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Queer Magic: LGBT+ Spirituality and Culture from Around the World
Queer Magic and Mysticism in History and Today
Queer Magic provides nourishment for LGBT+ souls and their allies who are interested in learning about the significant presence and influence of queer folks throughout history. Explore fascinating insights into queer relationships and spiritual practices from different regions of the world. Learn about deities, heroes, and historical figures who embody the power of the queer spirit. Discover inspiring contributions from contemporary LGBT+ Pagans, Catholics, Buddhists, Muslims, and others as they share personal stories of their experiences as well as spells, prayers, and meditations from their own practices. With practical suggestions and enlightening perspectives, this book is a unique resource for LGBT+ spiritual seekers who want to experience the sustaining energy and strength of the worldwide queer community.
Queer Magic provides nourishment for LGBT+ souls and their allies who are interested in learning about the significant presence and influence of queer folks throughout history. Explore fascinating insights into queer relationships and spiritual practices from different regions of the world. Learn about deities, heroes, and historical figures who embody the power of the queer spirit. Discover inspiring contributions from contemporary LGBT+ Pagans, Catholics, Buddhists, Muslims, and others as they share personal stories of their experiences as well as spells, prayers, and meditations from their own practices. With practical suggestions and enlightening perspectives, this book is a unique resource for LGBT+ spiritual seekers who want to experience the sustaining energy and strength of the worldwide queer community.
312 pages, Paperback
First published June 8, 2018
122 people are currently reading
1777 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 7, 2022
I’m a bit sad because I was so excited to learn about queer magic, deities, etc.
I read a good third of this and stopped.
The author talks about a deity who switches from being a man to a woman a lot (presumably in the realm of being gender fluid), who also has a male lover and a female lover. But then the author has the audacity to call this deity’s relationship with the female lover heterosexual?
A historical figure, assigned female at birth, demands to be called by masculine pronouns - WHICH THE AUTHOR ACKNOWLEDGES IN THE BOOK - but then the author continuously calls this historical figure by feminine pronouns.
There is gross generalization and lack of understanding about the effects of colonialism on queerness in African countries.
At one point the author preaches that queer people in modern times are getting lazy and that is the reason more homophobic leaders have been elected in recent years. What the actual hell.
And the most shocking to me - one of the ‘experts’ he calls on to speak about Haitian vodou, and modern Egyptian magic practice, is neither Haitian nor Egyptian, but a white person who dons traditional dress from African countries, and identifies as “biracial” - think Rachel Dolezal. I don’t know if this came from a lack of research on the authors part or willful ignorance.
So disappointing.
I read a good third of this and stopped.
The author talks about a deity who switches from being a man to a woman a lot (presumably in the realm of being gender fluid), who also has a male lover and a female lover. But then the author has the audacity to call this deity’s relationship with the female lover heterosexual?
A historical figure, assigned female at birth, demands to be called by masculine pronouns - WHICH THE AUTHOR ACKNOWLEDGES IN THE BOOK - but then the author continuously calls this historical figure by feminine pronouns.
There is gross generalization and lack of understanding about the effects of colonialism on queerness in African countries.
At one point the author preaches that queer people in modern times are getting lazy and that is the reason more homophobic leaders have been elected in recent years. What the actual hell.
And the most shocking to me - one of the ‘experts’ he calls on to speak about Haitian vodou, and modern Egyptian magic practice, is neither Haitian nor Egyptian, but a white person who dons traditional dress from African countries, and identifies as “biracial” - think Rachel Dolezal. I don’t know if this came from a lack of research on the authors part or willful ignorance.
So disappointing.
April 23, 2019
Had trouble finishing this one. There was a severe lack of female and trans coverage in this. The author seemed more interested in cis male homosexuality across cultures. And the author seemed more concerned with how cis gay men had sex historically than in the spiritual and religious beliefs of those cultures.
Maybe others would get more from this than I did. In the end, this just wasn't for me.
Maybe others would get more from this than I did. In the end, this just wasn't for me.
December 10, 2019
Calling it at 70 pages. A western lens was not appropriate for a lot of this. Misgendered someone multiple times. Not worth my time.
April 14, 2020
I loved the concept of this book, and I was beyond excited to dig in when I first heard of its impending publication back in early 2018. Once I started reading, I was a little put-off by the irreverent tone (the worst offense was calling the Buddha "sexy"), the author's presence as the narrator of the text, and the looseness of the source citations. I was also disappointed by how Western-centric the content and critical lens were, especially when applied to spiritual practices of non-Western cultures. But I was determined to finish the book, if only to understand the full picture before writing a review.
I called it quits at the section about Catholicism. As a former Catholic, I have a bit of knowledge on the subject, as well as an interest in viewing the faith and its history through a queer lens. The author tells the story of "Pope Joan," who he claims was Pope John VII, as if it were undeniably true. The story of Pope Joan is a legend ascribed to Pope John VIII, not Pope John VII (the former lived over 15o years after the latter). Don't get me wrong — I am all about the sharing of myth in the context of this book, especially given that the point of the tale is not its veracity, but its implications for magical practices. I just wish the author had done his homework enough to mention that the story of Pope Joan is not verifiable, and attributed it to the correct Pope. Once I noticed this factual inaccuracy, I went back and Googled other iffy-seeming details from the book, and found more than a few factual errors on the author's part. I understand that the topics of spirituality and queerness are subjective in nature, and I respect the idea of questioning the objectivity of history and religion. But in order to effectively question and subvert a common understanding of history, you have to have the history correct, or at least acknowledge the supposed "facts" before subverting or flat-out ignoring them.
I ended the experience feeling frustration and disappointment. The topics covered in this book are ones I treat with reverence, and I feel they deserved better than a jokey-casual tone and a slew of factual inaccuracies easily debunked by a quick Google search.
I called it quits at the section about Catholicism. As a former Catholic, I have a bit of knowledge on the subject, as well as an interest in viewing the faith and its history through a queer lens. The author tells the story of "Pope Joan," who he claims was Pope John VII, as if it were undeniably true. The story of Pope Joan is a legend ascribed to Pope John VIII, not Pope John VII (the former lived over 15o years after the latter). Don't get me wrong — I am all about the sharing of myth in the context of this book, especially given that the point of the tale is not its veracity, but its implications for magical practices. I just wish the author had done his homework enough to mention that the story of Pope Joan is not verifiable, and attributed it to the correct Pope. Once I noticed this factual inaccuracy, I went back and Googled other iffy-seeming details from the book, and found more than a few factual errors on the author's part. I understand that the topics of spirituality and queerness are subjective in nature, and I respect the idea of questioning the objectivity of history and religion. But in order to effectively question and subvert a common understanding of history, you have to have the history correct, or at least acknowledge the supposed "facts" before subverting or flat-out ignoring them.
I ended the experience feeling frustration and disappointment. The topics covered in this book are ones I treat with reverence, and I feel they deserved better than a jokey-casual tone and a slew of factual inaccuracies easily debunked by a quick Google search.
June 26, 2018
This book takes you through many cultures, religions and spiritual paths all over the world and through-out history. It shows queer history through-out all of them. I truly believe everyone can learn something from this book, regardless of beliefs there is something in here for everyone. It's only 4 stars because I wish the writing was a bit better in places but I will treasure my time with this book and i'm sure i'll go back to it. I hope to buy a copy since I read this from netgalley. I learned so much from this book and it was a wonderful queer history non-fiction book to read for pride month!
There is also a large bibliography with more stuff to check out! :D
There is also a large bibliography with more stuff to check out! :D
February 8, 2022
2.5 stars.
I wanted to love this book and I appreciate that it did introduce me to queer history and myth across the globe that I was previously unaware of. However, I didn't love how trans issues were dealt with and I didn't like the "homework" tasks at the end of each chapter. Some parts also made me question the depth and accuracy of the author's research. I think there should have been a discussion on cultural appropriation rather than a mere invitation to explore and incorporate religious/spiritual traditions and practices from other cultures, especially with the encouragement to use white sage (which also happens to be overharvested and often unsustainably sourced).
I wanted to love this book and I appreciate that it did introduce me to queer history and myth across the globe that I was previously unaware of. However, I didn't love how trans issues were dealt with and I didn't like the "homework" tasks at the end of each chapter. Some parts also made me question the depth and accuracy of the author's research. I think there should have been a discussion on cultural appropriation rather than a mere invitation to explore and incorporate religious/spiritual traditions and practices from other cultures, especially with the encouragement to use white sage (which also happens to be overharvested and often unsustainably sourced).
April 26, 2019
I wanted to like this book, as the combination or queer and spiritual histories is intriguing. However, everything felt very glossed over and cis male-centric. I would have liked more in-depth history throughout, as well as leaving out some of the author's (frankly ignorant) opinions about sexuality and attraction.
October 15, 2018
The content was super interesting! The language used for transgender and non-conforming folks was frustrating, considering it was published this year. Lastly, I had the sneaking suspicion that this book's intended audience was not me, as I am not a gay cis man.
March 30, 2018
3 stars for the writing itself, 5 stars for the importance of the topic and the impact I think it could have on queer individuals struggling with spirituality. So, 4 stars final.
June 7, 2018
I normally don't review Non-Fiction. It takes me a bit more to get my thoughts together. When I first came out I was young. It seems I was also young when deciding to practice magic. Coming out takes courage, let alone bursting out of two closets. As an adult my path has taken me on many spiritual reading journeys. I found Tomas Prower's "Queer Magic" book to be very educational. I get a sense that it was hard sometimes to find the right story or words for our magic traveling. The book is split up into parts that take us along a history travel of places, religion, and time. Each section is brought modern by a "story" or tale from a practitioner of the faith recently discussed. I did notice the research was highlighted and thorough. I have read other queer magic books, and this one wasn't all love spells and potions. I liked the more activity based, and thought provoking activities we had to do as we went threw the book. This book will also lead me to research more on my own for some of the subjects discussed. Mostly 4.5 stars. I was expecting a little more instruction on the activities, maybe more from the author would be good. How does the author feel as a queer magic user? Some more personal user guides we are usually used to with this kind of subject.
October 14, 2021
This book was a gift from my partner and I really wanted to enjoy it. Based on the description, I thought it would be informative and interesting; again, I really wanted to like it. Unfortunately, I found the way Prower presented the information off-putting (for example, one of the "homework assignments" involves spending a day in drag and Prower presented everything in a very cisnormative and binary way) and I found his word choices questionable (for example, transvestite, transgendered, minority, etc.). Plus, after Prowler called Ovid's Metamorphoses a Greek tale in chapter 8, I really started questioning the accuracy of all the information he presented. Ultimately, I think the premise of the book is neat but would've been better as a collection gathered from queer (especially trans and nonbinary) experts that each specify in particular religions instead of Prower retelling the information as he understands it and then including small bits of text from a few people he knows personally to expand on the ideas. In chapter 18, Prower even elects himself to represent Taoism ("for a more hands on approach to Taoist thought, I'll be your special guest") which I found pompous and arrogant. Loved the idea, hated the execution. Wouldn't recommend.
February 23, 2020
It took me over a month to finish this book.
In my view, the magickal takeaways weaken the more interesting parts of the book. It’s hard to take some of the advice seriously; the takeaways run along superficial lines and sometimes directly contradict each other. The Latin American cultural takeaway recommends consuming queer tragedies or reading up on anti-queer hate crimes in the news to fuel “dark emotions.” This strikes me as a very irresponsible activity to offhandedly recommend to queer magickal practitioners.
This book mostly succeeds as a cultural sampler yet fails as an advice/craft book. The melding of these two topics cheapens the overall text.
The writing gets noticeably worse in the latter half of the book and the author seems unfamiliar with trans issues, as his language and use of correct pronouns are frustratingly inconsistent. Perhaps more time could have been spent on better representing the trans community than on writing shallow moral messages too vague to be helpful in magickal practice.
In my view, the magickal takeaways weaken the more interesting parts of the book. It’s hard to take some of the advice seriously; the takeaways run along superficial lines and sometimes directly contradict each other. The Latin American cultural takeaway recommends consuming queer tragedies or reading up on anti-queer hate crimes in the news to fuel “dark emotions.” This strikes me as a very irresponsible activity to offhandedly recommend to queer magickal practitioners.
This book mostly succeeds as a cultural sampler yet fails as an advice/craft book. The melding of these two topics cheapens the overall text.
The writing gets noticeably worse in the latter half of the book and the author seems unfamiliar with trans issues, as his language and use of correct pronouns are frustratingly inconsistent. Perhaps more time could have been spent on better representing the trans community than on writing shallow moral messages too vague to be helpful in magickal practice.
September 17, 2020
This book highlights global queer figures and acceptance from every country across the world. Most of these histories have been hidden or shunned after Christianity took root. Lots of cultures today like to look at homosexuality as a western idea that was brought by the white man, but really, history dictates that queerness was largely woven into pre-Christian societies. The REAL western idea that spread was shame. The best gift I received from this book is affirmation from my ancestors. Hawaiians have been queer and will stay queer #HawaiianPride.
Unfortunate lessons I learned: apparently Ghandi was homophobic and Greece wasn’t the only place/society with that gross pedophila obsession (“must get rid of toxic in community” - Harry Styles)
Unfortunate lessons I learned: apparently Ghandi was homophobic and Greece wasn’t the only place/society with that gross pedophila obsession (“must get rid of toxic in community” - Harry Styles)
August 8, 2022
Très enthousiaste de découvrir cet ouvrage, j’ai d’abord beaucoup aimé découvrir les mythes et divinités qu’il présente, parce que ça a quelque chose de légitimant de se rendre compte de l’omniprésence des identités queer à travers les continents et les époques. J’ai beaucoup moins aimé le ton de l’auteur, prétentieux et pédant, qui semble tout savoir (et même ce que l’on va ressentir en lisant son livre, le culot). Dommage parce qu’on a besoin de vulgarisations de ce genre au sein de la commu queer :/
December 30, 2019
"This book is a fascinating trip around the world to look at Queer Magic. There are lots of mythic stories and history which suits me just fine. There are some spells and self care tips that I want to try and just a lot of positivity for LGBTQ+ people that's so needed in today's world. I loved this book, I annotated it and I will read big chunks of it again and again."
October 2, 2022
I really like the concept of this book -- but I don't think it was executed very well.
This is written through a very white cis-homosexual centered lens. Queerness should not be limited to homosexuality, and in doing so, the book fails to represent folks of other sexual and gender identities.
The writing itself is also not particularly engaging, overall a bit disappointed.
This is written through a very white cis-homosexual centered lens. Queerness should not be limited to homosexuality, and in doing so, the book fails to represent folks of other sexual and gender identities.
The writing itself is also not particularly engaging, overall a bit disappointed.
June 16, 2019
This was a really fascinating read and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning about how the queer and magical worlds collide.
Some interesting takeaways for me:
It seems that a lot of cultures had a more accepting view of queerness until Christianity came in and influenced their views.
"For the most part, modern followers of Qabalah are accepting of the queer community. The underlying belief is that God doesn't make mistakes; if people are born with whatever degree of queerness in them, then it was divine destiny, not a biogenetic accident. Moreover, Qabalah's main focus is that of transforming one's self, and one's self is more than just sexuality and gender expression. to judge someone based on a single factor that Divine Providence instilled within that person since conception is to ignore the greater whole of the individual. Even the concept of male and female in this branch of Judaism has more to do with one's energy than one's biology."
"Considering homosexuality and LGBT+ behavior is outlawed in Iran, the reasoning for this seemingly progressive stance on transgenderism is interesting. The way the religious leaders of Iran see it, transgender individuals are essentially homosexuals since they are sexually attracted to their own biological gender, but by allowing them to surgically change their gender, they are no longer homosexuals since they will be attracted to the opposite gender as per "normal" society. Because of the "save the sinner" approach, Iran is second only to Thailand in the number of sex changer operation, and the government even subsidized 50 percent of the cost of the surgeries and facilitates subsequent birth certificate corrections without qualm."
Some interesting takeaways for me:
It seems that a lot of cultures had a more accepting view of queerness until Christianity came in and influenced their views.
"For the most part, modern followers of Qabalah are accepting of the queer community. The underlying belief is that God doesn't make mistakes; if people are born with whatever degree of queerness in them, then it was divine destiny, not a biogenetic accident. Moreover, Qabalah's main focus is that of transforming one's self, and one's self is more than just sexuality and gender expression. to judge someone based on a single factor that Divine Providence instilled within that person since conception is to ignore the greater whole of the individual. Even the concept of male and female in this branch of Judaism has more to do with one's energy than one's biology."
"Considering homosexuality and LGBT+ behavior is outlawed in Iran, the reasoning for this seemingly progressive stance on transgenderism is interesting. The way the religious leaders of Iran see it, transgender individuals are essentially homosexuals since they are sexually attracted to their own biological gender, but by allowing them to surgically change their gender, they are no longer homosexuals since they will be attracted to the opposite gender as per "normal" society. Because of the "save the sinner" approach, Iran is second only to Thailand in the number of sex changer operation, and the government even subsidized 50 percent of the cost of the surgeries and facilitates subsequent birth certificate corrections without qualm."
November 28, 2022
This is an interesting summary of homosexual activity and gender variance historically and around the globe. Maybe a little high level, especially in the later chapters, but a) it kinda has to be in order to cover the entire globe in one reasonably sized book, and b) I have to wonder how much material actually exists on the subject anywhere.
Maybe I should have expected this from a book called Queer /Magic/, but I really wasn't expecting the little interstitial bits aimed at practicioners of witchcraft or something up that avenue. I think I would have enjoyed the book more without those.
Maybe I should have expected this from a book called Queer /Magic/, but I really wasn't expecting the little interstitial bits aimed at practicioners of witchcraft or something up that avenue. I think I would have enjoyed the book more without those.
March 26, 2023
[Audiobook]
Book: 2 stars
Narrator: 2
I did enjoy the fact that the author spent time researching and showing some queer history in different regions of the world, I would have liked them to stay within said regions and delved a little deeper in each region.
As for the magical spells and exercises after each chapter, I realize that this is not for me. To each their own, but I didn't think it was actually going to be magical spells and such(clearly, I missed the magical spells pre course, lol). Again, to each their own, but that part wasn't for me. It was an ok book to show introduction to various regions queer lore and history. I just wanted a bit more in each region.
Book: 2 stars
Narrator: 2
I did enjoy the fact that the author spent time researching and showing some queer history in different regions of the world, I would have liked them to stay within said regions and delved a little deeper in each region.
As for the magical spells and exercises after each chapter, I realize that this is not for me. To each their own, but I didn't think it was actually going to be magical spells and such(clearly, I missed the magical spells pre course, lol). Again, to each their own, but that part wasn't for me. It was an ok book to show introduction to various regions queer lore and history. I just wanted a bit more in each region.
July 24, 2019
A fantastic crash course on the world history of lgbt+ spirituality covered by regions and religions. Prower does an excellent job of exploring societal expectations, religious beliefs, and their corresponding figures and deities in regard to historical queer culture.
I feel this is a must-read regardless of whether or not the reader is a magical practitioner.
I feel this is a must-read regardless of whether or not the reader is a magical practitioner.
April 18, 2024
What a lovingly put-together journey around the world, though I did find it quite depressing to be honest, history really hated women and bottoms! Despite that Prower brings out the spirit of the stories and gives them a voice.
March 26, 2023
[Audiobook]
Book - 2 stars
Reader - 2 Stars
Learned many interesting facts in this grand survey of the homosexual place in spirituality across the ages… but this is such a broad survey that it seems like more of a source for further reading…. Tbh I really didn’t understand the whole ‘magic and spells’ exercise aspect of this book, but so be it.
Book - 2 stars
Reader - 2 Stars
Learned many interesting facts in this grand survey of the homosexual place in spirituality across the ages… but this is such a broad survey that it seems like more of a source for further reading…. Tbh I really didn’t understand the whole ‘magic and spells’ exercise aspect of this book, but so be it.
March 2, 2018
Prower's book outlines (in a comprehensive manner) the LGBT+ ties that many of the world's major religions have, which is terribly important, as the modern iterations of a number of those religions would rather you not focus on such things. We're shown the various examples by the author and not only asked to observe how natural non-heterosexual relations were at particular times with particular groups, but to look inward---to realize that LGBT+ have been here since the very beginning, and, as if more proof was needed, that these groups are essential to the overall proper health of a culture and society and to cast them out is pure poison for a civilization (not to mention being out of line with the teachings of a host of said religions).
As a practicing Methodist Christian, I can say that researching and discovering the noble facets of other religions only serves to refine and reinvigorate my own faith, the chief reason being that reading about these sorts of subjects is proof positive to me that we're all just trying to get along the best way we know how. Prower's book pulls back the curtain on the blatant sexuality of all religions, warts and all, and, like when you study world religions, you're quick to pick up on the many through-lines, despite many of the faiths being at least half a world apart.
Added, helpful asides in the book are some suggested activities to help drive points home and/or to help you in your everyday life. There are also short testimonies from representatives from many of the discussed religions that put things into greater perspective; to restate, you first learn about the groups, and then you hear from the groups themselves.
I don't identify as LGBT+, but I found this book invaluable in pointing out this overlooked facet of culture within religions. I think it's essential reading if this subject even remotely appeals to you, and, if it doesn't, it really should. Prower doesn't get overly academic with the presentation of his research, so you'll find it to be an easy read. Even if you approach the material and take it all with a grain of salt (which is just fine), the book and its contents are well worth your time and consideration.
As a practicing Methodist Christian, I can say that researching and discovering the noble facets of other religions only serves to refine and reinvigorate my own faith, the chief reason being that reading about these sorts of subjects is proof positive to me that we're all just trying to get along the best way we know how. Prower's book pulls back the curtain on the blatant sexuality of all religions, warts and all, and, like when you study world religions, you're quick to pick up on the many through-lines, despite many of the faiths being at least half a world apart.
Added, helpful asides in the book are some suggested activities to help drive points home and/or to help you in your everyday life. There are also short testimonies from representatives from many of the discussed religions that put things into greater perspective; to restate, you first learn about the groups, and then you hear from the groups themselves.
I don't identify as LGBT+, but I found this book invaluable in pointing out this overlooked facet of culture within religions. I think it's essential reading if this subject even remotely appeals to you, and, if it doesn't, it really should. Prower doesn't get overly academic with the presentation of his research, so you'll find it to be an easy read. Even if you approach the material and take it all with a grain of salt (which is just fine), the book and its contents are well worth your time and consideration.
Read
July 6, 2018200.8664 P9698 2018
May 15, 2022
In “Queer Magic: LGBT+ Spirituality and Culture from Around the World”, Tomás Prower takes us on a journey that spans both time and continents to examine the myths, magic, and spiritual lives of those who exist outside the culturally-sanctioned heterosexual binary.
Surprisingly detailed, Prower examines not only the practices of pre-modern native cultures, but also the effects of Christian colonialism and its devastating and history-robbing effects upon them. He demonstrates how those cultures’ near-universal acceptance of queer sexual expression has been usurped, and he shines a light on how those traditions have found ways to survive –and even thrive¬– in spite of being the victims of revisionist history.
With interesting bits of history and lore (I may never think of Dracula quite the same way again) combined with practical exercises to help us view sexual expression and gender outside of our common modern restrictions, this book should be considered essential reading for all LGBT+ practitioners of magic and spirituality. Highly recommended.
Surprisingly detailed, Prower examines not only the practices of pre-modern native cultures, but also the effects of Christian colonialism and its devastating and history-robbing effects upon them. He demonstrates how those cultures’ near-universal acceptance of queer sexual expression has been usurped, and he shines a light on how those traditions have found ways to survive –and even thrive¬– in spite of being the victims of revisionist history.
With interesting bits of history and lore (I may never think of Dracula quite the same way again) combined with practical exercises to help us view sexual expression and gender outside of our common modern restrictions, this book should be considered essential reading for all LGBT+ practitioners of magic and spirituality. Highly recommended.
July 24, 2023
I really wanted to love this book. I am grateful for any media that brings attention to the intersection of sexuality and religion/spirituality, but this book was woefully western, biased, and anachronistic. Prower speaks of and analyzes cultures other than his own through the lens of a cis, white, gay man, repeatedly reducing native myths and legends to modern terms of “top” and “bottom.” And although he acknowledges the male domination of historical sources, women and trans individuals are staggeringly absent from this book. Prower also refers to himself as a man of color despite the fact that he is white, which is quite angering. Lastly, the book caters to “magical community,” of which I am not a part, so maybe I wasn’t the intended audience? Either way, I still enjoyed learning about queerness in cultures around the world, although I wish it would have been from a more reliable and reputable source.
July 10, 2018
I was so hyped for this book.
I remember how I sat on the balcony, enjoying the sun and thinking I was in for a great treat.
Well, I wasn't. Now don't get me wrong. It was interesting enough - at times. At other times I felt it was rather elitist and overall... it's just so rushed!
The book rushes through time, through culture, through continents... It's really sad, because I really enjoyed the queer eye used in Queer Magic. But I wasn't able to get into a thing because there always was the next and the next and the next. I feel stressed just thinking back to it.
If one is looking for a starting point it may be the right book. It may not as well.
Last Words: An one time read.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
I remember how I sat on the balcony, enjoying the sun and thinking I was in for a great treat.
Well, I wasn't. Now don't get me wrong. It was interesting enough - at times. At other times I felt it was rather elitist and overall... it's just so rushed!
The book rushes through time, through culture, through continents... It's really sad, because I really enjoyed the queer eye used in Queer Magic. But I wasn't able to get into a thing because there always was the next and the next and the next. I feel stressed just thinking back to it.
If one is looking for a starting point it may be the right book. It may not as well.
Last Words: An one time read.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
April 28, 2020
I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to read this book. I’m a huge history nerd so this definitely was a good pick for me. Due to the lack of historical information on women and other genders, it can seem a wee bit focused on cis gay men. Again, from a historical standpoint, we don’t truly have to much info on queerness because of the Christian take on the majority of our history. With that being said, this book is still a wonderful read and has many tools/rituals you can use to help understand yourself. I’ve learned a lot that I didn’t know and I’m truly excited to read the authors other books. I really recommend this book if you’re a queer witchy history nerd like myself. 10/10 would read again and I definitely will be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2018
Find your tribe
This book is a journey through time and across lands, looking not only at queer figures in mythology and magic, but the people that revered/revere them. Prower invites you to know them, to do magic with them, to step out of your comfort zone and own your queer identity. If you're looking for in depth commentary on queer gods, this isn't the right book, but if you're looking for your tribe, this is definitely one to check out. Queer Magic is really an invitation to dive deeper into these traditions and find what works for you, the individual. Most of all, though, its a reminder that you're not alone, and you never have been.
This book is a journey through time and across lands, looking not only at queer figures in mythology and magic, but the people that revered/revere them. Prower invites you to know them, to do magic with them, to step out of your comfort zone and own your queer identity. If you're looking for in depth commentary on queer gods, this isn't the right book, but if you're looking for your tribe, this is definitely one to check out. Queer Magic is really an invitation to dive deeper into these traditions and find what works for you, the individual. Most of all, though, its a reminder that you're not alone, and you never have been.
October 23, 2022
Great as a sweeping intro for finding further readings/topics for deeper research. A bit casual/Western at times, but hey, it's a 250 page travel paperback covering all of humanity's queer spiritual history, how in depth can it really get on every single one?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews