Księga zaklęć i czarów

by Devin Hunter, Ischim Odorowicz-Śliwa (Translator)

Ta niezwykła księga, pełna pięknych zdjęć i twórczej inspiracji, to mistrzowskie połączenie estetyki z ezoteryką i olśniewający pokaz sztuki magicznej. Zawarte w niej zaklęcia, przepisy, uroki i rytuały zawierają wskazówki w jaki sposób nawiązać współpracę z dynamicznymi energiami magicznym i spełniać najgłębsze potrzeby duchowe, fizyczne i emocjonalne. Autor rzuca nowe światło na pięć kluczowych zagadnień: miłość, uzdrawianie, ochronę, dobrobyt oraz wróżbiarstwo.

Dowiedz się, jak wróżyć i jak przyciągnąć bogactwo i czym jest sakiewka z urokiem na miłość. Jaką moc skrywa buteleczka tysiąca oczu, jak działa zaklęcie „słoik miodu” a jak „stopa czarownicy”? Poznaj podręcznik, który stanie się przepustką do życia pełnego magii.

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

288 pages, Hardcover

Published July 14, 2021

About the author

Devin Hunter is a professional Psychic Medium and modern witch and is the resident House Medium at The Mystic Dream in Walnut Creek, Ca. He holds third-degree initiations in both the Northern Star Tradition of Wicca as well as the Dianic Tradition of Witchcraft (the Cult of Diana) and is the founder of his own tradition, Sacred Fires. His AV Club favorited podcast, the Modern Witch, has helped thousands of people from all over the world discover and develop their magical abilities. He is a blogger for Witches & Pagans magazine and is the creator of Modern Witch Magazine. Devin is currently teaching with the Black Rose School of Witchcraft and is the reigning Master of Ceremonies at the New Orleans Witches’ Ball. His first book, The Witch’s Book of Power releases from Llewellyn World Wide in July of 2016!

Reviews

[Evelyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, I had pretty high hopes for this book but alas, was disappointed.

It's not very well researched and a lot of the information is just basically copied and pasted from other books. It sort of reminded me of those 90s fluffy-bunny witchcraft books in a sense that it talks about crystals and grounding yourself by imagining you have tree-roots growing from your spine into the earth - god, yawn, how original. At least it doesn't mention the threefold law - phew!

OH. Don't even get me started on him recommending to use "apple blossom essential oil" and "lily of the valley essential oil" and "honeysuckle essential oil" and "vanilla essential oil" in prosperity workings- cringe alert! Those are all FRAGRANCE oils, chemically compounded in labs made entirely out of synthetic chemicals. (There is nothing necessarily wrong with synthetics - I say this as somebody who works with chemicals in a perfumery lab as my day job - but they have absolutely nothing to do with actual essential oils that are steam distilled from plants.) But honestly, you can't possibly claim to be a magical practitioner and not know such basic, BASIC facts about what exists in nature and what doesn't.
"Ambergris essential oil" - you have to be kidding me right? There is no such thing! You can macerate ambergris in ethanol and make a tincture that way (if you have several hundred dollars to shell out on a real chunk of perfumery-grade ambergris) but you can't make an essential oil of it.
"Dragon's Blood Essential Oil" - again, no such thing. It is not made, dragon's blood resin cannot be distilled and liquified. If somebody sells you dragon's blood essential oil - it is not an essential oil - it is just a synthetic fragrance oil, pretty smelling chemicals and nothing more.

At one point, the book calls for rubbing cinnamon essential oil and galangal essential oil on your palms - again - you've done no research on this have you? This is physically DANGEROUS. If you are using actual cinnamon essential oil - you will have chemical burns if you rub a drop on your skin. You may as well get a good lawyer now because you can get sued for this.

I don't even have the energy to unpick the rest.

Listen up, people. If you want to work with botanical ingredients, you'd better go out and educate yourselves. Just because something is "natural" it doesn't mean it's "safe" - remember that. Order REAL, unadulterated essential oils from places like edenbotanicals for instance and smell them (not some crappy etsy shop). Real essential oils are not cheap. What you find in being sold as "essential oils" in most conjure, botanicas and occult stores is usually either heavily adulterated or just straight up synthetics. Most people can't tell the difference.
Read more books on aromatherapy and safety of essential oils. To begin with, maybe read Essence and Alchemy by Mandy Aftel - not a perfect book, but a great intro into the history of natural perfume and various essential oils and plant distillations.

Read "Incense: Crafting and Use of Magickal Scents" by Carl Neal to learn more about real incense.


Sadly nothing even remotely groundbreaking or unique about this book. It was just the same as hundreds of other witchcraft books that seem to kind of openly rip each other off, perpetuate misinformation and then the authors invite each other on each other's podcasts and tell each other how gifted and special the other one is.

[Gianmichael Salvato · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never been a fan of "spell books", but this one is surely among the rare exceptions.

As beautifully and magically written as it is artfully stunning, it needs to be an addition to everyone's bookshelf or coffee table!

More than a mere formulary of spells (which it offers in stunningly detailed, practical and insightful presentation,) this book is full of history, remedies, and insight into the culture of modern witchcraft. I highly recommend it!

[Christopher Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I AM BLOWN AWAY.
I have never seen a spell book so well put together even with beautiful photography on every page IN COLOR!!
I'm obsessed. This is definitely a must have for any walks of life or practice.
It's definitely on my top favorite by Devin Hunter !!!
Thank you Devin for this beautiful master piece!

[Raven Wells · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s a trendy witchcraft book. On one hand, the information is beginner friendly. If you have someone in your life mildly curious about what witchcraft looks like, it’s a fair read. It has some information not readily mentioned in every book. However, it also doesn’t go deep into any subject. The information is surface level. It’s already been said for decades with nothing new added to it. If you’re in your first year or two of witchcraft, you might find something to use in your craft. Seasoned witches don’t waste your time or money. If this is your only book on witchcraft, keep searching for something else.

It read like a script for a podcast which made sense considering the author hosts one. The new trendy writing style has been over done for many years now and doesn’t look like it’s going away anytime soon. Nothing unique about the writing.

The formatting is what absolutely killed this book for me. If it was a magazine, fine. It could have a much higher review because it works great for that type of work. However, as a book, it is awful! There are so many pages wasted on overly filtered photos with a sentence from the previous page. It felt like the author was trying to hit a page count by adding so many of these types of pages into the book. There is not a single “normal” page to the book. If there wasn’t a distracting photo in the background, it had an obnoxiously large purple blob with text in it. If you like it for a blog post, fine. But every single page? I wanted a book, not a trendy magazine.

I didn’t purchase this book, it was a gift and had been recommended by a local shop. Personally, I’d pass on this one and pick up an older book that covers the same information with better research and better writing. For the casual reader, you will likely enjoy this trendy witchcraft book.

[Adrienne Crane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually don't write reviews but I honestly felt the need to share my opinion on this. This book is tacky. As others have stated, it is relatively poorly researched. It has it's charm, but once it starts proposing magic to prevent police brutality and hate crimes it starts to overestimate its own impact. Somehow spreads the valuable message that magic needs a user-created path to function through while simultaneously trivializing these issues by claiming they can be solved herbally. It's visually pretty and has some nice information but I honestly found myself cringing at it and would have to recommend another book if you're serious about this stuff.
Also, at risk of sounding like a gatekeeper, this book is written by a white man. Just for the record, however much or little you value that information.

[Thomas Pinneck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devin Hunter’s Modern Witch: Spells, Recipes & Workings is an immersive experience for both the aesthetically inclined and the magically adept. This beautifully crafted book isn’t merely a collection of spells—it is an artistic exploration of modern witchcraft, weaving together Hunter’s two decades of personal practice with his clear passion for creativity and design. Modern Witch successfully balances the spiritual with the practical, offering a feast for the eyes and soul, while grounding the reader in effective, dynamic magic that has been tested and refined through years of real-world experience.

From the very first page, it is clear that this book stands apart from typical spell books. The lush photography and original artwork elevate it into the realm of a magical coffee table book, but do not let the dazzling visuals fool you—Hunter’s work here is as substantive as it is stunning. Each spell, charm, and ritual is laid out with both clarity and intention, making this book accessible to witches of all levels while still offering deep insight for those with more advanced practices.

Hunter’s personal grimoire is generously shared with the reader, opening up a treasure trove of magical workings that go beyond the usual formulaic spells found in many books. From a "Love Magic Charm Bag" to "The Jupiter Budget Working," each spell is imbued with a sense of individuality and innovation. These aren’t rote rituals, but thoughtfully constructed magical acts, designed not just to fulfill basic desires but to empower the practitioner to take control of their destiny. This reflects one of the book’s core messages: that magic is not about waiting for fate to play out, but about taking active steps to shape your own reality.

What makes Modern Witch especially unique is Hunter’s emphasis on the interplay between magic and art. The stunning visual design isn’t just for show—each photograph and artistic rendering complements the magical workings, helping the practitioner understand how to set up altars, work with tools, and create powerful visual focus points for their spells. This combination of aesthetic and esoteric not only makes the book a visual delight but also enhances the magical experience itself, as the reader is guided through the spellwork with an intuitive sense of ritual and beauty.

The diversity of spells and rituals in the book ensures there is something for every modern witch, whether you are looking to improve your finances, attract love, protect your home, or engage in deep healing work. One of the standouts is "The Bottle of 1,000 Eyes," a protection spell that is as visually striking as it is effective. Meanwhile, "A Spell for a Correct Diagnosis" demonstrates Hunter’s ability to address very specific needs with thoughtful magic—a reflection of his understanding that magic must be tailored to the particular circumstances of the practitioner.

The range of magical practices explored in Modern Witch is also notable. While many books focus on one or two types of magic, Hunter spans the elemental spectrum, drawing on planetary magic, sigils, candle spells, charms, and more. His practical advice is matched by a clear respect for tradition, yet he brings each working into the context of modern life. There is no dogma here, only a willingness to experiment and evolve one’s craft in ways that reflect both personal needs and broader, universal energies.

Hunter’s writing style is engaging and conversational, making complex magical techniques feel approachable without losing their depth. His experience as a working witch shines through, as he offers real-world advice alongside the spells. His teachings are empowering, always returning to the theme that witches can and should be active participants in their own magic. The spells and recipes are not simply tools to get something; they are practices for deepening one’s connection to the universe and manifesting intentions with purpose.

The inclusion of spells like "A Self-Love Spell" and "The Prayer of Fortuna" further demonstrates Hunter’s holistic approach to witchcraft. Magic, for Hunter, is about much more than achieving external goals—it is about aligning one’s inner world with the forces of the cosmos, and in doing so, transforming not just circumstances but the self. The spells are designed to nurture the practitioner on multiple levels, from the emotional to the spiritual, ensuring that each working feels as much a part of one’s personal growth as it is a means to an end.

Modern Witch: Spells, Recipes & Workings is not only an essential addition to any witch’s library, but it is also a work of art in itself. Devin Hunter has created something that is as powerful as it is beautiful, offering practical magic for the modern world while reminding us that magic, like art, is a living, breathing expression of the self. Whether you are casting a spell, creating a charm, or simply admiring the photography, this book invites you into a magical space where your desires and dreams take shape through the power of both spirit and creativity.

[Briony Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re seeking a resource that is overflowing with helpful information, provides ample “how-to” guides for the hands-on practitioner, and is packed cover-to-cover with stunningly magical photos, this is your perfect match!

Hunter’s introductory chapters lay the critical framework that make this book accessible for witches of all experience levels - including some simple yet powerful ground rules to help give your workings the highest chance of success. Unlike some other instructional texts, though, Modern Witch seems to intentionally encourage readers to make the practice their own, rather than follow every single direction down to the letter. Where other books might create a sense of dependence on the text for fear of “doing it wrong,” here, practitioners are inspired to follow their intuition and honor their own personal meanings related to spell ingredients, magical tools, and iconography.

The down-to-earth tone, common-sense approach, and thoughtful discussion around potentially activating topics are all elements that place Modern Witch truly in a class of its own. The section on Love Magic is a standout example of just such a discussion; while this subject is often viewed through a singular lens and / or labelled “taboo,” Hunter artfully navigates it in a way that avoids dogma while remaining wonderfully inclusive, providing value for all readers.

[Jessica Nightshade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Modern Witch: Spells, Recipes & Workings by Devin Hunter is an immersive and visually stunning addition to any witch’s bookshelf. This book blends art and magic in a way that makes the rituals and spells feel both accessible and powerful. The photography and artistic renderings really bring each spell to life, allowing you to see the magic as you work with it, which adds a deeper dimension to the practice. The variety of workings—from love spells to healing rituals—offers something for every witch, no matter where they are on their path. Hunter's collection feels authentic and refined, drawn from his own grimoire with nearly two decades of experience behind each spell.

What I really appreciate about Modern Witch is the balance between beauty and practicality. It’s clear that these are spells and recipes that Hunter has personally used and perfected over the years, which gives the book a depth that goes beyond aesthetic appeal. The inclusion of spells like the Jupiter Budget Working and the Golem Fetish really showcase the book’s unique approach to everyday magic. There’s a sense of empowerment throughout—Hunter gives you the tools not just to follow the spells, but to adapt and grow them within your own practice. Whether you’re looking for love, healing, protection, or prosperity, this book offers the magical workings to help you take control and shape your reality.

[Sannie Razhel · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you learn better visually or desire to see examples of other witch's workings, Modern Witch is right up your alley.

Filled with beautiful pictures of various workings, I've emulated many of the listed workings to great success. It covers basics such as crystals, tarot, runes etc. So it's a good starting point in your witchcraft journey.

However, I do have my reservations when it introduces love spells to a beginner and protection workings are listed much further behind, there are also mentions of closed practices. As always, cross reference & research from other sources is encouraged.

Overall, it's a beautiful book that will make for an elegant coffee table book, though I caution using it solely as your introduction to the craft.

[Raze Nickolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone more advanced in the practice a lot of this was review. Although I did find a few little tidbits of information that I could use in my own practice, this is definitely geared more towards beginners.

Having said that, this is a great book for beginners. It breaks things down for you as far as spells and how you can work them with minerals, gems, plants, iconography, numerology, etc. Would definitely recommend for baby witches.

[Amer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a beautiful book.
I love this book. The visuals and photos are amazing! The symbols and sigils are also a great addition. I feel like it has bits of everything. My only complaint is that a lot of the ingredients and essentials oils are not available in my region, but I guess there are always substitutions.

[Kaylus The Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One the most visually appealing books on magick/witchcraft I have read in years. This book is geared towards beginners but still has bits and pieces for experienced workers. The images inside allow information to be organic, creating new insights and information hooks.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid book. I loved the pictures and images used to accompany the information. It is something to go back to time and again.

[Petronela Mieloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bardzo dobre wprowadzenie do podstaw witchfraftu, jeden minus magia ochronna jest po magii miłosnej, i jest mniejszy nacisk na nią kładziony

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's pretty nice for beginners but other than that it's pretty average. I bought it mostly because it has a beautiful cover in my languages print, but I haven't learned that many new things from it

[Mitchell Stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice overview of a diverse array of rituals.

[Secret Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

To moja pierwsza tego typu książka. Chyba oczekiwałam po prostu więcej teorii i wprowadzenia w świat magiczny niż samych zaklęć

[Abe · Rating 2 out of 5]

TW: Appropriation, mentions of diseases

Rating: 4/10 for the first 100 pages then 1/10 for the rest.

Pros: The author covers a ton of correspondences, from spirits, to protection, and anything else in-between. He focuses a lot on vibrations, but insists on cleansing and protection which is very good! The author also uses a lot of more folk-based workings, which would help new witches understand that you don't need a giant fancy ritual and a jar to do a spell! The author also includes options for LGBTQ+ individuals with the workings that would normally require a male and female attribute or focus.

It has three and a half pages of a bibliography, which is fine for a 200 page book.

Cons: Unfortunately that's about all the 'good' this book has. The author uses a lot of items which are very not minor friendly. He also advocates for the use of white sage, sweetgrass, smudging, honey jars, proper voodoo dolls without initiation, working with closed deities, love spells, and...quite frankly the worst part?

The author very specifically mentions something in the protection section that...boils me up. He says that Java Citronella, the plant commonly used for avoiding mosquitos...when used on a person specifically a member of the LGBTQ+ community...it'll protect them from...very particular diseases. The type that has haunted the LGBTQ community as an epidemic. A plant will keep you from getting AIDS.

It's beyond irresponsible to make a claim like that, and insulting to those that have suffered with these diseases, not to mention that the LGBTQ+ community isn't the only humans capable of getting these, to make it seem otherwise is crude, rude, and derogatory if you ask me. I did not finish this book after reading that.

In my personal opinion please avoid this book, save your time, energy, and money. I found a couple of spells I liked, but nothing in this book is worth dealing with someone who thinks this way, regardless of his personal orientation.