Spinstress Craft: Magick for the Independent Witch

by Leslie J Linder

Rise Up and Reclaim Your Feminine Power This inspiring guide is a rallying cry to find your unbridled voice through magickal practices and modern spirituality. Written for beginners of all identities, Spinstress Craft shows you how to rock your true self and unleash the magick that comes with it. Leslie J. Linder presents the spinster archetype in a brand-new light, transforming her into the spinstress―a strong and confident figure who has evolved beyond the expectations of the patriarchy. This rousing guide gives you an arsenal of meditations, spells, rituals, rites, and blessings. Discover potent magick for boosting self-esteem, beauty, love, and money. Explore techniques that empower your passions, nurture creativity, and inspire activism. With Spinstress Craft , you'll be confident enough to call the shots in your life and share your feminine power with the world.

304 pages, Paperback

Published July 8, 2021

Reviews

[Hel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Spinstress Craft was like a trip down memory lane. From the insistence that the author didn’t really need to address appropriation, the funky spellings (“womxyn” is the term used like a cudgel), to the suggestions that witches should go out shopping for expensive baubles, I felt like I was back in the early 2000s. This will appeal to some, but alas, not to me.

It all felt oh so performative, and strangely gatekeepery. It was as if you didn’t go above and beyond to talk the talk about social justice in your practice, then you aren’t worth much as a witch. However, you’re never shown ways to actually follow up on the ideals set forth.

The only thing about it that was particularly noteworthy was the inclusion of all women. That’s fantastic! Trans and non-binary witches deserve and need a place at the table. This book doesn’t really serve the people it’s supposed to help. It’s all talk and not much action

[Angharad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty solid little book (less than 200 pages) about connecting with the Maiden, Mother, and Crone in yourself and in your life. Definitely aimed at wiccans, but I liked it overall.

[Hana the Suburban Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently read Spinstress Craft by Leslie J. Linder, a book about ‘Magick for the Independent Witch’. This book intrigued me as it spoke of rising up and reclaiming your feminine power, which in the Witchcraft community is often code for the TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminism) version of witchcraft often preodminant in Dianic Wicca. However, the author explicitly states that this is written for all ‘womxyn’ - a term encompassing those born biologically female, transgender women, and nonbinary people. Well, interest piqued, I quickly invited Leslie onto the Witch Talks podcast (look out for episode 10) and began reading.

This book isn’t written for complete beginners to the craft but it wouldn’t be difficult for a newbie to jump into. I’d say it’s kind of like a step above beginner but not quite intermediate. The spells and rituals included are not complex or advanced but useful nonetheless. If you’ve read many witch books before it will likely be very similar in those regards however this book includes a lot of discussion around gender, sexuality, feminism and social concepts which is not as commonly seen in books on the craft. I appreciate the author addressing these topics and having now spoken with her, I know that her intent behind this was not performative but in alignment with her values.

Other reviewers have commented about the term womxyn is used as ‘inclusionary hype’ however I disagree. If reading the word women spelled differently bugs you so much, there is some learning there to be done. Whilst some of the suggestions (for example the use of yoni eggs) may or not be possible for some trans women, it doesn’t make the inclusion idea defunct as there are many women who may or may not be able to, or open to using this. A simple skip over that particular passage is all that is needed.

Overall a quick read and a good refresher on the maiden/mother/crone archetypes in a way that isn’t just about the biological or age stage for womxyn.

It wasn't bad and I think some may like it more than me depending on their level in the craft.

[The Shakti Witch · Rating 2 out of 5]

For all the inclusionary hype I found the gen z tone alienating, so no I wasn’t “Jazzed” about this book. However I did not disagree with the authors sentiment surround feminism and magick although the author included patriarchal ideals of womanhood such as spells to make you “pretty”. There is also a large non magickal aspect to this book. It deals with sexuality and gender specific body parts only available to women of a biological reality which makes the whole inclusion philosophy defunct in my opinion.

Includes all the obligatory new witch essentials - altars, meditation, journaling, tea, oils. Do not pour coconut oil down the bath tub. You will enjoy nothing more than an expensive plumbing bill after it solidifies and clogs your drain. This is another publication that combines new age wellness woo woo with some Wicca, some cultural appropriation and social justice for those who identify as women and feel disenfranchised. It will probably appeal to young women who consider themselves woke and are drawn to witchcraft.

*eArc provided by the publisher and NetGalley

[LittleRead · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I love that the author included all women, whether biologic, transgender, or non-binary, I really didn’t find this book to capture my interest and I took the author up on her recommendation to skip what you already know, making this a short read.

That said, you may find this book to be more intriguing and relevant than I did as she includes exercises as well. However, if you have read quite a few other books on the craft, you have likely covered much of this before as well, whether in practice or through reading.

[Annarella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think to be the right target for this book as I already read about a lot of the concepts earlier in my life.
It would be a good read for a young person who is starting the path.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sectioned off into the maiden/mother/crone aspects - which is good for those who want to focus on these aspects. Gives different information and a ritual/spell/journal prompt/something to do.

[Amber]

I picked this up to support a local bookstore and it is a lot of fun. I consider it more of a reference than a story to follow and overall it is interesting.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spinstress Craft was a bit of a mixed bag for me.

At the start, we are integrated into the author's interpretive feminist-style intended audience. And while I am no stranger to the feminist movement, and am in no way averse, I do feel the target audience was for those a bit more ?militant? about it? I don't know if that is the best description for it, but I have no better way to describe it.

The overall message of the book is sort of a new-ish witch aiming to reclaim their feminine power. There are basic aspects of the Craft, specific rituals, basic tools and accouterments, and overall witchy explanations that are layered on a basis of feminine/feminist directives. I hate to sound like it was pushing some sort of agenda, which it wasn't, more that it was pushing a sort of narrative. I am all for anyone wishing to be, born, or whathaveyou to practice feminine Craft aspects, I have just grown beyond pushing my views onto other people or arguing them versus just living my words and supporting those that need it.

There is definitely a target audience for this book, it just kind of missed the mark for me.

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*