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Witch's Halloween: A Complete Guide to the Magick, Incantations, Recipes, Spells, and Lore
You may think that Halloween is only about ghosts, ghouls, and goblins. However, there is much more behind this spooky holiday. For Pagans the world over, Halloween is a time of magick and divination--a night for honoring ancestors, celebrating the harvest, and ringing in the New Year. In A Witch's Halloween , bestselling author Gerina Dunwich dispels the myths of this holiest of Pagan holidays and its most famous celebrants. Written by a Wiccan High Priestess, A Witch's Halloween tells you all that you need to know about this sacred holiday, from the history, folklore, myths, and spells to Sabbat rituals, recipes, divinations, and Halloween superstitions--and much more. This insightful book is a complete guide to celebrating the holiday as it was meant to be.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
55 people are currently reading
1120 people want to read
About the author
Gerina Dunwich
56 books72 followersGerina Dunwich is a professional astrologer, occult historian, and New Age author, best known for her books on Wicca and various occult subjects. She is also involved in paranormal research and is the founder of the Paranormal Animal Research Group, which investigates cases of alleged hauntings by animal spirits.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 1, 2015
I don't know what I expected this to be. Probably more history and explanation with credible resources. This just ended up reinforcing the fact that I fucking hate Wiccans and Wicca. LOLZ U GUISE WE'RE TOTES DESCENDED FROM A SECRET GROUP OF DRUIDS THAT SURVIVED 5EVER IN SECRET AND THIS IS THE ABSOLUTE ONLY WAY TO DO THINGS LOLZ WE'RE SO GREAT BLESSED BE WITCHES INVENTED KARMA.
Basically, this book hit every single thing on my "Why Wicca Annoys the Crap out of Me" list. The author kept talking about the Burning Times (which has been repeatedly proved to be not true) and never gave any sort of citation for the traditions she said have been passed down forever. I'm just really skeptical of something that's cited very well.
The only thing that saved this book from getting a one star was that it had a pretty cool recipe section in the back with some bread that looked tasty. But aside from that, totally hated this book.
Basically, this book hit every single thing on my "Why Wicca Annoys the Crap out of Me" list. The author kept talking about the Burning Times (which has been repeatedly proved to be not true) and never gave any sort of citation for the traditions she said have been passed down forever. I'm just really skeptical of something that's cited very well.
The only thing that saved this book from getting a one star was that it had a pretty cool recipe section in the back with some bread that looked tasty. But aside from that, totally hated this book.
November 4, 2010
Not very well thought out. It was vague and most subjects were covered in the basest of generality.
August 16, 2017
I had this book years ago and tried to read it, but it's so full of misinformation (the Burning Times? Wicca an ancient religion? really???????) that I got rid of it.
September 17, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I had bought this awhile ago and finally got around to reading it, and I wanted to read it before Halloween this year and I'm so glad I did! This is a fascinating read, even if you aren't Pagan or Wiccan. Gerina Dunwich does a wonderful job keeping the reader engaged while sharing where many of the symbols, traditions, and beliefs that are now associated with Halloween came from. I also enjoyed that she included so many additional things like recipes and rituals that can be personalized to match your way of practicing.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a practicing Wiccan, Pagan, is interested in other religions, or even just loves Halloween and it's traditions.
Finally, I want to share a quote from one of the sections of the book, it doesn't truly have anything to do with Halloween but religions in general, and it stuck with me throughout the book. "The good that religion was designed to teach and maintain inevitably turns to harm when one religious group claims superiority over another or tries to deny others of their constitutional right to believe in and worship the god or goddess of their choice" on page 45. I don't remember exactly why Dunwich wrote this (I think it was in talking about how Wicca doesn't try to convert others, but increased talk around Halloween is to dispel misunderstandings not proselytize), but it remained with me throughout the book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a practicing Wiccan, Pagan, is interested in other religions, or even just loves Halloween and it's traditions.
Finally, I want to share a quote from one of the sections of the book, it doesn't truly have anything to do with Halloween but religions in general, and it stuck with me throughout the book. "The good that religion was designed to teach and maintain inevitably turns to harm when one religious group claims superiority over another or tries to deny others of their constitutional right to believe in and worship the god or goddess of their choice" on page 45. I don't remember exactly why Dunwich wrote this (I think it was in talking about how Wicca doesn't try to convert others, but increased talk around Halloween is to dispel misunderstandings not proselytize), but it remained with me throughout the book.
October 5, 2019
A Witch's Halloween:A Complete Guige To the Magick, Incantations, Recipes, Spells and Lore
by Gerina Dunwich
2007
F&W
4.0/5.0
Interesting and insightful look at the meaning of Halloween, through the eyes of Pagans. This gives many meanings and definitions behind the myths and lore of this, their sacred holiday. Written by a High Priestess of Old Religion and ordained minister at the Universal Life Church, I learned so much of the history and lore of Halloween and Pagans.
by Gerina Dunwich
2007
F&W
4.0/5.0
Interesting and insightful look at the meaning of Halloween, through the eyes of Pagans. This gives many meanings and definitions behind the myths and lore of this, their sacred holiday. Written by a High Priestess of Old Religion and ordained minister at the Universal Life Church, I learned so much of the history and lore of Halloween and Pagans.
May 8, 2018
YIIKES
Review to come soon
Review to come soon
October 12, 2018
I loved the depth and breadth of this book (single Sabat guides are usually so slim!), but I noticed some factual errors in the first few chapters.
October 27, 2019
Honestly, the chapter for Divinations & Incantations, which was 30 pages long and had just as many old love folk divinations, really irked me. I’ve been married a dozen years, ergo I am sick of hearing about how to divine my future spouse. It felt like Dunwich couldn’t decide which ones to include, so why not go into detail about every single one? Ugh.
As someone who’s read a number of books on Samhain, this was nice to have everything under one roof so to speak, but I found out little I didn’t already know. Four stars seems fair, though, because just because I’m well read on the subject doesn’t mean others won’t find this a gem.
As someone who’s read a number of books on Samhain, this was nice to have everything under one roof so to speak, but I found out little I didn’t already know. Four stars seems fair, though, because just because I’m well read on the subject doesn’t mean others won’t find this a gem.
October 23, 2020
Love this book!
October 19, 2015
I picked up this book because one of my GR friends added it, and it sounded interesting. I also wanted to read a Halloween-themed book for a book group challenge, and I was able to fairly quickly get this from my library system.
Overall my expectations weren't high, and I didn't leave unsatisfied. I liked the book itself; the print was in orange or orange-red, which was fun. Some of the arguments about the book talk about the lack of research and elaboration, but whatever, I think the description matches the book. I'm not Wiccan but I'm generally interested in supernatural and Wicca-shaped things, and I like some aspects of Halloween. The writer makes very clear that the evil that we normally attach to Halloween is misplaced. I rather liked the traditions that Dunwich called attention to, and I saw themes of death/new beginning throughout.
There were some really useful explanations of symbols and traditions. Good inclusion of specific incantations and rituals. Overall I'm quite glad I read it.
Overall my expectations weren't high, and I didn't leave unsatisfied. I liked the book itself; the print was in orange or orange-red, which was fun. Some of the arguments about the book talk about the lack of research and elaboration, but whatever, I think the description matches the book. I'm not Wiccan but I'm generally interested in supernatural and Wicca-shaped things, and I like some aspects of Halloween. The writer makes very clear that the evil that we normally attach to Halloween is misplaced. I rather liked the traditions that Dunwich called attention to, and I saw themes of death/new beginning throughout.
There were some really useful explanations of symbols and traditions. Good inclusion of specific incantations and rituals. Overall I'm quite glad I read it.
October 11, 2010
A collection of stories, folklore, history tidbits, recipes and rituals associated with Halloween, or Samhain as Wiccans and some Pagans know it by. I started this book in September, hoping for once to finish a book about a particular Sabbat in a timely manner so as to glean some information to use for my own celebration--this time I actually did it!
Unfortunately the information in this book is pretty basic and there was very little I hadn't heard or read before so I didn't really get much I could use. It would be an excellent resource for non-Pagans or people who are curious about Wicca or Paganism, though. Some of the food/beverage recipes sounded interesting, from Mandrake Wine to "Bread of the Dead." LOL
Unfortunately the information in this book is pretty basic and there was very little I hadn't heard or read before so I didn't really get much I could use. It would be an excellent resource for non-Pagans or people who are curious about Wicca or Paganism, though. Some of the food/beverage recipes sounded interesting, from Mandrake Wine to "Bread of the Dead." LOL
November 8, 2010
Was ok. Wanted to like it more than I did. Was a BROAD overview of all traditions, Christian, Pagan and otherwise, so it was interesting, but not what I thought the book was really going to be. I gathered a few fun Halloween spells, recipes, and poems/invocations from this book... but, as a Halloween-birthday, and an informed pagan, I was unimpressed by its lack of insight.
August 9, 2011
A great read, dives deep into the myths are lore of Halloween/ samhain. very interesting to read about the past events and lore surrounding Halloween which all helped shape the holiday we celebrate today. Ends with some great recipes to try out for this magical time of year. Do not expect a book of ritual and pagan rituals, its more of an encyclopaedia about Halloween.
September 4, 2024
This book is a little treasure trove of Halloween. From symbols to lore to rituals and everything in between, Dunwich covers it all. I really appreciated her deep dive into scrying. This book reminds me of a grown-up version of Witches, Pumpkins, & Grinning Ghosts (Barth). A definite read for any Halloween enthusiast.
November 1, 2024
Ehhhh this book deserves 1.5* at most. And that is only because you can use some key words and do your own research. There's quite a bit of misinformation, very vague research at best. It's missing depth and sincerity. Very unfortunate as it looks promising, but it just didn't deliver.
November 5, 2017
Didn't seem very well researched.
December 13, 2025
being born on Halloween, I was surprised to see several sections highlighting special "abilities" and "soul mates" that align with my birthdate
August 2, 2016
I think this is the first book I've read on witchcraft that actually made sense to me. Usually, I start a new book on lore or paganism or what have you, and I don't know what's going on to start with, and I flip through page after page and I'm still lost. I get this feeling that so many books on the Occult try as hard as possible to be mysterious and spooky and wise, and have this attitude like 'I'm a witch look how cool I am I'm purposely going to be so witchy that you're just left in the dust you plebian.' But not this book. This book didn't even seem that hellbent on turning people toward witchcraft or guiding Wiccans all that much. I loved it.
With that said, this book was really just about the true history of Halloween snd alk of the superstitions and beliefs around it. I found it really interesting and informative. The only problem I had was how it de-emphasized the Day of the Dead. I think there were 3 pages about Mexico in total, and ~220 pages about how white people celebrate Halloween. I understand that Wicca is based on European-style witchcraft, but I honestly don't even remember it being mentioned that it's normal even now for Mexicans to go throw parties in the graveyards of their ancestors on the Day of the Dead. It seems bizarre to me that they'd cover all these different customs and traditions that aren't witchcraft-related - like at one point she says countryfolk in the US eat buttered popcon in the fall - but you only have 3 pages about Dia de los Muertos.
Aside from that snub, though, the book is great. Like I said, it's really informative, it's not pushy or false-mystical or anything, and it's really well-written. I'd recommend it to people who want to know more about Halloween.
With that said, this book was really just about the true history of Halloween snd alk of the superstitions and beliefs around it. I found it really interesting and informative. The only problem I had was how it de-emphasized the Day of the Dead. I think there were 3 pages about Mexico in total, and ~220 pages about how white people celebrate Halloween. I understand that Wicca is based on European-style witchcraft, but I honestly don't even remember it being mentioned that it's normal even now for Mexicans to go throw parties in the graveyards of their ancestors on the Day of the Dead. It seems bizarre to me that they'd cover all these different customs and traditions that aren't witchcraft-related - like at one point she says countryfolk in the US eat buttered popcon in the fall - but you only have 3 pages about Dia de los Muertos.
Aside from that snub, though, the book is great. Like I said, it's really informative, it's not pushy or false-mystical or anything, and it's really well-written. I'd recommend it to people who want to know more about Halloween.
October 27, 2016
One of the BEST written books on the subject that I have read in a very long time. I also use it as a reference book each year to help educate those who have questions or have been poluted by Holywood's green evil witches. Gerina has done her homework and given a lighter version of the hallow-day. Her diverse background adds gravity to the information. I thououghly enjoyed it enough to secure a copy of her next work as well.
I have read Buckland's works, as well as other writers on the subject, and wonder if he has in some way succombed a bit to the dark side. The etymology of the word 'witch' dates back thousands of years ago to the sacred men and women healers around the world. (See Max Dashu's new work Witches and Pagans, Women in Folk Religion, 700-1000), for historical documentation backing up much of Gerina Dunwich's work.
For those leaving negative comments, let's see you do the work involved in gathering the information to write a book and then walk the walk. Please do your research before opening your mouth, it is truly not in the spirit of our Ancestor Witches. Thank you Gerina Dunwich!
I have read Buckland's works, as well as other writers on the subject, and wonder if he has in some way succombed a bit to the dark side. The etymology of the word 'witch' dates back thousands of years ago to the sacred men and women healers around the world. (See Max Dashu's new work Witches and Pagans, Women in Folk Religion, 700-1000), for historical documentation backing up much of Gerina Dunwich's work.
For those leaving negative comments, let's see you do the work involved in gathering the information to write a book and then walk the walk. Please do your research before opening your mouth, it is truly not in the spirit of our Ancestor Witches. Thank you Gerina Dunwich!
April 28, 2016
I picked this book up because I was looking for a fun book with a bit of Halloween history in it. Trying to get into the spirit of the season and all.
I really liked this book. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in the symbols and meaning of items connected to Halloween. It also had a nice section that talked about what various cultures used to do to celebrate the holiday. It was pretty informative.
I really liked this book. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in the symbols and meaning of items connected to Halloween. It also had a nice section that talked about what various cultures used to do to celebrate the holiday. It was pretty informative.
August 12, 2014
I will read anything that involves Halloween, and I ADORED this book. Coming from a family of staunch LDS practitioners, I was pleased to discover Halloween is not actually a 'devil's holiday' (okay, so I already knew that, but still.) I loved the background it gave and various information relating to spells and recipes were all very informative.
August 25, 2015
the book is a good cross reference to the start of halloween and cultural ideas, mostly Scotland/Ireland/Great Britain area. there is some repetitiveness to the book, but if you want to know the ins and outs of Halloween this is a good place to start. there are a few spells that you can actually do in present day, but most of the book is history and historical spells.
August 24, 2008
pretty good book, the only part i didn't like as much as other halloween books was the chapter on incantations, which was way too drawn out and too long..especialy the parts on love spells..besides that good informative book on halloween~
October 21, 2008
This book is full of lore, spells, recipes, rituals, and all sorts of fun Halloween goodness. While I normally find Gerina Dunwich a little...frustrating at times, this book DID serve it's main goal which was to get me into the spirit of the season and inspire me. :D
October 4, 2012
Interesting read! Getting into the Halloween spirit, this book really opened my eyes to a whole new side of it. It was interesting to read how different countries and cultures celebrate the holiday, and all the superstitions behind it.
January 27, 2016
No matter what your spiritual beliefs are, this book is so interesting. I enjoyed learning the history of Halloween and some of the old traditions and where they came from. I leave this book out on the coffee table every Halloween and thumb through it whenever I can.
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August 24, 2011Great book!
September 20, 2011
Gives a lot of history behind the pagan roots of Halloween.
January 5, 2012
i really liked this book it is kinda vague in some places but it is a good place to start for people who have never practiced the craft
January 4, 2013
This was an ok book for its size.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews