. These authors explain in a simple and detailed way everything there is to know about the history of witches, their symbolism and their customs. From wands to brooms and even plants i have learned a lot about these incredible woman who are now the embodiment of feminism.
Thanks to Netgalley and the imprint Wide Eyed Editions for a giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Witches have been feared since always but we don't really understand why. These authors explain in a simple and detailed way everything there is to know about the history of witches, their symbolism and their customs. From wands to brooms and even plants i have learned a lot about these incredible woman who are now the embodiment of feminism.
Thanks to Netgalley and the imprint Wide Eyed Editions for a giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
moirin's review
4.0
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc of this book! My opinions are my own.
When I was a teenager, like many others, I was trying to find out who I was and what my place was in this world. Reading the 'Wicca' book series by Cate Tiernan was wat got me interested in Wicca and pagan culture. I went to the library and read some (non-fiction) books on the subject, but there weren't that many books that truly spoke to me as a teenager. 'Secrets of the Witch' is the book I would have loved to read back then. Even now as a thirty-something, it's been a wonderful read!
As the title suggests, this book is specifically meant for younger readers who are interested in, but still new to the world of witches. It first deals with the history of witches, the witch trials and ends with an introduction to (among other things) symbolism and herbs.
There are small blocks of text, which makes it easy to read. Those text blocks are surrounded by stunning illustrations. I would buy this book for the illustrations alone, they are that beautiful!
This book is not an in-depth book of everything there is to know about witchcraft and magic, but it's a great start if you're new to the subject and it inspires you to read and learn more about it. It's just one of those books you need to have on your shelf!
When I was a teenager, like many others, I was trying to find out who I was and what my place was in this world. Reading the 'Wicca' book series by Cate Tiernan was wat got me interested in Wicca and pagan culture. I went to the library and read some (non-fiction) books on the subject, but there weren't that many books that truly spoke to me as a teenager. 'Secrets of the Witch' is the book I would have loved to read back then. Even now as a thirty-something, it's been a wonderful read!
As the title suggests, this book is specifically meant for younger readers who are interested in, but still new to the world of witches. It first deals with the history of witches, the witch trials and ends with an introduction to (among other things) symbolism and herbs.
There are small blocks of text, which makes it easy to read. Those text blocks are surrounded by stunning illustrations. I would buy this book for the illustrations alone, they are that beautiful!
This book is not an in-depth book of everything there is to know about witchcraft and magic, but it's a great start if you're new to the subject and it inspires you to read and learn more about it. It's just one of those books you need to have on your shelf!
ashhk's review
5.0
Lovely illustrations while the text isn't the most reliable in is a nice coffee table book.
krwriter8's review
5.0
This nonfiction book is a concise introduction to the history of witches and witchcraft all over the world and how society's view of them has changed over the centuries. The pages are filled with gorgeous illustrations that add to the text and make this book visually gratifying.
I received an eARC to review on Netgalley for a fair and honest review.
I received an eARC to review on Netgalley for a fair and honest review.
seitenreise's review against another edition
4.0
Auch abschließend lässt sich sagen: diese Illustrationen! Phantastisch, genau meine Ästhetik, ich würde mir gern diverse Prints davon herstellen, die ich mir an die Wände meiner Wohnung hängen möchte.
Es war auch viel interessantes Wissen darin, vor allem dass genannte Frauen auch oft "zu Wort kommen" konnten, indem man Quellen zitiert hat, gefiel mir. Ein paar Ansätze zum weiterführenden Lesen bietet also auch diese Einführung.
Es war auch viel interessantes Wissen darin, vor allem dass genannte Frauen auch oft "zu Wort kommen" konnten, indem man Quellen zitiert hat, gefiel mir. Ein paar Ansätze zum weiterführenden Lesen bietet also auch diese Einführung.
opheliafeyre's review
3.0
Book Review: Secrets of the Witch: An Initiation into our history and our wisdom by Elsa Whyte, Julie Legere and Laura Peraz (illustrations)
Genre: Spirituality, YA, Teens
Publishers: Quarto Publishing Group - Wide Eyed Editions
Release Date: 4th August, 2020
If you are looking to be initiated into the world of Witchcraft then this book is a great place to start. Even though it is only a small book, at 80 pages, it packs in a lot of information about the history and philosophy surrounding Witches.
I would say that this book is definitely for beginners and is aimed at the younger audience. It is a great starting point and breaks the information down into small chunks, covering: etymology and definitions of key terms, history, symbols, crystals, lore and tools associate with the Craft.
As the guide is short and aimed at a younger audience it doesn't go into great depth, certainly not the detail a more advanced practitioner would be looking for in terms of the history of Witches.
Most of the book, about three quarters, covers the history of Witches. It explains the basic roots of Witchcraft from the Greek Gods and Goddesses, through to Ancient Egypt, the Druids of Celtic societies, the rise of Christianity in the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and finally, the 20th Century's melding of Witchcraft and activism and portrayal of Witches in popular culture. It was interesting to read a book that considers the history of Witches after the Witch-hunts and the way Witches were viewed during the Victorian era and the years preceding and succeeding.
The last quarter of the book focuses on a brief guide to: magical symbols, animals, tools, crystals and herbs. But again this is very much a guide for practitioners when they are just dipping their toes into the Witchy pool.
What I really loved about the book was the message that is delivered throughout; the idea that Witches were and are women who want freedom and independence. Therefore, this book does have a feminist vibe throughout. As I mentioned it looks briefly at pop culture representations of Witches such as, Hermione from Harry Potter and Willow from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and how they are positive role models.
Even though the book doesn't provide the depth I usually like, it did offer references to other literature, written by figures throughout history, that I will definitely be adding to my reading list. There were quite a few quotes that stuck with me, non more so than one from Matilda Joslyn Gage, who was a Women's rights activist;
"When for 'Witches' we read 'women', we gain a fuller comprehension of the cruelties inflicted by the church upon this portion of humanity"
- from, Woman, Church and State (1893)
One way in which the book did not work for me was that some of the information given about notable 'Witches' throughout history was given in first person; as though they are talking to the reader. This was definitely not something that appealed to me, but may to younger readers. It felt very odd the way it was delivered, as if they were putting words in to those people's mouths, when really we have no way of knowing what they were really experiencing internally.
Overall this was a quick read, with some notable pieces of information that I added to my Book of Shadows. I imagine the physical copy of the book, with the illustrations, will be really lovely and something to show off on your witchy bookshelf.
Genre: Spirituality, YA, Teens
Publishers: Quarto Publishing Group - Wide Eyed Editions
Release Date: 4th August, 2020
If you are looking to be initiated into the world of Witchcraft then this book is a great place to start. Even though it is only a small book, at 80 pages, it packs in a lot of information about the history and philosophy surrounding Witches.
I would say that this book is definitely for beginners and is aimed at the younger audience. It is a great starting point and breaks the information down into small chunks, covering: etymology and definitions of key terms, history, symbols, crystals, lore and tools associate with the Craft.
As the guide is short and aimed at a younger audience it doesn't go into great depth, certainly not the detail a more advanced practitioner would be looking for in terms of the history of Witches.
Most of the book, about three quarters, covers the history of Witches. It explains the basic roots of Witchcraft from the Greek Gods and Goddesses, through to Ancient Egypt, the Druids of Celtic societies, the rise of Christianity in the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and finally, the 20th Century's melding of Witchcraft and activism and portrayal of Witches in popular culture. It was interesting to read a book that considers the history of Witches after the Witch-hunts and the way Witches were viewed during the Victorian era and the years preceding and succeeding.
The last quarter of the book focuses on a brief guide to: magical symbols, animals, tools, crystals and herbs. But again this is very much a guide for practitioners when they are just dipping their toes into the Witchy pool.
What I really loved about the book was the message that is delivered throughout; the idea that Witches were and are women who want freedom and independence. Therefore, this book does have a feminist vibe throughout. As I mentioned it looks briefly at pop culture representations of Witches such as, Hermione from Harry Potter and Willow from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and how they are positive role models.
Even though the book doesn't provide the depth I usually like, it did offer references to other literature, written by figures throughout history, that I will definitely be adding to my reading list. There were quite a few quotes that stuck with me, non more so than one from Matilda Joslyn Gage, who was a Women's rights activist;
"When for 'Witches' we read 'women', we gain a fuller comprehension of the cruelties inflicted by the church upon this portion of humanity"
- from, Woman, Church and State (1893)
One way in which the book did not work for me was that some of the information given about notable 'Witches' throughout history was given in first person; as though they are talking to the reader. This was definitely not something that appealed to me, but may to younger readers. It felt very odd the way it was delivered, as if they were putting words in to those people's mouths, when really we have no way of knowing what they were really experiencing internally.
Overall this was a quick read, with some notable pieces of information that I added to my Book of Shadows. I imagine the physical copy of the book, with the illustrations, will be really lovely and something to show off on your witchy bookshelf.
thereaderfriend's review
informative
slow-paced
3.0
Forgot to review this book since I just remembered to return it although it hasn't gone overdue somehow? Lol decent explanations and nice art
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Infertility, Infidelity, and Domestic abuse