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The Wiccan Guide to Self-care: A Witch’s Approach to Healing Yourself
This empowering book gives readers all the tools they need to improve their own mental health the Wiccan way, written by a qualified psychotherapist and practising Wiccan, Marie Bruce.
Exploring topics such as life spirals, world views, depression, insomnia, grief, trauma, burn-out, relationships, happiness, achievement, goal-setting and so much more, this guide includes spells and rituals to help the reader take a more proactive approach to self-care.
In addition to the benefits for mental health, Marie gives us her spells for pampering, such as beauty and bath rituals, meditations for relaxation and even dream incubation spells for additional self-care!
Whether you're a practicing Wiccan or are curious how its practices can benefit your mental health, this book is a wonderful companion on your journey to health and happiness.
Exploring topics such as life spirals, world views, depression, insomnia, grief, trauma, burn-out, relationships, happiness, achievement, goal-setting and so much more, this guide includes spells and rituals to help the reader take a more proactive approach to self-care.
In addition to the benefits for mental health, Marie gives us her spells for pampering, such as beauty and bath rituals, meditations for relaxation and even dream incubation spells for additional self-care!
Whether you're a practicing Wiccan or are curious how its practices can benefit your mental health, this book is a wonderful companion on your journey to health and happiness.
256 pages, Paperback
Published October 3, 2023
18 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 6, 2024
What a gem of a book! Whether you identify as a pagan or not, there is SO much helpful information here coupled with both magical and practical, achievable steps clearly spelled out. For anyone who is seeking a happier, healthier life, and those at rock bottom with no idea how to climb back up, this is an incredible guide. I will be rereading this as needed and keeping it close. Highly recommended!
October 9, 2023
Yes at this book and everything about it! It was brilliant and written so well. It was perfectly balanced in its advice, actions you can take, things you implement and reassuring little tidbits. The more you read, the more you start to understand yourself and what you can bring in to your life.
I loves the psychology element to this book and the perspective the author, who is a psychotherapist, can give us. It’s written without everything witchy woo-woo (I love it but it’s not for everyone) and it can be read without any of the Wiccan element. Everyone is welcome here! There is some fab ‘witchy tips’ for you though and I loved how you could take exactly what you wanted from it.
It has some really great advice and information and I not only learnt a lot and took on board a whole lot of different things, but I learnt a lot about how I might help others and identify struggles in others. I’ve always been one who has been ‘on it’ with my self care and I’m in tune with what I need to do to bring myself back to myself and there was still plenty for me to learn! I couldn’t relate to a lot of things in this book, as it turns out I’m a lot more well balanced than I thought I was! but it’s also a book you can read to help you understand the people around you and those you love.
I can’t express how greatly written the book was and it’s one you can read in every format. I read the ebook alongside the audiobook and it was a perfect format. A physical copy would be number one, ebook was also great and audiobook would be a great format for those who want to listen to the advice if they couldn’t muster the energy or have the time to read.
The audiobook was greatly narrated and the reader was a perfect choice for this. It was easy to ‘tune in’ and flick in and out of and I loved listening to the audio whilst reading the ebook. A great book to come back to and one to have on your shelf if self help books are for you!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this audiobook and book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
I loves the psychology element to this book and the perspective the author, who is a psychotherapist, can give us. It’s written without everything witchy woo-woo (I love it but it’s not for everyone) and it can be read without any of the Wiccan element. Everyone is welcome here! There is some fab ‘witchy tips’ for you though and I loved how you could take exactly what you wanted from it.
It has some really great advice and information and I not only learnt a lot and took on board a whole lot of different things, but I learnt a lot about how I might help others and identify struggles in others. I’ve always been one who has been ‘on it’ with my self care and I’m in tune with what I need to do to bring myself back to myself and there was still plenty for me to learn! I couldn’t relate to a lot of things in this book, as it turns out I’m a lot more well balanced than I thought I was! but it’s also a book you can read to help you understand the people around you and those you love.
I can’t express how greatly written the book was and it’s one you can read in every format. I read the ebook alongside the audiobook and it was a perfect format. A physical copy would be number one, ebook was also great and audiobook would be a great format for those who want to listen to the advice if they couldn’t muster the energy or have the time to read.
The audiobook was greatly narrated and the reader was a perfect choice for this. It was easy to ‘tune in’ and flick in and out of and I loved listening to the audio whilst reading the ebook. A great book to come back to and one to have on your shelf if self help books are for you!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this audiobook and book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
August 7, 2025
The title, The Wiccan Guide to Self-Care shouldn't deter others from reading it if they don't identify as Wiccan because the book is a great tool for everyone! From the first sentence in the first chapter I was hooked as the author, Marie Bruce says "A long time ago, before the arrival of modern medicine, the wise woman was one of the most important and respected figures in any tow or village." It's funny because western medicine has shifted our view how healing is done where everyone is now so used to going to the doctor's office and getting a prescription to get rid of whatever is ailing you and doesn't always look at what the actual problem is. I will admit, I used to be one of those people and when a friend said she was going to a holistic doctor, I questioned her why because I didn't understand the reason behind yet now I 100% understand why.
As another reviewer for this book said, the author's incorporation of both mental health and spirituality is a great combination to use. Your mind is a powerful tool and by focusing on your mental state and higher thinking, it can help you do amazing things for your health! Most people see self care as going for a massage or their toes done but it's way more than that. Two of the chapters, rock bottom and self sabotage really resonated with me especially since I do the second one constantly and then I wonder why I feel this way. The book isn't just a here's something you can do to feel better but she talks about the why you may be feeling this way and a lot of helpful ways to work through it. I highly recommend this book for someone who feels stuck and/or just needs some self care of their own but not sure where to start.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Arcturus Publishing for this ARC. Thank you so much to Marie Bruce for sharing your ideas and approach to healing yourself.
As another reviewer for this book said, the author's incorporation of both mental health and spirituality is a great combination to use. Your mind is a powerful tool and by focusing on your mental state and higher thinking, it can help you do amazing things for your health! Most people see self care as going for a massage or their toes done but it's way more than that. Two of the chapters, rock bottom and self sabotage really resonated with me especially since I do the second one constantly and then I wonder why I feel this way. The book isn't just a here's something you can do to feel better but she talks about the why you may be feeling this way and a lot of helpful ways to work through it. I highly recommend this book for someone who feels stuck and/or just needs some self care of their own but not sure where to start.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Arcturus Publishing for this ARC. Thank you so much to Marie Bruce for sharing your ideas and approach to healing yourself.
October 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Self-care is quickly becoming something that we all are being encouraged to engage in, and I feel it's vital for mental and spiritual health.
I appreciate that the author is trained in mental health and that there is a great balance between real world and magical ways to approach self-care.
I listened to the audio version of this book, and while I liked it, I would suggest getting a physical copy. You are going to want to go back and reference previous pages, trust me!
I appreciate that the author is trained in mental health and that there is a great balance between real world and magical ways to approach self-care.
I listened to the audio version of this book, and while I liked it, I would suggest getting a physical copy. You are going to want to go back and reference previous pages, trust me!
October 27, 2023
An Awesome Read
Marie Bruce states that a long time ago, before the arrival of modern medicine, the wise woman was one of the most important and respected figures in any town or village. Her responsibilities were many and varied, including things like mixing up herbal brews and birth control remedies, working as a midwife and a shepherd of souls, laying out the dead. She stated that the wise woman, also, acted as a confidante, offering advice and wise counsel to those who sought her help. She knew everyone in the village, including all their family secrets, which made her a powerful figure.
The author states that the old country term for the Wise Woman was none other than "Witch".
She states that she likes to protect the space in which she works, whether she is seeing clients or simply sitting in her study writing, therefore, she always cast a circle before getting started. I think this is a great ideal.
She discusses how to use this book, different ways of self-care, and some magical correspondences using colors, crystals, herbs, incenses, and oils, for:
1. Love and self-care
2. Prosperity and success
3. Protection and resilience
4. Personal power
The author discusses noblesse oblige, proving its meaning in terms of witchcraft, stating that it means that anyone with any kind of privilege should extend kindness, compassion and consideration to those who are less privileged. Noblesse oblige means that when someone without self-awareness is acting out their pain in a dramatic manner, we make certain allowances and show them compassion. This is not about being condescending, or accepting aggressive or threatening behaviour. It is about being kind to people who, for whatever reason, do not have the same mental resilience and forbearance that you have. It is about demonstrating honourable conduct, even in challenging situations. Noblesse oblige means that you navigate areas of potential conflict with compassion, keeping yourself out of the drama as much as possible and above the fray. She, also, provides a Noblesse Oblige Ritual to perform, if there is any type of drama in your life.
This book is awesome. The author provides several rituals for your journey in self-care, affirmations, and many other tools for your overall wellbeing.
The author stated in the beginning of this book that this book will be the readers' therapeutic space, where you are safe to share and let go of whatever you need to, and this book is exactly that. I felt that the information she provides is so soothing to the soul, causing me to really evaluate my self-care habits. As the author states, self-care is one of the greatest acts of kindness you can offer yourself. That it is a set of tools that keep you healthy, happy, motivated and achieving, that it is a daily practice that becomes a habit, and the habit becomes a more positive lifestyle.
I truly enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it for anyone desiring to iimprove their life and overall wellbeing.
Marie Bruce states that a long time ago, before the arrival of modern medicine, the wise woman was one of the most important and respected figures in any town or village. Her responsibilities were many and varied, including things like mixing up herbal brews and birth control remedies, working as a midwife and a shepherd of souls, laying out the dead. She stated that the wise woman, also, acted as a confidante, offering advice and wise counsel to those who sought her help. She knew everyone in the village, including all their family secrets, which made her a powerful figure.
The author states that the old country term for the Wise Woman was none other than "Witch".
She states that she likes to protect the space in which she works, whether she is seeing clients or simply sitting in her study writing, therefore, she always cast a circle before getting started. I think this is a great ideal.
She discusses how to use this book, different ways of self-care, and some magical correspondences using colors, crystals, herbs, incenses, and oils, for:
1. Love and self-care
2. Prosperity and success
3. Protection and resilience
4. Personal power
The author discusses noblesse oblige, proving its meaning in terms of witchcraft, stating that it means that anyone with any kind of privilege should extend kindness, compassion and consideration to those who are less privileged. Noblesse oblige means that when someone without self-awareness is acting out their pain in a dramatic manner, we make certain allowances and show them compassion. This is not about being condescending, or accepting aggressive or threatening behaviour. It is about being kind to people who, for whatever reason, do not have the same mental resilience and forbearance that you have. It is about demonstrating honourable conduct, even in challenging situations. Noblesse oblige means that you navigate areas of potential conflict with compassion, keeping yourself out of the drama as much as possible and above the fray. She, also, provides a Noblesse Oblige Ritual to perform, if there is any type of drama in your life.
This book is awesome. The author provides several rituals for your journey in self-care, affirmations, and many other tools for your overall wellbeing.
The author stated in the beginning of this book that this book will be the readers' therapeutic space, where you are safe to share and let go of whatever you need to, and this book is exactly that. I felt that the information she provides is so soothing to the soul, causing me to really evaluate my self-care habits. As the author states, self-care is one of the greatest acts of kindness you can offer yourself. That it is a set of tools that keep you healthy, happy, motivated and achieving, that it is a daily practice that becomes a habit, and the habit becomes a more positive lifestyle.
I truly enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it for anyone desiring to iimprove their life and overall wellbeing.
November 3, 2023
I consider myself more of a pagan than wiccan due to my eclectic path but like most people in their early thirties I often sacrifice my self-care or rather ignore it. I can honestly say this book is a gem. I will be getting a physical copy and have already recommended it to fellow practitioners and those curious as well. It is full to the brim with helpful insights, rituals and healing practices. Best of all these are at varying levels of effort and time so if, like so many of us are, you are busy Bruce shows ways we can still practice self-care and the importance of doing so.
The writing is engaging and easy to follow. The tone is warm and it is clear that Bruce knows how to talk and deal with people. While reading I felt as if I was in the room with her rather than reading a book which I found enjoyable and unique. As already mentioned the offerings in the book are varied and will be something for everyone, it is also nice to be able to tie this into the craft or path you follow. I personally found the information on loss and bereavement helpful and insightful. I also loved how Bruce stresses that we must overcome guilt of taking time be it long or short for ourselves and our own self-care. This is honestly a wonderful book that I feel even those who practice self-care will benefit from.
The writing is engaging and easy to follow. The tone is warm and it is clear that Bruce knows how to talk and deal with people. While reading I felt as if I was in the room with her rather than reading a book which I found enjoyable and unique. As already mentioned the offerings in the book are varied and will be something for everyone, it is also nice to be able to tie this into the craft or path you follow. I personally found the information on loss and bereavement helpful and insightful. I also loved how Bruce stresses that we must overcome guilt of taking time be it long or short for ourselves and our own self-care. This is honestly a wonderful book that I feel even those who practice self-care will benefit from.
December 10, 2025
This book appeared in my life, as if by magick, at just the right time.
Marie is a qualified, experienced psychotherapist but also a wiccan. In easily absorbed chapters, she takes you gently, step-by-step, into clearing away some gloom, making way for the good.
Shadow work is essential. And I've done a lot of it. But I needed more.
I loved how each section had a 'high level' and a 'deeper dive' option, so you could go at your own pace.
I have an essential oil diffuser I use each night. Yet I was struggling to sleep properly. This book prompted me to make my own pillow spray, and it (much to my surprise) really helped.
There are fun things to make with deep meaning. There are spells and mantras. And encouragement to take time to meditate/create/reflect. But don't let that mislead you.
Real mental health challenges are fully explored, with tips to get you through. It looks into the root cause of behaviours/patterns, and offers compassionate understanding.
I honestly feel like I've done some spiritual cleaning, in readiness for the new year ahead. I feel more positive and prepared.
Marie is a qualified, experienced psychotherapist but also a wiccan. In easily absorbed chapters, she takes you gently, step-by-step, into clearing away some gloom, making way for the good.
Shadow work is essential. And I've done a lot of it. But I needed more.
I loved how each section had a 'high level' and a 'deeper dive' option, so you could go at your own pace.
I have an essential oil diffuser I use each night. Yet I was struggling to sleep properly. This book prompted me to make my own pillow spray, and it (much to my surprise) really helped.
There are fun things to make with deep meaning. There are spells and mantras. And encouragement to take time to meditate/create/reflect. But don't let that mislead you.
Real mental health challenges are fully explored, with tips to get you through. It looks into the root cause of behaviours/patterns, and offers compassionate understanding.
I honestly feel like I've done some spiritual cleaning, in readiness for the new year ahead. I feel more positive and prepared.
October 17, 2023
This is a brilliant book about lots of different aspects of self-care, including resilience, rest, self-soothing, grief, perfectionism, being assertive, and so much more!
It includes simple spells, rituals and other Wiccan practices, but these are a supplement to the practical and psychology-based advice.
It also includes suggestions for different ways to rest, time blocking, telling yourself a different story, engaging in creative activities, self-parenting yourself, risk assessing confrontation, developing financial intelligence, responding rather than reacting, de-escalating conflict, finding different sources of support, tallying small moments of joy, and lots more.
You could read this without the Wiccan aspect and it would still be extremely helpful for getting through the 'dark nights of the soul'. Just reading this book made me feel more hopeful.
It includes simple spells, rituals and other Wiccan practices, but these are a supplement to the practical and psychology-based advice.
It also includes suggestions for different ways to rest, time blocking, telling yourself a different story, engaging in creative activities, self-parenting yourself, risk assessing confrontation, developing financial intelligence, responding rather than reacting, de-escalating conflict, finding different sources of support, tallying small moments of joy, and lots more.
You could read this without the Wiccan aspect and it would still be extremely helpful for getting through the 'dark nights of the soul'. Just reading this book made me feel more hopeful.
October 25, 2023
I have read self-help books. I have read books on spirituality. But this is my first book that has both elements, and it’s backed up by the science of psychology.
The psychological part of it makes the reader think and reflect on patterns, behaviours and current life. As a psychology student myself, I can see elements that are backed up by researcher that I have been studying in my degree. The holistic approach is brought by the spells and the magic definitions Marie adds to the book.
I found very useful both sides of the book and I liked how she has put them together to bring a self-help guide.
Some quotes that truly stuck with me:
‘It is during your most difficult times that you are being moved up to the next level of life’.
‘What do you excuses say about you? What can you do to make positive changes in this area?’
The psychological part of it makes the reader think and reflect on patterns, behaviours and current life. As a psychology student myself, I can see elements that are backed up by researcher that I have been studying in my degree. The holistic approach is brought by the spells and the magic definitions Marie adds to the book.
I found very useful both sides of the book and I liked how she has put them together to bring a self-help guide.
Some quotes that truly stuck with me:
‘It is during your most difficult times that you are being moved up to the next level of life’.
‘What do you excuses say about you? What can you do to make positive changes in this area?’
October 7, 2023
Audiobooks are so brilliant that I genuinely rarely feel that I have missed out in anyway from being able to. read the hard copy. That’s my only complaint and it’s neither the book the narrator the author nor the publishers fault. I’d have like to be able to keep it and refer to it bible like. However I cannot, and that’s ok. I have some crystals and sages and I’d really like to be shown how to use them properly, so the advice was really great. I found it to be interesting intriguing informative uplifting and thought provoking. Could make a Wiccan out of this reader! Fantastic! All the stars 🌟 loads of tips and affirmations, like a beginner’s guide.
Thank you to NetGalley and Arcturus digital audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Arcturus digital audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.
March 6, 2024
I want to thank NetGalley, Publishers Arcturus Publishing, and the author Marie Bruce for providing this e-ARC. Witch, I will be giving my honest and sincere review.
This has the title shows, is a Magical Way to Take Care of Yourself, and the chapters bring us reflective words.
as someone who suffers from self-sabotage this chapter, in particular, helps us step by step to process identifying our negative patterns, listing causes and solutions, for the reader to help understand and overcome them.
Allow the word Wiccan, might be a word that might stop people from buying this book or simply reading it, i recommend it for the pure self-healing side and the psychological information and understanding we can gain from it.
Wicca is simply respecting nature and people with no harm.
This has the title shows, is a Magical Way to Take Care of Yourself, and the chapters bring us reflective words.
as someone who suffers from self-sabotage this chapter, in particular, helps us step by step to process identifying our negative patterns, listing causes and solutions, for the reader to help understand and overcome them.
Allow the word Wiccan, might be a word that might stop people from buying this book or simply reading it, i recommend it for the pure self-healing side and the psychological information and understanding we can gain from it.
Wicca is simply respecting nature and people with no harm.
October 15, 2023
“The Wiccan Guide to Self-care” by Marie Bruce highlights a comprehensive approach to self-improvement. It touches on various elements such as self-care, deeper healing methods, addressing self-sabotage, self-soothing, rebooting one's life and mindset, dealing with self-image issues, navigating social media complexities, exploring emotions, and delving into spirituality to create a foundation for a better life.
The book incorporates spells and rituals that are accessible to beginners and non-Wiccans. The book has value as a self-help resource for Wiccans and for individuals who do not follow the Wiccan belief system. 4 out of 5 stars.
The book incorporates spells and rituals that are accessible to beginners and non-Wiccans. The book has value as a self-help resource for Wiccans and for individuals who do not follow the Wiccan belief system. 4 out of 5 stars.
October 6, 2023
**Listened to the audiobook**
Firstly, I loved the choice of narrator. She had a real warmth and calmness about her. Perfect choice for this book.
I enjoyed listening to this book, however I think this book doesn't really work as an audiobook.
There are a lot of instructions and personally I would have preferred to read a hardcopy if I was going to take part in the activities for self care.
Overall this is a really interesting book and i loved the concept - but I think I would have got more out of it if it had it been a hard copy rather than audio.
Firstly, I loved the choice of narrator. She had a real warmth and calmness about her. Perfect choice for this book.
I enjoyed listening to this book, however I think this book doesn't really work as an audiobook.
There are a lot of instructions and personally I would have preferred to read a hardcopy if I was going to take part in the activities for self care.
Overall this is a really interesting book and i loved the concept - but I think I would have got more out of it if it had it been a hard copy rather than audio.
November 8, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this. This book was well written. It had a lot of advice on self-care. This advice would be good for those who practice Wicca as well as those who don't. While there are Wiccan rituals, someone not comfortable with those could easily overlook them. Just following the various techniques that are non-Wiccan would be beneficial. I will be purchasing a physical copy of this book in order to easily move between different sections as needed. And also to write notes in the margins.
April 28, 2024
This book was a great little find. Written by a qualified psychotherapist, this book has a lot of wisdom to offer, and great ways of seeing things differently to bring about improvement in yourself and in your life.
It's much more a self-help book than it is a spell book, but there are some nice little Wiccan things to do along the way to help you to feel like you're moving forward, and feel like you're blessed.
It's much more a self-help book than it is a spell book, but there are some nice little Wiccan things to do along the way to help you to feel like you're moving forward, and feel like you're blessed.
October 12, 2023
NetGalley Arc app review
Love this…. Brilliant, so much info packed in these pages. I feel like the author really touches on things we as practitioners tend to forget, or some are never taught. So much is lost in ancestral teaching now a days. I feel like this book is such a great foundation for someone to have to start really incorporating self care.
Love this…. Brilliant, so much info packed in these pages. I feel like the author really touches on things we as practitioners tend to forget, or some are never taught. So much is lost in ancestral teaching now a days. I feel like this book is such a great foundation for someone to have to start really incorporating self care.
June 18, 2024
book has been in my tbr pile for a while.
Picked it up whilst I was trying to decide what to read next. Obviously I picked it up at the right time as it resonated with me straight away.
Self care is not self indulgence. A book you can devour from cover to cover or dip into as you feel the need.
So many helpful tips and things to make you think and develop yourself.
Picked it up whilst I was trying to decide what to read next. Obviously I picked it up at the right time as it resonated with me straight away.
Self care is not self indulgence. A book you can devour from cover to cover or dip into as you feel the need.
So many helpful tips and things to make you think and develop yourself.
October 26, 2023
I found this book very helpful and beneficial.I will certainly buy a copy to have on hand for future reference. A new approach on Well Being for me and I will definitely be trying some of the techniques mentioned.
May 15, 2024
Wonderful book that found me in the right time. A therapy session in a feasible and light way. Working with yourself is hard but this book gives a straight forward guidance without going too deep. Lots of food for thought 🫶
October 12, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book a lot. The author stresses the differences between performative and transformative self-care and I enjoyed the simple versus deep self-care exercises in the book. 4.5/5
June 5, 2024
Too much psychology not enough witch craft for me sadly.
July 30, 2024
I have added so many sticky notes to my copy of this book for quick reference. Love it. It has been my biggest help coming out of a depressive episode.
May 10, 2025
I enjoyed this. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting but there were some parts that had my jaw dropping and I could relate so well!!!! I recommend this to anyone who wants to dig into self-healing.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews