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Practical Spellcraft: A First Course in Magic
Now anyone with an earnest desire can learn to cast spells with this intriguing introduction to the craft. Written by a practicing witch, this all-encompassing first course in Wiccan magic simplifies everything from performing spells to conducting candle rituals to using a talisman. Love life gone limp? Reinvigorate your relationship with a seductive spell. Boss too demanding? Use a little magic to help her reconnect with her softer side. Lost your precious pet? Bring him back home with a heartfelt incantation. With the wealth of Wiccan wisdom in these pages, you can choose a spell to improve any aspect of your life, from career and money to health and family well-being. Upbeat and up-to-date, this volume brings witchcraft into the 21st century with a modern magic focused on gaining control over your life and understanding your destiny.
192 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 24, 2018
There are two aspects of this book:
The junk and the spells.
So far, the author hasn't done their historical research on anything except the etymology of Wicca. There's not a single referenced source. It also highlights Wiccan bias, merging both "witchcraft" and "Pagan" as synonymous with Wicca (hint: while most Wiccans are witches, not all witches are Wiccan.) For thoe who don't know, Paganism is an umbrella term. Reconstructionist of Egyptian mythology have absolutely nothing to do with Wicca, and nor do the nature based, athiestic Humanists.
This person also approaches Wicca like an ancient tradition. In reality, it stems from the 1960s. While it has influence from the ancient Celtic and the other neo-spiritual religions developed around that time that Gardener based his religion off of, it's given a very exaggerative feel.
Ironically, many of the spells require summoning archangels. Most Wiccans call upon the Goddess and God; or a deity from a polytheistic pantheon. This puts these spells in a squarely Christo-Wiccan subset. Honestly, it seems more like a New Ageist decided to pick up the God & Goddess, the rede, a spellbook; and call it "Wicca".
And since I'm reading the 2017 version, this is really poor stuff. I've read books like Lies My Teacher Told Me and The Ethical Slut which were completely revised in the second edition. I wonder what this edition changed? All of the information I've stated here is readily available via google.
Also, has anyone else here heard of the Goddess creating the God? While I understood that they were mates, and that some Wiccans put the Goddess on a higher pedestal; this seems a little strange. I haven't heard of her creating him before merely then both coming out from the chaos. I wonder if perhaps there's some Dianic Wiccan influence here?
That said, she does give good advice on love spell safety. But I'm not upping it just for that. I'm going to test out some of the spells and see if they work. If they do, I'll boost it to a 2 star. If they don't, I'll keep it at one.
The junk and the spells.
So far, the author hasn't done their historical research on anything except the etymology of Wicca. There's not a single referenced source. It also highlights Wiccan bias, merging both "witchcraft" and "Pagan" as synonymous with Wicca (hint: while most Wiccans are witches, not all witches are Wiccan.) For thoe who don't know, Paganism is an umbrella term. Reconstructionist of Egyptian mythology have absolutely nothing to do with Wicca, and nor do the nature based, athiestic Humanists.
This person also approaches Wicca like an ancient tradition. In reality, it stems from the 1960s. While it has influence from the ancient Celtic and the other neo-spiritual religions developed around that time that Gardener based his religion off of, it's given a very exaggerative feel.
Ironically, many of the spells require summoning archangels. Most Wiccans call upon the Goddess and God; or a deity from a polytheistic pantheon. This puts these spells in a squarely Christo-Wiccan subset. Honestly, it seems more like a New Ageist decided to pick up the God & Goddess, the rede, a spellbook; and call it "Wicca".
And since I'm reading the 2017 version, this is really poor stuff. I've read books like Lies My Teacher Told Me and The Ethical Slut which were completely revised in the second edition. I wonder what this edition changed? All of the information I've stated here is readily available via google.
Also, has anyone else here heard of the Goddess creating the God? While I understood that they were mates, and that some Wiccans put the Goddess on a higher pedestal; this seems a little strange. I haven't heard of her creating him before merely then both coming out from the chaos. I wonder if perhaps there's some Dianic Wiccan influence here?
That said, she does give good advice on love spell safety. But I'm not upping it just for that. I'm going to test out some of the spells and see if they work. If they do, I'll boost it to a 2 star. If they don't, I'll keep it at one.
November 6, 2019
This book is awful.
"Sick, disabled, and mentally ill people are there for the benefit of so many of us on our evolutionary road."
That lovely sentiment aside, it is also badly written, the author contradicts themselves on several occasions, and displays no understanding of the cultural and historical origins of witchcraft.
"An all-encompassing first course in Wiccan magic..." is a lie.
The author barely touches on the foundations of Wicca, instead using this book as a platform to broadcast their own cherry picked methods.
Which would be fine, if it admitted that is what it is.
If you claim to teach the basics of an established religion or path, you are required to actually know your source material.
Full disclosure: not a Wiccan, I read a lot of witchcraft and Wiccan books from the perspective of a rational sceptic.
"Sick, disabled, and mentally ill people are there for the benefit of so many of us on our evolutionary road."
That lovely sentiment aside, it is also badly written, the author contradicts themselves on several occasions, and displays no understanding of the cultural and historical origins of witchcraft.
"An all-encompassing first course in Wiccan magic..." is a lie.
The author barely touches on the foundations of Wicca, instead using this book as a platform to broadcast their own cherry picked methods.
Which would be fine, if it admitted that is what it is.
If you claim to teach the basics of an established religion or path, you are required to actually know your source material.
Full disclosure: not a Wiccan, I read a lot of witchcraft and Wiccan books from the perspective of a rational sceptic.
September 14, 2023
veryyyy good very nice, definitely pitched for beginners
June 26, 2023
The book started off quite strong. It was very personal which is something I love to see because everyones path is completely their own. The issue was that the author seems to think that their way or doing things is the only way. They mix up Wicca and witchcraft throughout.
I found some of the comments in the chapter about health magic strange. I don't know if they wrote it poorly if they truly believe that being disabled is because of karma but I was so surprised that anyone would publish something that suggests that at all.
There are some interesting parts, I did love hearing about their path, and the spells are good for a beginner, but I just think it portrays witchcraft in a specific way and it it so much more than that. I'm deciding between 2 or 3 stars but mostly because the ending just was a bit strange to me. I'm going with 3 because there is a lot of good content in here you just need to take it with a hint of a salt and an understanding that witchcraft has no set rules
I found some of the comments in the chapter about health magic strange. I don't know if they wrote it poorly if they truly believe that being disabled is because of karma but I was so surprised that anyone would publish something that suggests that at all.
There are some interesting parts, I did love hearing about their path, and the spells are good for a beginner, but I just think it portrays witchcraft in a specific way and it it so much more than that. I'm deciding between 2 or 3 stars but mostly because the ending just was a bit strange to me. I'm going with 3 because there is a lot of good content in here you just need to take it with a hint of a salt and an understanding that witchcraft has no set rules
October 3, 2018
The Christo-Wiccan subset, as previously mentioned, is what I like about this book most as I have a strong Baptist background.
Before getting to any spellwork the author introduces you to various concepts (like a mirror magic technique) you may like to try before spellcasting and then preps you with two spells - one to cleanse the home, one to change your luck, before welcoming you to more interesting spells. This is what makes this book a great introduction into magic and I have not encountered this influence since Teen Witch by Silver Ravenwolf.
I am currently awaiting the turnout of a spell for hopelessness I did Monday night.
Before getting to any spellwork the author introduces you to various concepts (like a mirror magic technique) you may like to try before spellcasting and then preps you with two spells - one to cleanse the home, one to change your luck, before welcoming you to more interesting spells. This is what makes this book a great introduction into magic and I have not encountered this influence since Teen Witch by Silver Ravenwolf.
I am currently awaiting the turnout of a spell for hopelessness I did Monday night.
May 11, 2021
Okay, wow, first of all, this is Wiccan based but also incorporates archangels. I was looking for something to help revive my practice, but I didn't realize how stilted it was. (Did we need a section on how Easter is really pagan?)
Additionally, the planetary hours chapter is completely inaccurate. The hours are calculated based on the sun! Honestly, I just skimmed the book after that.
I like the idea of the book but there are better resources out there.
Additionally, the planetary hours chapter is completely inaccurate. The hours are calculated based on the sun! Honestly, I just skimmed the book after that.
I like the idea of the book but there are better resources out there.
October 8, 2018
I ask myself, "Why do I read 101's?" The answer is simple. They remind me of the optimism that I had at the start of my path. But also, they remind me how far I have come. This book isn't a very good book. The author really likes their revisionists history. Also, they came off as holier than thou. I don't know how many times I rolled my eyes. There are better books out there, read them.
April 19, 2025
I found this a easy to read book that was interesting and gave me more information on spell work and Wicca. Slightly questionable opinions placed in the book sometimes
March 15, 2017
Book received from Goodreads Giveaways.
I know there are multiple people out there that do not believe in this and that's fine. However, if you are interested in looking into Wicca as a religious practice or just want a bit more information this book does have some good information. It is a bit more focused on the various spell aspects of the religion rather than the everyday practices or history. The book seems to be meant more for teens and young adults rather than more mature adults though it could be a good starting place for anyone. I have my own suggestions for the older crowd on this subject. If I were still a priestess of a coven I would definitely suggest this to the members with teens looking into the subject.
I know there are multiple people out there that do not believe in this and that's fine. However, if you are interested in looking into Wicca as a religious practice or just want a bit more information this book does have some good information. It is a bit more focused on the various spell aspects of the religion rather than the everyday practices or history. The book seems to be meant more for teens and young adults rather than more mature adults though it could be a good starting place for anyone. I have my own suggestions for the older crowd on this subject. If I were still a priestess of a coven I would definitely suggest this to the members with teens looking into the subject.
April 9, 2018
Leanna comes through again! After reading Wicca Plain and simple, this book was my next stop, and i wasn't disappointed. This is much more a reference book, not unlike Grimore, its a nice little pick and mix of spells that can help get you started, i'd recommend reading this in conjunction with "wicca plain and simple", simply the two books don't repeat themselves, the content in this book is different to but works with that in the other book.
Nice little companion piece. Again writing style is lovely and jolly and light, very quick read.
Nice little companion piece. Again writing style is lovely and jolly and light, very quick read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews