Witch Life: A Practical Guide to Making Every Day Magical

by Emma Kathryn

No Matter What Magical Path You Walk, This Book Will Inspire and Renew Your Practice

In today's world, it can be hard to find time for magic--but this practical guide helps keep you inspired and connected to your spirituality. Designed so that you can easily choose a spell, meditation, or ritual to suit your needs, Witch Life is the perfect tool for making your practice thrive, even in the busiest times.

Emma Kathryn presents spells and workings for nearly every purpose, from protection rituals and kitchen witchery to candle magic and spirit work. She encourages you to explore healing and hexing magic, moon and plant magic, and magical crafts. You'll also enjoy exciting ways to celebrate the sabbats, harness the elements, and more. From worshipping deities to creating charms, this book offers something for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

Published January 8, 2022

Reviews

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

“…this book of for everyone no matter what crooked path you walk.” -From Witch Life

2.5 stars

This book is hard to rate, as it is very different than what it stated it would be, “A practical guide for making everyday magical”. It’s more like an intro into some magic for beginners, including a long detailed section on how to make an alter and meditate. There is then a big section on holidays, with different spells, rituals, and basic recipes (with little to no added intention). It’s only at about 40% in when you get to items that could be more used in daily practice; but even these seem more special occasions as you constantly need to find yourself in the woods, a meadow, or a garden. Certainly not every day working for city witches. In one place, a moon ritual blatantly stated that there will be “no debate on ethics here for each witch is able to decide what is right”; this seemed like a huge cop out. Not the book for me, maybe a beginner looking for some info would enjoy.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Juli Rahel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read quite a few books on modern day witchcraft out of my curiosity for it as a practice. I've learned to stay far away from explicitly Wiccan books, as that just does not work for me at all. Emma Kathryn's 'Witch Life', however, did work for me. I really enjoyed Kathryn's approach to magic and how to include it into your life in our modern word. Her initial sections in the book on how to set up an altar, for example, or the significance of various elements were very interesting and written specifically with people in mind who maybe do not want an altar out in the open or simply do not have the space. I appreciated that! I also liked how Kathryn moved through the year and gave suggestions for spells or chants or even just recipes to celebrate Mabon etc. For those who already engage in the craft themselves, this perhaps is a little introductory, rather than directly practical, but for those looking to begin, or just to include a little magic into their life here and there, this is an excellent book!

[Shari Suarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an introduction to the craft. It covers holidays and observances, basic spells, altars and meditations. It isn't an in-depth look into the craft but it is great for those new to the craft or those with basic questions.

[Bon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks for a copy to review, Netgalley. Unfortunately, this book's misleading title lured me in, but like others have said, I think it missed the mark. I give it the low end of three stars. I didn't really find anything new or interesting in this book, apart from a few useful talismans and wardings late in the book. A lot of it was not for me and my witchcraft, I guess.

There were sabbat-specific rituals that were helpful for planning your witch calender year, although I found the meditation walk-throughs kind of cheesy. Indeed, several spells included extensive, involved meditation sessions that I personally would never attempt, it simply doesn't work for me.

To be honest, from the title I expected some more really everyday quick things? Not in-depth sabbat rituals and tarot spreads I could google. And a lot of it just didn't make sense for practical use - for example, there's a medicinal remedy part near the end, whose inclusions are suggested if you want to avoid the cost of some over the counter meds. But the herbs required, at least for me where I live, are exorbitant to purchase, so those suggestions were counterproductive. Just a lot of not useful content in this for me.

There were several spells that I just did not see as workings for everyday life. Shell casting divination might be tricky away from the sea. Willow sticks gathered under a full moon are not the easiest thing to find. Purchasing a cow tongue for a spell to silence gossips? No way. And graveyard dirt required for many spells is probably likely to get you in trouble in the gathering, even if it's only from inside the gates as Kathryn recommends. I simply don't see many of these working for urban witches like myself living in highly populated areas with busy schedules.

The amulets and talismans chapter was most useful, because these are things you can do once and maintain their power for a while, always my preferred method of witchcraft as compared to regular rituals and things this book describes. The section on witch bells and bottles was particularly useful. There was also a tip for protective sigils on your windows - now THAT was the kind of quick, basic stuff I was looking for in reading this, so the helpful parts upped my rating a bit.

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.

I enjoyed this introduction to the craft. Its well organized and complete with suggestions on creating a alter, celebrating holidays, knowledge of the moon cycles, use of herbs and spells that anyone can easily follow. I learned a lot from this book and will refer back to it often. The inclusion of the elemental magic is brillant. I would highly recommend this for any beginning witch. This would be a excellent gift for those new to the craft. Well done to the author

[CraftyKE · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted this book to help me reconnect with my spirituality at a time when things seemed bleak. Something I struggle with is making my spirituality routine and immersing it in my life. From the blurb and title, I thought this was going to be a quick and practical every day guide. However, it contained long Sabbat portions, which is great for looking at the Wheel of the Year, but missing the mark of the "everyday witch." There are so many great books on Sabbats. This book missed an opportunity to be my go-to everyday reference.

[Destiny Bridwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. It is no surprise that life does get busy and that there is not often a time for magick. I get that all too well. There are parts of this book that I found very useful. I am not into tarot but there is a section for that as well. I enjoy the parts of the sabbats, crafts, meditation, and trance work, that there was a glossary in case there was something I did not remember, and basic for me as a refresher. I will definitely go back to this book from time to time to use it again.

[Mags (mbooksbycandlelight) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an okay book. I feel like, while it had all the basic information, it wasn’t really enough, like there was no depth to the themes explored. Also, the title and synopses boast that this book is going to help you with your everyday practice, but none of it is actually practical for everyday busy people. Basically, it’s not really a useful book. There’s better out there.

I received an eArc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle Wasiuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I just started my witch journey and this book has been so handy when it comes to learning the basics. It has a ton of helpful tips and information that is not only, from what I’ve been able to second check, accurate but easily digestible. It basically breaks everything down and explains things to where someone starting out can understand.

All in all, lovely little book to have and learn from for beginners. I know this will be a staple in my practice.

[LittleRead]

This is a great book for those just starting out, and I wish the title reflected that better. Maybe “Starting Your Witch Life” or “Witch Life for New Practitioners”. That said, it is great for those just starting out, but not so much for the experienced practitioner. That said, depending on where you are in your own journey, you may find this to be a great read.

[Annalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really a witch's guide to life. It will teach you spells and rituals and also how to make charms. You will learn how to make time in this hectic world for meditation as well as practical tips on how to make your business thrive. I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be very helpful. I added this to my library. I would recommend this book.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delightful book for the beginner. Very basic information and not very information that would be new to someone looking to expand or that has been in the practice for many years. I would recommend it for those exploring and starting out.
Thank you NetGalley for the read.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of those book that are perfect if you are at the beginning of the Path but can also helps you to rediscover parts that needed to be refreshed.
Well written, informative.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book immediately went on my 'have to own this book'' list. A great reference book for anyone who wants to practice witch craft. Beautifully written and great basic information.

[Vanellope · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some useful stuff, some not so much, but nothing really "everyday" about it.