Personal Magic: A Modern-Day Book of Shadows for Positive Witches

by Marion Weinstein

A classic of practical magic that presents witchcraft as a life-affirming spiritual path—from one of the grand dames of witchcraft. Marion Weinstein was one of the founders of modern-day witchcraft. Personal Magic is her book of shadows, what they used to call a grimoire or book of spells. It presents her personal approach to witchcraft, what she learned over her many decades of practicing “In the old days,” she writes, “a ‘Book of Shadows’ was kept for joyful reasons—to pass on the work to others. Every witch who could write had one.” During times of repression, these works were a way of preserving the religion. “Today, we are back to the original purpose of sharing the craft with others.” This book is Marion’s gift to you. It is also an invitation to start creating your own book of shadows. Personal Magic is filled with how-tos and practical advice that shows readers how to unlock their psychic abilities to guide them in the creation of their own unique and personal magical work. Every technique is explained in detail, in keeping with Weinstein's proviso that one should never attempt to work any magic unless one understands it fully.Previously published as Earth Magic.

Genres: Witchcraft, Paganism, Spirituality, Magic, Metaphysics, Nonfiction, Magick

240 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2021

Reviews

[Salem ☥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of preachy. I hate the whole "you have to believe in xyz" nonsense. Someone in the reviews mentioned this being akin to strict Wiccan practices, and I have to agree. Everyone's beliefs should be personal regardless of what religion you follow.

[Annabell Champeaux · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I was wanting nor expecting from this book. The book definitely has an old strict Wiccan style feel to it. It took me forever! Bc I was basically forcing myself to finish it. It just isn’t my style. The best chapters in it are Chapter 13 Aspects of self, Chapter 15 advanced manifestation, and maybe Chapter 18. I also enjoyed all of the books and sites that were mentioned for further reading.

[Kelli Freed · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was full of good information on many different aspects of the craft. I did skim through the end of the book, it wasn't holding my attention as the first half had. The second half seems more like Weinstein's personal take on certain aspects of spirituality and not a focus on a book of shadows, therefore the 3 stars.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining and full of lots of witchy advice. I enjoyed it but I didn't LOVE it. Would recommend to the right person, however I don't see tons of people relating to it.
I did collect a page of notes and things to try though.

[Micah Greenzweig · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and easy read. Interesting insights into the development of a personal spiritual practice, but overall very niche. Some aspects feel too specific, but the author does recognize the need to extrapolate information to best apply (or not apply) to one's own practice.

[Owlstar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me a feeling of nostalgia since I read it under another name years ago. It is one I still reread for insights at times.

[Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but not my favorite. Has a nice correspondence section tho so good reference book

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and fascinated to read. Really good!

[Juli Anna]

A little dated, abstract, and fluffy-bunny for my taste. I ended up skimming a lot of this.

[Cass · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's her way or the highway, but an interesting glimpse into a Wiccan's view of Witchcraft.

[Emma · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting but not for me.