Witch: A Magickal Year

by Fiona Horne

What struck Fiona Horne - witch, rock diva, and radio and TV presenter - on the runaway success of her bestseller, Witch - A Personal Journey, was the simple truth that people are searching for personal meaning in their lives, and there was no greater proof than the mountains of feedback she has been responding to since the release of her autobiographical account of Wicca.

Now, in her companion book Witch - A Magickal Year, Fiona reveals even more of the intimate secrets and know-how of her spiritual calling, including spells and incantations, rituals, festivals and sacred sites, goddesses, gods and familiars, all about cyberwitchcraft, tips on honing and refining your Witchy talents, and interviews with lots of other Witches and occultists. Fiona also delves into the daily business of being a modern witch at work, home and play, and how to cope with the spiritual intensity of dabbling in the Wiccan arts.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Wicca, Paganism, Biography, Reference, Magick

359 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2012

Reviews

[Karissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! If you're looking for a book to help you understand your path of a witch, new comer or just looking for me insight... This book is just perfect!

[Daylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good intro and overview for very beginner or teen readers. A very approachable writing style. Some of the history bits are questionable and the author is someone who views the gods as Jungian archetypes rather than literal belief so there's more of a focus on using them as spell correspondences than actual polytheistic devotion. But it's a solid and easy read and gives a great starting point for spell work in particular.

[Avalon Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book about Witchcraft written in the English language that I read. It’s been decades and this one still holds a special place in my heart. Fiona Horne has an easy and conversational reading style. Her book is a testament of 90’s Neo Pagan Witchcraft and it’s laced with eclectic Wiccan ideologies.

That said, at the time I read this book well over 2 decades ago, it’s was a breath of fresh air and an oasis in the desert all rolled into one fun read.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. I desperately wanted to read this book as a teenager but due to “circumstances” never was able. So I picked it up recently in a witchy book buying spree. I suspect back then, back in the 90s or early 00s it might have resonated more? The info and writing is pretty of the times. To me it was quite Wicca heavy, which is not what I’m into personally, so ymmv. Overall it was still a fun read, and I think my teenage self would have adored it.

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a light-hearted, refreshing read. The author covers a lot of ground in this book, which has been published under other titles by other publishers. In any event, there is a smattering of her personal life mixed in with magicakal lore, recipes and rituals. I rather enjoyed that, as it helped the reader to feel as though they were getting to know the author better on a more personal level.

[Lili Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest, I read this book (with her others) when I was a teenager. It's been years since I've read them but I remember this was a really eye opening book for me and it helped me when I was starting on my path in the craft, especially since as a fellow Australian, it was nice to read about witchcraft from an Australian/southern hemisphere point of view.

[Amanda Skaja]

I've listened to a few podcasts that must have referenced this book a lot, because while I enjoyed it, I did skip through some chapters as it was redundant to recent information I was getting from the podcasts. But Will be a good reference for sure as I get into practicing more!!

[Amaya Okazaki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that this a good book to read, however, I believe you need to research some things on your own as well, some of the approaches she takes and information are not as on point as maybe they were when she wrote this.

[Madalynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really think this could have been organized better, it's biased and just... a very disappointing read. Perpetuates a lot of "witch rules" and "witch laws", which is a huge pet peeve of mine.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy all of Fiona's books they are informative and I love her take on life.

[Desiree']

The author discusses her personal journey and why she decided to become a witch. The information in this book is the author's personal opinions and experience.

[Joanne]

Just wasn’t getting on with this book at all. A little rigid in beliefs, and I just don’t really like the author. Her voice was frustrating.

[Sharon Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book of learned and accumulated knowledge ,rituals, male and female energies. Definitely worth a read if you are questioning your spirituality or religious beliefs.

[Stormy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It has too much filler for my taste and is not so much "a hip guide" to me as it a little bit of information with a whole lot of personal anecdotes. It isn't organized, or particularly informative.

[Lanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

to be honest I skipped a lot of this book because it was 99% about wicca and not what I was looking for.

[Helen Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend gave this to me alongside some business books and I was just fascinated as it is my first on this topic. Very educational, surprisingly.

[Kimmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was ok, some bits really helpful

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its four stars, because I'm reading this from the perspective of someone who is familiar with the subject matter and it is a beginner book....so I wasn't blown away, but still enjoyed it!

Even though its from the late 90s it's still more or less relevant. She has a whole chapter on cyber witchcraft which I sort of glossed over.

I'd actually recommend this book to a beginner, because sometimes beginners get a bit to revenent (which isn't bad, but I don't care about the burning times) and the way the book is written brings is modern and doesn't take itself so seriously that there aren't a few jokes and puns peppered throughout.

The book is also a nice referesher and inspiration if you're familiar and need inspiration.

[GeeGee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up this book it has given me a more modernize approach to witchcraft. Fiona Horne is lighthearted & funny. The book also gave me a sense of connection with her as her ways of finding her path was very similar to mine, as probably many others. The most I enjoyed of this book is the simplicity of many things such as her altar with a small kitchen table & utilizing things that she'd already own. I believe this book is a great resource for anyone who is interested or confused about their own path, especially for city-people as myself :)

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read her first book (which I think sounds more like what I was looking for). I wanted more of her personal story and more on wicca practice (in an Australian context even!)

I personally did not enjoy the various interviews and "Dear Fiona" Q and A sections - which felt a bit like 'filler' to me.

But as I said, this is simply a personal preference as I know some others will say they really enjoyed the interviews (for example). I'll definitely go back and read her other book though, and so very glad there are authors out there writing about their experiences :)

[Effie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona's funny and bubbly writing is very entertaining to read. This was one of the first books I bought way back when and I still return to it now and again. She has many books out although I consider this one to have been the most interesting and helpful. <3 to Fiona I just love her as a person haha

[Natasha 4E · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is probaby very exciting for teenagers, or maybe young adults. I found there to be little depth in the information given. Her own experiences were fun to read, even if some of the things she wrote struck me as downright stupid. And if you will excuse me, now I will go stare at my third nipple.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witch covers so many different areas, and was very well written.

[Maurean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some pretty interesting & informative tidbits in this one! Good 'basic' info for getting in touch with your witchy side

[Mary Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Research.

[Princess]

it was basically my bible in my teen years!!! so special!!!
i read it 100 times!!

[Watermelon Prose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a good reference to the "wiccan" world. It easy to understand, answers a lot of questions and is interesting along the way

[Gus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars for ridiculousness. Let's talk about our third nipples, then?

[Kellee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only is her book informative, but I really enjoyed her stories about her life, as well as the full colour photographs.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really more of a 3.5 I think?