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Modern Witchcraft: Goddess Empowerment for the Kick-Ass Woman
Deborah Blake's Modern Witchcraft is a guidebook to witchcraft as a female-empowering religion, including detailed instructions on how to practice self-care in today's society through goddess worship and magic.
In a time when most formal religions are on the wane, Wicca is said to be the fastest growing religion in North America. What is it that draws people to Witchcraft, and how does a spiritual path with its roots in ancient beliefs and traditions transform itself into a practice that resonates so deeply with today's modern woman?
There are a number of explanations for the phenomenon, such as Witchcraft's connection to the natural world, or acceptance of members regardless of lifestyle choices. For women, however, the greatest appeal may be the worship of a goddess (or goddesses). No stern patriarchal God here. Instead, Wicca and most other forms of modern Witchcraft embrace deity in both the feminine and the masculine. Suddenly, women can look at the divine and see themselves reflected back. In addition, many women are frustrated, frightened, triggered, and down-right furious with the current social and political environment, but feel powerless to create positive change. Witchcraft can give them a sense of personal empowerment.
There are many different Witchcraft paths and a multitude of approaches to its practice. This book will guide the reader on the journey to connecting with the feminine divine both without and within, and open the door to this magical religion that will enlighten, uplift, and energize their lives.
In a time when most formal religions are on the wane, Wicca is said to be the fastest growing religion in North America. What is it that draws people to Witchcraft, and how does a spiritual path with its roots in ancient beliefs and traditions transform itself into a practice that resonates so deeply with today's modern woman?
There are a number of explanations for the phenomenon, such as Witchcraft's connection to the natural world, or acceptance of members regardless of lifestyle choices. For women, however, the greatest appeal may be the worship of a goddess (or goddesses). No stern patriarchal God here. Instead, Wicca and most other forms of modern Witchcraft embrace deity in both the feminine and the masculine. Suddenly, women can look at the divine and see themselves reflected back. In addition, many women are frustrated, frightened, triggered, and down-right furious with the current social and political environment, but feel powerless to create positive change. Witchcraft can give them a sense of personal empowerment.
There are many different Witchcraft paths and a multitude of approaches to its practice. This book will guide the reader on the journey to connecting with the feminine divine both without and within, and open the door to this magical religion that will enlighten, uplift, and energize their lives.
256 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2020
36 people are currently reading
1582 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Blake
80 books1,788 followersDeborah is the author of over a dozen non-fiction books on modern witchcraft and a tarot and oracle decks from Llewellyn. Her fiction includes the Baba Yaga series, The Broken Rider series, and the Veiled Magic series, and her cozy mysteries The Catskill Pet Rescue series (mostly from Berkley) as well as a few stand-alone novels.
Deborah lives in a 130 year old farmhouse in upstate NY with multiple cats. She believes in magic, laughter, chocolate, and wine. The order may change depending on the day.
Deborah lives in a 130 year old farmhouse in upstate NY with multiple cats. She believes in magic, laughter, chocolate, and wine. The order may change depending on the day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
June 26, 2020
First Glance:
I was curious about this book, as I haven't picked up many beginner-focused books lately. I figured it would be a good peek into that side of available witchy literature, and luckily it was available on NetGalley as a reviewable ARC to request. I'm not receiving anything for this review, other than having a digital copy of the book in my possession.
Positive Bits:
This book is for those interested in goddess worship and Wicca. I'll get into that shortly. However, from that perspective, the information it contains is just enough to wet your whistle. The topics all have a minimal amount of details provided, but I believe this works to give an overview of each topic rather than a deep dive that would come with later research.
My favorite section had to be Five-Minute Rituals to Connect with the Feminine Divine. Contrary to the title, the suggestions lean toward small acts of spirituality you can add to your mundane moments in life. I personally love these kinds of lists, because I'm a firm believer that you're a witch in and out of the circle. Using an evening shower as an opportunity to cleanse both physically and energetically just makes sense, as does the simple act of thanks in the morning. When you first approach Wicca and/or witchcraft, it can feel like everything is loud and big and bright and overwhelming. The Five-Minute Rituals are ideal small steps to bring spirituality into your life without getting bogged down in checking every single box.
The same applies to a section on Practical Suggestions for Creating Positive Change. Blake describes the ways we can use our own focus to build our experience of the world. If you think negatively all of the time, you reinforce the negativity around you. By working to change your inner thoughts to something positive (like affirmations and noticing the positive around you first), you can gain a more positive outlook. This, in turn, pulls more positivity into your life - like attracts like. My favorite affirmation reminded me of the witchy animism I currently practice: <"I come from the earth and the stars. I am filled with elemental power."
Less Enjoyable Bits:
This book is for those interested in goddess worship and Wicca. It isn't for secular witches or polytheists, as it has a hard focus both on the spirituality behind worship and the idea that all goddesses are faces of the same Goddess. Considering the modern witchcraft movement and overwhelming amount of information online, this book is written in a way that would help someone interested in Wiccan-flavored goddess worship and witchcraft as a focus. I don't think it's good for a broader audience than that.
That said, I started off my witchcraft journey as a Wiccan and trained in a Wiccan-derived coven, so the content provided fit into my past experience. Actually, this book comes across like those from the early 2000s when I started my studies; the attitudes and beliefs match with the Wiccan witchcraft of that time period.
The resources in this book are dated. Based on my own experience, I'm going to guess that Blake stopped buying/reading introductory books after a certain point as they were no longer necessary. However, that means she references WitchVox (a defunct website that used to be helpful for finding fellow witches nearby) and no books other than her own that were published in this decade (the newest is from 2008). This isn't necessarily a terrible thing, as Wicca itself has a core of beliefs that haven't changed since its introduction to the public, but Witchcraft has evolved and changed in so many ways that these aged resources don't represent the variety and depth of information now available in print.
Tidbits Worth Repeating:
"When Witches talk about the power of words, it is another facet of the idea that what you put out into the universe is what you get back."
"The goddess loves you. Even when other people let you down, the goddess accepts you just the way you are. She doesn't care that you aren't perfect. She doesn't care what color or size or age you are, whether you are gay or straight or bi or asexual. No matter what gender you were born to, if you consider yourself a woman, so does She."
"And when I feel powerless or frustrated or angry, I can listen to the rain and the wind and remember that in the smallest element, there can be found the potential for incredible power. After all, a drop of rain seems innocuous until it becomes a flood, and a gentle breeze can change into a tornado that wipes out everything in its path. We may seem as tiny as a single drop of rain, but together, we can move mountains."
Is it worth the coin? No – There are plenty of well-written books on Wicca, including many focused on specific traditions within Wicca itself. This book is just too broad in its focus to be useful, especially with the lack of current resources for a new witch to look into after reading.
I was curious about this book, as I haven't picked up many beginner-focused books lately. I figured it would be a good peek into that side of available witchy literature, and luckily it was available on NetGalley as a reviewable ARC to request. I'm not receiving anything for this review, other than having a digital copy of the book in my possession.
Positive Bits:
This book is for those interested in goddess worship and Wicca. I'll get into that shortly. However, from that perspective, the information it contains is just enough to wet your whistle. The topics all have a minimal amount of details provided, but I believe this works to give an overview of each topic rather than a deep dive that would come with later research.
My favorite section had to be Five-Minute Rituals to Connect with the Feminine Divine. Contrary to the title, the suggestions lean toward small acts of spirituality you can add to your mundane moments in life. I personally love these kinds of lists, because I'm a firm believer that you're a witch in and out of the circle. Using an evening shower as an opportunity to cleanse both physically and energetically just makes sense, as does the simple act of thanks in the morning. When you first approach Wicca and/or witchcraft, it can feel like everything is loud and big and bright and overwhelming. The Five-Minute Rituals are ideal small steps to bring spirituality into your life without getting bogged down in checking every single box.
The same applies to a section on Practical Suggestions for Creating Positive Change. Blake describes the ways we can use our own focus to build our experience of the world. If you think negatively all of the time, you reinforce the negativity around you. By working to change your inner thoughts to something positive (like affirmations and noticing the positive around you first), you can gain a more positive outlook. This, in turn, pulls more positivity into your life - like attracts like. My favorite affirmation reminded me of the witchy animism I currently practice: <"I come from the earth and the stars. I am filled with elemental power."
Less Enjoyable Bits:
This book is for those interested in goddess worship and Wicca. It isn't for secular witches or polytheists, as it has a hard focus both on the spirituality behind worship and the idea that all goddesses are faces of the same Goddess. Considering the modern witchcraft movement and overwhelming amount of information online, this book is written in a way that would help someone interested in Wiccan-flavored goddess worship and witchcraft as a focus. I don't think it's good for a broader audience than that.
That said, I started off my witchcraft journey as a Wiccan and trained in a Wiccan-derived coven, so the content provided fit into my past experience. Actually, this book comes across like those from the early 2000s when I started my studies; the attitudes and beliefs match with the Wiccan witchcraft of that time period.
The resources in this book are dated. Based on my own experience, I'm going to guess that Blake stopped buying/reading introductory books after a certain point as they were no longer necessary. However, that means she references WitchVox (a defunct website that used to be helpful for finding fellow witches nearby) and no books other than her own that were published in this decade (the newest is from 2008). This isn't necessarily a terrible thing, as Wicca itself has a core of beliefs that haven't changed since its introduction to the public, but Witchcraft has evolved and changed in so many ways that these aged resources don't represent the variety and depth of information now available in print.
Tidbits Worth Repeating:
"When Witches talk about the power of words, it is another facet of the idea that what you put out into the universe is what you get back."
"The goddess loves you. Even when other people let you down, the goddess accepts you just the way you are. She doesn't care that you aren't perfect. She doesn't care what color or size or age you are, whether you are gay or straight or bi or asexual. No matter what gender you were born to, if you consider yourself a woman, so does She."
"And when I feel powerless or frustrated or angry, I can listen to the rain and the wind and remember that in the smallest element, there can be found the potential for incredible power. After all, a drop of rain seems innocuous until it becomes a flood, and a gentle breeze can change into a tornado that wipes out everything in its path. We may seem as tiny as a single drop of rain, but together, we can move mountains."
Is it worth the coin? No – There are plenty of well-written books on Wicca, including many focused on specific traditions within Wicca itself. This book is just too broad in its focus to be useful, especially with the lack of current resources for a new witch to look into after reading.
March 7, 2020
This book was an excellent book for anyone interested in Goddess worship and empowerment. Blake does a wonderful job at teaching beginners how to embrace, interact, and connect with the Goddesses. This book discusses how to meet and greet the Goddesses, tune into nature, how to apply Goddess worship to daily life, types of witches (i.e. solitary, group, family), adapting to the current political and cultural climate, using meditations, affirmations and spells, and some appendices of useful supplies and books for further education.
While I have been studying witchcraft for a few years now I still consider myself a beginner because I am a solitary and I am not great at making time for my craft. I am constantly learning new things that change my perspectives and my path as well. This book was easy to read and apply to daily life, which I have found isn’t always the case for witchcraft books. I also love how Blake frequently reminds you to do what works for you and your situation. It is so easy to get caught up in all the stuff you don’t have and feel like you can’t do a ritual because of it, especially if you have allergies or restrictions for certain items, like I do. I cannot have candles or incense because my husband has a fragrance allergy so I have to find new ways to work around them (i.e. fake tea candles). So being reminded that all you really need to commune with the Gods is your mind, heart, and intent was very impactful for me.
Overall, this was a wonderful book for beginners or just for anyone looking for more information on connecting with the Goddesses. I will be buying a copy of this when it comes out.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
While I have been studying witchcraft for a few years now I still consider myself a beginner because I am a solitary and I am not great at making time for my craft. I am constantly learning new things that change my perspectives and my path as well. This book was easy to read and apply to daily life, which I have found isn’t always the case for witchcraft books. I also love how Blake frequently reminds you to do what works for you and your situation. It is so easy to get caught up in all the stuff you don’t have and feel like you can’t do a ritual because of it, especially if you have allergies or restrictions for certain items, like I do. I cannot have candles or incense because my husband has a fragrance allergy so I have to find new ways to work around them (i.e. fake tea candles). So being reminded that all you really need to commune with the Gods is your mind, heart, and intent was very impactful for me.
Overall, this was a wonderful book for beginners or just for anyone looking for more information on connecting with the Goddesses. I will be buying a copy of this when it comes out.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
June 7, 2021
Modern Witchcraft is an excellent introduction to the divine feminine and neo-paganism as a spiritual path. If you have been practicing for a few years and you are more experienced in your chosen path this book may not be for you. It is definitely geared towards beginners and it does a great job explaining clearly and simply what witchcraft is without sounding preachy. I especially loved the chapter on feminine divine where the author lists many of the goddesses in a meet and greet. She has a short summary of who the goddess is and how you can connect with her using simple, from the heart rituals that are not complicated. Another chapter that stood out to me was Meditations, Affirmations and Rituals. I loved her approach to them. At the end of the book, the author includes many resources if you want to dig deeper into this path.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2020
This is a good, basic down to earth beginners guide to witchcraft, especially for connecting with the divine feminine aspect.
The book touches upon cultural appropriation and the importance of the triple goddess and honoring the different phases of life, including embracing your age/crone phase just as much as the other phases. It then goes into detailing numerous goddesses and how to connect with them.
Next, the book goes into how to tune into the natural world through the Wheel of the Year, lunar cycles, and practical magic such as planting an herb garden, walking/hiking outside, or letting yourself be filled with gratitude for the gifts the Earth/universe gives.
Then, there is a chapter on guiding principles/tenants, and information on practicing solo and with a group and how to approach witchcraft with family, even how to bring it up to your young ones, which I thought was really unique and helpful approach.
The last few chapters before the Appendix detail how to use the strength and healing found through witchcraft to weather difficult times and delve into affirmations, meditations, and spells to empower the witch.
The Appendixes help you with gathering supplies for your witch’s toolkit, go over some basic stones, herbs, definitions, and further reading.
If you are looking for a book that goes in depth on the subject of witchcraft or goddesses, this is probably not for you, BUT if you are a beginner on these subjects, then THIS IS YOUR BOOK! It gives a good overview of these subjects and more, so I recommend checking it out. Plus, the author has created a tarot deck that is really modern and intuitive which would work really well with this too!
The book touches upon cultural appropriation and the importance of the triple goddess and honoring the different phases of life, including embracing your age/crone phase just as much as the other phases. It then goes into detailing numerous goddesses and how to connect with them.
Next, the book goes into how to tune into the natural world through the Wheel of the Year, lunar cycles, and practical magic such as planting an herb garden, walking/hiking outside, or letting yourself be filled with gratitude for the gifts the Earth/universe gives.
Then, there is a chapter on guiding principles/tenants, and information on practicing solo and with a group and how to approach witchcraft with family, even how to bring it up to your young ones, which I thought was really unique and helpful approach.
The last few chapters before the Appendix detail how to use the strength and healing found through witchcraft to weather difficult times and delve into affirmations, meditations, and spells to empower the witch.
The Appendixes help you with gathering supplies for your witch’s toolkit, go over some basic stones, herbs, definitions, and further reading.
If you are looking for a book that goes in depth on the subject of witchcraft or goddesses, this is probably not for you, BUT if you are a beginner on these subjects, then THIS IS YOUR BOOK! It gives a good overview of these subjects and more, so I recommend checking it out. Plus, the author has created a tarot deck that is really modern and intuitive which would work really well with this too!
May 12, 2020
I was given a copy by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A basic guide to Wiccan witchcraft for women. A major issue I have with it is the author conflates witchcraft with Wicca. The Threefold Law and Law of Return are not "Pagan" ethics, they are specifically Wiccan. Many of the things she claims that all witches do (like celebrating the esbats) are important to the religion of Wicca but not to all witches, who may be a part of any religion or non religion.
I've certainly read worse books on witchcraft but there are much better books out there.
A basic guide to Wiccan witchcraft for women. A major issue I have with it is the author conflates witchcraft with Wicca. The Threefold Law and Law of Return are not "Pagan" ethics, they are specifically Wiccan. Many of the things she claims that all witches do (like celebrating the esbats) are important to the religion of Wicca but not to all witches, who may be a part of any religion or non religion.
I've certainly read worse books on witchcraft but there are much better books out there.
May 1, 2020
I found this book very easy to understand if you want to learn about witches. The book talks about the elements you might need if you want to practice rituals and how to form your intention when you might need help from the universe. I’ve always had a fascination about witches and this book explains a lot about the craft.
I want to thank St. Martin Press and Netgalley for this advance copy of this book.
I want to thank St. Martin Press and Netgalley for this advance copy of this book.
July 15, 2020
An informative and intriguing book that was easy to read and understand. I highly recommend this book for those starting out on this path. One of the best reads on witchcraft in 2020. I voluntarily read this book via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 16, 2021
This is by far one of the best witchcraft related books I've read in a while. Everything is very easy to follow. And the author gives out a playful yet motherly/teacher voice to her book. Its amazing. I love it. And I know I will be coming back to it. Its an essential book for my witch journey bookcase ^_^
August 1, 2020
An easy read if you want to learn about witches and for those interested in Wicca. I enjoyed this book and recommend it for anyone interested in this subject.
July 28, 2020
I found this book very easy to understand if you want to learn about witches. The book talks about the elements you might need if you want to practice rituals and how to form your intention when you might need help from the universe. I’ve always had a fascination about witches and this book explains a lot about the craft.
July 9, 2020
Modern Witchcraft earns 5+/5 Goddess Blessings...Engaging, Informative, Entertaining!
“Belief is not restrained by culture or DNA.”
One’s spirituality can often provide an opportunity for a unique personal journey: a search for knowledge, community, connection, and a sense of inner peace. This search has brought me to explore the practical and spiritual elements of witchcraft through Deborah Blake’s book on Modern Witchcraft—Goddess Empowerment for the Kick-Ass Woman. My personal journey began with a fascinating introduction Why Witchcraft? And Why Now?, then a closer understanding of (1) Which Witch is Which? The book continues with (2) The Feminine Divine, a more specific and practical exploration into the goddess who may speak to your needs and how to call them into your life. The next chapters explore connections, the author’s experience and insights, and more specific and practical participation: Tuning into Nature; (3) Following the Flow; (4) Walking Your Talk; (5) Solitary Witch, Group Witch, or Family Witch; (6) Survive and Thrive in the Midst of Changing Times; and (7) Meditations, Affirmations, and Spells. This “Modern Witchcraft” book is not a one and done book; it is a companion. It is best as a guide needing to be read, explored, read, applied, and read again. It is fascinating and Deborah Blake’s writing style is entertaining as well as educational and engaging. It offers the beginning of a spiritual path for the novice, like me, or a continued journey for the life-long practitioner. It is a book that offers more than knowledge for me, and I refer to it daily.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from St. Martin’s thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
“Belief is not restrained by culture or DNA.”
One’s spirituality can often provide an opportunity for a unique personal journey: a search for knowledge, community, connection, and a sense of inner peace. This search has brought me to explore the practical and spiritual elements of witchcraft through Deborah Blake’s book on Modern Witchcraft—Goddess Empowerment for the Kick-Ass Woman. My personal journey began with a fascinating introduction Why Witchcraft? And Why Now?, then a closer understanding of (1) Which Witch is Which? The book continues with (2) The Feminine Divine, a more specific and practical exploration into the goddess who may speak to your needs and how to call them into your life. The next chapters explore connections, the author’s experience and insights, and more specific and practical participation: Tuning into Nature; (3) Following the Flow; (4) Walking Your Talk; (5) Solitary Witch, Group Witch, or Family Witch; (6) Survive and Thrive in the Midst of Changing Times; and (7) Meditations, Affirmations, and Spells. This “Modern Witchcraft” book is not a one and done book; it is a companion. It is best as a guide needing to be read, explored, read, applied, and read again. It is fascinating and Deborah Blake’s writing style is entertaining as well as educational and engaging. It offers the beginning of a spiritual path for the novice, like me, or a continued journey for the life-long practitioner. It is a book that offers more than knowledge for me, and I refer to it daily.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from St. Martin’s thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
July 22, 2020
Good introduction to the Witchy way of life - easy to read, appropriately high-level with pointers to more in-depth sources, good writing style. I enjoyed it!
July 3, 2020
I am so thankful that I was able to review this title from NetGalley. As a practicing witch for almost 20 years, I’ve seen a lot of bad books come out pretending to educate others. This book is the real thing, it’s obvious from page one that Ms. Blake has a wealth of knowledge on the topic of Wicca, Witchcraft, and Paganism. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading along and love the fact that she doesn’t talk down to the reader, rather she educates. It’s obvious that she has been practicing for years and loves her Craft.
There’s a huge amount of knowledge packed into this book, everything from Calling the Quarters, to casting a circle, to items that can be used during casting a spell. I particularly liked how she involved goddesses from different backgrounds, not just the usual Greek, Roman, Egyptian pantheons.
This book is well researched, expertly written, and has a vast amount of information to impart. This book can be read by both the novice and someone who’s been practicing for decades.
I can’t wait to be able to get a physical copy to add to my collection. I believe it will be well read and used often in my practice.
**I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
There’s a huge amount of knowledge packed into this book, everything from Calling the Quarters, to casting a circle, to items that can be used during casting a spell. I particularly liked how she involved goddesses from different backgrounds, not just the usual Greek, Roman, Egyptian pantheons.
This book is well researched, expertly written, and has a vast amount of information to impart. This book can be read by both the novice and someone who’s been practicing for decades.
I can’t wait to be able to get a physical copy to add to my collection. I believe it will be well read and used often in my practice.
**I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Read
July 23, 2020First of all, I'd like to thank St. Martin's Press and Goodreads for an advance copy of this book. I am choosing not to give it a star rating because this isn't my normal genre of book. I am not a witch; I am not religious. I am a scientist, but I do believe in spirituality. I was curious about witchcraft and the history behind it. I love stories that revolve around witches. I love nature. This book sounded interesting. So I entered the giveaway and won a copy. I did enjoy it and found it informative. The writing was okay--the author got her point across, but I found some of her examples a bit tacky. Some of the content was excellent, some I did not buy--which is why I don't think I should rate it. Because I'm not a true believer, I don't think I can fairly judge this book. It would be like trying to rate the contents of the Bible without believing in God.
Instead, let me tell you what I did find valuable in this book.
1. I liked the option of looking at modern Witchcraft as a spiritual path. By putting your beliefs into action, you can create positive change. What's important is to honor your own truth, listen to that small quiet voice inside, and find the path that satisfies the hunger in your soul. That's what goddess worship is all about. What this means to me is that it's important to define what positive change you want for yourself, then focus your energy toward it. The "magic" comes from channeling your energy in the form of affirmations, meditation, and "spells." The author defines a spell as "putting your intention out into the universe." So your choice of goddess, colors, crystals, herbs, and other objects at your altar really are symbols to focus your energy upon. Being able to define/verbalize your goals and believing in yourself (with or without the help of a goddess) will most certainly result in positive energy, which will hopefully bring about change in your life.
2. I love how Witchcraft is nature-based. It was fascinating to learn about the Wheel of the Year and how it follows the seasons through their transitions. I liked learning about ancient Pagan holidays and traditions and how they correspond to Christian ones. It's wonderful that witches believe that human beings are a part of nature and that "we have the responsibility to nurture and care for the Earth and all its creatures."
What I didn't particularly care for: The religious part. After the author put so much emphasis on personal responsibility and empowerment, she brings in faith. If things aren't going your way, she says to "ask the goddess to fix it... and then have faith." Could she have just left it at there are natural things that are just out of our control? But then I guess humans have always needed to understand the natural world and make sense out of suffering and to believe there was a reason for things--but like I said, I'm not judging religion. I just feel that the "magic" could still work without the religious factor.
Overall, I found the book worth the read and would recommend it to my daughter and anyone wanting positivity in their lives.
Instead, let me tell you what I did find valuable in this book.
1. I liked the option of looking at modern Witchcraft as a spiritual path. By putting your beliefs into action, you can create positive change. What's important is to honor your own truth, listen to that small quiet voice inside, and find the path that satisfies the hunger in your soul. That's what goddess worship is all about. What this means to me is that it's important to define what positive change you want for yourself, then focus your energy toward it. The "magic" comes from channeling your energy in the form of affirmations, meditation, and "spells." The author defines a spell as "putting your intention out into the universe." So your choice of goddess, colors, crystals, herbs, and other objects at your altar really are symbols to focus your energy upon. Being able to define/verbalize your goals and believing in yourself (with or without the help of a goddess) will most certainly result in positive energy, which will hopefully bring about change in your life.
2. I love how Witchcraft is nature-based. It was fascinating to learn about the Wheel of the Year and how it follows the seasons through their transitions. I liked learning about ancient Pagan holidays and traditions and how they correspond to Christian ones. It's wonderful that witches believe that human beings are a part of nature and that "we have the responsibility to nurture and care for the Earth and all its creatures."
What I didn't particularly care for: The religious part. After the author put so much emphasis on personal responsibility and empowerment, she brings in faith. If things aren't going your way, she says to "ask the goddess to fix it... and then have faith." Could she have just left it at there are natural things that are just out of our control? But then I guess humans have always needed to understand the natural world and make sense out of suffering and to believe there was a reason for things--but like I said, I'm not judging religion. I just feel that the "magic" could still work without the religious factor.
Overall, I found the book worth the read and would recommend it to my daughter and anyone wanting positivity in their lives.
July 7, 2020
A really fun, inclusive overview of the various aspects of modern witchcraft. A great starting point for anyone curious or wanting to learn.
July 3, 2020
This book was very easy to read and I thought it was a great beginner book. I also really enjoyed the focus on feminine goddess worship.
June 28, 2020
Another amazing book on witchcraft and many of the things that go along with learning about the craft. Blake takes you through many of the Goddesses and how to be respectful. As someone who is new and slowly learning about the ways of witchcraft, this is an excellent book to help get started. There is a lot of useful and practical information. Very happy overall!
Modern Witchcraft publishes 7.7.2020.
5/5 Stars
Modern Witchcraft publishes 7.7.2020.
5/5 Stars
May 4, 2020
Modern Witchcraft: Goddess Empowerment for the Kick-Ass woman by Deborah Blake lives up to its ambitious name and then some. Blake, the creator of the Everyday Witch Tarot and Oracle as well as several nonfiction books on Witchcraft and a supernatural fiction series, clearly and succinctly covers the basics of her topic. In her empowering style, she dispels the mistaken beliefs that many hold about the craft, explaining that those who practice it use magic, honor their connection to the earth, and honor the divine feminine. Throughout the book, the author focuses on how to integrate the craft into everyday life. I welcomed her discussion of eclectic witchcraft – mindfully choosing the approaches of the craft that intuitively feel right for us as individuals. And I loved that she doesn’t send me shopping for a long list of herbs I’ve never heard of, instead focusing primarily on the heart and ethics of modern Witchcraft. Blake who studied Buddhism and Taoism before coming to the craft encourages thinking of it as an intentional practice of affirming, manifesting, meditating and changing to be woven into each day. Although this is a book for beginners, it is definitely a keeper for the practical and thought-provoking suggestions it contains about how to thrive in the midst of challenging times and also for the author’s encouraging voice.
May 17, 2020
I really enjoyed this book - I was not sure what to expect when I received a copy to review. I think that regardless of where we each are on our spiritual path, this is a great book to help us along the way. The exploration of Goddess Empowerment is something I believe each modern woman -regardless of witch, Wiccan, Christian, or any kind of spiritualist can embrace. Thousands of years ago Pagan worship was about nature and the divine feminine, and we, over the course of the years, have strayed so far from that path - this book and it's reminder of who we are and where we come from is fascinating and appreciated.
If, in reading this book, the reader discovers a new spiritual path to Wicca or Witchcraft, Goddess worship, or even if the reader decides, you know, I am happy with my beliefs as they are, that cannot help but be a good thing. I believe Deborah Blake's message is twofold - to inform readers about in's-and-out's of practicing witchcraft and magic, but it is also about exploring our own beliefs, broadening our horizons and being accepting of each other. We cannot always know who we are without discovering where we came from. Thank you for the advance copy of this book, and thank you for some truly interesting self-insight as a result.
If, in reading this book, the reader discovers a new spiritual path to Wicca or Witchcraft, Goddess worship, or even if the reader decides, you know, I am happy with my beliefs as they are, that cannot help but be a good thing. I believe Deborah Blake's message is twofold - to inform readers about in's-and-out's of practicing witchcraft and magic, but it is also about exploring our own beliefs, broadening our horizons and being accepting of each other. We cannot always know who we are without discovering where we came from. Thank you for the advance copy of this book, and thank you for some truly interesting self-insight as a result.
April 9, 2020
I must spend hours a month bouncing about website to website trying to find information on Witchcraft. Not witchcraft in the sense of the lore of a crone and cauldron so to speak but true genuine camaraderie in which I can understand my need to ground myself within nature and the Goddesses. This book gave me that. It was one of the better ones that I have ever read which after two decades I really needed it. Some of this I have read before but this truly was helpful. I especially appreciated that additional help it offered for further education and insight.
I would highly recommend this book to beginners and those more practiced because it offers a new perspective to understanding everything from rituals, mediations, and attuning oneself.
I would highly recommend this book to beginners and those more practiced because it offers a new perspective to understanding everything from rituals, mediations, and attuning oneself.
June 18, 2020
Excellent book!!!
May 1, 2020
Received an ARC for review
Can I just say how wonderful this book is? And how I wish it had been available roughly 20 or 30 years ago?
A lot of this is information I knew but to have it all in one book, easily understood prose, no weird formal language that gets tiring after a paragraph, just made a lot of thought clarify and solidify for me. For that alone I can't recommend this book highly enough. I am on my second reading so once done, I will add more to my review but this is a book anyone looking to grow spiritually and is curious about witch craft needs to read.
Can I just say how wonderful this book is? And how I wish it had been available roughly 20 or 30 years ago?
A lot of this is information I knew but to have it all in one book, easily understood prose, no weird formal language that gets tiring after a paragraph, just made a lot of thought clarify and solidify for me. For that alone I can't recommend this book highly enough. I am on my second reading so once done, I will add more to my review but this is a book anyone looking to grow spiritually and is curious about witch craft needs to read.
May 4, 2020
I enjoyed this book and found it to be readily understandable for the beginner witch practitioner. The book covers elements and items that you will require if you want to practice rituals and what items, thoughts and philosophies you may require as help from the universe. This was an excellent basic first book and I recommend it to new practitioners of the Craft.
I would like to thank Deborah Blake, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and exchange for a fair and honest review.
I would like to thank Deborah Blake, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 8, 2020
Being raised strict Catholic, as I grew older I knew that it was not for me. I know a few people who practice Wicca and have seriously been considering moving in that direction myself. I found this a wonderful and informative read, one that can help guide me in my journey and help me with the path I have chosen. I will definitely turn back to this as I continue down that path, going deeper into the practice as a solitary witch, who turns to the divine goddess for my spiritual needs.
March 3, 2020
An excellent primer for any woman interested in learning more about their connection to the Divine Feminine, goddess power, and paganism.
While traditional church attendance is in a decline, the return to our roots rises. This book can help you figure out where to start and how to tap in to your own power.
While traditional church attendance is in a decline, the return to our roots rises. This book can help you figure out where to start and how to tap in to your own power.
May 9, 2020
I really loved this book. It was easy to understand and not overwhelming for someone new to goddess worship. I liked how Blake gives several suggestions on approaching goddesses, creating positive change, and dealing with the current times. The book had a very intuitive feel to it and I enjoyed the smattering of humor here and there. Deborah Blake is like the Bob Ross of Witchcraft!
June 3, 2020
This is an easy to read and understand book on the basics of modern witchcraft. It covers everything from understanding Wicca, praying to Goddess (or God), goddess worship. There's a section on understanding some of the individual goddesses and how to pray to them, as well as sections on meditation and spells. This is an exceptionally well-written basic guide for the new or well-read Witch.
February 10, 2020
This was an amazing journey into the feminine divine. I loved what this gave the reader and I would totally recommend this story for those who are wanting a better connection to the natural world. This book takes a no nonsense approach to the world of witchcraft.
April 3, 2020
I got this book to use for research into a novel I am writing, as I wanted a perspective on modern witchcraft in practice and in theory. This book was helpful and does not disappoint. I recommended it to a friend, who signed up for NetGalley just to get a sneak peek at this book!
March 28, 2020
Perfect , if your interest in Witchcraft..... I found this very informative Including all kinds of spells and techniques ....was exactly what I was looking for
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