The Book of Spells: The Magick of Witchcraft

by Jamie Della, Jamie Wood

Complete with over 50 spells and information on the magickal tools and traditions of witchcraft, The Book of Spells is the ultimate guide to healing, manifesting your desires, and diving confidently into the mysteries of magick.

Calling upon ancient powers and the ways of the Witch, The Book of Spells contains rituals and visualizations for releasing negativity, increasing bliss, healing a broken heart, finding your Spirit guides, embarking on the adventure of astral flight, and more. With the help of timeless myths and fables, as well as author Jamie Della's personal anecdotes, each spell offers empowering insight to help you uncover your innate Divine essence. This beautifully gilded compendium includes need-to-know information on Sabbats and ancient traditions, Gods and Goddesses, and tools of the Craft such as herbs, crystals, tarot archetypes, moon phases, and runes. The Book of Spells is the perfect beginner's guide to following the Path, practicing the Craft, and incorporating magick into your daily life.

Advance praise for The Book of Spells:

“This book opens the door to a life of magic and inspiration. The most wonderful thing about it is that Jamie actually lives by the book. She’s the real deal! The Book of Spells is personal, engaging, and empowering. Her information about the Craft is heartfelt, user-friendly, and a treasure trove of witchy wisdom. You’ll love this book whether you are a novice or an expert. Enjoy!” — Victoria Bearden, nationally renowned astrologer and psychic

“What a sweet book this is. Spells and a lot more for people new to the Craft written by an experienced Witch who practices what she preaches.” — Barbara Ardinger, author of Goddess Meditations and Finding New Goddesses

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Paganism, Magic, Spirituality, Witches

224 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2019

Reviews

[The Librarian Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was offered a review copy of this gorgeous book by Penguin Random House I jumped at the chance!
I mean, look how pretty it is!

And the contents doesn’t disappoint either!
I’m not normally one to pick up a book that just features spells, as I don’t tend to cast them very often, but this book has more to it than that.
It also includes information about different paths such as Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Celtic, etc. I do wish a few more paths were included (Green, Kitchen, Folkloric) but the information that is provided is very helpful and concise.
It also talks about the different sabbats, deities, runes, tarot, crystals, herbs, moon phases, astrology, and much more too!
Phew! See, lots of info here, and all before you even get to the spells!

The spells section starts off with explaining what spells really are and how to know if it’s the right time to cast one. I particularly enjoyed this quote:
“Whether you call it praying, visualising, dreaming, or spell casting, the words we speak act as an affirmation to the universe. Once you send a message through your thoughts or actions, the universal forces are set into motion.”
It then goes on to tell you how to cast a circle (which I personally have never done) and theeen you get to the spells!

They’re broken down into sections such as; ‘emotional, spiritual, & physical health’, ‘knowledge & self-knowledge’, ‘love, friendship, & family’, and ‘self-improvement’.
Here you can find spells for healing your past, boosting your intuition, calling for protection, and loads more for everything you could think of! And most of them are very simple without huge shopping lists of ingredients.
Though more advanced witches may find the spells and information provided a bit too basic.

This would be a wonderful book if you’re just starting out on your path, especially if you’re interested in the Wiccan religion (a path a don’t follow myself). It’s also a handy reference book to have whenever you need a quick spell or want to look up some information about the sabbats, runes, or tarot meanings.
Plus it would look gorgeous sitting on your shelf!

[Bri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Long story short, this book is a very pretty addition to my shelf that I would strictly recommend to beginner Wiccans, and even then, I would do so with a word of caution to take the author's wisdom with a large grain of salt.

Despite an attempt to differentiate between Wiccan and witch in the first chapter, Della insists on mentioning the Threefold Law, or Rule of Three, on what feels like every single page and fails to understand that many, if not most, witches do not abide by this rule. In fact, she states the exact opposite, saying that "both paths" follow this Wiccan Rede. This alone is enough for me to question Della's credibility. It's a huge factor in why I've rated this book so low.

In addition, I don't think the structure of the book is particularly effective. Whereas other more comprehensive books are able to cover a variety of topics to interest beginners and introduce them to a multitude of different niches, I don't think it works here. Only a page (two at the most) is ever spent on one topic, and most of it is redundant information reminding the reader that everything is always connected to nature and the cycle of life and death. I think the "101" section of the book is only going to be valuable to people if this is the very first book they pick up. Even that, I say generously.

I'm giving the book more than one star because it is full of a variety of different spells, which is nice for beginners to have access to. I haven't been able to go through every single spell, but the ones that I have looked over seem to be decent and creative. However, even this section is frustrating to read. I prefer for spells to be written in a "recipe" format, especially for beginners. The structure and format of the spells in this book, (in large paragraphs) I find to be overwhelming and unpleasant to read.

Overall, this might be a fun gift for a teenager interested in Wicca or for someone who enjoys adding books with beautiful covers or editions to their shelves, but I wouldn't recommend anyone go out of their way to buy this.

[Thegrubbyraccoon · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has lots of issues. Now it’s important to remember that this book was originally published in 2001. Everything about paganism was different back then, and that’s exactly the issue with this book. Something that especially bothers me is that this is a re-make of a previous book of hers, and my copy is the seventh printing as well.

First and foremost, it’s important to know that this book is extremely Wiccan. Secondly, the author doesn't actually know the real history of Wicca. The Gardinarian section of this book is glaringly wrong. The book uses the story of Gardner creating Wicca from things he learned from a coven, which is entirely false. The reality is that he just made it all up. Seriously. Things have to start somewhere, this doesn't make Wicca any less valid, but you should embrace its reality. If you would like to hear the real history of Wicca, this episode (https://open.spotify.com/episode/58jh...) of The Fat Feminist Witch is a really good telling of it.

Secondly, this author has a really bad habit of forcing Wiccan beliefs and rules on all other paths. It even goes to the point of borderline saying that to identify as a Witch, you basically have to be a Wiccan. This, obviously, is unrealistic and false. The issue of Wiccans who force their code of ethics, rules, and beliefs on others is something that does happen, and one that this book does not help whatsoever. This occurs in the book because of its age, at least to my best guess. During the time frame of this book's original release being Wiccan and following Wiccan values was the norm, to an incredibly overreaching extent. Back then it probably would have been the case for most witches to be somewhat Wiccan, but in this day and age that has changed. She is especially bad about forcing the three fold rule onto everything and everyone.

[sunny [redacted] · Rating 3 out of 5]

The spells are interesting, because they don't really come with ingredients and recipes. But I kind of like that, that spells can be manifested through personal magic rather than the magic found throughout the world - ingredients just help amplify intentions.

However, I was kind of bothered by the incorrect information found in this book. "Swords" in tarot represent air, and "wands" represent fire - not the other way around. And regarding the four directions, fire is not in the west, it's in the south; likewise, water is not in the south, it's in the west. I know those to be facts; I can't speak for a lot else that is discussed in this book, but those the incorrect information I DO know of makes me wonder how reliable everything else is.

[Jennifer Givhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book of Spells: The Magick of Witchcraft has buoyed and sustained me through many an uncertain times as a Latina/Chicana/indigenous woman and bruja; there are sections I’ve tattooed to my heart for how they resonate with my own experiences and creative work as a magical real Bruja writer. The empowering brujería and warm, welcoming advice Jamie Della offers is a balm and limpia. I loved this book completely. A welcome addition to every Bruja's library! I bookmarked pages to read again and again, and so many of the rituals I have adapted into my own spiritual practice. I'm so grateful for Della's warmth, kismet spirit, light, and openness in sharing her practice and helping the rest of us on our paths.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the overview of the magical community at the beginning of the book. It explains us all better than any I've encountered! Nice! The book itself seems to be geared to teens and young adults and is very positive in nature. I like that boosts self-esteem and fosters forgiveness; letting go an negative energy, and encourages spiritual growth. I'd recommend the book for anyone, even those of other faiths. It is never wrong, or a wasted time, to learn about other's beliefs, we're all climbing the same mountain, after all. Good book. Kudos Jamie Della!

[Caitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to comment first by saying that I am still a novice in my path and I have yet to truly test this book. I have read it and even more importantly I have been in a month long email thread with Jamie (the author) because I saw quite a few reviews on here, Goodreads, stating that there were inaccuracies in this book. Specifically in regards to the direction of Fire and Water I believe. I too had a question about this, so before reviewing the book and writing her credibility off, I emailed her. I politely explained my question and asked for further clarification and guess what! Jamie replied! She explained so lovingly that there were 15,000 copies that were misprinted and weren’t caught before making it to the shelves. I happened to have gotten one of those 15,000 copies and you know what. That feels like a sign. I was meant to see that “mistake” to test my knowledge and intuition. I knew there was more to the story, so I followed my gut and now I know for sure I’m on the right path. Jamie is so kind and respectful I urge those with one of the 15,000 copies to think deeper about why it landed in your hands.

[Susan Tuttle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful book can serve as a helpful guide to those who are new to the craft, but also would appeal to a more seasoned practitioner who is looking for fresh suggestions and viewpoints. The initial chapters provide clear essential information on traditions, sabbats, deities, tools of the craft such as herbs, crystals, tarot cards and runes, moon phases, color magick, and more. The material is well-organized and well-summarized, providing building blocks of understanding for new witches and serving as a convenient reference guide for more advanced witches.

True to its title, you’ll find a variety of doable spells, rituals, and visualizations around the subjects of love and relationships, protection, productivity, knowledge, and self-improvement. It’s the type of personable book that you’ll come back to time and again for its positive and empowering insights and ideas!

[anai · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was just really wiccan-centered. just take what you need i suppose! lots of 3 fold law & beliefs, which i don't really believe in. but otherwise, it was informational. super helpful if you are wiccan/researching/new to wiccan beliefs.

[Dakota]

Perfect for everything I needed it for 😻

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book to dip your toes into Wicca and magick as a teen or young adult.

It’s informative without being an information overload. There are definitely more informative books that I’ve read on the subject, and this one is geared towards someone either very new to the craft or young.

The first half of the book is dedicated to background and prep information, and the last half goes into spell work. The spells are decent and simple and work. There’s nothing dark or complex about them.

I love that it provides a recommended reading list, but I wish there was more emphasis that this book is only the tip of the iceberg.

[Mark Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you were to ask me if I would a book like this at 30% off in Target, I would have not believed it. But I did. And it was quite a nice introduction to Wicca.
Definitely recommend to someone interested in exploring the craft.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to learn how to cast a spell? This book will teach you how to do so.

[Amanda Warwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good book to read if you are a beginner witch.

[Pattie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine beginner, YA type book. Very pretty, very basic.

When I was done reading it, I left it in the nightstand drawer next to Gideons Bible in the hotel I was staying in.

[Thea Ekstrand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book on how to be centered when practicing magic

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4

[Alice Camerlingo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but more for teenagers than the cover let on.