Ancestral Magic: A Modern Witch's Guide to Folk Traditions & Reconnection

by Frankie Castanea

From the author of Spells for Change comes a gentle and informative guide to reconnecting mindfully with ancestral practices, healing generational trauma along the way.

Frankie Castanea—aka “Chaotic Witch Aunt”—draws on their own complex journey of ancestral reclamation to guide readers as they consider questions of cultural and spiritual identity, lineage, and belonging.

Emphasizing that any process of reconnection must navigate traumas such as colonization and assimilation, Castanea offers emotional guidance as well as practical advice on topics such Discovering your individual ancestral practices Connecting with ancestral plant and animal allies Navigating oral tradition Identifying reliable sources of research Establishing mentors

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Spirituality, Paganism

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

Frankie Castanea, also known as Chaotic Witch Aunt, has been an eclectic neopagan practitioner for around 7 years. She originally found fame through Tik Tok, where she has a platform over 1 million followers. She's also taken to Youtube and Instagram, where she provides less comedy content and more educational videos.
Her strengths lie in divination, deity work, and protection magick, and she offers intuitive healing services by way of tarot readings.

Reviews

[Nancy Harper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ancestral Magic is Frankie Castanea’s second book, and this one is all about reconnecting with your ancestors and exploring the folk tradition. I didn’t realize it was so limited in scope when I picked it up, but this stays within the confines of folk magic. It discusses how to research your family tree, finding a mentor within the community, ancestral veneration, and reconnection. For more information on other cultures outside of the folk tradition, Badass Ancestors by Patti Wigington is an excellent resource. I found this to be somewhat lacking, but still enjoyed it for what it is. Three stars.

[Rishali Dey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into Ancestral Magic with a lot of hope. The topic of connecting with one’s roots and spiritual lineage is something I find both meaningful and powerful, and I was curious to see how Frankie Castanea would approach it. There’s clearly a lot of heart behind this book, and it’s easy to see that the author cares deeply about making these practices accessible and inclusive.

Frankie’s voice is warm and conversational, which can make the subject feel approachable especially for readers who are newer to magic. The encouragement to find your own way and adapt practices to your individual background is something I appreciated.

That said, I found myself wishing for a bit more structure and depth throughout. At times, the book felt more like a series of loosely connected thoughts. Some concepts were introduced with potential but weren’t fully explored, and I often felt like we were skimming the surface rather than diving in. The informal tone, while relatable, occasionally distracted from the content and made it harder for me to stay engaged.

There were also moments where ideas felt repeated without much new insight being added, and I was hoping for more practical, clearly laid-out guidance when it came to actual practices or rituals.

2.5/5 (rounded up). Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and Andrew McMeel Publishing for the ARC in exchange for me review

This was really very interesting to me - I saw the title and knew immediately that it was worth the read for me. For context, I am a professional genealogist and my day-to-day life is filled with my ancestors and efforts to connect with them. I have also recently deconstructed religion and have been thinking a lot about what meditative practices I want to incorporate into my life to reintroduce calming rituals and meaningful connection.

The book starts off strong with the dedication and introduction - I loved that the author spent time and effort discussing appropriation and intention when reconnecting to our roots. I appreciated the practical application and though experiment homework sprinkled throughout the book and the education on harmful practices.

I will say that the book is probably most helpful if you have Italian heritage - I personally do not have any Italian ancestry, so I found many of the examples interesting, but irrelevant to my own practice. There was also a fairly strong thread of Catholicism throughout, which makes sense with the author's connections to Italy. While this wasn't religious, necessarily, I did find myself uncomfortable with all the connections to Saints. She did a good job of explaining their role in her personal practice, but it genuinely did not feel relevant to me as someone who has deconstructed religion and also has no Catholic ancestors in the last probably... 500 years. My children have more recent Catholic ancestry, but since their Catholicism was used as a tool of colonialism and suppression, I don't feel connected to it in any way. Quite the opposite.

Things I found useful and interesting:
- Tips on researching the folk practices of your ancestors
- Discussions of plants, traditions, food, and healing
- The efforts to connect with our ancestors but ALSO the mention of our roles as future ancestors and how to be a better ancestor!

Overall, it was an interesting and fun read. It inspired me to try and learn more about the folk traditions of my own ancestors and made me excited to try and incorporate the things I learn into my meditative practices.

[Kayla C · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book fell a little flat for me. I felt as though I couldn’t connect to the material as much as I had hoped. Some concepts are mentioned but not fully fleshed out and the book is heavily centered on Italian heritage. Some nice bits of info that I pulled out, but overall not for me.
Thanks to net valley and the publisher for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Cora Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A significant majority of the new information I learned from this book was around Italian folk magic and its interconnection to Catholicism. While very interesting (and appropriate, following the author’s own reconnection with their culture), neither are relevant to my personal ancestry or will bring much new to my practice.

A refreshing, grounded, and well-informed perspective amidst the many voices in modern craft - but if you want to begin your own ancestral connection, start with researching your lineage before picking up this one.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much again to author Frankie Castanea for an early signed copy of this work. I am eternally grateful as a longtime fan of their content and important work they do for the Italian-American spiritual community. ❤️

This is a guide for how to reconnect with your ancestors through their folk magic/popular religious practices, while approaching culture with respect as well as considering how the practices can be best adapted to your own modern life. Part of connecting with ancestors is learning about their spiritual practices and beliefs, and Frankie touches on so many important aspects of beginning folk magic that I just don’t think many books previously have published; I believe Frankie has preserved a lot of important community conversations into book form. This is not like many other classic witchcraft/magic books, it is not just spells and personal stories, but discussion about very practical aspects of diaspora and reconnecting to ancestral practices. For example: Frankie always works to bring attention to privilege disparities especially in regards to race. They also bring attention to keeping grounded through the overwhelming process of reconnecting and spiritually connecting, emphasizing checking *and* being checked as we proceed through materials and research.

I really appreciate how this book combines personal story with research, a LOT of research, it should be noted: Yes, it’s super dense with citations throughout as well as a bibliography in the back. It was also really fun to recognize certain references that a lot of reconnecting Italian folk magic practitioners would know about, such as St. John’s Day water and certain re/sources.

This book should absolutely help readers feel less lost trying to navigate what to do with making a practice out of any ancestral spells and traditions they might find and want to apply to their lives. This journey, especially in the beginning and depending on circumstances, oftentimes can be truly lonely: trying to discern signs about our path, trying to assess where we belong…Frankie makes the technical process of research and considering all the different aspects of beginning to wrap our heads around reconnecting with our heritage so much better. Beginner or non-beginner, this book was very affirming as well as challenging.

This is a thorough and must-have gentle guide on navigating traditional culture and its magic for the modern witch. You will feel less alone and crazy on this worthwhile but often difficult journey.

I definitely think this book should be paired with some more practical hands on magic type guides, as I think this material alone could be overwhelmingly academic for some readers and added together with something like Italian Folk Magic by Mary-Grace Fahrun, all the valuable research tips etc. might be more digestible and feel more immediately applicable. I hope that makes sense. I think some readers were understandably expecting some sort of special ritual info and were unprepared for how academic it can be (also reflecting Frankie being back in school I believe woohoo) but that’s not what this is: the subtitle under the title Ancestral Magic is significant, about being a guide to folk traditions and reconnection. It has some ritual ideas but it is not a spell book. I personally spent time reading it slowly to process all the information, I don't think it is a quick read.

This book is so much (delicious) food for thought! And the physical book is so beautiful! Bravo, Frankie!

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ancestral Magic is not a book for everyone, but it does have something to offer almost everyone.

Yes, this is a book about magic, and it does include practices often labeled as witchcraft. But even if that aspect holds no appeal for you, the heart of this book goes far beyond spells. At its core, this is a deeply thoughtful exploration of ancestry: who our ancestors were, how they lived, what they believed, and how those beliefs shaped their cultures.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is how expansively it defines “ancestor.” While many people think only of blood relatives, the author thoughtfully addresses adoptees and others who may not know their biological lineage. She makes space for cultural ancestors, chosen ancestors, and identity-based ancestors, including those relevant to LGBTQIA+ readers. This framing feels inclusive, respectful, and genuinely considered rather than performative.

The author, writing from the perspective of an Italian American, also tackles cultural appropriation with nuance. She explains why it’s harmful, how modern identity complicates cultural inheritance, and why ancestry is not a free pass to engage in traditions without understanding or responsibility. This section alone adds substantial value, especially for readers navigating heritage in a modern, globalized world.

Another standout feature is the book’s sensitivity to financial accessibility. For nearly every topic, the author outlines options ranging from completely free resources, such as databases and public records, to more costly experiences like traveling to ancestral homelands. That range makes the material feel welcoming rather than aspirational or exclusionary.

There is discussion of what the author calls “mighty ancestors,” or non-human ancestors. This is where the book leans more heavily into magical and spiritual territory, and readers uninterested in that aspect may choose to skim or skip those sections. The book is structured well enough that doing so doesn’t diminish its overall value.

From an anthropological standpoint, I found this book fascinating. The material is well organized, thoughtfully presented, and handled with care. While there are spells included, this is not primarily a spell book. In fact, if you’re looking strictly for spells, you may be surprised by how much of the book focuses on history, identity, ethics, and research instead.

For readers interested in ancestor magic specifically, this is one of the most thorough treatments of the topic I’ve encountered. For everyone else, it still functions as an insightful, inclusive guide to understanding ancestry and cultural connection. The inclusion of a bibliography and suggestions for further reading makes it an excellent foundation for continued exploration.

Overall, this is a rich, respectful, and generously informative book. I highly recommend it.

[Stacy Keene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up from ★★★½
In Ancestral Magic, Frankie Castanea, best known as “Chaotic Witch Aunt” and author of Spells for Change, offers a warm and approachable guide to reconnecting with ancestral traditions while navigating the complex legacies of colonization, assimilation, and generational trauma. Drawing from their own journey of ancestral reclamation, Castanea blends emotional insight with practical advice on topics like researching family lineage, finding mentors, connecting with plant and animal allies, and honoring oral tradition.

The author’s voice is inviting and conversational, making the material especially appealing for those new to magical practice. I appreciated their emphasis on accessibility and intersectionality, important elements often overlooked in magical literature. Frankie’s encouragement to adapt practices to one’s unique background and needs resonated deeply with me, as someone who must modify spells for accessibility due to disability. Their reminder that we are not only the descendants of our ancestors but also the ancestors of future generations was especially impactful.

As an elder with years of experience as a solitary witch, I found the book somewhat limited in scope, but still enjoyable. I can see its important potential in addressing accessibility, recognizing poverty, centering intersectionality, and providing guidance on how to avoid cultural appropriation.

Ultimately, Ancestral Magic is a heartfelt and inclusive resource for those starting their journey into ancestral or folk magic, for queer witches seeking representation, or for practitioners looking to update their practice with a focus on inclusivity. While it may not fully satisfy advanced practitioners, its compassionate tone and practical guidance make it a worthy read for most.

*Full disclosure, I skipped over spells that discuss food, as I am tube fed and I find mentions of food to be emotionally difficult. Even so, I still got a lot out of reading this book.

Many thanks to Amber Lotus Publishing, an imprint of Andrews McMeel Publishing, and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Kaylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Frankie Castanea and NetGalley for an ARC of this book! I’ve been a huge fan of Castanea’s videos on witchcraft- especially because of their emphasis on Italian folk magic.

Overall, I appreciated the context Castanea provided in the first portion of the book. Although some of this information wasn’t as helpful to me because I’m already an experienced practitioner, it was prudent to include this information in case there are novice practitioners reading the book that may need more detail to get started.

I think the reason that this book fell a bit flat for me, though, is that it doesn’t match the expectations presented in the novel’s description. I was under the impression that this book would dive deep into ancestral work, but it ended up being more of an introductory course in folk magic. While I acknowledge that this information is important for people in the infancy of their ancestral practice, I was hoping to learn something new to take into my own practice.

Again, thank you to Castanea and NetGalley for this ARC. I wish Castanea the best of luck, and congrats on another publication! 📿 🔮❤️

[Aura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ancestral Magic is a beautifully written and heartfelt guide that explores folk traditions, ancestral connection, and modern witchcraft in a way that feels both accessible and deeply meaningful. Frankie Castanea writes with a clear and compassionate voice, weaving history, spirituality, and practical guidance together in a way that feels grounding and inspiring.

What I appreciated most about this book is how it encourages personal exploration and reconnection with one’s own roots while still honoring diversity and inclusivity. The exercises and practices are thoughtful and adaptable, making it easy for readers at different stages of their path to engage with the material. The balance of storytelling, cultural insight, and practical magic kept me engaged from beginning to end.

This is not just a how to book but a call to reconnect with where we come from and to carry that wisdom forward. It is a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their craft, explore folk traditions, or strengthen their connection to ancestors.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an extremely scholarly book and not at all what I expected. The main focus is on asking questions of your living elders and heritage community, which does no good for those of us whose family members are mostly dead and who have no living ancestors to talk to. The focus is also primarily on folk traditions, especially Italian American as that’s what the author is. It sort of felt more like a primer on respectfully learning traditions of a culture you’re cut off from, but the gist of it is to travel to the source (other countries if necessary) and gently ask questions to help uncover and understand the folk traditions of your ancestors. I appreciated the sensitivity the author wrote with, but I didn’t find it personally helpful.

I read a digital copy of this book online via netgalley.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for a copy of this Arc in exchange for my honest review.

Ancestral Magic by Frankie Castanea is a beautifully written book, perfect for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how to work spiritually—not only with their ancestors, but also with deities and the spirits of the land, whether plant spirits or those tied to the place one calls home. I especially appreciated how Frankie distinguished between veneration and actively working with ancestors, explaining the difference in a clear and accessible way. I also valued her discussion on not only implementing traditions into one’s practice, but also recognizing when certain traditions are harmful or problematic and allowing them to be released. Every part of this book felt helpful, and I plan to add a physical copy to my collection for use in my own practice.

[Yasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good guide and starting point to assist you in your reconnection journey to your ancestors. Frankie, the author, covers the most important aspects and keys to research, reconnect and practice ancestral veneration. For the people who are part of a diaspora and are beginning to learn about all kinds of ancestors, this book can provide a lot of useful and well researched information.
In some parts, it was a bit "too academic" for me, but maybe because I was expecting a little more magic or a different approach... Nevertheless, I think it's a good resource and I appreciate and respect the work behind it.

Thanks Netgalley for this arc🕯️✨

[Zora Aiden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, grounding, and full of heart. Frankie Castanea makes ancestral work feel both magical and deeply personal. I loved the balance of practical rituals and emotional healing. It’s a must-read for anyone exploring their roots or witchy practice. 🌙

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually found this one to be a good starting point into reconnecting with your ancestors! I’ve also read Spells for Change, which was a different flavor but I have utilized that one as well. Now I just gotta get a physical copy lol.

[Jenn Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This doesn't really feel like the witchcraft book I expected, but it does include a lot of spaces to write down reflections. It covers a lot of different ways to connect with your ancestry. I loved the parts about accountable reconnection.

4 stars

[Alyssa Snow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this just wasn't for me. It wasn't what I was expecting and the author's voice seemed highly inauthentic. I researched them a bit after reading, and while I can appreciate their bite-sized teaching method I think it would have been a better book if they had focused on their specific journey and/or specifically geared their books towards their own culture. I was distanced personally after recommendation after recommendation included speaking to family members almost exclusively for reconnection, which in my case isn't an option. But I do think this will assist many in early EARLY stages of reconnection, and hope they enjoy it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amber Lotus for this Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.