Discover your path through life's biggest moments with 'green witch' Rebecca Beattie – a Wiccan priestess who has practised witchcraft for over twenty years and author of The Wheel of the Year.
Enter The Way Through the Woods, a new book which encourages us to reclaim life's twists and turns – in relationships, work and family, and in our bodies and selves – as transformative, alchemical moments full of possibility.
Whenever we need a helping hand, be it through grief or menopause, a new career or finding our flow, this enchanting book is filled with nurturing rituals and wild magic to guide us onwards. Drawing inspiration from the ebb and flow of the natural world, this is a must-have seasonal tool-kit for optimising our spiritual, bodily and mental health.
Full of rejuvenating wisdom, The Way Through the Woods will help you to pause and reflect, to reconnect to nature and to yourself as you uncover a path towards joy and abundance.
The Way Through The Woods is a mystical, magical reminder — full of stories and encouraging practices to get out in nature and let the rhythm of the seasons embrace, heal and nourish you and your intentions. What I’m enjoying most are the themes and correspondences, poetic quotes, tarot references, and the try this experiences for each theme. It’s fascinating the deep dives Rebecca Beattie takes us on. Oh and if you haven’t read it already, I highly recommend Beattie’s other book The Wheel Of The Year.
*I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the free book.*
I wish I could believe in magic but alas I do not. I do, however, see the power of inner convinction, ritual and focus. "The Way Through the Woods" is exactly what the title says, it's a "Green Witch's Guide to Navigating Life's Ups and Downs" but mostly it's of psychological nature and the 'magic' is a ritual to focus and process. While I disliked how very binary it was and alienated me a bit. I also found it academically unsound, the stages of grief were not challenged properly and the book did tap a bit into esoteric stuff, which is not my cup of tea. But overall it was quite sweet. 3 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Elliott & Thompson for this ARC. The opinions reflected in this review are my own and unbiased Thank you for the opportunity to review this title.
The Way Through the Woods by Rebecca Beattie was such an impactful, insightful and illuminating read that shed light on some heavier topics that often get overlooked when it comes to the metaphysical but their importance is significant and this book did not shy away in its approach. The connection and personal journey the author traversed through these hard life events was genuine and heartfelt I could feel myself in that room with her beautiful mother during those sad but transformative moments as someone who has also been in that situation i felt that connection to a fellow sister and shared in that loss and transformation. I enjoyed the aspects of each pathway and the intuitive exercises and tarot formations along with all the little rituals and exercises as you traverse each area. It did indeed as its namesake says "walked you through the woods" journeying through each path interconnecting .
I learned a great many things throughout this read and took and overwhelming amount of notations for future reference it was an absolute joy to read the works from this author and I will absolutely seek out further works. I would highly recommend this book to all in the metaphysical world and even in general if you have experienced loss. divorce a crisis of life path or just needing insight and guidance on where to next in this crazy world we are living in you will not regret the read.
Again thank you for the opportunity to review this title.
I really like the way the author lays out the book at the beginning, as well as the seasons which is how the book is divided. It's a bit of a roadmap through significant events encountered throughout ones life, and the guidance is lovely and kind-- a good aunt chatting with you over a cup of tea at the kitchen table kind of dialog. Twinkling eyes, wry smiles and a warmth thats reassuring as she passes little gifts of wisdom across the table. I started reading this book on my birthday. We don't all or always have a circle of women in our lives to tell us it'll be alright. This book, for me, was like the next best thing. I frequently related to and resonated with a lot of the stories or references made.
This is not a 'how-to-witchcraft' in case you were looking. This is more like an advice & self-help book thats written by a witch. There are beautiful bits of information within, and it's worth reading, but it's not presented in the usual formula if you were thinking so based on the title and cover. There are rituals that punctuate each topic covered in the book (death of loved ones, end of relationships, new relationships, family, career, home & belonging, entering your crone era, potential & self actualization) and the author deep dives into each subject with beautiful stories and solid advice pulled from her own experiences and practice as a witch in a very practical, no nonsense way. The magic in this book is painted with a very light brush so if you're not really into or thats not your cup of tea it would hardly go amiss.
My takeaway: it was like having really good conversations with a friend that I'll take with me and will need on my journey through the woods from someone who's been walking ahead.
Thank you to the author & publisher for allowing me to read this book early in return for my honest review. (3.7 stars ⭐)
It’s a book you can take what you need from and be enlightened by other aspects which may not apply as much to you but still help you to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for others going through them.
It touches upon difficult themes but in such a beautifully written way, it doesn’t leave you with a heavy heart but with a lighter one.
I cant emphasise enough how beautiful the writing is. You feel heard, seen, soothed and further bolstered to tackle life and all it throws head on. It equips you to help deal with such things as grief, navigating new relationships and mourning old ones, new jobs, moves and finding the best version of yourself that you can.
I’ve always had a deeper connection to nature and wildlife and it recharges all my batteries. You can get so much from the outdoors and not to sound to woo woo (which this book certainly isn’t) can truly spiritually heal.
It’s split into four seasons: winter, summer, autumn and winter with corresponding themes and stories, exercises, ‘try this’ advice and help to apply to whatever you feel is necessary. It’s not preachy or elitist and it’s such a comforting yet insightful read. I truly appreciated the author sharing her own experiences and stories too, as well as the story of Elizabeth as applied to each situation. It made for lovely reading.
Every book I’ve read of Rebecca Beattie has been wonderful and I can only hope for more books to come!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review .
A beautiful quote attributed to Rumi is at the beginning of Chapter Eight in Rebecca Beattie’s wise and gentle book The Way Through The Woods which says, ‘You were born with wings, You were not meant for crawling, so don’t: You have wings. Learn to use them and fly.’ In this gentle, captivating book, Green Witch Rebecca Beattie sets out in a very practical and user friendly style the pathway to being able to fly once again, despite or in spite of the life pathway you have been on, or are in the process of travelling. She reaches out through personal experience and learned knowledge, using the analogy of walking a pathway through the woods, a place of deep mystery, occasionally danger but immensely full of wisdom and healing. Rebecca is a Gardnerian Wiccan. Dividing life’s journey into seasons is a very comfortable way to be able to take a look at how life tends to move in tune with the seasons, which also falls in with the Wiccan spiritual pathway utilising feminine spirituality and the teaching of Tarot to offer healing and enlightenment. As you work through the chapters, which are best read carefully and slowly, there is a second tier to the story that of an archetype, perhaps yours, perhaps not but complimentary to learning, understanding and accepting the healing being offered throughout the pages. Beginning with the Winter season, that of coldness, death and rebirth, she discusses the death of a loved one and the emotional trauma that we, in the modern world, fail to accept as we move forward so quickly, setting out a lovely incense recipe and a simple and yet effect ritual to undertake in Memory of your loved one. This sets the style for the rest of the book, each chapter commencing with a small but significant slice of poetry, and the Tarot card relative to the topic of discussion. As each of the seasons unfold, each chapter holds much wisdom, many life lessons and a gentle, positive way towards acceptance and healing, which culminates in The Manifesto of the Perfectly Imperfect Life. Once again the final Section commences with a lovely piece of poetry from Rudyard Kipling which leads into a most appealing statement of intent and motivation. This then concludes with the invitation to go out and find your perfect ‘tree’, sit under it, take a deep healing breath and listen to the beauty in the world around you. The perfect ending to a charming, eloquent and very comforting book on travelling life’s pathways through the often difficult and troubling woods in which we all live.
Thank you to NetGalley and Elliott & Thompson for this ARC. This is my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.
Rebecca Beattie takes us on a lyrical journey through each season of the year, each of which depicts two different corresponding life themes that may be difficulties in life (i.e. family, grief/loss, career, relationships, menopause and more). Along the way, she writes a short fantasy allegory that relates to these themes. She often relates to stories from her own life as well as many researched sources. Additionally, she includes practical tips to help engage the reader in the topic at hand, if that theme is what the reader is going through or currently relating to, for example journal prompts, or witchy rituals or activities.
I found this book to be just ok. Possibly because there was only one chapter or theme that I can currently relate to. Therefore, it felt a bit boring or hard to pick back up to continue through the other bits. However, I did find there to be some wise nuggets of information sprinkled throughout the book and the journal prompts often incredibly thought provoking! It reads like a memoir and a self-help book. If you’re currently in the thick of it in one specific theme, such as grief/loss, you may find something helpful, but the entire book isn’t dedicated to that one topic, so it feels a bit surface level and possibly not what you are looking for if you want more indepth help/support with that topic.
Not sure if I would recommend. I could foresee myself coming back to re-read the specific chapters if one of those topics were to arise in my life.
I think I need to become an editor or proofreader because I spot 99% of spelling and grammatical errors 🫠
Netgalley ARC Review The Way through the Woods is a self-help book that looks through a spiritual lens. Using the spiritual beliefs found in Wicca and witchcraft, Beattie helps guide readers on a journey through the trials of life. In this book, Beattie offers personal anecdotes while demonstrating the power of storytelling in finding one's way through life. She also provides many different rituals, incense/oil recipes, meditations, tarot spreads, mindfulness exercises and journal prompts to help leave the reader with practices or activities they can take with them along their way. I am not Wiccan, but I found some chapters to be helpful and relatable. I would say that anyone who is spiritual or on an earth-centered path would enjoy sections of this book.
I am not generally a huge fan of self-help books, but I thought I'd try one out that takes this spiritual direction. I wouldn't say that I hated it, but I suppose self-help books are just not for me. I suppose I was hoping for more spiritual exploration, and while this does offer that spiritual lens, it is a self-help book first and foremost.
That being said, I think there are a lot of people who will enjoy this book. Bear in mind, I would say this is definitely geared more towards women (the whole last section is on menopause and feminine archetypes), but there is a lot that can be useful for people of all genders (grief, change, family, home, etc.)
What a beautiful and insightful book! More than that, it's a priceless tool in your arsenal in navigating life's trials and tribulations.
Thoughtfully narrated and split up in to seasons, there is a satisfying parrel between life's various stages and the seasons in nature. Coincidentally, I heard someone on the radio earlier this week talking about how the "autumn" of life is important for inner growth. This again, echoes what we see in nature, the rich colour of the leaves, crops ready for harvesting and animals preparing for the Winter as best they can, just as we should think about what would serve us well in old age.
Life is full of endings and beginnings, it ebbs and flows as with nature and can throw many unexpected things (positive and negative) at us along the way.
Rebecca deftly explains using anecdotes, analogies and story telling, why these events are important and how we can best live through these experiences. She is careful to mention that whilst this book is meant as a reference point and gentle companion, it is important to think about your needs. It shouldn't be used as a substitute for therapy or medication if that is the best course of action for you.
Gentle, heartwarming and relatable. Its a book that envelopes and soothes you. A must read (and treasure) for all!
Thanks again to Elliot & Thompson and Rebecca Beattie for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
This was a really lovely book in a lot of ways, but it did frustrate me in others. I think the points that the author made were poignant and wonderful (although perhaps they did not focus in on the pain that life sometimes carries with it quite as well as they could have), however, it did feel like this book was trying to do a little too much all at once.
The seasons split made sense and was great, but some of life's ups and downs don't fit quite so neatly into those boxes, and I did find myself wondering why some pieces were in certain seasons and not in others. The use of Elizabeth and her story was sweet, but I did find that I struggled with it as it wasn't comfortably sat between the non-fiction/fiction split of this book.
There was also the matter of the few spells that were interspersed. I would have expected perhaps more in terms of these - just more in volume, and more for what one would think from a semi-instruction manual. Don't let this put you off, however - for baby witches and those starting out, it does provide a really lovely introduction, even through the muddle.
The Way through the Woods by Rebecca Beattie uses the seasons, nature and metaphysical methods as a way to guide one through life's difficult moments. It covers topics of grief and loss, menopause and physical changes, moving and ending relationships. Beattie offers personal examples, tarot meanings, nature teachings and the fictional journey of a magical women to delve into these topics and help you find tools to help your on your own journey. I found it very different than the usual witchy book, much more personal and it was a bit hard to get used to at first. That said, by the end of the spring section I really started to enjoy the book and connect with the author and her style. In the past I have used nature so much to help me get through the hard moments of my life and this book reminded me of that and that I can always find comfort there. I really enjoyed this read.
A really beautifully written book, in a poignant and soothing way. It covers quite a few hard subjects and offers guidance through those difficult times in life. I'm not sure how well each fit into the seasonal set up of the book, but I understand the structure the author was trying to go for. The ideal audience would be someone going through a difficult life stage (a death, job loss, menopause), as this book would offer a lot of support and insight. It does lean much more psychology and shadow work than witchcraft, but there are many rituals to be incorporated. I thought some were a little complicated and required a lot of tools and ingredients that would not be readily available, and therefore I wouldn't recommend this book to a beginner or a witch on a budget.
While the book masterfully explores intricate life subjects, I found that the author might have ambitiously tackled a multitude of topics. Although the seasonal setup is apparent, the extensive range of themes occasionally leaves the reader pondering the cohesion. Nevertheless, within its pages, "The Way Through The Woods" offers a profound exploration of psychology, shadow work, and mystical rituals, making it a valuable companion for those navigating challenging life stages. Rebecca Beattie's rich insights, coupled with the book's focus on nature and seasonal wisdom, create a compelling tapestry of guidance and introspection.
I was looking forward to this book since I fell in love with Rebecca Beattie's Wheel of the Year. Unfortunately The Way Through The Woods quickly became Can't See The Forest For The Trees for me. Dealing with the seasons as a metaphor for life's challenges, then dealing with the challenges through ritual or practice, meanwhile also joining Elizabeth on her personal journey was just too much for me. Although the writing is excellent and easy to follow I gave up half way.
Thank you Netgalley and Elliot&Thompson for the ARC.
A seasonal journey through life and the up and downs that brings with it. Set over the four season's it features stories, advice and rituals to help you overcome certain trials and tribulations most of us go through in our lifetimes. It also reminds us to get out into nature and use it to help heal ourselves.
This book reminds us we have much to learn from Nature and the changing seasons. I wrote about this concept myself a while back so this book certainly resonated with me. I love the rituals suggested here to support and encourage us at each stage of life's journey.
Thought provoking and intriguing, full of ideas and food for thought. I liked what I read and I think it can be appreciated by people who are new or more experienced Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I loved this book. Part narrative, part ceremonial, part sage advice and practical applications - it will be one I'll be recommending to friends for a long time, I think
A solid mix of practical self-help advice with enough whimsy to satisfy the magically inclined without getting too woowoo. I enjoyed this and would revisit it for the seasonal exercises.
I really thought id love this when i picked it up but unfortunately i just didnt:( found it so boring it took me sooo long to finish just not for me at all!
The Way Through The Woods by Rebecca Beattie is the perfect book if you need a companion through life’s ups and downs: it’s beautifully written and it was just a pleasure to read.
Dealing with topics such as loss, grief, endings and beginnings, menopause, career changes and much more, the book is divided into four sections named after the four seasons: each season is associated with specific topics and every section has two chapters.
The book presents some witchcraft practices at the end of every chapter, such as incense making and rituals, but for the most part it doesn’t even feel like a book about witchcraft, which is one of the reasons I appreciated it so much: I’m always supportive of witchy books that could be accessible also for people who are not practitioners, for the simple reason that these kind of books normalise witchcraft as a spiritual practice and it doesn’t just make it look like “a bunch of hocus pocus”.
I recommend this book, especially if you’re a tarot reader (it features a beautiful spread) and if you want to read something that feels a bit different and that deals with issues that are often overlooked such as menopause (one of the chapters I was more looking forward to).