Bohemian Magick: Witchcraft and Secret Spells to Electrify Your Life

by Veronica Varlow

An enchanting and glamorous handbook for aspiring witches and ritualists of all levels, filled with potent, never-before-available spells, potions, charms, and more, and illustrated with 150 photographs.

"Your life is the greatest spell you will ever cast."—Veronica Varlow
In this beguiling guide, Veronica Varlow, the last daughter in a line of Bohemian witches, weaves together witchcraft knowledge and ancient secret spells with an exotic rock-and-roll magick style that has earned her a devoted following worldwide. Drawings, photography, vintage art, and text written in her own hand round out this sumptuous companion filled with spells for everlasting confidence, radiant self-love, healing, manifesting your dreams, and love with a desired partner.
Veronica calls upon the ancient and hidden Czech-Romani magic passed down to from her grandmother Helen's lineage and infuses it with her own signature sorcery to help you awaken and amplify your truest self. Each spell that you cast, each potion that you brew, and each chant you speak into the universe will rouse the most powerful part of your being, the part that inherently knows how incredible and unstoppable you are when you possess the right tools. 
In Part I, The School of Spectaculus, Veronica reveals, step by step, her personally crafted steps to spellcasting with power. She shares her secrets regarding writing and  preparing for spells, calling on ancestors to give your spells oomph, and concluding spells properly. She also provides information on when to cast spells and other basics that you need to know to perform the mind-blowing rituals she introduces in Part II.
In Part II, Initiations, she introduces you to the hidden magick of Bohemia. There are five initiations, each focused on a specific themes including self-esteem, healing, self-love, love.
Each initiation begins with an overview on the subject at hand, incorporating her personal wisdom and experience as a healer and sharing stories and images from the extremely popular Witch Camps she leads in upstate New York.  
The overview is followed by an experiential journey of discovery, a story in which you are the protagonist, whether following a trail of candles through a dark wood to a river filled with tiny message-filled paper boats or venturing into a tarot parlor on a hot, sultry night to meet a Witch who has come back from the Afterlife to help you find true love. 
And, of course, each initiation includes spells with a rock and roll vibe, such


For each badass bewitching enchantment, Veronica explains its importance, the purpose of practice, and the necessary tools and preparation you'll need to cast it correctly. 
With Bohemian Magick , you'll discover your adventurous side and have more fun than you ever dreamed. Get ready to rise up, call your power back to you, realize your purpose, and make your life story truly legendary!

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Magick, Occult, Paganism, Self Help

240 pages, Hardcover

Published November 2, 2021

Reviews

[Final✘Girl✘Magick · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I love how the author was not afraid to touch on using bodily fluids in your spell work. Major prompts for that. I dont read many spell books bc I create my own spells but this book was more of a healing journey for me. There is beautiful, heart warming stories, beautiful and powerful visualizations and lovely, welcoming language. It felt like she was truly talking to you, welcoming you in and showing you so much kindness and compassion.

Reading this book, I actually had an aha moment. I had not realized how much control I had let someone from my past have over me. I was never even in a relationship with this toxic and abusive individual but he still managed to get his claws stuck in my brain and I was letting him have control over me. This was the very beginning to me getting my power back. Awareness is so fucking powerful. I read this book and highlighted so much. I followed her (the authors) visualizations and practices. My favorite was the practice of taking the plates out to the woods with all the false negative BS that lives in your head implanted there from others and smashing the shit out of them.

This book also inspired me to create my own art piece of a woman whimsically flowing and twisting and reaching to the sky in front of a tree that I set in a frame on my altar to represent speaking my name like a Goddess and taking my power back.

This book is so inspiring, encouraging, comforting, welcoming and magickal. I love it so much.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part memoir, part book on starting your craft, and a few spells.
Sometimes a book just grabs you simply by the language and “voice”, and that’s exactly what happened with me with Bohemian Magick. I won’t say much of the info (other than the biographical parts of Ms Varlow) was new, however it was a fun and inspiring read!
Great for a beginner in addition with other materials, someone who needs some refreshing in their craft or is in a bit of a rut, or simply anyone interested in witchcraft who just enjoys reading about other witches’ paths.

[Liz Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for the most part.

Dislikes: she claimed ideas of magic were her own when many of her ideas were common and wanted them to be acknowledged as her ideas when being practiced. Magic is magic. It’s strange to me that someone wants credit for a spiritual practice or idea. Secondly, while her imagery is fantastic, she leaves little to no room for the reader’s own imagination. This is important because a lot of what she writes about necessitates heavy visualizations and she leads them all to exacting standards.

Loves: the creativity. The spells and magic imbued in the book are beautiful and creative and so much fun. She has them well-organized and wonderfully explained so that anyone can set them up, and she keeps them accessible to almost anyone at any time. Her use of pictures was a great way to illustrate her points and add to the power of the book. It really brought certain moments to life.

Overall, I recommend this book. It’s got a lot to give a reader, but you must decide what is worth taking.

[Ghost in the Stacks · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess this is kind of a memoir? Not really sure how to take it.
Had a few “spells” for you to do and instructions on how to do them.
Honestly it was just a bit weird and almost self-helpy…

[Megan Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a stunningly beautiful book from cover to cover!

I will definitely be returning to this one over and over again as I work to claim my power and the divinity within me.

HIGHLY recommended by me for beginner witches. Very brief (yet still useful) correspondence lists, and lots of great info and beginner spells to help round out your intro to magick!

[Mau Coco · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this book is more entertaining and decorative rather than being about true magic. It would make a nice coffee table book but it’s out of touch unless you’re an elite rich woman living in LA.

[Baroness · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute short read.

[Annette - Project Refined Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book is a combination of “herstory” while sharing her family's magical bohemian practice. She includes personal pictures, beautifully illustrated art, collage art, journal style pages and the names of the spells have names from song titles like: “We Can Be Heroes”, “Walk this Way”, “Hello I Love You” and “Dearly Beloved, We are here to day to get through this thing called life”.

The book is delivered so effortlessly. It’s almost as if you are sitting down with her, having tea, sitting on big fluffy pillows with incense burning, music playing her favorite songs in the background while she shares her life story, and then proceeds to sharing some of her spiritual practices with you. She describes the spells as her "secret" spells, because they are. Everything she shares comes from what she learned from her family along with her own spin which she describes as “Spectaculus” It feels intimate, honest and empowering. She encourages you to share so long as you give her credit if using her methods.

Page 127 - Frida!!! The Magic School Bus. This spell is just gorgeous and so powerful. In this spell Veronica calls you to call in the spirit or your Muses. You know that question if you could have a conversation with anyone who would it be? This spell brings in the idea of calling in those spirits or spiritual ancestors of those that have been your muses to join you on your own Magical School bus.

This book is a total win for me, I love how personal it all feels and how comfortable she comes across.

[Sheri Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t let the cover fool you! This is a hardcover, gorgeous, brilliant magical book. I’m ashamed to say that I at first thought the cover was what drew me off from purchasing this book. It won our selection for the month for the witchy book club I’m in… so I purchased it. I wasn’t expecting much, but when I opened it… the magick just spills out and the beauty of it all sings to your soul. We all really loved it, and I’m sure I’ll use this again to do more of the work in it, and definitely suggest it to newbies and advanced witches. Definitely worth the money!

[Juniper Karlsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful and inspiring read. I loved the little stories she wrote from the readers perspective, they made me imagine going through them and they had almost a meditative quality over them. The spells and rituals felt both old and modern at the same time and reading them made me feel inspired to try out new things.

My one critique would be that there were some things that could have used a little more information. For example she writes about cleansing crystals in salted water but she doesn't specify what crystals and some crystals are outright dangerous to put in water or can even dissolve.

Other than that I really enjoyed this book, it's beautiful imagery and poetic writing. It really invites you to explore your own magic.

[Hali Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it's a very pretty book, replete with lovely and sensorily thrilling photos and drawings. My own witchcraft does not generally involve spellwork, so I didn't find this book to be useful, but to those who do use incantations, I'm sure they'd find a safe space for their thoughts to roam within it.

[Toasty Applejack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most connected I’ve felt reading a book about witchcraft. Veronica is a beautiful and vivid storyteller and makes you feel like you’re part of her family. The book itself is a gorgeous work of art that could be passed down in your family. I loved reading about her Grandma Helen, you can really feel the love in this book.

[Teodora · Rating 2 out of 5]

It has a lot of images and a few spells and it’s very instagramable but that’s it. It’s not the best neither the worst I’ve seen. “This book isn’t presenting just Any kind of basic witchcraft, babe. This is Spectaculus-the deep, wild, naked, artistic supernova of Witchcraft”. I’ll probably keep it on my coffee table because it’s pretty but I won’t get back to it.

[Hilary "Fox" · Rating 5 out of 5]

The review for this book will be accessible on The Folklore Podcast soon.

[Gia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book itself is absolutely gorgeous. The content is cute, especially if you are looking for love magic (self and otherwise). I would say it is more of a gifty book than an introduction to magick.

[Dulce Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

the first thing that comes to my mind while trying to express how i feel about this books is PURE MAGICK!.
it’s not a secret that i’ve been a fan of Veronica Varlow for more than a decade, used to read her blog as a bible since this woman has an enchanting way to express herself and captivate her audience.
when i heard about this book i knew that i has to have it, but things happen and it was until this week that my beloved gifted it to me, BEST PRESENT EVER! (thank you love!)
because you see, if you are into witchcraft or just curious about, if you define yourself as a witch or just a person trying to embrace their own power, this book is a perfect reminder of it. full of magick and secrets, just go through the pages will enchant you, because there’s more than words on it, this book is art in the best way, it’s an expression of Veronica’s soul and lineage.
I cried in some parts, specially in Grandma Helen’s Parlour when she welcomes you because you can feel her presence with you, you can feel Veronica’s presence during all the journey that takes you to read this book.
See it. Be it. So be it!

[Julie Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this GORGEOUS magical book! It was a treasured book before meeting Veronica and attending her Witch Camp in New Orleans, and now - it is forever my most treasured book. I heard Veronica talk about Bohemian Magick on Coast to Coast AM just before it was released. Listening to her stories, I knew I had to have it. The story that captured my heart is a childhood memory about her Grandmother, Helen. After coming home from school in tears after being bullied by other kids, Helen took her down to the lagoon to introduce her to the magick on which this book is based. Using the hair from the hairbrush that she lovingly used while Veronica shared her feelings, she and a little bird finding treasure with which to line her nest showed little Veronica how very special and important that she is. I won't retell the story because I can do it no justice. I will say that what I learned from the Magick Veronica and her ancestors have gifted the world, is that YOU are your own magick. If you need to up your frequency, add some juice to your life, rev up your sexy self, and live a more magical and empowered life, this book is for YOU. It doesn't disappoint.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bohemian Maqick is unlike any spell book that I have ever read. Veronica Varlow weaves her deep spell crafting knowledge into personal real life stories and interactive journeys that draw the reader into Varlow's beautiful world. Gritty and glittery, you get it ALL. When it comes to learning the powerful spells in this book, Varlow gives very detail instructions going step by step. Even if this is the first spell book you've ever read (lucky you!), you'll be able to master any spell in it with confidence. If you're a long time spell caster, then you're in for a treat! Varlow shares several never before written about spells that you'll be eager to learn. I highly recommend Bohemian Magick to anyone who's looking to go on a unique magickal journey.
Even if you never cast a spell from this book (how could you not though?!), it's still an incredibly empowering read from start to finish

[Gizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veronica has been a source of inspiration for me for many years now. I‘ve attended some of her tarot classes and have been a huge fan of her work in general, so when I heard about this book release, I knew that I immediately had to get it.

The first thing you will probably notice is how visually stunning this book is. You can see how much thought Veronica has put into every single page and it‘s truly beautiful.

And the content is just as beautiful. I‘ve pretty much devoured the book and couldn’t put it down. It was such an inspiring read and really made me feel deeply connected to my own magick. And you can simply feel the love Veronica has poured into this book.

You will absolutely love this book and it also makes for a great gift for friends as well!

[Zsofi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed Veronica Varlow’s work since … 2009ish and have taken a number of her online classes, as a fan I knew I would love this book. This book is greatfor newcomers and practising witches and Veronica Varlow fans alike. I feel like it’s a grimoire that lives and surprises you with beautiful new magical goodies you didn’t see before, every time you return to it.
There is something that connects me back to my pure essence in this book. If you are a fan of Veronica’s getting this book should be a no brainer.
If you don’t know her world, welcome welcome welcome, this place is so loving may you arrive to the embrace of the gorgeous magical weavings, may you find a home in the pages.
Enjoy!

[Witchella Spells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book a few months before discovering I had a new paternal biological family. During one of my initial chats with my biological father, I mentioned I noticed Bohemia/Moravia/Czech on recent immigration records. He shared with me that my grandmother often practiced witchcraft, including carving and making voo-doo dolls. This magick is in my blood, and now that I have discovered it, everything is more meaningful. Previously bashed, shunned, and criticized for being big, wild, beautiful, and passionate, like Varlow, I have decided to cast off people and things too small for my inner Electric, as Varlow would say. This book has been a lifesaver and the primer for my own grimoire.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a beautiful printed book done in a scrapbook style. There are some wonderful, unusual rituals described that have a modern sensibility but are playful — sometimes bringing tears to my eyes.

I also listened to the audiobook which is read by the author and worth a listen if you enjoy the book. She teaches much of what is in the book so it Carie’s her passion and and clear intention in the recording.

Some might say it skews a bit young and towards a more urban practitioner but that is also it’s strength. I would have worn the pages of this book out if I’d had it in my early 20s for sure.

[Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veronica's passion, love, wisdom, energy, and knowledge are so enchanting and invigorating. You'll find yourself wanting more of both Veronica and Grandma Helen's magick. Such a lovely book. It is beautiful to look at and you'll want to leave out for constant inspiration. I ordered a personalized signed copy from WORD bookstore of NY and her words touched my soul. I've also listened to this book multiple times on Audible. Her sultry voice are smooth as buttery honey. I just can't say enough. This enchanting book is pure inspiring magick and you'll find yourself wanting more and more.

[Jina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Definitely not an introductory to magick, but a look at what I was describe as "raw magick."
The aesthetic is very "scrapbook," there are lots of pictures and some spells mixed in with stories - both personal and meditative.
As an eclectic witch, I was inspired by a number of the spells- some truly beautiful workings about stepping into your power and owning your "Wild." I also really love how she ends her spells. "So mote it be" has always felt too Wiccan to me.

[Regan Ingle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful in all ways. I have listened to her reading it twice on audible before I received my copy in the mail. Veronica is such an amazing human. I was touched and inspired by her words she wrote to me ass she enchanted my book before mailing it to me from Word bookstore in New York. It was such a gift. I love the stories that she shares and the exciting ideas to weave magick into our daily lives. Truly spectaculas.

[Kathryn Lee Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to review this book after the emotional and spiritual ending which I won't give away. Along with a great many spells and "kitchen wisdom," Veronica Varlow gives something special in this book: a bit of herself. She is with you with every page, guiding you on a journey you will not be the same from. I cannot recommend this book more highly.

[Jessica Lake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you are a beginner or seasoned witch, this book will not disappoint. Veronica Varlow is magic herself. I very much enjoyed the rewilding that this book inspired. And her stories about her grandmother hit so close to home because I also had a magical Grammy. I won’t spoil it for you but this book is more than worth it.

[Shawna Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aside from being Beautifully put together in an aesthetic sense, this Book has a whole lot of heart in it. It’s filled with family secrets, stories, and step by step rituals. Veronica writes in a way that is down to earth and easy to understand while projecting a certain inspirational energy that makes you believe in Magick. Definitely worth checking out!

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best and definitely the most unique witchcraft book I have ever read. Every time I picked it up it gave me this warm, homey feeling and the magic in it is so practical but whimsical at the same time! I absolutely adored it!

[Jill Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. The way it looks, how magical it is to read, the pictures and stories - everything was perfectly done and just wonderful. I want to buy this for my closest friends so they can feel the magic of each page as well. Definitely recommend.