Spellcraft: A Guided Journal for Casting, Cleansing, and Blessing (Volume 2)

by Agnes Hollyhock

A spell's power comes from writing about and truly understanding the intention behind it. By blending journal entries with spells that help you manifest the best version of yourself, Spellcraft is the perfect living grimoire for a new witch. 

Anyone can follow a recipe for a spell, but with Spellcraft, your practice becomes exclusively yours. Reflect on the purpose of your magic and then learn how to build spells from a host of composite parts on your witch's journey to self-discovery. Tuning in to past events, unconscious biases, and the connections that your own mind casts will help you lay down the groundwork for growth, give yourself hope in trying times, and manifest new opportunities. 

White magic spells for 28 cleansing rituals and enchantments are accompanied by 3–5 prompts to encourage personal development. A section on spell building to hone your craft outlines the important aspects (crystals, moon phases, incense, or other magnifying components) of making magic. Learn how to make wishes come true and complete rootwork that will help you grow taller and wiser. Maintain your practice with spells and journal prompts revolving around the Wheel of the Year, a cycle of pagan holidays (such as Yule and Ostara) that follow the seasons and revolve around equinoxes and solstices.

Light up the magic that is already inside of you. Choose happiness and then bring it into the world.

Genres: Wicca, Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

Published September 8, 2020

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book for everyone who wants to cast spells, but don’t know where to start. You should already have some knowledge in the fields of witchcraft, maybe also in herbs and the wheel of the year. There is a spell for every holiday in the wheel of the year and other spells to cast in the sunlight, moonlight, etc. After every spell there are some questions and blank pages to answer them.
I think this book can inspire you and it can be a starting point for new witches, the spells are pretty easy to do. But for someone like me, who doesn’t like journaling, the blank pages are a waste of paper. Also, there is no afterword and it ended quite abruptly. If you want to grow as a witch and cast bigger spells because you already know the basics, you should find another book.

Thanks to Rock Point and NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ophelia Feyre · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book Review: Spellcraft - A guided journal for casting, cleansing and blessing.
Genre: Health, mind and body / Spirituality
Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group - Rock Point
Release Date: 8th September, 2020

I was discussing Witchcraft books with someone on Instagram yesterday. She was saying how there are books authored by people who don't even practice the Craft. As I try to make sure I am reviewing all the new releases in this genre, I already had this book on my 'shelf'. It wasn't until later that I realised that it didn't even have an author attributed to it; just the publishing company. Now I'm not saying this is a bad thing, but it does make you wonder who is writing the information they present in this book.*

I do prefer books that I know are written by practicing Witches and Wiccans as they feel more authentic and personal.

However, that said, this was still a nice book. Spellcraft doesn't actually give much information about how to craft your own spells, but rather provides some lovely beginner spells and rituals to get you started.

Starting by introducing the Wheel of the Year there is a spell or activity to accompany each festival. After each spell there is a journaling section, with some prompts for what you might like to write about, related to the spell or intentions you have been working with. The book then goes on to provide spells for other areas such as; creativity, manifestation and growth along with further journaling prompts.

There is not much more to this book and it is written in a very simple and easy to follow style. As I am already a practicing Witch I do prefer to research and craft my own spells, however this book did provide some nice ideas that I may incorporate into my work in the future. I would recommend it for beginners who are looking to start practical magick.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group/Rock Point for the opportunity to read and review this E-ARC.

*After looking into the lack of an author further. It's worth noting that the books 'text' is attributed to Leeann Moreau who is a Project Editor for Quarto Publishing Group. She is also a ghost-writer for 'under- delivered titles'. Personally, my recommendation would be to find a book written by an authentic voice on this topic.
If you are looking for something similar to Spellcraft then I would recommend:
The Witch's Spellbook: Enchantments, Incantations and Rituals from Around the World by Sarah Bartlett.
The Witchcraft Handbook: Unleash Your Magickal Powers to Create the Life you Want by Midia Star.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! This is a great book for anyone learning to love themselves and to work on the spells or basic understanding. This isn’t like a regular book it’s more of a book that has things to use to learn from, it has journal entries to help you understand what you are feeling and why. This also gives tips, details among other support and ask questions for deeper understanding on your emotions and feelings. This also has step by step instructions on different spells and gives advice and warnings I really think this journal is great! I will definitely purchase for a few friends lol

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have purchased every witchy prompted journal that has come out to date. Spellcraft by Agnes Hollyhock is hands down the best one so far. I really liked the way that the journal is laid out and the work that went into the prompts. I loved in the prompts for Ostara that the author asks you to reflected on light and dark and the balance in both. This for me is important because it helps new witches to realize that dark and shadow don't equal bad and shows the need for a balanced approach. I love that the author talks about making your own tools and supplies and that the prompts around the Wheel of the Year help you relate it to your life and path. I highly recommend this book to all interested in witchcraft whether you are new on the path or have been practicing for some time.

[Lora Milton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit I expected more of instruction from this one. It's more of a workbook with many pages lined for the reader to write their own ideas on from a prompt. I felt there was more of psychology in it than of magic.

It starts out with ideas for non-traditional ways of celebrating traditional seasonal rituals. There were some good instructions for making a poppet in Imbolc, though it lacked mentioning that if you're going to burn it, considering what goes inside for reaction to fire is important.

It gives a complete ritual for Ostara but doesn't explain the reasons behind the various elements involved, the choice of candle colours, etc. Some of the instructions require a certain amount of crafting skill, like sewing the poppet, baking bread and fashioning a pentagram from twigs for Beltane. The instructions for making incense cones looked fairly straightforward. I cringed a little when it said May Day was about activism, considering it's fairly common knowledge that it's a fertility ritual.

The seasons are followed by rituals for stimulating creativity, then a section called Courage & Hope. Several rituals are given through the book and I think the exercise pages could be useful for an individual or group with some basic knowledge already behind them.

There seems to be a lot of emphasis on dealing with anxiety and bringing peace into one's life. I get the impression that the author is young, though it is presented as from Quarto Publishing Group rather than giving an author name. It appears to be targeted to Millenials.

The advice in the money magic segment was pretty sound. Sometimes wealth doesn't come in the form of money itself, but in manifesting desires. The section on letting things go might be useful for many people. The part on welcoming benevolent spirits into your home made me smile. Sweet smells lighten the mood and attract positivity.

The instructions for making a black mirror lacked the traditional wormwood in the paint, but made for an interesting variation. Making it half white is an interesting idea. Overall some of the folk magic spells like witch bottles were sufficient for beginners to learn, while missing some of the elements involving bodily fluids and such that might not sit well with young people.

It doesn't actually teach you how to create your own spells, though the prompts do stimulate working with ideas that could be useful and would certainly give personal insights.

[Kate Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an interesting and unique concept!!
I have never seen anything like this before. It combines all things magick with the idea or journalling.
Fantastic!!

The first part of the book looks at the magick wheel - and the various sabots. While the later half looks more at spell work. Breaking it down even further to look at specific themes within each chapter. (On another note, who would have thought that so many spells involved eggs??!!??) I really like the way this book is broken up, as it makes it really easy to dip in and out of. The journalling aspect after each spell allows you to reflect more deeply into your practise which is great!

The artwork that breaks up the chapters is beautiful. I particularly love the background imagery on these pages.

The only downside was that It ended so abruptly, but this could be down to the proof copy i received.

I really encourage you to get this book if you're interested in spell casting and learning more about magick and witchcraft. I have read a lot of books on this topic, but never seen anything like this. Incredibly original!

[Nia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher for an honest review!

This is the type of companion I wish I had when I first started out with spells! It isn’t heavy on explanations and history, not that it claims to be, but I think it is important to know. This is a companion journal that will work along side other spell, witchcraft, and paganism books. You get a paragraph explanation of which holiday or what the spell is used for. The supplies are fairly easy to come by. There is a spell for every holiday in the Wheel of the Year, as well as spells for manifesting, money, creativity, growth, love, and more. The journal prompts are thoughtful and were my favorite part about it.

For a beginner, I think this journal is perfect! You get a little bit of everything to give you a good starting point on spells while you distinguish what works for you.

For witches with more experience, I think this would come in handy when you are having spiritual blocks or are reintroducing yourself into spells after spending time away from your craft. The information wouldn’t be new to you, but you may enjoy it as a get back to basics to see how far you’ve come.

[Juan Manuel Sarmiento · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spellcraft is a useful guide for beginners in the magick world. If you ever wondered how to start casting but didn't know what to start with, you should check this book out.
From spells to every holiday to spells to everyday little things, this guide offers a clear and easy way to do everything, with blank spaces for you to write down useful information, answer questions and note down anything you need.

Keep in mind this is not a normal book; it's more of a workbook so get it only if you're willing to become a witch as you're going to need to study some aspects and adopt new lifestyles and rituals for your everyday routine. And you're going to have to study aditional information like choices of candles and colors; sewing skills, baking bread, making incense and etcetera.
It's also interesting pointing out this seems to have been written by a young person as it looks it's aimed to millenials

[Sara Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spellcraft was an interesting look into witchcraft.

I found the first section the most interesting when it covered the different holidays and why they are celebrated. The second section covered some beginner spells. Some I found interesting, others I found a little too complicated, and a few I feel I already do not knowing they are considered spells. So, it was a very interesting read all the way through. There were also prompts after every spell and holiday to help you think through what you had just read or done. Some of them were quite thought provoking. I feel the questions were extremely strong and not just a basic what did you learn?

While I am not a witch, I find their history fascinating. This book was the most insightful book I have read yet.

I received an advanced reader copy from Quarto Publishing Group- Rock Point through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Tiff Monde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spellcraft is a lovely introduction into spell work and witchcraft. This is a step by step spell book so if you are looking for something a bit more dense or historical this will not be your book.

It’s sectioned off nicely so you can bounce around as you see fit. What I enjoyed most about this book was the addition of the journal questions after each spell, it’s so important to reflect after spell work and sometimes the hardest part is figuring out what to ask yourself. Another plus was the ingredient lists, they were very attainable items, which keeps the book accessible for any budget.

Totally a book I would gift to friends.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Rock Point for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[The Shakti Witch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spellcraft is more workbook than anything else. It does contain the Wiccan wheel of the year for the Northern hemisphere however this would be easy to adapt to the south. The celebrations lack a lot of explanation and the spells and rituals associated seem incomplete. The journal prompts I thought were good overall and I think this is okay for novice witches to get their feet wet. Sadly due to the lack of author (this was put together by the publisher production team) it lacks authenticity.

If I was a novice witch and someone gifted me this book, I wouldn’t be mad.

*eArc supplies by the publisher and Netgalley

[Margaret-Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for a novice. If you are exploring the Craft and are not quite certain to begin with spells, this journal is a good place to start.

Part intro to spellcraft, part journal Spellcraft could actually be a beginner's grimoire template. On the pages are simple spells, word of wisdom, and questions that help you process what you want from, how ithe spells work for you, and gives you a basic premise on whether you want to delve further into more complicated spellwork.

Very simple and basic and written for beginners. If you have already work with spells, this would not work for you.

[Kell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little guided journal that acts as an introduction to basic spellcraft, and encourages you to embrace your own creativity within your spellcraft. Set put in sections covering the wheel of the year, creativity and creation, courage and hope, peace and harmony, manifestation and money, growth and loss, and connection and love. Plenty of space to make your own notes and follow the guides to develop your own spellcraft. Beautifully presented as a hardback with an attractive cover, and the pages are suitable for any ink pens you care to use.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting concept and a very useful book for beginners.
I loved how it is organised, the idea of mixing diary with exercises and the spells.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoy a guided journal and will always pick one up! I have already bought the physical copy of this book so I can use it at home! Wonderful!

I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.

[Kaylyn Gabbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This helped me look at things in a new way, but it also helped instill certain beliefs I already had. I'm glad I bought this book and I'm interested in doing all the written assignments at the very least.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creative, inspirational, thought-provoking. I liked the prompts for journaling included with each ritual, as well as the rituals themselves (explained well and with interesting background info).

[jazz · Rating 2 out of 5]

please dont invite spirits into your house benevolent or otherwise without extensive research, a strong psychic protection and a expert overseeing your work

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice workbook of rituals/spells so you can have a record and questions to reflect on and reflect on the ritual. A small number of rituals for the sections - well sabbats. Decent book to look over.