Transformative Witchcraft: The Greater Mysteries

by Jason Mankey

Beyond the Taboos, the Power of Magick Awaits

The rites and rituals of Witchcraft are life-changing experiences, but they are also steeped in mystery. Transformative Witchcraft delves into some of the most persistent mysteries of the Craft and provides insightful guidance for raising and directing magickal energy in accordance with your desires. Jason Mankey distills his decades of experience as he shares practical wisdom for raising a cone of power and detailed insights into creating powerful rituals for dedications, initiations, and elevations. In his chapter on drawing down the moon, he provides a vivid exploration of invocation and the subtle nuances in preparation and execution that can take the ritual to its most magisterial heights. This book also discusses one of the most mysterious of all the magickal rituals—the Great Rite. Whether you're interested in the Great Rite in token or in truth, there is much to be gleaned from the experiences related here on a topic that is frequently treated as taboo in much of the magickal literature.

Direct experience with the divine and the potent energies of magick are defining experiences in a life of Witchcraft. Filled with compelling personal stories, a fascinating brief history of modern Wicca and Witchcraft, striking original rituals, and a wealth of tips and techniques, this book provides the beginning or intermediate Witch with the practical and theoretical keys they need to unlock the mysteries of the Craft.



"A remarkable and refreshing exploration that is a must-read for anyone exploring contemporary Wicca and Witchcraft. Through a combination of in-depth historical research and charming personal narrative, Jason Mankey provides candid insight into important rituals and practices that are often glossed over or minimally explained in other texts."—Laura Tempest Zakroff, author of Sigil Witchery and Weave the Liminal

"Transformative Witchcraft by Jason Mankey finds the perfect balance between the core teachings of magical tradition and the fresh cutting-edge magic of the modern witch. This well researched book digs deep exploring the foundations of witchcraft in a conversational and honest tone that makes the witchcraft mysteries accessible and current."—Mickie Mueller, author of The Witch's Mirror and Llewellyn's Little Book of Halloween

Genres: Witchcraft, Occult, Nonfiction, Wicca, Spirituality, Paganism, Magic

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2019

Reviews

[Thorn Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s fantastic to finally see an advanced book with thoughtful discussions of real topics. It’s well-researched and well-organized. If you want an intro, go elsewhere. If you’ve been practicing for a while and are frustrated by books that tell you to “raise energy” or “draw down the moon” without explaining what that means, this one’s for you. With a great history for those with no time for Hutton.

[Alex Kramer · Rating 1 out of 5]

*I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinions*

I would like to start this review off by saying, I am sure the author is a really great person but his writing is not the best.

So, after starting to get back into the craft with a Christian mindset on it, the one thing I was extremely bothered about in this book was that it was EXTREMELY against Christianity. I feel as though the author took a sh*t on Christianity personally and no other religions.

On the FIRST PAGE we see a quote from the author saying "I often feel like a bad witch for admitting it today but I was a Christian for twenty one years and a practicing one at that" basically (paraphrasing). Yikes, first off, being Christian doesn't deem you a "bad witch". Being a past Christian doesn't deem you a "bad witch". In my opinions being a bad witch is when you SH*T ON OTHER PEOPLE'S RELIGIONS BECAUSE YOU FEEL YOUR RELIGION IS HIGHER THAN THEIRS.

okay, sorry, had to get that out of there. Also, he spent a significant part of the first part of the book or whatever completely discrediting other religions, yet again mainly christianity, because there is no proof basically. But then goes on to say that there isn't really proof of the first workings of witchcraft except by Gerald Gardner. Hmmm.... so, what makes your religion so much more believable than my own or anyone else's because theres no conclusive proof for any of them, SAID BY YOURSELF: INCLUDING YOUR OWN!?

If you're going to write a book about witchcraft then I suggest you write it about witchcraft and not use it as a platform or an agenda to slander Christianity and other religions.

With that out of the way, I want to hit on another SUPER CRUCIAL POINT. This is one that gets overlooked quite a lot and it's something that has to be taught and said more often, which the author did not do.
WICCA DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY MEAN WITCHCRAFT.
WICCA IS A RELIGION IN AND OF ITSELF BASICALLY. JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE WICCAN DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE A WITCH OR PRACTICE WITCHCRAFT.

JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE A WITCH AND PRACTICE WITCHCRAFT DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU ARE WICCAN.

These words are NOT interchangeable. Especially since they have different definitions and because ya know.. THEY AREN'T THE SAME THING.

So, now that my anger is a bit calmed from stating those things, lets get started on the actual writing of the book, I guess. I feel like this book could have been better articulated by a first grader with minimal knowledge on the subject. Yikes. Harsh, I know, but hear me out.

First off, the author goes through periods of EXTREME information dump. As in, I feel as though he just copied and pasted sections of text to make it seem like he was knowledgable on the subject of witchcraft but instead it really made it seem like he knew nothing at all and that he was covering his own *ss. There was next to no proofreading AT ALL, I get that it was an uncorrected copy, but, before you release a book or writing into the world you probably should do at least some sort of self correcting and proofreading. There were MANY misspelled words and run on sentences. It was horrific, honestly.

Also, for a book titled "Transformative Witchcraft" I was expecting it to be more about the ins and outs of how it transformed HIS LIFE and not how it came to be, who was in it, what they ate for dinner, and their favorite kind of salad dressing. That wasn't actually covered but that's how it feels. It was supposed to be, I believe, an informational book about the craft, but it turned out basically being written as a very horrible and extensively long persuasive essay. Now, don't get me wrong, persuasive essays are fine and they're needed...but not when THE WRITER OF THE ESSAY DECIDES TO USE BOTH SIDES IN HIS PERSUASION!?!?

Next, this book was extremely redundant. I feel as though (which is another thing I didn't like, the author used that exact phrasing way too much) the author just found multiple different ways to state the same thing over and over and over again. Not to drill it into our brains but basically as fluff. The book could have been half the size but the author just threw things in willy nilly. Don't get me wrong, it was extremely informative but I feel that a lot of the content could have been left out because it was either: redundant, unneeded, or not useful information for the current subject being talked about.

Next, his entire section of energy work...oh boy. Here we go. So, this author spends a significant amount of pages talking about the cone of power. To sum it up, the cone of power is the energy you create in rituals, spells, and the like when you cast a circle and summon up energy. Boom, now, was there a real necessity to spend ten gazillion pages talking about it? Not really. In this section he tries to, I guess, justify energy work (as if it needed justification, because it is a very real thing) by saying that "Magic requires more than drawing a symbol and reciting some words." While, I can agree with this to a point, I'd like to point out that even drawing a symbol (most times referred to a sigil....) and reciting "some words" IS STILL AN ACT OF MAGIC. WHO ARE YOU TO DICTATE WHAT IS AND ISN'T MAGIC. The definition of magic is "The power of INFLUENCING the course of events by using mysterious or supernatural forces". like, it does not say controlling or what have you. Even when we put a tiny bit of effort into drawing a sigil or a symbol or reciting those few words (what the heck do you think christian prayer is, homeboy!?) it's still influencing the course of events in some way shape or form.

In his energy work chapters/section he also says "the green growing things" out of nowhere with no information or contextual clues as to what the heck these green growing things are. Are they the trees he was talking about? Energy that was visualized? Like, is it my nephews boogers when he's sick?! WHAT ARE THE GREEN GROWING THINGS.

In this chapter though, he does hit on the topic of using what you have, which I can really appreciate. You don't need a fancy altar, room, or whatever to be a witch. You can work with what you have and if you don't have certain things then you don't need super expensive products. Those tealights from walmart will work just fine because it's all about the intent.

Anywho, I guess I should hit on some more things (albeit they're minimal) I liked.
I liked the definitions in the back of the book.
I also liked the annotated bibliography.

Wow.

Okay, I seem like a horrible person after this review but seriously... if you're going to talk about the craft: 1. Don't sh*t on others religions. 2. Be more knowledgeable without info dumping. 3. Do NOT interchangeably use Wiccan + witch unless someone specifically states that they are wiccan but also practice witchcraft. Because contrary to popular belief THESE. WORDS. ARE. NOT. INTERCHANGEABLE. 4. P R O O F R E A D. 5. Ever thought about not being a narrow-minded jerk and do a bit more research before you write it all down and call it a book? Jeeeeeeeeeeez.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

First thing first: I usually read Jason's book so my impression of the book comes from reading the book and the blog post.
I liked this book, I found it an enjoyable and informative read.
I'm not into any "witch war" that means that I'm not interested in the discussion if wicca and witchcraft are interchangeable or not.
As I read Jason's ideas about other religion I didn't find that he dismissed other religions. As far as I know each of us is looking for something into a set of religious ideas and that said there's something interesting and attractive in all religion
I know that I liked this book. I liked the style of writing and I liked the rituals, the examples and the historical parts.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Llewellyn Worldwide and Netgalley for this ARC

[Rhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wonder what happens when you cast a circle? Want to figure out how to actually “Draw Down the Moon?” Or what the heck is the Great Rite, and is it just a relic of a heteronormative witchcraft?

Or, are you interested in the history of the modern witch movement, but stuffy academic texts put you to sleep?

Oh, my friend, have I found the perfect book for you.

Transformative Witchcraft is not only Mankey’s best, most comprehensive book, but it’s probably the most outstanding ones to come out on the subject in the past few years.

He begins with an incredibly concise and lucid history of the big concepts, movements, and people in what would later become Modern Witchcraft/Wicca. Regardless of if you like the Freemason’s, Aleister Crowley, or Gardner, Jason’s ability to tell the story of our history in an engaging way is an admirable feat. I cannot gush about this section enough.

Why so much history? While I can’t speak for the authors intentions, the majority of this book expounds and modernizes ideas and practices that have long been talked about, but not adequately explained for practical use. It also modernizes practices that feel dated when we read about them, showing that these practices evolve and grow in a living tradition. Most of the books that mention casting circles or The Great Rite have history that has been proven by scholars to be faulty and inaccurate, so in updating and explaining these topics, it makes perfect sense that Mankey would update and explain the history too.

The fact that he does it so well feels like meeting a dog on the street and becoming its best friend, and the owner telling you that pupper usually doesn’t like people. Soooooo satisfying.

Following his delicious historical section, we get to the practical stuff.

From approaches to casting circles I’ve never seen in print, to baller rituals, to a non-super-heteronormative understanding of the Great Rite, I loved everything that Mankey was doing here. I feel I cannot adequately summarize it and do it any justice. So, you’ll have to buy the book!

Transformative Witchcraft takes the phrase “you can’t put new wine in old wineskins” and proves that it’s plain wrong. This book makes me super hopeful that more books like it will come in the next few years. Books that showcase how practices evolve, change, and are alive, just like we do.

Thank you, Jason Mankey, for writing this one.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this book, and while it took me awhile to get through that was more for personal reasons rather than any fault in the book.

If you’re curious about traditional Wicca or initiatory Wicca this is a good, clear way to get a good understanding of what could lie ahead in that journey.

Mankey provides a good history of the origins of Wicca in an engaging way as well as his own commentary. For someone exploring Wicca as a path this was really interesting and helpful.

I can’t think of any immediate criticisms of the book because I enjoyed reading it. It does come from the perspective of a Gardernarian witch, so that is the perspective it comes from, and it doesn’t really discuss any real differences between Alexandrians and Gardernarians (from what I can tell the fundamental differences are more coven to coven…), but I don’t see how that would be a criticism anyway…

It’s a clear, honest and almost personal book about initiatory Wicca and I will probably refer back to it in the future. It’s also a really down to earth book, in that other books on Traditional Wicca are maybe more poetic (not in a bad way) but if you respond better to something more conversational it’s a good choice.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as part of a book club, and have just finished it up. I have a lot to say.

First and foremost, the beginning of this book is challenging. History is super important, when learning about something new, but it is still not the most exciting thing to read (for me). I struggled to really get into this first part.

The rest of this book is very informative. I really enjoyed how the author gave us practical information. While he was giving examples of his experiences, he still gave unbiased information. I could take what works for me, and leave what doesn't.

As a baby witch, I need all the info I can get from trusted sources. This is book feels very reliable and I will be referring back to it as I need to.

Overall, I liked this. I think it was informative, and interesting. I will be reading more from this author!

[Cade · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was not a terrible book, but it was also not unlike pretty much every other book on witchcraft that has come out in the last few years. The history was interesting but also very jammed up and rushed. I did not find anything new in the rituals or discussion, and I was quite disappointed in it overall.

I don't agree with a lot of the reviews I'm seeing here though. He didn't attack Christianity. He spoke about it as a former practitioner and really did not say anything I would not have or that almost every other witchcraft book says.

[Ivy♌ · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an eclectic witch that borrows from multiple facets & principles within Wicca and Witchcraft, I found this book fairly informative with basic and expanded principles.
The bar was raised quite high for this informative text especially with the notion of "transformation" through the witchcraft path being the headline.
The hope was that this text would offer a unique perspective on how the practitioner/authors life had been "transformed" due to the craft.
Sadly, however this "transformative" notion never came to fruition and there was no such discussion on how the craft had transformed thier lives.

Furthermore and very dissapointingly was the constant disdain and blatant dismissal of other religions, which in my own circle of pagan believers this is not our way to criticise or demean another's faith.
With this disdain for Christianity in particular, the text left a very sour taste for what could have been a more eloquently delivered viewpoint to the reader.

The practitioner did at times confuse the craft in that Wicca and Witchcraft are two distinctly different paths of the pagan faith and there wasn't a clear understanding of this in fact the text mostly confused the two as interchangeable which is not the case.
Overall some interesting points and as mentioned the principles of the path were expanded on (some areas with a little too much time) however there lacked the "transformation" of the practitioner's life through the craft.

These are my honest thoughts, however this book may be very interesting to other readers so give it a read and form your own opinions.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Jason Mankey for an ARC in return for an on honest unbiased review.

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, by far, the best book on witchcraft I have ever read.
First of all, what it isn't. This book is not full of the correspondences and the natural magic that fills so much of the page count of most 101 witchcraft books. It speaks only in a sideways way about spellcraft and the shiny tools you can use. These things are secondary, or tertiary concerns.
This book is about the core rituals of Gardnerian Wicca. It is about the history of the craft, where these rituals came from, why you do them.
It covers casting the circle, raising the cone of power, and promotions to higher degrees. It covers initiation, drawing down the moon and the great rite. Each is traced through history and given as ritual.
If that sort of deep dive isn't your thing, you'll have to wade through some material to get right at the rituals and ceremonies themselves, but for me the history was worth it. No other book on witchcraft, and it is not my path, has been more inspirational.

[Edric Unsane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing transformative is in this book. It's essentially a short history of modern witchcraft with some fairly standard rituals. Gotta say I was disappointed.

[Deborah Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Real teaching is about opening up a window through which other Witches can experience the mysteries. Witchcraft is an experimental spirituality."

As a solitary practitioner Transformative Witchcraft acts as an insight into the discussions of ritual method, meaning, and history, which would otherwise be granted from an elder in a coven. The author is respectful of his own covens private practice while giving a valuable insight into specific practices. Clear, specific explanations of terminology and ritual, which is often used but not explained, was particularly helpful - such as drawing down the moon, the cone of power, and "As above so below".

While the authors writing is likeable, well referenced, gender neutral, and intelligent, it is also often dry and for me reads like an overly long academic essay.

There are thorough discussions of the origins and history of witchcraft, while referencing the works of the people who created the early documented modern traditions specifically Gardenian Witchcraft.

The book is certainly more relevant for those in a coven or looking to build their own - as a solitary practitioner the applications are limited, though occasionally comparisons are drawn as to how a single person would alter a particular practice.

There are two particular criticisms from other reviewers for this book which I did not find problematic. The treatment of Christianity was not particularly negative to me, nor did I find any confusion between the usage of the words Wicca/Witchcraft as the author addresses this early on and states that he will use them interchangeably in his text, and why.

[This eARC was given to me via NetGalley & Llewellyn Publications in exchange for an honest review.]

[Jennifer Sacasa-wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Repetition is a good thing, especially when the author infuses it with their own ideas and experiences. I believe that everything that we can do to make this information relatable to the broadest of audiences is a positive step towards bring greater awareness to the practice of Witchcraft and the work and dedication that is required to follow such a path. Such is the case in this new offering by author and editor of blog spot, Patheos Pagan, Jason Mankey- The Transformative Power of Witchcraft. Jason has authored several books on the craft, this one feeling more of a synthesis of the basics from start to finish.

The book is complete with history, ritual, creating sacred space, the work of self and more. There are three chapters devoted to the history of the craft and given that we are a spirituality based on the history, but crafted into a neopagan approach, having the solid foundation of what was, goes a long way into crafting what can be.

Chapters Four through Six focus on the “Cone of Power”, its creation, uses and theory behind its success. This information is presented in a thoughtful manner, offering options and adaptations, which I believe many newcomers to the path, are hesitant to interject on their own. Knowing how, when and where to direct energy is even more important now in the wake of global and domestic events and the working of witchcraft is a tool of change that, if wisely used can achieve amazing results.

I particularly enjoyed reading Chapters Seven through Ten, under Part Three’s Header of “Dedications, Initiations and Elevations”. For many, this topic alone is veiled in mystery and there are as many interpretations of what those semantics mean as paths of practice. Indeed, no one size fits all and as the author discusses, much depends on solitary, Tradition based, hereditary or other as to what these terms mean to the individual. Additionally, rituals are provided to be used as starting points or intact for the reader. I appreciate the detail that went into this section, particularly in preparing the seeker for the work required to be done, the preparation of self and the commitment that is undertaken when receiving any of these deeper connections to your path.

No book on witchcraft would be complete without attention to lunar working and Drawing Down the Moon as ritual and self-generator. Jason also covers the other types of Divine assumption, interaction and possession that may be encountered or experienced in the greater work. Chapter Thirteen provides all of the basics and information for the Ritual of Drawing Down the Moon.

The book concludes with discussion of The Great Rite and its ethical use in truth and physicality as well as metaphorical and representative approach. Each has its own specific reasons for selection, and in particular, when enacting The Great Rite as an offering of sex magick and potency, I believe it is important to know exactly why and where that option would be suitable and when it is used unethically as a means of control over the uninformed.

A glossary and bibliography is provided and the index makes it easy to zero in on specific topics.

This book is available for pre-order on Amazon with a publishing date of January 2019.

[Els · Rating 2 out of 5]

This blog first appeared on ReadingTheThing

Through Netgalley I acquired this book on witchcraft in exchange for my honest review. I am not a witch or wiccan myself. However, I am interested in parts of paganism, despite me being quite the atheist. Since childhood, witchcraft has always had a fascination for me, so I was curious to learn more, when this book Transformative Witchcraft: The Greater Mysteries by Jason Mankey fell into my digital lap.

This book mostly goes into group (or just two person) ritual. What exactly do witches mean with a cone of power? How do they create one? How do certain kinds of rituals look like? the book includes a lot of inspiration for ritual-designing, since there are many rituals completely written out from beginning (the casting of the circle) to the end (the re-opening of the circle). It goes deep into the why and how of certain things, and it gave me a insight in a world I didn’t know much about.

What I really appreciated was the conversational tone (there are personal remarks all over the place) and the continuing confirmation that all rituals and roles within them, can be done by all genders. Wicca can be amazingly stereotypical and essentialist about gender, so this was nice and refreshing. Being non-binary myself, I felt seen.

What I did find hard, which has to do with my scientific and atheist outlook on life, is that the author really, actually seems to believe in all he writes. Energy is a physical thing. The god and goddess are actually real. This is something I prefer to see metaphorically, if I engage in more pagan pursuits. I do believe his experiences and those of many others are real and genuine; except I think the cause of those experience are explained by how our brains are marvellous and amazing in letting us feel things that seem too wondrous to come from within ourselves. But, each to their own. As long as people don’t cause harm to themselves or others, I see no problems here.

[Naava · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book for free from NetGalley and Llewellyn in exchange for my honest review.

Here we go.

My biggest issue with this book? The author seems to think that all witches are Wiccans and that witchcraft demands a belief in the Lord and the Lady. That, my friends, is not the case. Wiccan and witch are not interchangeable and witchcraft is not a religion.

The book had a lot of anti-Christian remarks, some openly so, some thinly veiled. It was off-putting, as I'd love to see us pagans move past that already. I can see how this book would definitely offend people who are Christian witches.

The heteronormativity bugged me, too. Now, Mankey occasionally remembers that heteronormativity is no longer cool and mentions it, but he still manages to go on heteronormative spiels or rants about things. Cisnormativity was never even mentioned, at least I can't remember it being mentioned. The High Priest's counterpart is the High Priestess and they have a phallus and a womb, respectively, we get that you'd like to think that.

And, as a sex-critical person with asexual friends, the chapter about the Great Rite rubbed me the wrong way. Not all witches are sex-positive, not all witches are into sex. I was glad to see Mankey mention consent culture, though, because it is often overlooked.

After reading the book I feel like I've learned nothing. The title, even, was misleading. This book didn't mention anything ~transformative~, not in Mankey's life, not in mine.

But there had to be some good parts, because I gave two stars and not just one, right?

The book had some interesting parts. That's it. The Masonic stuff was interesting.

[Michaela Whitney]

I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for review.

While I haven't practiced actively for years, I was initially excited to read this hoping it would spurn me into feeling connected again to the energies around me.
Transformative Witchcraft: The Greater Mysteries was not what I was looking for.

While it's very well researched and informative.
It feels and reads like someone's thesis. It just feels like a scattered bits of research and personal anecdotes on various things. It format dove me nuts and made it very hard to read. Maybe it's from a lack of editing or structure. I don't know. It also gets a bit bias and preachy.

It may be better information for a practicing active coven, since almost all of it is coven work and group rituals.

[Destiny Bridwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. This was broken up into five parts and it goes through some of the basics of magick and witchcraft. There were a few things from in here that I had not read in other books on witchcraft. Maybe I just like the way it was explained and how it was laid out before. I have read a few hundred books on the subject over the last couple of decades. This is one of the better ones. 

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very detailed and informative book. The author does make it easy to follow. He even explains where words or objects became used. he does focus more on modern

I recommend this book for those that are just beginning to explore Witchcraft and have questions about it's philosophy and rituals.

[Megan Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is ideal for those who practice more ceremonial magic. While I found both the history and description of some of Jason's experiences enjoyable, most of the rituals outlined here didn't resonate with me (especially as I am a solitary practitioner). Highly recommended for Gardenarian Wiccans or those who wish to have a strong foundation in ceremonial/ritualistic magic practices. :)

[Cynthia Malm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this and dont really get the harsh criticism its been getting here. I already read and enjoy Mankey's blog on the reg. and so maybe Im just used to his style. Im also a history nerd so... I liked it! Keeper.

[Sean Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully written book. It has brought back memories of my lessons and what I was taught so many years ago. The ideas presented in Transformative Witchcraft has reinforced and expanded upon my own views.

I found this a quite enjoyable read!

[Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am new to this subject, just finding my way around it, and though I enjoyed this book, I plan to re-read it when I know a bit more, as I think I will get more out of it then. Very interesting nevertheless.

[Lanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a book that I found particularly exciting while I was reading it AND it’s a book that I’m super glad I’ve read. One could totally think of it as a compiled history review of Wiccan history and lineages.

[Daylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, in depth, and well cited look at wicca's most commonly mentioned but least explained practices. The bibliography in the back alone is a fantastic resource.

[Pollen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Jason is a fraud who supports abusive cults.

[Martha Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

Truly enjoyed this book and it will remain part of my library forever. A true leader in the witchcraft community

[Jeannie Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mankey takes the traditional view of witchcraft and turns it into someone new. The history of practices and practitioners is great reading without being overly academic and dry. By introducing the history before the "practical" part, Mankey shows how The Craft has transformed over time, so the title isn't simply about how to transform the self through magic but rather shows how The Craft is a living, breathing, dynamic practice that has and will continue to grow and transform as our collective awareness grows. As for the "practical" aspect of the book, Mankey offers a fresh take on old rituals such as The Great Rite and offers a glimpse into what the future may hold for The Craft. Overall, Transformative Witchcraft is a great addition to a beautiful religion/spiritual path and has earned a place on my bookshelf.

[Nikola Gacek · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Beautifully written and very informative.

[Kriz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super informative. I've been reading on the subject as ive been wanting to learn more of it. And this book was a great read, very well written, and super interesting.

[Alexandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is more on the Wicca/system/ritual side of a book. It is more coven based than solitary. you are getting a lot of information introduced to you, Obviously you can go to other books. For me is going more on the traditional wicca system than anything else. Where there is good information, there is that in the background.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative as I learned some new things about the craft. Good read! I voluntarily read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.