Positive Magic: A Toolkit for the Modern Witch

by Marion Weinstein, Judika Illes (Foreword)

“A rare gem. One of the only magical self-help books that is beautiful, moral, and wise. Marion’s methods of working have greatly influenced my life.” —Margot Adler, author of Drawing Down the Moon

“Written by one of America’s Witch elders, this revised and expanded edition of this beloved classic can enrich the spiritual practice of longtime practitioners as well as those beginning their explorations of magical realms.” —Selena Fox, High Priestess, Circle Sanctuary, Psychotherapist & Shamanic Healer

“Well written and fascinating, Positive Magic is a book you must read and keep by your side. Weinstein explains what you need to know and does it in a way that keeps you all the way through. An intelligent approach to using magic in your life.” —Merlin Stone, author of When God Was a Woman and Ancient Mirrors of Womanhood

Here is a new edition of one of the best-loved introductions to magic that is still used in metaphysical classes around the world. The author makes ancient magic techniques accessible, offering them as practical tools for daily life. Addressing the needs of today’s readers—beginners and adepts alike—the author provides well-researched historical background on astrology, witchcraft, tarot, and the I Ching as well as channeling, spirit contact, and the connections between quantum physics and traditional magic.

Genres: Witchcraft, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Crafts, Magic, Magick

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Atlas · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a lot of other reviews have said, this book is very outdated, and there is a lot you should take with a grain of salt, so I wouldn't recommend this book for anyone just starting out. However, I did enjoy a lot of the author's philosophy and outlook on magic, even if we have different views on some things (I'm not exactly against hexxing, for example). Worth the read if you're interested in the more philosophical side of your craft, but if you're just looking for a manual of how to perform magic I would look elsewhere.

[ShaunMS]

2025 Divine Feminine Reads

I have a project going this year to read around about what I'm stuck calling the divine feminine until I come up with a more accurate term for my interests. I'm not rating these books unless I'm somewhere around the target audience, which I don't think I am here. But an un-surprising amount of writing about women's connection with the sacred (that doesn't lean into holy card unreality) runs through the clump of folks who consider themselves pagan, Wiccan, and/or witches.

Anyway, Positive Magic reads like pretty anodyne self-help, but the history of The Burning Times and folk religion is interesting, if not 100% accurate. (Not that I know what's accurate, but I know what historiography is.) I also liked the author's repeated admonition that it's always wrong to manipulate people, through magic or otherwise (e.g., pour those love potions down the sink).

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite dated at this point, especially in some of the language. It felt quite textbooky and super repetitive at points. I just got this out from the library and am glad I did not purchase. Its a decent overview of everything "witchy." But I'm sure there are better, more modern books out there at this point.

[Ann Dudzinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised at the number of negative reviews on this book before I read it - even more surprised after. I think readers need to keep in mind that this book was originally written in 1978 so some ideas have changed. Did I agree with everything in it? No, I didn't but overall, I loved the author's warmth and outlook on the craft. This is a resource I'm glad I have on my bookshelf.

[Dramatica Darmody · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit preachy, and kind of outdated. I sound up skimming through most of it.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is so much bull shit and sketchy stuff in this book. I couldn't even finish it.

[Sarah Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

thoroughly enjoyed this! it was so interesting to learn how different philosophies are really so resonant/unified- and unsurprising to me :) also good for ‘spooky season’.