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Living Folk Magic: Crafting Your Own Magical Life
Folk magic is more than casting a spell or creating a ritual. It is a way of life, a way of living, a way of perceiving the world and all within it. Living Folk Magic explores how to build an entire folk magic practice—to understand the practices of folk magic so that they can be applied wherever they are needed.
Every culture has its folk magic—the magical practices that are shared by cultures, communities, locations, and different groups of people. Until recently, its sheer ubiquity caused it to be among the least respected schools of magic, often relegated to the ranks of “superstition” or “low magic.” Folk magic was something Grandma did, something for the old folks, something for modern young people to laugh about. However, in the twenty-first century, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of folk magic, a practice now treated with respect and approached with fascination. No longer something done in secret, there are now bestselling books and social media groups dedicated to the love of folk magic. Among the architects of this celebration and appreciation of folk magic is author Mary-Grace Fahrun, whose book Italian Folk Magic (Weiser Books, 2018) has been a major contributing factor to this phenomenon.
More and more, people want to practice folk magic but, unlike in the old days, they may not have elders to access for information. They are learning from books, social media, TikTok, and YouTube videos. But folk magic is more than casting a spell or creating a ritual. It is a way of life, a way of living, a way of perceiving the world and all within it. Although the details of folk magic practices vary by culture and community, there are shared commonalities. In her new book, Living Folk Magic, Fahrun explores how to build an entire folk magic practice—to understand the practices of folk magic so that they can be applied wherever they are needed.
Mary-Grace offers an exploration of the primary functions of folk magic—cleansing, protecting, blessing, cursing—as well as instructions on how to build altars (whether openly or secretly), practicing divination, communicating with spirits, and more. Her book is titled Living Folk Magic to emphasize that folk magic is not a dead thing of the past but something alive, vital, and modern. Her goal is to help readers actually live folk magic, so that it is a fulfilling and successful practice.
Every culture has its folk magic—the magical practices that are shared by cultures, communities, locations, and different groups of people. Until recently, its sheer ubiquity caused it to be among the least respected schools of magic, often relegated to the ranks of “superstition” or “low magic.” Folk magic was something Grandma did, something for the old folks, something for modern young people to laugh about. However, in the twenty-first century, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of folk magic, a practice now treated with respect and approached with fascination. No longer something done in secret, there are now bestselling books and social media groups dedicated to the love of folk magic. Among the architects of this celebration and appreciation of folk magic is author Mary-Grace Fahrun, whose book Italian Folk Magic (Weiser Books, 2018) has been a major contributing factor to this phenomenon.
More and more, people want to practice folk magic but, unlike in the old days, they may not have elders to access for information. They are learning from books, social media, TikTok, and YouTube videos. But folk magic is more than casting a spell or creating a ritual. It is a way of life, a way of living, a way of perceiving the world and all within it. Although the details of folk magic practices vary by culture and community, there are shared commonalities. In her new book, Living Folk Magic, Fahrun explores how to build an entire folk magic practice—to understand the practices of folk magic so that they can be applied wherever they are needed.
Mary-Grace offers an exploration of the primary functions of folk magic—cleansing, protecting, blessing, cursing—as well as instructions on how to build altars (whether openly or secretly), practicing divination, communicating with spirits, and more. Her book is titled Living Folk Magic to emphasize that folk magic is not a dead thing of the past but something alive, vital, and modern. Her goal is to help readers actually live folk magic, so that it is a fulfilling and successful practice.
- GenresNonfictionItaly
224 pages, Paperback
Published November 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 3, 2026
4/5
Taking a star off for recommending a book by someone who has connections to neo-Nazis and has made Islamophobic remarks without apology.
I haven't read Italian Folk Magic: Rue's Kitchen Witchery but it's been on my list! I didn't realise this was the same author until the book actually came in, so I thought this would be a good test of the waters.
This book is open, honest, and introductory. Fahrun does set boundaries and does explain why which isn't something we typically see in books like this. A lot of books are just spell books, so this was a refreshing take. I didn't mind it, but if you're looking for spells to copy, it won't totally be for you. There is a section on spells used around the world, but they're general and that's fine by me. Fahrun really promotes doing the work yourself and finding what works for you.
The sections are diverse but they don't go in depth much. This book is very much a toes in the water type. She gives you a lot of things to explore if you'd like. I don't know if more experienced practitioners will get much out of this other than they like hearing her history.
This was a fun read. I enjoyed it. It has interesting bits that I never knew or thought of, but I'm also unfamiliar with Italian folk magic as I'm Slavic (which is also why I've put off reading her first book :P).
I was happy to find it at my library. I would recommend it. I would be wary of her suggestions for books though.
Taking a star off for recommending a book by someone who has connections to neo-Nazis and has made Islamophobic remarks without apology.
I haven't read Italian Folk Magic: Rue's Kitchen Witchery but it's been on my list! I didn't realise this was the same author until the book actually came in, so I thought this would be a good test of the waters.
This book is open, honest, and introductory. Fahrun does set boundaries and does explain why which isn't something we typically see in books like this. A lot of books are just spell books, so this was a refreshing take. I didn't mind it, but if you're looking for spells to copy, it won't totally be for you. There is a section on spells used around the world, but they're general and that's fine by me. Fahrun really promotes doing the work yourself and finding what works for you.
The sections are diverse but they don't go in depth much. This book is very much a toes in the water type. She gives you a lot of things to explore if you'd like. I don't know if more experienced practitioners will get much out of this other than they like hearing her history.
This was a fun read. I enjoyed it. It has interesting bits that I never knew or thought of, but I'm also unfamiliar with Italian folk magic as I'm Slavic (which is also why I've put off reading her first book :P).
I was happy to find it at my library. I would recommend it. I would be wary of her suggestions for books though.
February 1, 2026
Folk magic is the heart of witchcraft; it is the foundation on which modern witchcraft is built, despite some people's attempts to discredit it or do away with it. It's the heart and soul of cultures around the world and the focus of my entire practice. Mary-Grace Fahrun, the daughter of Italian immigrants, has spent much of her esoteric career trying to preserve these traditions, which she has eloquently compiled in her latest book, Living Folk Magic: Crafting Your Own Magical Life.
Living Folk Magic is a fairly comprehensive beginner's guide, introducing the reader to various folk practices and how to integrate folk magic into their own lives. Fahrun covers a variety of topics from the four pillars of her craft and basic spells to animism and spirit work. This is a great companion read for anyone interested in hedgecraft or other folk magic traditions, but it should act only as an introduction. Unfortunately, there is not much depth to this book. It certainly covers a wide variety of topics, but those topics will need to be followed up with resources that go into more detail than what Fahrun provides. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but if you are an expert, you will find the information lacking.
Despite its introductory nature, there is plenty of new and useful information, especially (again) for those interested in hedgecraft. She offers a wonderful step-by-step guide to working with and building relationships with spirits of all sorts, from plants and animals to deities and ancestors. This guide also includes a description of various spirit types, offering suggestions, and ritual outlines to help you get started. While magic comes from within, Fahrun also recognizes that spells often require help from our spirit guides, which is the basis for building and maintaining good spiritual relationships. This also goes hand in hand with her four pillars: cleansing, blessing, protection, and defense.
Having spirits that you work with consistently helps magnify the spell work you do and often acts as your first line of defense against outside sources. I loved her perspective on spirit work and getting to know your spirit allies, including how to "test" a spirit to ensure they are really an ally and not something nefarious. It is refreshing to see other witches who share your same perspective and approach, especially in a world where creating a picture-perfect social media presence is seen as the end goal. This often leads some witches to be performative, completely disregarding the basic foundations, and warping witchcraft and spirit work into something it isn't. Witchcraft should not be overly complicated, and anyone insisting you have to do something a specific way is likely trying to sell you something that "only they can provide." Be wary of such people.
Furthermore, Fahrun does an excellent job encouraging the reader to practice and engage in basic foundational practices, offering tips, tricks, and ideas to get you started. I particularly liked Fahrun's approach to visualizations. Not everyone is able to see an image in their mind's eye, and even those who can often struggle to do so regularly. Fahrun suggests that visualizations can take many forms, such as visualization boards, journaling, and art creation. I can't believe I didn't think of this, to be honest.
Fahrun also connects her practice, specifically those four pillars, to mundane actions as well. Cleansing should not just be magical, but physical; you should honor yourself (blessing), take precautions such as handwashing or wearing bright clothing at night (protection), and go to the doctor when you are sick or taking martial arts (defense). So many of us get caught up in the magical side of things that we forget spells require mundane actions, too. How can you cleanse your space if the floors are covered in something sticky?
The book ends with spells from all over the world and resources you can use to learn more. The spells are grouped by need or tradition, and include what parts of the world the spells originate from. I love the inclusion and integration of many folk magic traditions, so there is something for everyone, no matter where you come from or what you believe. This, coupled with resources, makes the final section a beautiful resource for witches just starting out or with an interest in folk magic.
On top of all of this, Living Folk Magic feels like a conversation with a friend. I found myself nodding along, laughing, or even shedding a tear as Fahrun recounted stories and experiences from her own life. I love reading about personal experiences, and there was absolutely no shortage here.
My only complaints about the book were that it covered a wide variety of topics but had little depth, and the chapter on diasporic folk magic felt weird and disjointed. The sections did not flow well, I wasn't sure what to expect next, and there didn't seem to be a clear rhyme or reason for its inclusion. This kind of makes sense when you think about the disconnect diasporic people feel; I doubt this was intentional, but I felt it all the same.
Overall, Living Folk Magic: Crafting Your Own Magical Life by Mary-Grace Fahrun is a great introduction to folk magic, but certainly not a complete guide. If you are an expert, I would suggest picking up something different.
Living Folk Magic is a fairly comprehensive beginner's guide, introducing the reader to various folk practices and how to integrate folk magic into their own lives. Fahrun covers a variety of topics from the four pillars of her craft and basic spells to animism and spirit work. This is a great companion read for anyone interested in hedgecraft or other folk magic traditions, but it should act only as an introduction. Unfortunately, there is not much depth to this book. It certainly covers a wide variety of topics, but those topics will need to be followed up with resources that go into more detail than what Fahrun provides. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but if you are an expert, you will find the information lacking.
Despite its introductory nature, there is plenty of new and useful information, especially (again) for those interested in hedgecraft. She offers a wonderful step-by-step guide to working with and building relationships with spirits of all sorts, from plants and animals to deities and ancestors. This guide also includes a description of various spirit types, offering suggestions, and ritual outlines to help you get started. While magic comes from within, Fahrun also recognizes that spells often require help from our spirit guides, which is the basis for building and maintaining good spiritual relationships. This also goes hand in hand with her four pillars: cleansing, blessing, protection, and defense.
Having spirits that you work with consistently helps magnify the spell work you do and often acts as your first line of defense against outside sources. I loved her perspective on spirit work and getting to know your spirit allies, including how to "test" a spirit to ensure they are really an ally and not something nefarious. It is refreshing to see other witches who share your same perspective and approach, especially in a world where creating a picture-perfect social media presence is seen as the end goal. This often leads some witches to be performative, completely disregarding the basic foundations, and warping witchcraft and spirit work into something it isn't. Witchcraft should not be overly complicated, and anyone insisting you have to do something a specific way is likely trying to sell you something that "only they can provide." Be wary of such people.
Furthermore, Fahrun does an excellent job encouraging the reader to practice and engage in basic foundational practices, offering tips, tricks, and ideas to get you started. I particularly liked Fahrun's approach to visualizations. Not everyone is able to see an image in their mind's eye, and even those who can often struggle to do so regularly. Fahrun suggests that visualizations can take many forms, such as visualization boards, journaling, and art creation. I can't believe I didn't think of this, to be honest.
Fahrun also connects her practice, specifically those four pillars, to mundane actions as well. Cleansing should not just be magical, but physical; you should honor yourself (blessing), take precautions such as handwashing or wearing bright clothing at night (protection), and go to the doctor when you are sick or taking martial arts (defense). So many of us get caught up in the magical side of things that we forget spells require mundane actions, too. How can you cleanse your space if the floors are covered in something sticky?
The book ends with spells from all over the world and resources you can use to learn more. The spells are grouped by need or tradition, and include what parts of the world the spells originate from. I love the inclusion and integration of many folk magic traditions, so there is something for everyone, no matter where you come from or what you believe. This, coupled with resources, makes the final section a beautiful resource for witches just starting out or with an interest in folk magic.
On top of all of this, Living Folk Magic feels like a conversation with a friend. I found myself nodding along, laughing, or even shedding a tear as Fahrun recounted stories and experiences from her own life. I love reading about personal experiences, and there was absolutely no shortage here.
My only complaints about the book were that it covered a wide variety of topics but had little depth, and the chapter on diasporic folk magic felt weird and disjointed. The sections did not flow well, I wasn't sure what to expect next, and there didn't seem to be a clear rhyme or reason for its inclusion. This kind of makes sense when you think about the disconnect diasporic people feel; I doubt this was intentional, but I felt it all the same.
Overall, Living Folk Magic: Crafting Your Own Magical Life by Mary-Grace Fahrun is a great introduction to folk magic, but certainly not a complete guide. If you are an expert, I would suggest picking up something different.
January 4, 2026
Mary-Grace Fahrun has yet again written another fantastic book. “Living Folk Magic” is likely the best introduction to folk magic that one can read. Fahrun does such a fantastic job not only defining what folk magic is, but also gives a comprehensive overview of what it looks like and how one can begin practicing. I also appreciate her going into different folk magic traditions from around the world, albeit brief glimpses but recognizing other cultures and their customs nonetheless. She also provides an abundance of resources at the end of the book for the reader to dive deeper into the magic of other various cultures from around the world. This is a book that should be on the shelf of every witch and spiritual practitioner!
December 2, 2025
💯💯💯💯💯
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews