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Secrets of the Witch: An Initiation Into Our History and Our Wisdom by Elsa Whyte, Julie Légère
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: Domestic abuse, Infertility, and Infidelity
gen_wolfhailstorm's review against another edition
3.0
This was a beautifully designed introductory piece into the history of Witchcraft.
It glazes over a variety of topics, but I felt like it could have made use of the space more by putting more text on.
Near the end, I got the impression it was perhaps more aimed at a younger audience, but regardless it still had solid information.
The illustrations were gorgeous and I particularly liked learning a little about Thebian alphabet.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
It glazes over a variety of topics, but I felt like it could have made use of the space more by putting more text on.
Near the end, I got the impression it was perhaps more aimed at a younger audience, but regardless it still had solid information.
The illustrations were gorgeous and I particularly liked learning a little about Thebian alphabet.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
tabbycat26's review
5.0
Yet a great book for kids on initiation of the history of the witch and more.
librarianlayla's review
4.0
I was sent an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Informative and beautifully illustrated, this book gives a fantastic look at the history behind witchcraft and magic across the world. Truly interesting and a great source for those who potentially want to write fiction based on the history.
Informative and beautifully illustrated, this book gives a fantastic look at the history behind witchcraft and magic across the world. Truly interesting and a great source for those who potentially want to write fiction based on the history.
graypeape's review
4.0
A quick, interesting read, filled with information on witches and witchcraft, aimed at tween girls. There's bits of all kinds of stuff here, in easily digestible chunks- witches of the past, changing ideas about witchcraft through the ages, persecution of witches, witches in pop culture, plus sections on magical symbols and the use of herbs, crystals, and talismans. The layout is nice, with groovy artwork throughout. Sure to be a hit with young girls interested in all things witchy.
#SecretsoftheWitch #NetGalley
#SecretsoftheWitch #NetGalley
elyseng's review against another edition
5.0
Les illustrations sont à couper le souffle.
L'histoire des sorcières est racontée de façon concise et attrayante.
L'histoire des sorcières est racontée de façon concise et attrayante.
johavandyk's review
3.0
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions for the electronic copy of this book!
This was a wonderfully informative read about witches. The authors provide readers for an overview of the history and complexities of the 'witch' and even include short, first-person, (fictional) 'testimonials' of witches such as Circe (Greek mythology), witches who were convicted during the Middle Ages and other prolific figures of the craft. There are a few spelling mistakes here and there but they do not deter you from enjoying the rich history the authors so creatively compiled.
My favourite part of the book, by far, was the illustration - fantastical, dark and hopeful, delicate and sure. These illustrations transport you to a different world and only contribute to the journey the authors take you on.
This was a wonderfully informative read about witches. The authors provide readers for an overview of the history and complexities of the 'witch' and even include short, first-person, (fictional) 'testimonials' of witches such as Circe (Greek mythology), witches who were convicted during the Middle Ages and other prolific figures of the craft. There are a few spelling mistakes here and there but they do not deter you from enjoying the rich history the authors so creatively compiled.
My favourite part of the book, by far, was the illustration - fantastical, dark and hopeful, delicate and sure. These illustrations transport you to a different world and only contribute to the journey the authors take you on.