Magic for the Resistance: Rituals and Spells for Change

by Michael M. Hughes

From the author of the Spell to Bind Donald Trump and All Those Who Abet Him--the spell that became a social media phenomenon viewed by millions of people--this book provides spells, rituals, and fascinating historical examples designed to help you put your magical will to work to make the world a better place today.

These magical workings for social justice can be used by activists of any spiritual or religious background. With ideas for altars, meditations, community organizing, self-care, and more, Magic for the Resistance offers a toolkit for magical people or first-time spellcasters who want to manifest equality and peace.

If you've ever felt disillusioned or burned out because of the slow progress of social change, this magical work can nurture and support you, sharpening your focus and resolve for a more sustained, long-term activism. In addition to influencing the outside world, these rituals bring you in closer alignment with your higher spiritual consciousness--because transforming your society begins with transforming yourself.

Includes spells for:


Racial justice Women's rights LGBTQ rights Antifascism Environmentalism Immigration Refugee support Nonviolence

Genres: Witchcraft, Occult, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Magick, Activism, Paganism

264 pages, Paperback

Published September 8, 2018

About the author

Michael M. Hughes is an author, speaker, magical thinker, and activist. He is the creator of the internationally viral “Spell to Bind Donald Trump and All Those Who Abet Him,” the largest magical working in history. He speaks on politics, magic, pop culture, psychedelics, the paranormal, and tarot. Michael lives in Baltimore with his wife, two daughters, and a rabbit named Toby Turnipseed. You can sign up for his newsletter at http://michaelmhughes.com.

His newest book is MAGIC FOR THE RESISTANCE: RITUALS AND SPELLS FOR CHANGE, which was published by Llewellyn Worldwide in Sept. 2018.

His debut novel, BLACKWATER LIGHTS, was published by Hydra, an imprint of Random House, in 2013. WITCH LIGHTS, the sequel, was published in 2014, and the final book in the trilogy, DEMON LIGHTS, was published in 2017.

Reviews

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this book ready to love it. I was so excited to see the flip side of the conservative Christian monopoly on spirituality in politics. But I’ll be honest, I have really mixed feelings about this book.

I’ll start with the good, since I do think that overall it’s a worthy and valuable addition to the published literature on contemporary magic. Hughes includes a great overview of magic as a tool of the oppressed throughout the book. The very beginning of the book consists of a survey of political movements, social uprisings, and protests that have been key aspects of witchcraft across cultures and throughout history. This is very much an overview, and doesn’t go into great depth or detail on any of them, but is an excellent jumping off point for readers to do their own research on any of the movements that are personally resonant. He also does a great job emphasizing the use of magic as something that can both bolster feelings of personal power – especially in times where we may feel powerless – and also to bring people together to enact change on both magical and mundane levels. In this way, the book is fantastic. Hughes uses his own example of the Spell to Bind Donald Trump which you may remember from the time right around or after the inauguration. I didn’t recognize Hughes’ name when I got this book, but I certainly remembered the spell that included a stubby orange candle and the Tower card! This spell was developed for Hughes and his personal circle to feel that they could participate in a form of resistance, but it quickly went viral and witches across the country participated, combining it with demonstrations in front of Trump Tower and leaving piles of baby carrots and orange candles in their wake. The hashtag #magicresistance took off on social media, and even those who did the ritual because they thought it was funny and not because they believed in its power were reinvigorated and encouraged anew to become or remain politically active. Incidentally, Hughes also reminds us of the power of humor, both to keep perspective and to make our movements feel accessible and relate-able.

To be honest, though, I really think the major contribution that Hughes makes with this book is his advice on how to plan demonstrations, protests, and other political actions. His advice on humor, as stated above, is intermixed with logistic suggestions for meeting up with other activist witches and planning actions as well as ideas for guerrilla magic - such as leaving talismans of protection at women’s clinics, leaving Justice tarot cards with the names of unjustly convicted activists or victims of police violence on the courthouse steps, etc. He does include a section of pre-written spells and ritual ideas, but after the rest of the book they felt kind of superfluous to me. However, perhaps other readers will appreciate the templates he offers, and will be inspired to enact them or similar spells on their own. Even if his specific spells don’t resonate with me, though, I have not seen a Black Lives Matter spell before, or a Hex the NRA response to the ‘thoughts and prayers’ offered by politicians. They were powerful simply by virtue of existing in print, and for that I am grateful.

Additionally, I particularly appreciated Hughes’ discussion of using magical means to intervene in individual actions via curses, hexes, or binding spells. His take is that if you are willing to take mundane action to reach the same result, then using magic is not unethical. That is, if you are willing to write a letter trying to get a politician to change their stance on an issue, why would you be averse to using magical means to do the same? If you are willing to get a restraining order to keep someone from stalking another person, why would you not also enact a binding spell - essentially a magical restraining order - to add some oomph to the process? He does not advocate cursing willy-nilly or binding someone when a conversation could do the trick, but he is pragmatic and views magic as just one more tool for us to keep in our tool box.

If you’ve read my other book reviews, you can probably guess what my first critique is going to be. Cultural appropriation is a huge problem in magical and pagan communities across the country (and probably the world, but I’m most familiar with the U.S.), and this book is no different. I don’t know what kind of mentoring, training, or initiation Hughes may have undergone, and I certainly don’t want to position myself as any sort of gatekeeper, but I do know that this is a white man offering ideas on how to make mojo bags in the vein of Hoodoo and Conjure traditions (conjure, rootwork, etc, come up frequently in the book); he regularly references Qabbalistic magic (maybe he’s Jewish, but he definitely writes about it in a way that feels like he’s dabbling), and his rituals often use components of or reference traditions with little to no background on why you might use these methods, in what contexts they are or are not appropriate, etc. I was able to pull the useful pieces out of the book and gloss over the pieces that felt inappropriate, but for the most part I am not part of the groups that he is sampling from. If I were, I may have a harder time ignoring it or feeling like the rest of the book was worth it. Mostly, it felt somewhat hypocritical to uncritically sample from closed or initiatory traditions– or even traditions that may not be closed but are associated with specific, historically oppressed populations– in a book on social justice.

My other critique is maybe a little picky, but while individual sections were well written, the flow of the book seemed odd at points. We switched back and forth from a history lesson to a discussion of magic that felt at least at the 201 level back to a 101 lesson on altar set up and how to cast a circle then a discussion of street activism. I appreciate that the book is geared toward a variety of experience levels and abilities, but it felt like perhaps it could have been organized better. Guidelines on altar set up, how to do basic magical actions like casting a circle, etc, could have been included in an appendix along with the individual spells. That may have contributed to a better flow overall, and left more space for a sustained discussion of the political implications of what magical tradition you choose to work with and why, or even just how to match your ritual to your action to your intended political outcome.

In any case, I do think this book is worth reading, especially for those new to activism of any kind, magical or mundane. With that said, I am unlikely to buy it or keep it as a reference, since my favorite parts are the broad ideas rather than the specific spells that I might need to review before performing.

[Haliation · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is going into the did-not-finish pile. I will probably return to finish it at some point, but I just found it all around lacking in many aspects. It's been many months since I started and I had many points chosen for why I was disappointed, but I honestly can't be bothered to return to this right now. Maybe later. But I think I should preface with saying: No, this low rating is not coming from a person who is opposed to hexes or curses (not every witch follows the Wiccan moral "harm none" -shrug emoji-). I've rated it low because it lacks meaningful discussion about intersectionality and cultural appropriation. How can we promote social change and justice if these difficult conversations aren't actually given any substantive space? In fact, so far there's been far more attention paid to entheogens than either of those topics. Sure, maybe this book represents a step in the right direction. It's cool that Llewellyn took on this book. But I think we can do better.

(And before anyone assumes I'm just anti-drug use/prohibitionist, I literally work for a non-profit that advocates for decriminalization and anti-stigma. That's not what this is about at all.)

[3 Pagans · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Episode 19 we review Magic for the Resistance by Michael M. Hughes.

A digital copy of Magic for the Resistance was provided to 3PAAC free of charge for an honest review.

Michael M. Hughes is a magician and activist, and the author of the supernatural fiction series Blackwater Lights. Now the author of the nationwide "Spell to Bind Donald Trump and All Those Who Abet Him" has written his first full-length contribution to magical culture, with Magic for the Resistance-- a book about fighting unjust systems, the dream of building better ones, and surviving the struggle with your heart and soul intact.

Beginning with a quick summary of what magic is and how it's been used by the marginalized and threatened throughout history to tear down walls and throwback invaders, Magic for the Resistance also provides thorough-- if basic-- information for all the foundational practices it calls for. Intended mostly for new magicians-- or for people who, even if they don't per se believe in magic, are willing to try anything once-- it covers a lot of technical and ethical ground in a concise, readable format that we never felt veered into arrogant or judgemental territory.

It also includes an absolutely critical section on self-care during the fight, and over a dozen spells and workings-- easily adapted to many traditions and practices-- to accomplish specific goals. Ode found the Black Lives Matter: Spell for Justice for a Victim of Police Action to be particularly compelling. But even for practitioners who aren't comfortable using someone else's work, Magic for the Resistance provides a wealth of resources and suggestions both for magic and direct action (and the fusion thereof) in the service of our Greater Good.

TL;DR: Read this book, especially if you're new to changing large systems. Internalize these spells, especially if you aren't sure where to start. Get to work, even when it's hard.

We're all in this thing together.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I say straight off that there are spells in this book for hexing the NRA, invoking divine protection for immigrants, protecting polling places, and for justice after an African American has been killed extrajudicially by the police, this may be all some of you need to know to decide if you want to read this book.

For others reading this review, I can tell you that Hughes explains things clearly, and I thought the book was just plain interesting to read, even if you don't plan to do a single spell. He discusses the ethics of working magic against others and the importance of precise language when phrasing a spell. He doesn't stick to one tradition exclusively, and he encourages the reader to alter spells to make them more meaningful to them. The spells do have ingredients, but none of them looked all that expensive, and Hughes often suggests possible substitutions. There are chapters on the history of using magic to resist oppression, on taking care of yourself, on the development of the Bind Trump spell, finding fellow magical activists, and how to do magic. Should you be interested in adding magic to your resistance activities, this would be a good source to consult.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

MICHAEL M. HUGHES book is a well written, comprehensive book on using magic to fight against things and people he doesn't agree with. The dangers of doing this was not addressed and should have been. Putting a spell or binding on someone because you think it should be done, doesn't mean it's the right thing to do. Telling beginners that they don't have to believe in magic and can do the spells and rituals as a form of personal theater makes no sense. Beginners playing with something they know nothing about is a scary premise. To each his own, but this is something not to be taken lightly. I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review and no compensation.

[Lynda Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the first time I have encountered a call for action from magicians who wish to use spells to effect change against harmful and oppressive regimes. In the Eighties, there were books written for those who wanted to stop the Bomb not just by demonstrating against cruise missed sites, but through spells and general JuJu. This may not sound as woo-hoo as all that to the biocentrists who have been happy to allow God - the New Age - or magic and prayer - through the back door with the recognition that at a quantum level, a particle may become a wave depending g on whether or not it is observed. As one prominent writer commented, in theory, enough concentrated minds could stop a nuclear bombs from exploding.
From that point of view, what are we waiting for. If such an destructive force could be contained.
Hughes, however, had more threats to world peace in mimd than just the Bomb. He is most concerned with the harm to the environment and to vulnerable stable minorities caused through the global rise of popularism. He is perhaps most notorious for his magical campaigns to bind the evil actions of some of popularism's most noticeable leaders and figureheads.
Hughes provides spells with which to continue this great work and cause - and more. This is a practical book, meant to be put to practical use. His approach is highly inclusive and eclectic: voodoo, Wicca and Christian psalms are all invoked on in equal measure and from an activist point if view this makes good sense: this is no time for splintering and partisan infighting, when arguably so much is at stake. These are dangerous times. As he also points out, the creator of any business logo, to choose to wear a specific colour at a job interview, could be defined as magic by any other name.
From an activist point of view, this writer makes it clear that the kinds of magic proposed here should not take the place of direct action and physical efforts to change the worsening tide.
Whether or not future readers of this book choose to believe, let alone practise the things proposed here, is up to whatever belief system he or she way already subscribe to. Some may object to the idea of ever using any ritual involving anything like a hex or a curse, however noble the cause though I hear the writer's rejoinder that any kind of active self defence may be better than allowing social I justices to remain unchallenged. My own reservation is that a controversial world leader is arguably only the tip of the ice berg of a much deeper social malaise. How can any kind of invocation address that?
This call to action comes very much from the heart and as such, offers a very empowering approach to anyone who may be receptive to the ideas therein. Meditation may be fine for meditators, prayers for every kind of religion or denomination, direct action for doers and then there is magic for the resistance.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved. loved, loved this book!! I loved all the tips for practical magic for dealing with social injustices. This is the book to read especially in the times we as a country are facing right now. The author has an easy-going writing style and at times was quite humorous. I can't tell you how much I loved this book. I voluntarily read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

[H.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

This is a super helpful and crucial resource for modern witches who are also politically active. This is definitely a favorite that I will be using again and again. Recommended HIGHLY.

[Elizabeth Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Courtesy of NetGalley

The book is set up in clear logical order by chapters with so much inclusion and instructions, that I questioned whether or not I needed to continue to write my own handbook. After reading, I can say, my book (should it ever come out) would complement Hughes’ work well. He offers so much that I only tapped into. Needless to say, if you’re interesting in learning as a novice or want some ideas as an experienced witch, this book has a ton to offer. His spells and rituals are designed for most of the social justice causes you can think of today: environmentalism, sexual abuse, reproductive rights, hexing the NRA, and protecting immigrants. Each of them is presented after chapters and chapters of historical context.

Another highlight is that Hughes presents the diversity of African-American to Haitian to Celtic to Buddhist to Christian perspectives. This is obviously intensely researched, and I’ll add, properly cited. Magic for the Resistance takes off with a timeline through some of witchcraft’s more (in)famous public hexes and spells. Readers will get a much better understanding and appreciation for why women showed up to protests in the past two years clad in black robes with pointed veiled hats carrying and carrying signs silently. They are a new offspring of the hippie subculture. Their tactics are clever and amusing.

Accessibility:

“Be conscientious of your guests with special needs, and plan accordingly.”

Hughes is a considerate author and magician. He gives a lot of sound advice for frugal alternatives. He also provides suggestions for people with disabilities who may not be able to do things like stand and walk in a circle or go to a protest or walk through the woods. His sensitivity on financial considerations, ableism, and racial issues makes this book revolutionary. He goes even two steps further. At his suggestions for taking something from nature to use (such as a rock or feather) or if you leave wards (such as spell jars or melted candles) out in public/nature, you should spend the time and energy to pick up some litter while you’re there. His second suggestion comes at the end of every ritual: giving donations to a worthy cause befitting the intention of the spell.

If you are in the market for a superbly-written book with history, instructions, and sample rituals to fight the patriarchy, protect others and the environment, and win justice for the highest good, Magic Resistance by Michael M. Hughes is the perfect book.
-----
A longer review with more quotes is at my site and will be available July 24, 2018 because Patreon backers get access first: http://www.amberunmasked.com/review-m...

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part history, part spellbook with lots of useful spells for social justice and political work. I enjoyed the chapters on how magic, witchcraft, folk magic, etc. has been used throughout history to fight back against oppression. I also appreciated the author's references to Hoodoo and Conjure, as those are traditions I'm not as familiar with and they added a lot to the books' focus. The spells are not set in any one tradition, but instead are based on the author's personal magic system, which he acknowledges is just a conglomeration of many different practices that work for him. I appreciated the variety in the deities and frameworks between the spells. Of interest is the fact that many of the spells use biblical language, especially the hexes - I thought the Bible verses were powerful inclusions that "speak the language" of the hex targets, but you might not want to include them if you're trying to distance yourself from Christianity.

One other thing I appreciated is that Hughes never asserts any particular theology, and in fact is quick to reassure the reader that one does not have to believe in spirits or deities or magic at all to do these spells. It can be enough to claim personal power through these actions (and then, he also emphasizes, to act directly in the world as well to effect the change you seek).

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting on both political and magical side. A very good book, well written, and full of interesting spells.
This review of this book would require a blog post as there're so many interesting things to discuss.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Llewellyn Worldwide and Netgalley for this ARC

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read on magic or witchcraft in a long time, so take everything here with many grains of salt. Overall I found the book to be written at or near a young adult level, decent enough for beginners, but very light on history or context. I loved the concept overall, I think it's an OK jumping off point for someone who intends to take magic, activism, or both to another level.

I first started reading about witchcraft as a teenager, and unfortunately stumbled upon the Barnes & Nobles white magic fluff of Silver Raven Wolf, so I was thrilled to see someone speak in defense of bindings and hexes. Humans alter and affect their environment, we have every right to defend ourselves using whatever tools are at our disposal, examples the author used were lawsuits and restraining orders. The whole point of using magic is to affect our world when the usual means prove ineffective. The threefold rule is a new addition to occult literature, and frankly I have a feeling it was adopted to package and make witchcraft more palpable to the mainstream, but that is definitely an unsourced opinion. I also appreciated the author calling out not needing a bunch of expensive supplies and doodads to perform magic, especially given the theme of resistance.

I do have some critiques; as other reviewers have mentioned this is a white author discussing traditions from many cultures and the book is very light on history or context. In a book at least in part about racial justice, that includes a Black Lives Matter Spell, divorcing these traditions from their history is problematic. I think the goal was to make something very accessible and pared down, focusing on the theme of activism almost to the exclusion of magical history and practice. He uses the quote, "The Arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards Justice" and simply calls it an aphorism. When I Google it, it appears very attributable to Martin Luther King Jr.; doing so would have been the obvious way to give credit to a black voice.

The general theme of you being favored by the universe because you are an activist aligned with peace and justice, sustainability and equality, was repeated throughout the book. It goes so far as to suggest that your magic will be more effective, and that you'll have less potential for unintended harm or blowback against yourself. It seems that even if the other side's tanks and guns and legislation are stronger than your soft fleshy skin, their magic will certainly be weaker than yours.

I think that's a comforting thought but I'm not sure how reality based it is (when talking about magic anyway, eh?) The author himself also goes on to say that good and bad are not easily definable things when justifying casting hexes. I found areas of the book like this to be philosophically sloppy. For all of the spells cast against fascists and politicians and Hitler, many suffer and die fighting for their causes. In the chapter on self-care the book does concede that it's the winning of the mission, not necessarily ones individual life, that is the victory we seek. And this I think is indeed true for many activists, sacrificing for ideals that are bigger than ourselves. Which is why it's very important to eat right, exercise, unplug from digital devices, and otherwise recharge your batteries. As trite as I'm making this sound, I don't disagree. In that chapter he asks us, what's the alternative, to watch the world burn? And ultimately I think that's the strongest statement. Regardless of whether or not we win, regardless of whether or not the other side has more powerful magic, being on the side of the planet itself is the only real option. So believe in what you have to to make fighting sustainable.

[Grace Greggory Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone reading this book is likely to already be engaging in multiple forms of political activism and social responsibility from raising awareness on topics of concern, centering the leadership and knowledge of vulnerable and marginalized groups, being vocal in candidate support, consistently voting in federal and local elections, participating in protests and peaceful demonstrations, and an array of other necessary and creative activities. This book encourages all of those things and seeks to reinforce them.

Importantly, in the earliest part of the book, Hughes addresses cultural appropriation and outlines his own background and approach to magical practice describing himself as a magician, a generalist, and a syncretist. “I’m not a Kabbalist,” he says, “and my conception of magic is quite broad, embracing not just spells and rituals but visual art, writing, drama, and yes, even tricks.” He elaborates:

Appropriation is an important but divisive topic in the magical community. While we should be respectful of other traditions, especially those of indigenous, oppressed, or marginalized groups, the practitioners of magic have always been syncretists, experimenting intraculturally and sticking with what worked. The Greek Magical Papyri make that quite clear—magicians of antiquity liberally borrowed gods, words of power, and symbols from the many cultures surrounding them. Not much has changed in the ensuing centuries. I have explored a wide variety of practices from a number of schools and traditions over three decades, but I am not an initiate in any of them, nor would I claim to be an expert in any of them. I am simply a human being lucky enough to live in an age when thousands of years of magical knowledge are available in academic libraries and a few clicks away on my laptop. I identify as a magician, first and foremost, not a Pagan, a shaman, a witch, a ceremonialist, a chaote, a Rootworker, or any other label. I am a generalist, not a specialist. My ethical rule is simple: if I learn something from a tradition, I do my best to acknowledge and honor it, without claiming to be of it. I encourage you to do the same. Magic is our birthright, so go read and experiment, and when you learn something, give thanks and respect to your teachers.

How people will interpret this statement or follow this advice will vary. I like to hope that we will all respect the cultures and teachers from which we learn in the ways that they indicate to us that they want to be respected.

The writing, the context, and the workings that he then offers throughout the book move from this stated, generalist, position. You will find helpful instruction and inspiration that can be adapted and integrated into your existing spiritual practice for a wide range of current societal concerns including LGBT+ Protection, Protection for Refugees and Immigrants, Black Lives Matter Protection, Candidate Boosts, Reproductive Rights, Environmental Protection, and more.

If you are new to magical practice, this book offers an entry point with guidance in the basics of what you need to know from materials and setup to ethics, precautions, and self-care.

This is a well-constructed valuable resource, and I’m grateful for it.

[Aahana · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a joke. One of the most annoying things about that idiot Donald Trump's presidency is that it allowed for neocon centrists to pretend they are a radical progressive. This clown writes a book about magical resistance when he never has been involved in material organizing and movement making outside of burning a candle and tying some strings. As usual more derival was published by Llewellyn Worldwide. A waste of money.

[Pamela Reiser · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointed

I was hoping the spells to action were more objective and done without malice and bias. I was wrong. There is no way I can scream obscenities and let anger in my circle. It sullies the magick.

[Jess Flow · Rating 1 out of 5]

A boomer book on magical activism. A bougie white dude is going to teach marginalized people how to put up magical resistance. This grifter is nothing more than a clout chasing Twitter revolutionary.

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author thinks cultural appropriation is fair game for spellwork. That rubs me wrong, in a book that's supposed to be focused on intersectionality and justice.

[Jaclyn Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there were ever a book that captured the electric pulse of modern Magickal Activism, Michael M. Hughes’ 'Magic for the Resistance: Rituals and Spells for Change' (Revised & Expanded Edition, 2025) is it.

This isn’t just a collection of Rituals —it’s a manifesto for anyone who feels the seismic rumble of injustice and refuses to sit quietly through it.

Hughes became widely known as the catalyst behind the viral “bind Trump” movement, a symbolic and Spiritually charged protest that swept through diverse corners of the Magickal and Activist communities. Whether one agreed with the method or not, there’s no denying the cultural force it carried. It was a moment that said loudly and unapologetically: Magick has always been political—and it still is. It ALWAYS will be.

In this book, Hughes channels that same fire.

He argues—and convincingly—that in times like these, when our newsfeeds shake daily with turmoil, inequality, and democratic backsliding, Magickal Activism is not fringe; it is a form of empowered engagement. He frames Ritual work as a way to reclaim agency, to push back Spiritually and psychologically against systems that feel immovable.

What makes this book so compelling is not just its Rituals, but its heart. Hughes writes with urgency, clarity, and a deep moral spine. You feel his call to action. You feel the weight of this moment in history. And you feel the reminder that resistance takes many forms—marches, votes, voices, art, community… and yes, for many people, Magick.

Whether you’re a seasoned Witch, a curious skeptic, or simply someone searching for new avenues of empowerment under the current Administration’s turbulence, Magic for the Resistance is a bold, invigorating read. It invites you to step into your power—ethically, creatively, and with intention.

In tumultuous times, this book is a spark. A torch. A reminder that resistance is both a physical act and a Spiritual one.

[JuliA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a rallying cry to do something against the injustices all of encounter in our daily lives as much as the world at large. And then sprinkle some magic on it.

Michael's style of writing is considered, informed, intelligent and at the same time personal. The background story to how his Bind-Trump spell came about is hugely inspiring.

Michael explains why we should use magic for activism - no matter whether we believe in the occult or not - and how and when it can be done. He explains the basics of how his spells are put together so that we can either use his suggestions, make changes to them to suit our circumstances or write our own.

A minor niggle would be the occasional use of words such as smudging instead of smoke cleansing but people have different views on these things and this is such a great book that it should not stop anyone from reading.

In today's world facing climate catastrophy, several wars that are at high risk of escalating beyond regional level and anti-democratic forces rising in an increasing number of countries, this book is highly relevant and a must-read for anyone who needs a pick-me-up of the soul instead of falling into despair.

Why Llewellyn has decided to let this book go out of print at exactly this time, is beyond me. However, I have heard there is hope that Michael Hughes may have found a new publisher for an updated version.

In the meanwhile, grab a second hand copy while you can!

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd like to point out that I'm working on a thesis on contemporary political witchcraft, which might explain to current flood of witchy literature in especially my to-read shelf (hopefully soon to be marked read). Not that I couldn't be reading this stuff otherwise too.

I have no idea how to rate any of this source material. Did I enjoy it? Yeah, for sure. Do I think it's the most efficient way to do politics? No, not really. I find myself aligning heavily with the ideology of the witch movement, while being a little bored through specific descriptions of rituals and uncertain about how this is supposed to change anything but one's inner experience (which already may change the world, sure, but if this is the only function of magic, maybe its shouldn't be promoted as activism). I wish for both my academic endeavors and personal curiosity that the authors would go a little deeper on what exactly are the mechanisms through which magic brings change.

[Larissa Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good introductory book on using magic for (or in support of) activism. There's a large dose of history, as well as basic magical instructions that I think anyone could follow. The author gets a little preachy on vegetarianism (his preference) and the use of magic circles (he's not a fan), but otherwise the writing is approachable and instructive. I'd recommend this as a good starting point, as the spells and rituals range from largely defensive/protective to active offense in the face of oppression or attacks.

[Kevin Worcester · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely loved this book! magic for the resistance is a powerful guide for anyone wanting to blend activism with magic. michael m. hughes does an amazing job showing how spells and rituals can be used to fight for social justice, making it feel like your magic is part of something bigger. the spells are practical and easy to follow, but what really stood out was how empowering and inspiring it felt. it’s not just about casting spells — it’s about building resilience and staying connected to your purpose. perfect for witches who want to see real change in the world.

[Christian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping for a little more 'umf' from this book. The overall premise was a great idea, but the execution fell flat. It felt like a basic, just-graze-the-surface, type of book.

Some of the straight-up activism advice was sound and you cannot ignore the much needed inclusiveness of the spells here. Again, a great idea for a book.

Not sure if I would recommend this one, so I guess read if you feel inclined?

[Bill Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this book and it got me to think and feel, both are very important in a great book. However there is some wording I disagree with and I may try talking to the author actually for that wording to change for any future editions. I feel with a slight change here or there that this book could be 5 stars.

[Devin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend for anyone looking to use their craft for social justice. The resistance rituals snd self care chapters alone were so worth it!! I'll be moving through this book for inspiration for years to come!

[Alorah Welti · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agreed with some of what Hughes wrote but disagreed with more. I don't recommend this book to any beginner witches, only read when you already have a practice that really feels right to you. But to be honest, I don't really recommend this book to anyone.

[Lilith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be essential to your witch's shelf. Whether you are a novice or an expert, this book is phenomenal.

[Kita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good. Has me feeling inspired and ready to get working.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important read for every modern witch.

[Lauren Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it.

Working it.