Witches Among Us: Understanding Contemporary Witchcraft and Wicca

by Thorn Mooney

Occult references ripple frequently through popular culture, Wiccan and witchcraft movements seem more popular than ever, and chances are that you’re unknowingly acquainted with at least one witch. Drawing on her expertise as a magical practitioner and religious studies scholar, Thorn Mooney pulls back the curtain, helping you navigate this complex world and understand why it holds such intense appeal for so many.

Thorn answers all your questions and dispels common misconceptions while delving into what it means to be a witch, including beliefs and practices. Discover what magic really is and what casting it entails. Gain insights into Wicca’s distinctions from witchcraft and the fascinating structures of these communities. With Thorn as your guide, you can better understand the magical practitioners in your life and the reasons why magical thinking thrives.

Genres: Witchcraft, Religion, Occult, Audiobook, Nonfiction, Wicca

224 pages, Paperback

Published October 8, 2024

Reviews

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a scholarly look at contemporary witchcraft and Wicca. It showcases what these practices actually look like and offers insight into what it means to be a witch. This book is not just for witches, it's about witches. This book should be given to any beginner witch or any non-witch that seeks to understand our world. It talks about the history of spiritual movements such as theosophy, new thought, paganism, Wicca, witchcraft, and even the new age community. The book also discusses various different types of witchcraft such as Wicca, eclecticism, traditional witchcraft, folk witchcraft, and so on. Thorn has done a great job representing our world.

[Beverley · Rating 5 out of 5]

-light book easy to hold and nice text size
-the author is wiccan but the book is not all about that religion

-love that each chapter has suggested reading to continue to learn about what has been spoken about

-tons of info about different movements and societies that have shaped and inspired modern witchcraft

- really interesting how they link how we see witchcraft & do witchcraft now back to how it was seen and practiced in the past

-loved the section about witches beliefs and how the magical shines through the mundane

-wish there was more about other cultures it is very wiccan because it is what the author practices but as its meant to be a general book about witches i do wish there was more about different cultures and how they practice

- some of the language is very academic but it is still very enjoyable to read and easy to understand

- perfect book for people thinking of becoming a witch, people who have family members who are witches and want to know more. Just a wonderful introduction to the craft

[Rhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

i literally recommended this book to my therapist when she asked me about my religious proclivities.

[Elyse Welles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so glad someone finally wrote this book, and who better than Thorn Mooney, a Wiccan PhD student of religion.

It’s definitely got a lot more witchery than a complete outsider would necessarily be able to follow, but for someone coming into the Craft from an online, solitary, and/or nonlineage tradition, you may never learn the true spiritual lineage of witchcraft without a book like this.

This book is especially useful to those with a Wiccan leaning to their Craft.

[Itzy Morales · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting and thoughtful.

One can learn a lot about the different types of witchcraft in this overview. However, at some points it felt repetitive so I felt like we were going in circles in some talking points.

[JunyBee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book if you are wanting information about what witchcraft is. It really helps explain what witchcraft is. The book gives a short history of witchcraft. It talks about modern witchcraft, what a coven is and what a solitary practice is and why some people lean that way. It helped explain what was going on in the 80s and 90s. It talks about beliefs in witchcraft and how they vary. It's an easy read. The book would be great for someone that wants to understand why a friend or family member is drawn to witchcraft. It is a good overview if you are thinking about practicing witchcraft.

[Mitchell Stern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a very nice overview of witchcraft. I did find there’s some gaps in stuff covered I would have liked to see discussed more-such as the influence of the Golden Dawn and Thelema on witchcraft or more specific details about the multiple models witches adopt in their practice.

[Courtnie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading about fictional witches for decades and seeing Llewellyn’s table at the Twin Cities Book Festival, I thought it was about time that I learned about real-life witches and see what they really do, as compared with their fictional portrayals.

Witches Among Us was a great introduction into the real world of witchcraft and magic. Thorn Mooney explains the multi-layered world of witchcraft using her own experiences as a practicing Wiccan, while [showing] some of the similarities, differences, and ambiguities of other types of witchcraft and even between practitioners. While there’s not an exact answer for most of the topics that she discusses, Thorn is able to provide enough information for you to grasp the concepts and for you to determine whether you want to dive deeper into any of the areas discussed; at the end of every chapter, she even provides additional resources from scholars and other witches.

While there are some aspects of fictional witchcraft that are part of every day life, what I found most interesting is that there are aspects of witchcraft that have made its way to mainstream and corporate thinking, including manifestation and energies or “vibes.”

I very much enjoyed this book. I know my interest has been piqued (as a sociologist and a history buff, and just for me personally) to continue learning more about non-fictional witches and magic.

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorn Mooney has absolutely smashed it outta the park with her latest book, a guide to modern witchcraft written by a religious studies scholar and practicing Witch. But this book is not intended to join the hundreds of “how to” style guides, but instead targets outsiders curious about what draws people to witchcraft, as well as what witches do and why. As a former anthropology student who spent a lot of time reading about witchcraft as well as talking to modern practitioners, I really enjoyed this!

[Thomas Pinneck · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Witches Among Us: Understanding Contemporary Witchcraft and Wicca, Thorn Mooney offers a meticulously researched and insightful examination of modern witchcraft practices. Drawing from her dual expertise as a religious studies scholar and a seasoned practitioner, Mooney navigates the complex landscape of contemporary witchcraft with academic rigor and profound understanding. What sets this work apart is its scholarly depth. Mooney delves into the historical roots of witchcraft and Wicca, tracing their evolution from ancient traditions to their current manifestations in today's society. She engages with a wide array of sources, including historical texts, anthropological studies, and interviews with practitioners, providing a comprehensive overview that is both informative and nuanced.

The book eschews the typical "how-to" approach often found in literature on the subject. Instead, it focuses on unpacking the sociocultural factors that have contributed to the resurgence of witchcraft and Wicca in the modern era. Mooney explores themes such as identity, community, and the quest for spirituality in a secular world, offering readers a window into why these practices hold intense appeal for so many. Her analysis extends to the distinctions between witchcraft and Wicca, clarifying common misconceptions and highlighting the diversity within these communities. Mooney examines the structures, beliefs, and rituals that define them, all while maintaining an objective lens that respects the integrity of her subjects.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is how it situates contemporary witchcraft within the broader context of popular culture and societal shifts. Mooney discusses the impact of media representation, the influence of the internet on community building, and the ways in which modern practitioners navigate their identities in both private and public spheres. Throughout the text, Mooney's writing is articulate and accessible, making complex theories and historical narratives digestible for a wide audience. Her academic background enriches the content without overwhelming readers who may be new to the topic. She strikes a delicate balance between scholarly discourse and engaging storytelling, ensuring that the book is as enlightening as it is enjoyable to read.

Witches Among Us is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the multifaceted world of modern witchcraft and Wicca. By providing a well-researched, thoughtful exploration rather than a practical guide, Thorn Mooney invites readers to consider the cultural, historical, and personal dimensions that contribute to the enduring fascination with these practices. It's a significant contribution to the field, shedding light on a subject often obscured by misunderstanding and offering a respectful, informed perspective that is both timely and necessary.

[Brian Langdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been needed for some time and Thorn is just the right person to fill this void in the literature! This is the perfect book to give to your parents, partner, family member, friends, employer, therapist, etc. as it will provide a great introduction to understanding contemporary witchcraft and Wicca. Thorn provides a unique perspective as she approaches the topics in the book both as a religious studies scholar and a practitioner. She is able to provide a diversity of perspectives of what witches do, practice, and believe in a simple and concise way. Thorn’s writing is accessible and will be easily understood by anyone reading this book.
One of my favorite things about the book is that Thorn provides books at the end of each chapter by both scholars and practitioners. This allows the reader to further explore the topics discussed in the chapter in greater detail if they choose.
Practitioners can also benefit from reading this book to gain an understanding of some of the influences on contemporary witchcraft and Wicca that you might not be aware of, such as the New Thought movement. I definitely learned some things! Thorn also talks about how the reader may have encountered these influences in modern culture, even if the reader isn’t a practitioner themself.
So buy this book! Whether for yourself or the muggle in your life. It’ll be great to have on hand if you ever need to give it to someone to give them an understanding of what exactly it means to be a witch. It might even help facilitate great conversations about your own practice and what being a witch means to you.

[WistfulWitchofthe East · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witches Among Us is the book witch seekers have deserved for the last 20 years. And the book Long Time Witches could benefit from a better understanding of how they got to where they are. Thorn concisely lays out the scaffolding of the contemporary witch. She provides important starting points to explore beyond the few 101 books that inspired many a seeker to jump head first into witchcraft. The text will challenge contemporary witches to examine if their practices need updating. It’s the conversation some may avoid for fear of wounded egos and Thorn takes on that task bravely and skillfully. I dare to say this is an essential, if not foundational read.

[Stacey Hoffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is essentially an academic alibi for inconvenient knowledge. Mooney's clear explanations make it highly citable for those moments when you're trying to pinpoint exactly how a literary character is channeling witchcraft traditions without having to answer any awkward questions about how you know that particular spell. Her religious studies credentials lend proper academic weight to her insights, as do her footnotes and further reading suggestions, making this essential for anyone studying occultism but especially anyone in a scholarly field or semi-scholarly position who needs their footnotes to look more professional than "because I mote it, duh"

[Damian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the book was conceived and written so that people outside the occult community, and especially outside witchcraft, could understand the current witchcraft movement, it is very interesting and comprehensive—so much so that even practitioners of the Art should give it a chance. The author seeks to provide, and succeeds in giving, a very insightful explanation of the modern witch and of witchcraft in its many expressions—from Wicca, to traditional witchcraft, folkloric practices, and other less defined forms. She touches on very important points and clearly explains the immense diversity that exists. Honestly, I really enjoyed it.

[coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been interested in (fictional, magical) witches my whole life but it wasn't until recent years that witches and witchcraft have become actual identities in my periphery. So, I picked this up. It's very informational for someone with no knowledge like me. But I find it hard to understand how it's not a religion (not that it matters, it's just a point that's brought up). I'll likely be reading more books on the topic.

This book has a very academic and impersonal feel, which I liked for my first foray, but I'd like to read more personal accounts next.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up bc a friend mentioned it on Insta- and the topic is right down my alley.

An informative (and modern) overview on witches- what they believe, their rituals, their leader (HA), a little history (not a lot) recommendations of books to read on each topic...This is the type of book you can use as a jumping off point or to refer back to.
It is a bit dry.

Read if you are interested in this culture.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really informative and accessible, especially for people who know very little about witchcraft and Wicca. Mooney spends a lot of time contextualizing and defining terms. She also provides an excellent list of scholarly resources as well as resources from within the community for further understanding.

[Bonnie Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could barely put this down. Very academically written to provide a run down of key terms, practices, histories and much more without judgement or being patronizing to the reader or subject. The best compliment I can give this is that the excellent bibliography and suggested readings gave me a whole new must read list.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, a modern introductory book about Wicca/Witchcraft that doesn't talk down to you and that guides you on the first steps or beyond. Also perfect as a primer for peers and family. Could have been titled "Witchcraft for your mom". Highly enjoyed this read.

[Dodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read that covers what people who don’t know anything about Wicca but love or know a witch. The book covers different spiritual movements and how it affected Wicca. As well the basic for a non witch. When someone says “I am a witch “ this can mean many different things.

I recommend Thorn Mooney YouTube channel

[Madelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars! Good! I didn't really learn anything new, but I enjoyed this book a lot. The writing is good and enjoyable.

[The Crafty Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to witchcraft and its history.

[Jayden Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was informative, but also a bit boring 😂

[Grant Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorn Mooney delivers a "what are witches" for the layperson for the modern era. This book gets just enough into things to give interested parties a walking around knowledge of the various flavors of witchcraft out there without getting too deep into the weeds. I would highly recommend for anyone curious to know more about modern witches and the various paths they find themselves on.

[Yvonne Aburrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short introduction to a very broad topic (the many varieties of witchcraft that exist today) and as such, was necessarily an overview. It is aimed at people who don’t know anything about witchcraft and want to understand it as a cultural phenomenon.

Each of the chapters could have been an entire book because of the scope of the work, but the succinctness in dealing with multiple versions of witchcraft and multiple histories was good. The book does not brush the controversial issues aside, either. I also appreciated that each chapter has a list of further reading from both scholars and witches (some of whom are both). The footnotes are also excellent.

My only criticism is that if this book is aimed at non-scholars, some of the language is quite scholarly, and may be less familiar to a general audience. A little bit more unpacking of terms, or a glossary, might help. It might have been nice to include some anecdotes, which Thorn has used very effectively in her other books. I was a little surprised that the bibliography didn’t include all the sources listed in the chapters and footnotes (perhaps an editorial decision?)

The book would be helpful for many people seeking to get an overview of contemporary witchcraft. For those of us situated in one area of the contemporary witchcraft community, it is helpful to get an overview of the other areas. I’d love to see an expanded version of this book aimed at practitioners and seekers. I think it would be helpful for people who are considering becoming a witch, so that they could understand the variety of traditions available.

[Heidi’s Zee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viewing ‘witch’ as a meeting word, this book was remarkable on point for what it means to me and how it operates in community around me, thus insightful.

Conclusion: Definitions are quite frivolous.