In Everyday Magic , Semra Haksever introduces readers to simple magic and rituals for every day, which can be used as powerful tools to encourage self-love and a fulfilled life.
No longer the stuff of broomsticks, black cats and cauldrons, witchcraft is all about self-care in a modern and often confusing world. For all women looking to channel their inner power, make positive changes in their lives, cleanse, heal and embrace a little more spirituality. Semra teaches readers how to weave bespoke spells, construct an altar, create manifestations, moon rituals, gratitude meditations and more. Blend oils to increase your luck, use a candle manifestation to break a hex and get over past lovers, or make a special blend of tea to stay calm. Featuring information on crystals, color healing, herbs, oils and much more, this is a book on cosmic assistance that is accessible for everyone. When you are happy and positive on the inside, it makes you glow on the outside, and Everyday Magic will help you do just that.
1. The introduction delivers garbage history, starting with the line, "Thousands of years ago, witches were known as healers..." I mean, cite your sources. Do better. Don't perpetuate the fantasy that we're in some unbroken lineage of magic practitioners and witchery.
2. There seriously needs to be a warning on every crystal essence/potion that the author indicates may be drunk. First of all, that crystals and rocks need to be appropriately sanitized before being used in any solution that may be imbibed; and second, there should be a warning that some crystals/rocks should not be ingested. Haksever's first crystal essence is on page 16, and at no point does she state either warning.
3. There are no citations for the information Haksever presents, nor is there a bibliography. The first is somewhat irresponsible, given the number of spells and preparations the author presents; the second is very disappointing, as anyone who picks this up on a whim has no further direction on what to read. This book is angled towards the casual reader or low-key woo; further reading really should have been provided.
4. There are no explanations for anything, no why things are constructed in a particular way. Just a bunch of spells you're supposed to evidently take as writ.
5. The instructions should be more thorough -- what to do in what order, and how to use or apply the various concoctions and recipes.
6. The author is really weak on cautioning the reader effectively regarding love spells. Haksever writes on page 103, "The one rule I would always follow with a love spell is, if you are having to force it, maybe it's not meant to be -- bear in mind that there might be someone soooooo much better on their way to you." Uh -- okay. What about "don't perform coercive magic on another person, period."
7. At the beginning the author notes she is providing recipes that call on herbs that can be drawn from the average kitchen, which to be fair is often the case; but on a quick run through, she also calls for mugwort, yarrow, frankincense, orris root, and galangal -- all of which would require trips to speciality shops to acquire. Not to mention the many different essential oils she incorporates into her spells, which would also require special purchases.
This book feels -- thin. Thin on context, thin on explanation, thin on warnings and recommended uses, thin on detail. I don't know that anyone could go too wrong if this was the book they first encountered or first utilized. But it's far from the best.
Today I'm reviewing Everyday Magic by Semra Haksever.
Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an atheist witch. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need for a deity. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 13 years honing my craft. I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts nearly 400,000 views.
Starting this review as all my others, let's talk about the physical book. With the age of e-Books, I never get tired of opening my mailbox and find a physical book to hold on to. While I get the portability of e-Books one just can't escape the missing feeling of holding a physical book in your hands. This particular book has that smooth cover that feels almost velvet. It's a small hard cover book. It fits well in my hands and I can easily flip through without a great deal of effort. It offers a four page index, which in my opinion is critical for any book worth its weight in magic.
This book is separated in to two large sections after the introduction. The first is a Getting Started guide to witchcraft. Topics include a basic tool kit, using charcoal, spell accessories and how to cast a circle - just to name a very few from this section.
I am a Keybearer for the Covenant of Hekate and one of the most frequently asked questioned by far is How to dispel Spell Remnants. This book offers a short and sweet explanation on how to to continue your magical energy by using burial, dispersal or flushing it. It is only a paragraph or two but certainly provides the detail needed for new casters to make the most of their spell work.
The novice and advanced witch alike, will benefit from the easy read that this book provides. The section on How to Cast a Circle (page 24) focus on the directional spirits for example, instead of calling on specific deities or beings that may offers a more generalized approach to calling the quarters than I have found in most beginner magic books.
Section one goes on to address moon cycles and spell work as it relates to the energies of the lunar cycles. While like most books, the full moon gets the majority of attention, the author does include a brief passage on the Dark Moon and how best to work with this energy. Being my favorite lunar cycle to work with the dark moon offers a chance to finish up spell work that may be lingering, purification rituals and banishment lend themselves to this unique of spell intentions.
After working through the first section the author takes us on a journey through spells and potions. This chapter offers the reader detailed spells and instructions for tinctures and oils for magical uses. I really enjoyed the recipe for Psychic Tea. I have worked with mugwort quite often throughout the years, particularly at Samhain when working with the dead. On page 66 the author gives us a recipe for what is called "Courage Oil". For those looking for a boost in job interviews or public speaking, this oil professes to be the one for the job. The money attract oil on page 130 also provides instruction on creation as well as use. All of the ingredients would be readily available in most standard kitchen witch cupboards that I have seen.
Cover texture aside, I believe this is an extremely valuable resource to have in your witches library whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner; this book will fit the bill.
This book is helpful but it isn't thorough enough in terms of the possible side effects or unwanted outcomes in the section about spells, potions (knowing what the ingredients "tools" for the spells, potions are or where to obtain them from, how to use it or if it's safe to consume/ingest would be helpful or necessary to avoid accidentally poisoning yourself or unknowingly giving yourself a allergic reaction) I would have found it helpful, if images of the different varieties of a herb, Crystal or other ingredients for the spells were included in the book (since not everyone is knowledgeable about all the ingredients) or information about where they are sold. I have no idea what the author mean whenever she mentions you should "allow for any brewed tea, or concoction/potion for a spell/ritual to "steep" before you use, consume/ingest as part of a spell, ritual, potion. The author doesn't mention which crystals are safe to add to moon water/rain water, normal water if you want to use it for a spell, ritual (other than raw crystals are not okay to use in water) I don't understand what the author means when they mention essential oils and they say "use a carrier oil of your choice" Not all essential oil can be used on your skin and could cause a allergic reaction, for a author trying to educate people about witchcraft, and they don't seem very informed themselves and they should do more research before trying to tell others about witchcraft. A lot of people claim to be a so-called "expert" about witchcraft, but some people just want to sell their book and gain attention. (No offence to the author I just believe that some people want to spread misinformation about witchcraft/the occult is general which can be harmful) The author doesn't mention anything about your intuition, that your emotions, mindset are a form of energy and this effects the outcome of any spell, ritual in either a positive, negative way or in terms of unexpected and unwanted side effects, plus depending on the type of witchcraft it is some things can't be undone, such as blood magick. The author also doesn't mention any further reading list of other books that are more in-depth and would be helpful to read about the same or similar subject. It would have been helpful if there was a index and the spells were listed in categories to easily find a spell or any information I wanted to read to refer to a particular section for specific information. Not all the information in the book is useless, but some of it is misguided and could be potentially dangerous to impressionable people that may or may not have good intentions when witchcraft is involved. There is no mention whatsoever about your intentions (weather good or bad) when you create a spell, or use a spell, ritual from a book or from online, your intentions, mindset, or emotions matter when you perform a spell, ritual. It is a good idea to keep your energy, emotions, aura balanced, always cleanse yourself, bathe before you perform a spell, always give thanks to any spirits, entities, deities-goddesses, gods etc.. Cleanse the space where you perform spells, rituals before and after practising witchcraft to cleanse negative energy from yourself or others. Always perform a spell when you have a positive mindset, meditate, listen to music, make sure your not disturbed. This should be obvious, but I understand not everyone is knowledgeable about witchcraft. Whatever energy you send out into the universe which is good/bad will come back to you in the form of karma, so the results of a spell can be unpredictable, or it can have unwanted side effects, this should be made abundantly clear at the beginning of the book! I would appreciate more variety of spells from different spiritual paths for different purposes other than just generic spells for love, breaking up with your ex etc.. I want to read about spells for further development of psychic abilities, to be able to communicate with spirits, entities, animals, to heal, transcend pain etc..
Helpful information in the book: The lunar phases, astrology, information about how to perform spells, more information should/could have been added to particular sections in the book. It seems like this is a unfinished book, or one of many books. It would be helpful to know what possible side effects could occur if any spells don't work or there are unwanted consequences as a result of Not correctly performing the spell. I do find some things in the book helpful, but it would have be nice if there were a few spells mentioned in the book for specific purposes, since the book seems a bit vague on details when it could have been more thorough. Overall I think this book requires revision or additional information, to be more in depth so that people weather they are adept at witchcraft or a novice know and understand the consequences of witchcraft, so they take it seriously and treat it with respect.
3/5 Okay. It has a good introduction into mainly herb-based spells. I think if you do you research on these herbs and crystals further, this can be a cute quick spell book you can refer to. However on its own it is lacking warnings about crystals that can be poisonous if ingested as crystal water. Most herbs have some kind of medical influence.
For example: Anti-Anxiety tea includes valerian root. Valerian can be sedating to a degree you should not be driving after ingesting a large amount of it.
So this has some good ideas and could work as a spellbook later, but it is not the place to start your research into herbs and crystals.
PS: I am also a bit unhappy about the frequent references to Hoodoo. I need to do more research in this area, but as far as I know it is a partially closed practice. Many of the things referencing the Hoodoo practice have other names and magical dervitives. F.e. Mojo bag ...no use the word spell back. Please if you want to use something from Hoodoo consult one of their priests. Otherwise look for open practice alternatives.
I am really happy with the aesthetic of this book as well as the contents. I love the way in which both the exterior and interior were designed, and I also love how many useful rituals, spells, and potions were fit into such a small book. Everyday Magic isn't tiny, but it's also certainly not a large hardcover tome either.
Overall, I do recommend this very handy book of spells (if you will) to those who are already into this sort of spirituality, or those who are just starting to learn. I also recommend it to those who love that black and white aesthetic like me!
As a person who knows nothing about astrology, spirituality and potions etc. this book gave me nothing. No ideas to further reading, which I think is essential when it comes to these types of books, and no sources. Idk if half the information in this book is true.
I’m keeping it on my shelf for the vibes. The cover is beautiful, the art inside is nice and the overall design is definitely matching my aesthetic style.
Cortito, preciso y conciso. Un libro de cabecera, ideal para traer contigo a todas partes. El diseño es hermoso, las descripciones cortas y entendibles, son geniales para aquellos que recién se están iniciando.
Meh. Looks good but has little to no substance. Most spells are like the ones you've read in dull magazines when you where younger, but with more complex ingredients. Also not very self-centered, more a try-to-bend-your-sourroundings kind of style... I repeat: meh!
Hay cosas muy interesantes y hechizos muy chulos pero creo que no es un buen libro para principiantes. Hay muchas cosas que se dan por sabidas o materiales para los hechizos no tan fáciles de encontrar
Historically inaccurate, misinformation. Superficial writing/content, does not explains things well (including spell explanations). Appropriation of closed practices like Hoodoo, author is Turkish.
Claims Mojo bags originated from Hoodoo, also says Hoodoo is an African practice. Semra Haksever clearly does not do any proper research at all, because this is incorrect. Mojo bag originated from Gris-gris bags, which came from Voodoo. Hoodoo originated mainly from Voodoo, but Hoodoo is 100% exclusively an African American practice. Not African (page 18).
Hoodoo was originally created by African American slaves in America to resist against slavery, no mention of this anywhere at all in the book. To include a Hoodoo spell as if it is a piece of culture that's okay for everyone to practice is very unfortunate (page 82).
On page 24, if you follow her steps on how to cast a circle, she states on step 1 that you "Always start by cleansing the space with some sage or palo santo, ..", even though smoke cleansing is not limited to only the aformentioned two. Not to mention how Palo Santo is a Native Latin American tree that is now endangered due to poachers who illegally mass supplies to new age stores.
Spirit Animals is also originally a part of Native American culture, yet has a page about giving offerings to "all of your guides and spirit animals" (page 52).
It's just.. sigh e_e
The book is very pretty aesthetically I guess, looks cool on the shelf.
the amount of cultural appropriation in this book is appalling. sage, palo santo, “spirit animals”, “smudging”... mercury in retrograde? no. a planet can’t be “in” retrograde. a planet IS retrograde. please educate yourself on these things before writing a book about them. and maybe get a good editor too because there are a lot of mistakes in the text.
Everyday Magic by Semra Haksever is not too dissimilar to Witchery above - though in some ways better, and others, worse. Everyday Magic isn't so focused on the witch really digging deep, which I preferred, and there is more information in regards to correspondences - just not enough, in my opinion. I'd have preferred the Crystal Family Tree to be more about crystal correspondences; while it was interesting to see Haksever's take on the crystals, I'm not sure it's as useful as actually telling us their correspondences clearly.
But Everyday Magic is a very quick read - I read it in one day - that's chock full of spells, rituals, potions, teas and baths that are really very quick and easy - and with the herb correspondences at the back, it's easy to understand why you're to use the specific herbs mentioned. This is more of a spell book than anything else; it's purpose is to provide you with spells, etc. for you to try out. Which is fine if that's what you're after, but I thought there might be a little more There is a very heavy focus on herbs and essential oils, though, more so than anything else, so in all there were just two spells that I myself could actually do, what with my fragrance sensitivity - but what is good is that Haksever does say you can use the herb correspondences to adapt any all spells, etc., mentioned in this book if you have allergies or dislike certain scents, so that was pretty good.
However, Everyday Magic does talk about spirit animals and smudging, which comes from Native American spiritual practice, gives instruction on how to use mojo bags and cast a hoodoo spell, and this can be seen as cultural appropriation, so I wasn't quite happy with that.
While a visually appealing book which is good for any beginner, this book is not extensive on any of the information it covers. For being called "Everyday Magic" it gives very little for day-to-day practice. Mainly, it reiterates the information found in most beginner witch books. Information about moon cycles, zodiacs, and tarot are plentiful but I would say half of the pages are just large-print, empty squares with only one small (but well crafted) piece of artwork including no substantial information across any of them. This is not a book meant for knowledge, only for the aesthetics. There is very little else to take away from it unless you are at the absolute start of your journey.
Is this book good for knowing some spells? Yes, but there are references that are not true upon a little digging, and several pages encourage the performing of closed practices, such as the burning of sage. Blue sage, for example, is fine, but white sage isn’t, and this is never specified. Several Hoodoo practices are also encouraged, which are also closed. Is it pretty: yes. Is it useful for basic spells: sometimes. It isn’t useless, but does lack information and culturally appropriates throughout
Full of amazing spells for key aspects in everyone’s lives. There are all different level of advancements - it’s really accessible for everyone and their circumstances. There are a few ingredients that I’ve never heard of but overall it uses common and easy to find ingredients. Each spell only expands to 1-2 pages - so it’s so easy to follow. I’ve always been put off of potion/spell books due to their nature of being complicated but I can’t recommend this book enough!!
hard to get hold of supplies as most are pretty expensive, plus it's difficult to know which herbs to substitute if you have a beginner's knowledge of herbs, and this book doesn't delve into herb properties that much, but it's still worth getting imo as the spells are basic and feel really good!!
El libro es una gran introducción, hermoso, y esclarecedor con pasta dura, ilustraciones y una introducción con las fases lunares, signos zodiacales, cristales entre otros. Los rituales y hechizos recaen en muchas esencias y cristales que no se consiguen tan fácilmente, además, no describen las consecuencias o lo que se podría esperar de cada uno.
In my family there's always been an undercurrent of the metaphysical that some would write off as being weird. As I get older I find myself turning more to alternative spiritual paths. This is a great beginners guide to magic, one that I'll probably wind up buying and adding to my library
A good book for people looking for guidance in how to follow their own path as a witch. Or for the more advanced witch who doesnt create their own spells. A lot is common sense, but much thought and creativity has gone into the writing and completion. A good gift for a good friend.
Despite what the "everyday" portion of the title made me think this isn't a grounded/practical look at magic but mostly a book of spells that focuses highly on incense
Very cute and light but without the depth one would normally expect. That said, it is called Everyday Magic and most spells are simple enough to do everyday if needed.
I didn’t expect much from it. It’s a pretty book. Nice design. It’s good for teen age instagram witches. Very basic. But for this price can get away with it.
There seems to be a lot of witchcraft books being published lately that fall into a category of aesthetically pleasing but lacking in content and this is one of them.