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The Wheel: A Witch's Path Back to the Ancient Self
Do you ever find that the earth stills and you suddenly feel acutely alive? Have you ever looked into an animal's eyes and felt the pull of a more primal world? Do you sometimes feel panic rise, or isolation sink upon you, or simply feel out of kilter with the modern world?
'Inside my cauldron is a thick fistful of paper, old diary entries, work "to do" lists, notes I wrote while I was in a bad place and feeling trapped in a life that was keeping my mind small and narrow; thoughts and feelings that are holding me back, keeping me tied to a time I want to let go of. These papers are flashes of lightning across a darkened room and I want them gone. As they curl and burn, twisting in their black spirals like the farewell flourish of a travelling cloak, a sense of calm sweeps through my chest and shoulders. I feel it so strongly, like a blast of ice to my system, shivering out the old thoughts. I'm burning a path for something new to come in.'
One winter, Jennifer Lane reached breaking point in her fast-paced office life. In the year that followed her stress-related illness, she set out to rediscover the solace and purpose that witchcraft had given her as a teenager.
The Wheel is an immersive, engaging read - exploring the life-long draw of witchcraft and our vulnerability to toxic working environments and digital demands. In her year-long journey Jennifer explores ancient festivals and rituals, and visits fellow pagans and wild landscapes, in search of wisdom and peace.
For those who are sick at heart of noise, anger and disconnection, The Wheel is full of wise words, crackling rituals and natural beauty. This is a quest to discover how to live fully connected to the natural world while firmly in the twenty-first century.
'Inside my cauldron is a thick fistful of paper, old diary entries, work "to do" lists, notes I wrote while I was in a bad place and feeling trapped in a life that was keeping my mind small and narrow; thoughts and feelings that are holding me back, keeping me tied to a time I want to let go of. These papers are flashes of lightning across a darkened room and I want them gone. As they curl and burn, twisting in their black spirals like the farewell flourish of a travelling cloak, a sense of calm sweeps through my chest and shoulders. I feel it so strongly, like a blast of ice to my system, shivering out the old thoughts. I'm burning a path for something new to come in.'
One winter, Jennifer Lane reached breaking point in her fast-paced office life. In the year that followed her stress-related illness, she set out to rediscover the solace and purpose that witchcraft had given her as a teenager.
The Wheel is an immersive, engaging read - exploring the life-long draw of witchcraft and our vulnerability to toxic working environments and digital demands. In her year-long journey Jennifer explores ancient festivals and rituals, and visits fellow pagans and wild landscapes, in search of wisdom and peace.
For those who are sick at heart of noise, anger and disconnection, The Wheel is full of wise words, crackling rituals and natural beauty. This is a quest to discover how to live fully connected to the natural world while firmly in the twenty-first century.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
74 people are currently reading
890 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Lane
6 books58 followersJennifer Lane is an author and freelance writer. She has written for Vogue, The Week, Dazed, BBC, Wildlife Trusts, and RSPB to encourage people to get outdoors and explore nature in order to de-stress their lives.
Her book The Wheel, on her year exploring Pagan practices and reconnecting with nature, was published by September Publishing (2021). Since then, she has also written The Witch's Survival Guide (2023), The Black Air (2023) and The Second-Hand Boy (2024). In June 2018, she won a Northern Writers’ Award for her children’s fiction which looks at destigmatising mental health issues for a younger audience. She is represented by Charlotte Atyeo at Charlie Campbell Literary Agents.
Her next book, a work of adult non-fiction, will be published in September 2025.
Her book The Wheel, on her year exploring Pagan practices and reconnecting with nature, was published by September Publishing (2021). Since then, she has also written The Witch's Survival Guide (2023), The Black Air (2023) and The Second-Hand Boy (2024). In June 2018, she won a Northern Writers’ Award for her children’s fiction which looks at destigmatising mental health issues for a younger audience. She is represented by Charlotte Atyeo at Charlie Campbell Literary Agents.
Her next book, a work of adult non-fiction, will be published in September 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 28, 2022
I wrote it so I'm giving it a big old 5* 🥰
October 31, 2021
I really wanted to vibe with this book and I did, I think. As someone that follows a lot of Pagan beliefs without actually identifying as Pagan, this was a book that really spoke to me on a lot of levels. I'm around the same age as the author, I also work in a job that can be stressful and eats into the time I can spend out in nature which is where I really want to be. The book is also set in and around Manchester for a lot of the narrative, which I didn't know when I picked it up but as a Manchester native I was absolutely BUZZING about. It was a really easy, fun read and perfect for this time of year.
There were some little bits and pieces I didn't like - I think the author didn't acknowledge her own privilege very much; most of us don't have the luxury of quitting our jobs to take care of our mental health and while I'm glad that the author did have that option and that it worked for her, I do feel that a bit more acknowledgement of the privilege of that position would have been nice. A few times she was also a little gatekeep-y of natural spaces and non-Pagan/witches using them (I recognise this was probably said half in jest and the author did admit she was probably being unfair but it still rubbed me up the wrong way). Also, this is more of a me problem and not so much a criticism of the book but the journey into Shamanism and the constant visions (I guess? Hallucinations feels disingenuous) of the different formed goddesses and the pelican, plus the talk of casting spells, were just a little too much for my pragmatic brain to really accept.
All in all I did enjoy my experience of reading this book and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending it to anyone that was interested in Paganism or modern witchcraft or even just burnout and how to cope with it, but there were minor flaws among the way that did stand out to me.
I received an ARC of this book through work and I'd like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy!
There were some little bits and pieces I didn't like - I think the author didn't acknowledge her own privilege very much; most of us don't have the luxury of quitting our jobs to take care of our mental health and while I'm glad that the author did have that option and that it worked for her, I do feel that a bit more acknowledgement of the privilege of that position would have been nice. A few times she was also a little gatekeep-y of natural spaces and non-Pagan/witches using them (I recognise this was probably said half in jest and the author did admit she was probably being unfair but it still rubbed me up the wrong way). Also, this is more of a me problem and not so much a criticism of the book but the journey into Shamanism and the constant visions (I guess? Hallucinations feels disingenuous) of the different formed goddesses and the pelican, plus the talk of casting spells, were just a little too much for my pragmatic brain to really accept.
All in all I did enjoy my experience of reading this book and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending it to anyone that was interested in Paganism or modern witchcraft or even just burnout and how to cope with it, but there were minor flaws among the way that did stand out to me.
I received an ARC of this book through work and I'd like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy!
March 12, 2022
A great pick if you want a blend of story/bio, history of witchy things (particularly in the UK) with a side of mental & somatic health and wellness. Plus a beginners guide to the pagan Wheel of the Year 👌🏼! Truly enjoyed!
November 18, 2021
Jennifer Lane had lots of opportunities ahead of her. She was an award-winning writer who had been published in many prestigious periodicals, but with this success came the many pressures of modern life. The relentless deadlines, long days and sometimes unbearable pressure. She thought she was coping, but one winter she reached a breaking point with the stress of everything.
She knew what she had to do though and that was to take charge of her destiny once again. The day was the 21st of December, I know it as the winter solstice but for a witch, this was Yule; the fire season. Her current life needed to go. Into the cauldron went the lists of things to do, notes for projects and other papers and she lit it. As they burnt, the white paper turning to black ash, a weight was lifted from her.
This was only the start though, she was going to rediscover the solace and purpose that witchcraft had given her as a teenager. She would follow the ritual from the Wheel of the Year that divides the regular calendar year into eight and is focused around the solstices and equinoxes. It is a system that seeks to find balance and harmony with the natural world and her body was yearning for it.
Her particular version of witchcraft is rooted in Wicca and she has adapted it to suit her particular needs, using Reiki and crystals at specific moments. Her journey was painful at times, as she moves away from the stresses and anxieties that nearly pushes her over the edge. But in here too, are moments of joy love, laughter and most of all healing as she rediscovers a path that she thought was once lost.
Lane is an engaging and thoughtful writer. She has a way of explaining the key elements of witchcraft that make it feel like a normal process that is as ancient as it is intrinsically linked to the world we inhabit. It doesn’t feel evil or weird occult practice. Her connection to this way of life has been rocky because of the pressures of modern life, but the journey that she takes us on around the wheel of the year shows how this works for her and gives her the tools to cope with the stresses of modern life.
She knew what she had to do though and that was to take charge of her destiny once again. The day was the 21st of December, I know it as the winter solstice but for a witch, this was Yule; the fire season. Her current life needed to go. Into the cauldron went the lists of things to do, notes for projects and other papers and she lit it. As they burnt, the white paper turning to black ash, a weight was lifted from her.
This was only the start though, she was going to rediscover the solace and purpose that witchcraft had given her as a teenager. She would follow the ritual from the Wheel of the Year that divides the regular calendar year into eight and is focused around the solstices and equinoxes. It is a system that seeks to find balance and harmony with the natural world and her body was yearning for it.
Her particular version of witchcraft is rooted in Wicca and she has adapted it to suit her particular needs, using Reiki and crystals at specific moments. Her journey was painful at times, as she moves away from the stresses and anxieties that nearly pushes her over the edge. But in here too, are moments of joy love, laughter and most of all healing as she rediscovers a path that she thought was once lost.
Lane is an engaging and thoughtful writer. She has a way of explaining the key elements of witchcraft that make it feel like a normal process that is as ancient as it is intrinsically linked to the world we inhabit. It doesn’t feel evil or weird occult practice. Her connection to this way of life has been rocky because of the pressures of modern life, but the journey that she takes us on around the wheel of the year shows how this works for her and gives her the tools to cope with the stresses of modern life.
March 6, 2022
3 stars not because the book wasn´t great, but it wasn´t what I expected. It was like reading someone´s diary when I was expecting more of a witchy book that would bring me some new insights, thoughts, make me think, maybe wake a new interest in me...
So by all means, it is amazing that the book exists but it simply wasn´t that interesting and new to me personally.
It is nature writing at its finest, very personal.
So by all means, it is amazing that the book exists but it simply wasn´t that interesting and new to me personally.
It is nature writing at its finest, very personal.
January 18, 2023
I really love this book! I found it so deeply relatable and inspiring. From the places she visits to the feelings she shares, I felt so connected to her journey. I can't wait to see more from Jennifer Lane
October 30, 2021
This is a spellbinding book which brings an up-close looks at what a life lived closer to nature and the divine might look like. Amongst all the 'how to' witchcraft books this is a much more personal book, part memoir, part nature writing and part encouraging guide for anyone looking for a different way to be in this crazy world. Jennifer writes beautifully, tackling some difficult and hard to explain subjects with eloquence and grace. Her love and connection to the natural world comes across clearly and she offers multiple simple ways we could all open ourselves up to a more connected way of being. There is magick woven throughout this book, both of the everyday and ritual variety, and it is a utter joy to read. I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in following a pagan pathway.
November 23, 2024
Not as informative as I'd hoped. This is a memoir of one year in the author's life trying to reconnect with wiccan/neopagan practices that she had drifted away from for a while. It includes a lot of tangents about her personal life and not all that much about what those practices are. I suppose it might be a nice read for a solitary practitioner who doesn't get to chat with other practitioners, like having a pen pal who writes really long letters, but there's not much advice here for a novice.
January 26, 2022
Gorgeous book, very different from the "how to be a witch" books out there!
Wonderfully written in a style that makes you feel excited to hear more about the author's journey and has me itching to go out into nature and become more aware of the natural world around us.
Wonderfully written in a style that makes you feel excited to hear more about the author's journey and has me itching to go out into nature and become more aware of the natural world around us.
February 24, 2022
Jennifer Lane has written a timely book about witchcraft that even a male atheist like me can appreciate. I suppose my main connection with the essence of this descriptive diary (it’s so much more than that btw) is the ‘getting back to nature’ maxim. This is, in fact, one of several themes within the book, which chronicles the author’s transformation experienced through the pagan year cycle (hence the title.) These themes include the role of the female, the insidious effects of modern life leading to burnout, the importance that a community of like-minded individuals brings and a reconnection with ancient ways.
As you follow the author’s journey, you come to understand that she is a person of strong imagination and empathy. Therefore it is not surprising that her shamanic and hedge-witch perceptions come to the fore throughout the book. My scientific/atheistic sensibilities respectfully respond with an attitude of ‘I understand you had moving experiences, but I don’t accept the explanation for them. At the same time, the positive outcomes of a meditation-led approach to accomplishing an inner revolution like Jennifer Lane’s cannot be overlooked. So, I don’t sneer at this outlook or write the author’s experiences off as flights of fancy. Rather, I tap into the ‘right hand brain’ side of my worldview (another concept that’s not accurate but, hey, let’s go with it for now) and appreciate the lessons this book has to offer.
As you follow the author’s journey, you come to understand that she is a person of strong imagination and empathy. Therefore it is not surprising that her shamanic and hedge-witch perceptions come to the fore throughout the book. My scientific/atheistic sensibilities respectfully respond with an attitude of ‘I understand you had moving experiences, but I don’t accept the explanation for them. At the same time, the positive outcomes of a meditation-led approach to accomplishing an inner revolution like Jennifer Lane’s cannot be overlooked. So, I don’t sneer at this outlook or write the author’s experiences off as flights of fancy. Rather, I tap into the ‘right hand brain’ side of my worldview (another concept that’s not accurate but, hey, let’s go with it for now) and appreciate the lessons this book has to offer.
February 13, 2023
wonderful read
Really enjoyed everything about this book. Thank you for being vulnerable and letting us join in your journey. It was truly magikal.
Really enjoyed everything about this book. Thank you for being vulnerable and letting us join in your journey. It was truly magikal.
March 6, 2023
I can not even recall what made me pick up this book.
I’m glad I did.
I really enjoyed it, and although I love Tommy Cooper I am no believer in magic or magik.
Nevertheless it is a rewarding and relaxing read.
It’s worth it for the pelican trip.
Read, chill, enjoy.
I’m glad I did.
I really enjoyed it, and although I love Tommy Cooper I am no believer in magic or magik.
Nevertheless it is a rewarding and relaxing read.
It’s worth it for the pelican trip.
Read, chill, enjoy.
January 4, 2022
The most amazing book I've ever read!
December 26, 2022
Just what I needed at the moment! Blessed be x
February 23, 2022
Amazing book :) really insightful and beautifully written
February 1, 2022
A masterpiece! This book is incredibly well written, with an intricate balance of knowledge, education and storytelling. The perfect read for anybody looking to connect more with nature and the universe
September 13, 2023
The Wheel is such a beautiful, tender and magical book. It is a truly soul-soothing read which takes a reader on a mystical journey of a (self-) discovery through wild landscapes of the British Isles filled with wonderment, gentleness, and magic. It is a nuanced, profoundly moving exploration of our connection with the nature, contemporary toxic working environment which many of us are forced to be a part of, and the healing power of witchcraft and ancient rituals.
The Wheel by Jennifer Lane is a wonderful, magical autumnal read and hugely beneficial for people having experienced toxic work environment and their health damaged as a result of that. Also, it is a great read for those interested in the connection between the natural world and humans, in the ancient rituals, beliefs of our ancestors and their impact on our contemporary life in a modern society. I am truly in love with this gem of a book. I highly recommend it to everyone.
The Wheel by Jennifer Lane is a wonderful, magical autumnal read and hugely beneficial for people having experienced toxic work environment and their health damaged as a result of that. Also, it is a great read for those interested in the connection between the natural world and humans, in the ancient rituals, beliefs of our ancestors and their impact on our contemporary life in a modern society. I am truly in love with this gem of a book. I highly recommend it to everyone.
October 19, 2021
I loved this book so much. I’ve always thought Jenn’s writing is exceptional, so buying this was a no-brainer. I wasn’t, however, expecting to fall so in love with the book!
The descriptions of anxiety really resonated with me, as well as that feeling like I never quite belong anywhere. As someone who is painfully shy and introverted, it felt like a relief to read the story of someone else who has struggled to find their place in the world.
The witchy aspects of the book were gorgeous and evocative and made me want to get more involved in the community of magic and witchcraft, and the recommended reads section has given me a hint of where to go next.
I really recommend the book to anyone with witchy leanings, and anyone who enjoys consistently exquisite writing. It left me literally breathless at moments. Beautiful.
The descriptions of anxiety really resonated with me, as well as that feeling like I never quite belong anywhere. As someone who is painfully shy and introverted, it felt like a relief to read the story of someone else who has struggled to find their place in the world.
The witchy aspects of the book were gorgeous and evocative and made me want to get more involved in the community of magic and witchcraft, and the recommended reads section has given me a hint of where to go next.
I really recommend the book to anyone with witchy leanings, and anyone who enjoys consistently exquisite writing. It left me literally breathless at moments. Beautiful.
October 29, 2023
I read the book over the past year. It's broken up into sections, 1 for each of the 8 Sabbats of The Wheel of the Year. I read each section in line with the current Sabbat. By reading it in that way, I felt like I was on the magical path right along with the author. This would be a great book for anyone trying to find or rediscover their magic. Reading it over the past year, I've found myself making some of the same changes that the author did. I've slowed down and, most importantly, not let anyone make me feel bad about slowing down.
"The Wheel turns and our old selves burn away. We are constantly renewed by the cycle of life and as we move around the circle, our inner magick will be set loose- it is long overdue."
"The Wheel turns and our old selves burn away. We are constantly renewed by the cycle of life and as we move around the circle, our inner magick will be set loose- it is long overdue."
June 28, 2022
A spellbinding book that takes you on a journey through Wicca, mental health, and nature. Jennifer shares her witchy wisdom with the world like she's chatting to a dear friend – intimate and raw. This book is the perfect balance between witchcraft and real life. Curious maidens, you can dip your toe in witchy water with this one. Conversely, seasoned crones will lapse up the hot takes, historical insight, and year-round nature tips.
If you haven't read this book yet, add it to your must-read list!
If you haven't read this book yet, add it to your must-read list!
January 29, 2022
Cozy and like coming home
Although I didn’t learn as much as I had originally hoped to upon picking up this book, I couldn’t put it down. The writer’s autobiographical way of writing brought me straight into their journey and I found a little of myself along with them. It felt like a warm blanket or a hot cup of tea. I know I’ll be reading it again.
Although I didn’t learn as much as I had originally hoped to upon picking up this book, I couldn’t put it down. The writer’s autobiographical way of writing brought me straight into their journey and I found a little of myself along with them. It felt like a warm blanket or a hot cup of tea. I know I’ll be reading it again.
November 3, 2021
I'm in awe of those who can write like this. Personal feelings flow through beautiful words on the page to create scenes in the reader's mind to excite, fascinate and inspire. And it's a page-turner to boot.
January 21, 2022
Amazing I felt like I was on a journey with her through the year. The way she has written it makes you want to be right by her side especially through the shamanic meditations which where breathtaking and have made me want to go on my own journey one day.
I will be telling everyone to read this!
I will be telling everyone to read this!
July 24, 2022
An excellent mix of Magick and a true love of the natural world. Jennifer’s honesty about her struggles with mental health and the path she takes to try to help herself by getting back to nature is inspiring and uplifting. The tone feels like a chat over a cup of tea with an old friend.
February 11, 2022
Amazing, eye opening. Made my heart happy when reading this beautiful book.
October 29, 2022
This is Ana AMAZING read! I loved every page, there is some truly stunning descriptions of nature. I loved hearing Jennifer's story and hope to take one of my own one day. Strongly recommend!
September 14, 2023
What a lovely read! The author has such a way with words, beautifully vivid descriptions. As someone who also really struggles with winter, it was such a poignant read for me.
November 3, 2025
This has been a beautiful, hypnotic and soothing companion for the year! Filled with wonderful descriptions of nature, birds and ritual, complete with visiting goddesses. What more could you want?
July 24, 2022
Absolutely wonderful book. It literally called out to me and I am really pleased I heard it. I've been a practising Pagan for nigh on 35 years now. When I started, finding good books was difficult. This book, is the sort of book we were desperate for back then. The way Jennifer writes, and I have told her this, it's almost as if she is sitting next to me reading it. Mixing in how, why etc. she followed this path, with how to follow the seasons/Sabbats/Esbats and a glimpse of her life at the time, going through the mid 2000's Goth scene.
This is a free flowing book, as are the Wheels of the seasons. Very informative. Very interesting read. This is definitely in my top 3 books (and over the years I have ALOT of books) I can only give this amazing tome the highest regard. Thankyou so much Jennifer, an absolute pleasure to read. Blessed Be ❤️
This is a free flowing book, as are the Wheels of the seasons. Very informative. Very interesting read. This is definitely in my top 3 books (and over the years I have ALOT of books) I can only give this amazing tome the highest regard. Thankyou so much Jennifer, an absolute pleasure to read. Blessed Be ❤️
February 23, 2022
Beautiful and magical.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews