Diary of a Witch

by Sybil Leek

The author traces her unusual ancestry and describes her early life, witchcraft apprenticeship and psychic experiences

Genres: Nonfiction, Witchcraft, Spirituality, Witches, Autobiography, Wicca, Biography

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

Dubbed "Britain’s most famous witch" by the BBC.

Because she rose to media fame in the 1950s after the repeal of the 1735 Witchcraft Act in 1951, she had an effect upon the formation of neopagan witchcraft, namely the religion of Wicca. Strong in defense of her beliefs, Sybil sometimes differed and even quarrelled with other witches. She disapproved of nudity in rituals and was against the use of drugs, but she was at odds with most other witches in that she did believe in cursing. She was one of the first of the modern day witches to take up environmental causes.

Reviews

[Patick Kyteler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading DIARY OF A WITCH again after 31 years is like sitting down for tea with a favorite great aunt that you haven't seen in ages and listening to her life's story. I recently found a copy of the first edition hardcover in a used bookstore and didn't hesitate to snatch it up, which I now consider one of my Wiccan treasures. The book is a fascinating read and in my opinion should be required study for any new witch or wizard. It is essentially a biographical essay by an hereditary witch. Sybil was one of the first witches to come out of the broom closet and her influence on American Wicca (i.e. the so called "eclectic" Wicca) is incalculable. Fortunately, it isn't a difficult book to read and a student can usually finish it in one of two readings. The chapters move quickly, although eleven and twelve do drag a little. Otherwise, the book is perfect. Back in 77 it proved to be the catalyst for a lifelong interest in the craft. My advice is to buy it used while you still can. The book jacket makes the hardcover edition worth having for the funky cover art and the slightly irregular page edges (which remind me of "old books") is a nice touch.

[``Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sybil Leek claims that the witches of England cast a spell during the WW2 British evacuation of Dunkirk, which brought a fog upon Dunkirk, so that the Luftwaffe couldn't bomb the ships coming to the soldiers rescue.

[Nightshade · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book firmly belongs in the rubbish pile of books I have ever had the displeasure of reading. It has been recommended to me numerous times and now having read it I have to seriously question anyone who feels this book is "recommended reading".

It starts with the usual disproven nonsense of withcraft as the Old religion which survived underground, and how Leek came from a long line of witches spanning hundreds of years. It continues to read as a poorly written novella with Leek claiming her high intellect multiple times as if it is supposed to convince not only us, but her as well, apparently she was a precocious child to the point of being a almost super intellectual. This theme of Leek being rather amazing and so important that she is not only honoured by those who are referred to here as "gypsies" which is now recognised as a slur but African leaders is enough to make my eyes twitch.

Throughout the book she makes ridiculous claims and statements like telepathy having the potential to be studied and used during war as a weapon; that the reason why psychics fail at so many experiments is due to their boredom; that astrology can predict homosexuality, cancer and murderous tendencies, and other such bollock.

I simply cannot understand how anyone finds this work or any of the work of Leek's to be "better literature" for witches when this particular book seemed to be more of a way for Leek to try and bolster her already very public image.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting read! Leek spins a wild and canny tale of her own be-ing that will Fascinate Wild-Wise Witches, from Novice Nags to Lusty Movers to Crackpot Crones . . . (Definitions: Webster's First New Intergalactic Wickedary of the English Language by Mary Daly)

[Jessica Baumgartner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an essential resource for any Wiccan, Pagan, or spiritualist. Reading about Sybil Leeks amazing life gives me much more insight into trusting my instincts.

[Jennifer Titus · Rating 4 out of 5]

one has to consider the time when this book was published. there was a veritable drought of alternative books available to readers. during the early 1970s the only religion i had experienced was christianity and catholicism. thank goodness for sybil's matter of fact presentation of "wicca" rather than the hocus pocus aspect of what is perceived by most as witchcraft.

i loved reading about her time with the gypsies in the old forest. tickling fish, selling horses and using dandelion leaves for detecting pregnancy. our modern culture is not attuned to an awareness of the natural world.

a must read for us intuitive types. books like this remind me that there is value in alternative ways of thinking.

[Eliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve just begun my witchcraft research journey and Sybil Leek was one of the first healers I heard about. Finding her rare out-of-print book at my local library was sheer luck and I absorb all but the final twenty pages (it got a little redundant toward the end). It’s a hilarious and camp retelling of the author’s journey. I found two other rare books of Leek’s and I’m looking forward to those as well. Those even remotely interested in the craft will find this read enjoyable.

[David Enos · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover of this book was once the most terrifying thing I'd ever seen. I would work up the nerve to pull it out of the shelf and take a look. Its actually just a middle aged woman with eyeliner, nothing really.

[Dani Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The memoirs of a modern witch. From Britian, she is puzzled by the American perception of what a witch is and is not.

[Kerr Cuhulain · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book that introduced me to Wicca.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weird book. It sort of fell into my lap. I read it before passing it along.

[Tai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read biography of one of the most famous witches in modern history. Not at all what most people think of when they see the word witch, especially in the US.

[Joseph]

Read this a few years before I met Jesus Christ. When I was lost and looking for God in the wrong places.

[Wendy Adamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so want to read this book. Is there anywhere online i could read it?

[Susan K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting autobiography into the realm of the witchcraft religion and psychological healing by famous or infamous author, (depending on your point of view) Sybil Leek. An insider's perspective from her unusual family upbringing by ongoing generations of witches. Thought provoking to the say the least. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Certainly gave me a different perspective on witchcraft.

[Mon Valc · Rating 5 out of 5]

El Arte completo de la Brujería - Sybil Leek

"Toda especie viva ha de pasar por una serie de ciclos con sus altibajos correspondientes. En la Astrología, la captación de esos altibajos nos permite sacar mejor partido de las circunstancias. En la brujería, nos hallamos en el umbral de una mejor comprensión de las circunstancias actuales, pues ya hemos pasado por ellas con anterioridad."

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. Her early life would have been awesome as a fictional book or movie. I also liked reading about the early ghost hunting and the study of psychics.

[Wolfiesara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when I was a tween. My mom had given it to me. I really enjoyed it. I didn't know it was anything more than an interesting book until I saw the other reviews here.

[Liv Angelique · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel this book made more sense to me than some modern witchery, and reiterated my desire to shy away from some modern witch norms.

[Penny Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly a fascinating read! A fun, quirky, and thought-provoking memoir of one of UK’s most influential witches.

[Mrs. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book years ago and what was really funny was reading a couple of the reviews by goodreads posters. One woman said it was a lesson in child rearing (what NOT to do), and another poster said that the cover on the original book terrified him.

Ditto. I was a voracious reader as a child, came across this book at the library, and read it hiding under my covers. It is the story of Sybil Leek, a modern "witch", and her family at the turn of the century. Interesting reading, whether you buy all the stuff in it or not. Not something I'd go out and buy, but it may still be at your local library.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I happened across this book at the Exchange -- it is a slim, unassuming little volume. Boy was it fun to crack open. It's the memoir of Sybil Leek. I hadn't heard of her before reading it, but I guess she enjoyed some renown for being self-professed witch. The most intriguing part of the book for me was the beginning, in which she details her early life and upbringing. She came from a long line of witches, and was immersed in her family lore from birth. I enjoyed this book immensely. The end was a little tiresome, but might not be for people who had heard of her and knew about her when she was in the U.S.

[saffrondaydreams ~]

My copy is the paperback with a solid red cover with the title & author's name in bold black letters under a photo of the author. Contain several pages of black and white photographs of a biographical nature. Not a first edition, probably printed in 1975, possibly by Signet.

Wish Goodreads would get with the program and load an image of that particular edition of the book!
Still really miffed that they did away with Shelfari. Miss it! Anyway, LOVE this book. It's a treasured one.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be more of an autobiography than about witchcraft. I suppose the title leads to this notion, but I assumed there would just be a tad bit more witchcraft. Her second book "The Complete Art of Witchcraft" (1971) goes into great detail regarding her religion and the magic that surrounds it. Both are great reads for anyone interested in the Old Religion.

[Nicole Diamond · Rating 2 out of 5]

If it has one star I liked it a lot
If it has two stars I liked it a lot and would recommend it
If it has three stars I really really liked it a lot
If it has four stars I insist you read it
If it has five stars it was life changing

[Friday Gladheart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic. One of the first books I read when Llewellyn wasn't really around. This book actually made it to the book of the month club and was available when nothing else was around in stores or the library (before internet).

[Malia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, although notably dated in some of its labelling of various cultures and practices, is worth a read for anyone interested in a brief peek into the crossover between the 'Old Religion' of England and occult practices of late 20th century America.

[Martin Maenza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember finding a copy of this book on the book shelf at my aunt and uncle's house, of all places. I suspect it belonged to one of my older cousins. My aunt was more than happy to let me have it. Found it to be very interesting read.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lesson in child rearing as far as I'm concerned