A Witch Alone: The Essential Guide for the Solo Practitioner of the Magical Arts by Marian Green

by Marian Green

Many witches do not belong to covens but follow a different solo branch of our magical heritage; the path of the storybook wizard, the wise woman, the hermit, the folk healer, the druid, or the shaman. Working alone, they connect deeply with nature, talk to the trees, follow the patterns of the sun and the moon, and feel the changing energies of the year`s turning cycle. Anyone can learn something of their magical powers. The ancient arts and spells are there to be rediscovered, given patience, common sense, and a longing to know. You can heal yourself, gain peace from stress, and find ways of coping with the turmoils of modern life. You can also do good for others, learn to heal with herbs, see into the future, and recover the treasures of wisdom from the past. This is a 208 page softcover book.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Wicca, Paganism, Spirituality, Magick, Magic

224 pages, Paperback

First published August 30, 1991

About the author

Marian Green is an author who has been working in the field of ceremonial and folk magic since the early 1960s. She has also organized a conference every March since 1968 to bring together writers and their readers, the Quest Conference. She has written more than a dozen books on ceremonial magic and aspects of witchcraft as well as editing QUEST magazine since 1970. She is a council member of the Pagan Federation and has also been editor of Pagan Dawn.

Reviews

[Molly Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this book five stars out of sheer nostalgia :) Maybe it's not the best book out there now, but when I read it - as a teenager about to leave home and family and start a new life in Wales - it was inspirational. (no real internet back then, that was any use, by the way...) I'd been bumping up against pagan ideas for a while and then this book kept appearing as recommendations in the strangest places.
So I ordered it and bought it and read it so often the spine disintegrated.
I worked through most of the exercises. As someone new to the craft, it was ideal. She has an open and questioning way that I really appreciated at the time - no dogma, just suggestions. What do YOU think, she urges.
If you want "the right way" to do something, this book won't tell you that.
If you want to be nudged in some new directions, this book might do that.
I am almost scared to re-read it in case it's not as good as my memory suggests.
Basically: for a new quester in search of the paths - any paths - just wanting to be led to the start of one - it's great.

[Letitia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The thing I loved about this book was the bare bones approach to magick.
Doing away completely with all the ceremony, fancy tools and words, and just connecting to the natural rhythms of the earth.
I like this way of thinking and it has made me think more closely about my own direction.

The author seems to really take aim at wiccans and modern practitioners, a lot of the time, I thought, rather unfairly.
We are all the products of our time, and as much as the author seems to will it, we are not simple villagers living in the 18th century.
Though there are many things to be taken and learnt from earlier times, we also need to be able to adapt to our modern world.

Apart from this, I did enjoy this book.
It is quite basic, but it was good to read something different from the usual strict high ceremony approach.
This is a book I would recommend that all solitary practitioners read at least once.
It serves as a reminder of our true aims and encourages a down to earth approach.

[Aletheia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very practical, down-to-earth (and not pretentious!) guide to witchcraft for seekers and beginners. While not everything about Witchcraft appeals to me, I do love that the author of this book emphasizes that magic is simple and can be practised by anyone who is willing to listen to deeper whispers within themselves. Magic comes from that mysterious, non-linear part of our minds, that unconscious place that is often left untapped. The potential to heal yourself, heal others and gain greater direction and meaning for your life in such simple, earthy ways is what I love the most about this book.

[Anna Shtorm · Rating 4 out of 5]

After swallowing a couple of books by Scott Cunningham, I felt the urge to expand my knowledge about the Moon cycles and got this book recommended for this purpose. However, I did not find the much-needed information that I was looking for in this book. Nevertheless, the book was a pleasant and short read. I like the concept of 13 moons presented in this book. While I felt that this book did not consist of new information for me, I could use it for setting the mood. You can open it randomly on any page and enjoy the light narrative of Marian Green.

[Sherry Gewitzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book & live my life by it )0( sgt

[Jessie]

Along with Rae Beth's "Hedgewitch" I believe this is one of the best resources for those on a solitary path.

[Sydney · Rating 2 out of 5]

i started reading this book at the beginning of the year, following the structure of reading a chapter per moon cycle. I really loved the first 2 or so chapters but after awhile it just started feeling like a chore to me, and i felt more disconnected from what i was reading. now i finished it just to get it over with and i found it was severely underwhelming... i don't know what else to say

[Rabbit {Paint me like one of your 19th century gothic heroines!} · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heavily Wiccan, and I don't agree with everything but still relevant.

2018 Discarded: I'm going through my witchy books slowly and culling them. To the library book sale this one goes lol

[Amelia Hall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me, personally. A lot of information in this was pretty opinionated yet presented as fact.

[Claudia Loureiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really a magical book! It is beautifully written and if I had my way anyone that was considering the path of witchcraft would have to read this book! I bought this book a while ago and when I first started reading it I could not put it down. It was as if the author knew my mind and was essentially allowing me to take it to another level. It will start you on a path that will change your life. It is not necessarily an easy read, as it is not written in the simplest of words, but this simply adds to an incredible book.
"A Witch Alone" stands out from the others for two reasons. Firstly, it is written in thirteen chapters, each a lesson. At the end of each Ms. Greene gives you a project and a reading list. These have specific goals that open the student up to the mysteries of this ancient religion in an easy, gentle way. While guidance is always preferable, if you have no teacher near you, this is nearly a substitute. Secondly, there is a flexibility about each chapter/lesson that teaches something else - the ability to use your own intuition, a very important resource to any Wiccan. It helps the person develop a sense of spiritual self, and does so in the most effective way.

I really feel that her words have a resonance to me and I can honestly say I learned a lot from her.
"A Witch Alone" is a beautiful gift from Marian Greene to those seeking to walk the path of the Wicca.

I would give it more stars if I could.

[Sanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Green's style of writing and I think this book is a great source of ideas as well as a nice guide for a solitary witch without the overly ritualistic approach that I dislike. I do find the book quite Wiccan centered and I would take what she writes with a grain of salt. She seems to put a lot of weight on pointing out historical inaccuracies but fails to mention that her own theories cannot be proven either. In this light I find it a bit odd that one of the books she recommends is Margaret Murray's The Witch Cult in Western Europe. I personally like to use the book as an encouragement to use your own imagination and look past what you read in books.

[River · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to pick up this book in my teenage years, when I knew I wasn't Christian but was looking into a wide variety of spiritual paths. This is the book that made me decide/realize I was Neo-Pagan. I don't consider myself Wiccan or a Witch, but I definitely consider myself Neo-Pagan and down the line I found modern Druidry. It's been a while, but I did re-read it in my early 20s, and both times I was struck with how beautiful and poetic the prose is in many parts.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt like this book was incredibly Euro-centric and very, very basic. It dealt with a lot of common sense that was not necessarily just applicable to a magickal practitioner. It unfortunately was really a let down and Green's rambling writing style did little to hold my attention.

[Lionrhod · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been so long since I read this that I can't give much detail. However I've been recommending it for years. Excellent book, well written, and a more grounded view of Wicca than many others I've read.

[Ainee Beland · Rating 3 out of 5]

So where are we just yet? Many are drawn to ‘witchcraft’ since the traditional form of prayer, the church, and their dogma are not meeting their need…seeking religious freedom and reawakening the ancient link with our Mother Earth. Yet, others have heard wilder music, playing to an older beat, and wishing to reunite with Mother Nature, out of doors, under the light of the stars and changing moonlight more simply.

History shows that each community had its own wise woman, calling them by many names; one of which was an herbalist or comforter… some of them were accused of crimes, tried, and executed while most were innocent, for those with the true knowledge kept their secrets, knew the future and took care to be hidden if inquisitors came along.
-------------------
I perused this book not to learn or to practice; I am ignorant of it all and perhaps there’s danger in that as well…grabbing what I could of it; as it read well; instructionally sound but does not make me want to practice being what I am; ignorant of Mother Earth because it is for home owners who wants to prosper with the selling of fruits, vegetables, honey-making, salves, potions etc. There is more, always more to be learn and it takes time. It can begin as a hobby for wanting to learn how to make soap, or salves; using herbs as spice for cooking and ultimately for healing and divinity, purity. Chaste!

[Alia Makki · Rating 3 out of 5]

The thing with magic is that nobody is going to ever master EVERYTHING. So there’s never going to be one book that will cover all the aspects completely. This beginner’s book acknowledges the above fact with a practical approach.

That a beginner’s book will show you the broad strokes in the craft, the major schools and faculties in the arts of magick. The novice practitioner can glean through those aspects. While the more experienced mages can enjoy the refreshing reminder of elements that they might have been neglecting in their practices.

The bonus point particular to this book is that, whether curious, beginner or jaded, that it’s always nice to be reminded of what’s constant in the arts: that it’s a spiritual practice. That meeting with the ancient ones can take as short as 5 minutes of dedicated solitude. That a spiritual practice does not require the mediation of others to be attained. That the kernel of Spirit can be accessed in plant seeds, day/night transitions, an exchange of a kind touch.

That the point to reading books is to put them away and practice what's been learned.

[Bianca Stonegulch · Rating 2 out of 5]

Low on information, the authoress instead chooses to give her readers a list of 4+ books at the end of each chapter or lesson.
What I find somewhat dishonest is that she wrote some of those same books and could have included the relevant portions instead of trying to milk further sales.
Ms Green also gives the impression that she feels 'Traditional' Wicca is superior to other forms, so anyone on an eclectic path or who follows a non-European type of Paganism will probably find little to relate to.
Overall this book may fascinate someone with zero knowledge of Paganism who wants a bare bones introduction to European-based Wicca, but if you are a serious and seasoned practitioner you have probably heard it all before.

[Weslyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, really enjoyed this book and I got a lot out of it. My one issue is that I felt as though the author looks down on people who shop at metaphysical stores for crystals, sage, and other tools. I don’t disagree that making your own tools and using your own herbs is powerful. I grow many of my own plants and prefer to use them if I can. The concept that crystals are blown out of the Earth causing severe damage to the planet is straight up bologna. If miners did that, the crystals wouldn’t be whole. I just felt like the author was exaggerating quite a bit on that, but otherwise four stars.

[Kristiana · Rating 1 out of 5]

DON’T READ IF YOU ARE INTO WITCHCRAFT

Reading this book felt like I’m 32 years old being put into first grade listening to 1+1 equals 2! This book being written in the 90s does not excuse the absolute nonsense it kept talking about. At some point I wondered if Martha Steward wrote this book and not someone involved in witchcraft.

If i could give 0 stars I would.

[Fernanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too fairy tale-ish.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will need a reread. Not for me at this time.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that it doesn't have rituals and spells. Just some advice and you can take what you want from it. Definitely dated now, but still a good read.

[Kate Harfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has lit the fire in me. I think a lot of the reviews are correct in that it is basic , but it pulls you to the path with the author’s passion and knowledge. Such a beautiful book.

[Dark Luna Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately found a fair bit of ableism in this book and have given up in chapter 5.

[Raven Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must have book for all Wiccan's, you will find great information which you can chose to follow or adapt to yourself . This book and the others She has written are great source for all Witches.

[Amanda Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little hard to follow at times but a great read, especially if you're A solitary witch like myself.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of interesting historical tie-ins and general information of similarities between many major religions' dieties and celebrations.

[Jane Vendetti Brakhage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed working through this book.

[Kim Daly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complete and pratical beginner's guide, in which the author actually explains why she chose Wicca - an unusual effort.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

the cover is gorgeous, it's a painting by otto marseus van schrieck, whose work I love, of snakes and insects and the forest floor. this book really wasn't my jam and I won't be keeping it, but the cover tempts me.

marian green's writing annoyed me. it feels very gatekeepery and elitist - I felt like she was saying, well, being a witch is probably not for you, but if you want to try to be one, you need to do all these things. she's very big on saying "you need to understand", "you need to be aware". just say the thing. instead of saying "you need to be aware that many pagans believe in reincarnation" just say "many pagans believe in reincarnation". she's very prescriptive. write this in your notebook, trace a circle around a plate and fill in the sabbats, "look at poetry, more or less at random, in bookshops and the library". she really spends a lot of time stressing how difficult all of this is going to be. it's also definitely set in the UK with UK plants and things like stone circles and standing stones and she doesn't offer any way to adapt it to a non-UK setting. sometimes her writing was pretty, sometimes overly flowery.

she botched the celtic concept of anam cara or soul friends, as far as I understand it. everything I've read about it describes it as a deep deep friendship and bond between two people, whereas she sees it as a sort of counselor for a village that anyone might go to if they want to discuss their philosophical or material problems, someone on call to help children and the elderly.

this was written originally in 2002, and it is very wiccan-oriented, albeit solo wiccan. she also has an appreciation for ceremonial magic, which is not at all my thing. she hews pretty closely to the wiccan goddess and consort model, you don't get a sense that she would be working with other deities. also, despite the book being called a witch alone, she suggests you leave bookmarks with messages on them in witchy topic library books so you can find other local witches, which is kind of a wild suggestion and doesn't seem particularly safe or smart.

green is also very prone to talking about how the goddess only grants people magical powers if they're worthy so practitioners are all very virtuous etc. you can get yourself in trouble believing a whole group of people are "good".

one thing I do like is she stresses that pagan deities are immanent and available to have direct experiences with.

later in the book she calms down with the gatekeeping, I guess she figures if you're still reading you have some interest. she does keep saying things like "do get yourself some good illustrated books on common trees, plants, and herbs, and go out and learn to recognize every growing thing, in summer and in winter." learn to recognize EVERY growing thing. as just part of your witchcraft practice. she is very big on connections to the way our agricultural ancestors did things, and where there are gaps in practices from then to now she says, oh, you can just found out exactly how they used to do it by consulting your past life or just journeying back and imagining yourself at a festival. I notice she hasn't done that and then set it out in the book though.

every chapter is a monthlong study about this or that topic - healing, divination, etc. and she tends to just go on about whatever. "we know about the power of the sun for solar heating, yet we may forget that every living thing draws on the sun for life. green plants exist and grow because the sun assists their internal chemistry to transmute water and minerals into greenery, flowers, and fruit." not exactly revelatory stuff.

the most valuable thing in the book, I feel, is the self-initiation ritual she describes at the end, which requires a nightlong outdoor vigil, a ritual bath, fasting, then a nighttime ceremony where you make promises, take a secret magical name, and then travel to see the god and goddess who will have a unique encounter with you. it's not something I plan on doing, but it is the thing in the book that most lives up to the title, I feel.