The Witch at the Forest's Edge: Thirteen Keys to Modern Traditional Witchcraft

by Christine Grace, Cory Thomas Hutcheson (Foreword)

An in-depth course of study in the modern practice of traditional witchcraft.I stand in the meadow, at the forest’s edge. One step forward and I will straddle the boundary between fading light in the swaying grass and rich darkness in the woods. One more step and I will be immersed in the nighttime world of southern, hardwood forest. My home lay behind me, the wild magic ahead. I am the witch at the forest’s edge. This book is an invitation to animists, ancestor worshipers, magic seekers, and the wild at heart. It systematically explores the foundational aspects of modern traditional witchcraft. The book is structured into 13 core chapters or classes that cover all essential skill sets for any modern, traditional witch in a practical, caring way. Each chapter offers suggested activities and/or reflections for journaling and a reading list for further exploration. Advanced skills such a hedge riding and ritual possession are taught in a structured, explicit way that makes them accessible to a wider audience. Written from an animistic perspective and without pushing any specific deities, the book offers a thorough practical and theoretical framework for considering each witch’s personal theology and practice. Without pushing one cultural context, The Witch at the Forest’s Edge offers the means to reflect on the multiple cultures that inform the practices of modern witches, encouraging the reader to think deeply and undergird modern practices with ancestral knowledge.

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

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2021

About the author

C H R I S T I N E G R A C E grew up in St. Andrew, Jamaica where her mother was the founder of the first netball team, a popular race car driver, and a storyteller. Her father played cricket for the nation. After spending three years in Paris writing, and more years in her profession traveling the globe, she is the author of "Rising from the Mire: a short story collection" and "Sydney’s Skeletons," a novel.

Reviews

[Johnny Frazier · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has been studying witchcraft and the occult for over a decade most of the information in here was known and/or a no brainer. That being said, over all it was an enjoyable read with a lot of good information and a good reminder of things I have learned and kind of put it in the back of the closet. It is a must have for any starting eclectic witch and a happy addition to my bookshelf.

[Alexia ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as part of a Book Club I'm organizing, it was our vote for Sept/Oct. It's a very interesting book that shows the tradition of the author and how it works. There are several points that I didn't identify with, mainly the deep animism, in which even a branch of rosemary is a "sentient being", so to speak, but I understand its validity and the reason why their work is like that. I really liked the quote "It is more important to honor the cycles of nature in a way that is authentic to your location and sense of spiritual ancestry than to do what is done by others." and the chapter on festivals and ways to celebrate, because I really like the way the author spoke about the fluidity of celebrations and nature, which must always be adapted to the place where we live. I think it could have had more warnings about specific practices that the author "recommends" or talks about like the consumption of herbs and other hallucinogenic products and the part about doing hedge riding in the middle of the woods alone but oh well... Let's believe in people's common sense 😂 And I liked it also to have a lot of resources at the end, separated by the themes of the chapters, I thought that was really really good because it's very rare. Overall it's a really nice book about a tradition of Traditional Witchcraft and I enjoyed it! :)

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been listening to Betwixt and Between podcast for about 5 years now, and this book was one of my most anticipated of the year. It did not disappoint. Written in Christine Grace’s gentle style, The Witch at the Forest’s Edge offers an accessible framework for developing your own witchcraft practice. No worldview/deity/theology specific material is presented; the book includes reflection questions and practice exercises for the reader to come to their own conclusions. (Plus, the further reading section is particularly indulgent :) ) Highly recommend.

[Tiffany H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: The Witch at the Forest's Edge: Thirteen Keys to Modern Traditional Witchcraft

Author: Christine Grace

Rating: 3/5

While I dislike having to say something negative in a review, I like all of my book reviews to be as honest as I can make them. The same goes for this book. I purchased TWFE (The Witch at the Forest's Edge) with my own money and by my own decision. That being said, I will not hold back my punches on this book; reading it was like going to the dentist. For every part that I enjoyed, there was a part that I equally disliked. Thus, I had to rate this book thoroughly in the middle.

Christine Grace has graduate degrees in theology and mental health counseling from Vanderbilt University. While that lends her book credibility, it also hinders it. Her writing style is so difficult to understand that I had to reread each paragraph multiple times to understand what she was trying to convey. The book reads like a college doctorate thesis, far removed from the average witch reader.

"Witches interested in historical, religious, and anthropological research might enjoy looking more deeply into the complexity, diversity, and details of the often interwoven conceptualizations of the dead, the fae, familiars, nature spirits, angels, and demons in various cultures - especially with regard to those cultures in which you have individual spiritual ancestry." -Page 17, Chapter 2


And that is seriously just one sentence. I consistently found myself pondering, is this really the only way she could have written this sentence? is she trying to sound more intelligent? was she trying to hit a word count? I had a notepad next to me to write notes in because, by the time I reached the end of a chapter, I had forgotten what it was about. Grammer is the foundation of writing, but I truly feel the author went overboard on TWFE.

To read the full blog post, visit www.foxdencurio.com

[Kathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a beginners guide to a specific branch of the study of witchcraft. While it was interesting, and offered some thought proving questions, it isn't what I am looking for with my practice.

[Rebecca Elson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review originally appeared on The Magical Buffet website on 07/14/2022.

It is fair to say that there is no one way to “witch.” If there was, there wouldn’t be the overflowing cornucopia of witchcraft books available. Although yes, there witchcraft schools, or traditions, that are more “set” than others, overall witchcraft is a build your system. And if you’re looking for a great way to explore the options, “The Witch at the Forest’s Edge: Thirteen Keys to Modern Witchcraft” by Christine Grace is an excellent choice.

Grace has crafted a magical book that explores what in her opinion are 13 key aspects to explore for those interested in witchcraft: worldview and spirituality, communing with spirits, spiritual ancestry, intuition, cultivating spirit senses, creating ritual, hedgeriding (a means release part of your consciousness from this world and travel, spiritually into the Otherworld to engage with spirits, gather new knowledge, hone magical skills, and create change), divination, theology, a green and local craft, the practical use of magical theory, spellcraft, and magical ethics. Taken as a whole, it creates a rich cosmology for her Forest’s Edge Tradition of Witchcraft. However, what I truly love about the book is Grace’s attitude of taking what you want from “The Witch at Forest’s Edge” and not sweating the stuff that doesn’t resonate with you.

I guarantee that if you are interested in witchcraft AT ALL, you will find “The Witch at Forest’s Edge” by Christine Grace a compelling read. It is a wonderful resource for those just dipping their toe into the wider world of witchcraft or for those seasoned witches that want to see how other witches practice their craft.

[Pseudonym Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

As another reviewer said, a lot of the information discussed in here is well-known to those with even a passing interest in the occult. But I think this is a great book for beginners. Many of the reflection questions in here are great for nailing down your own beliefs and code of ethics. There's a great list of resources in the back which is something I look for in every "witchy" type book I read. There's emphasis on working ethically with nature which I like. All in all, I would recommend this book to those wanting to practice.

[Verónica Fleitas Solich · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's just okay.
Too vague but still, an enjoyable read.

[Jessica Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of the Betwixt and Between podcast and was so excited to check out this book. Christine Grace is a wonderful teacher/writer. She explains concepts thoroughly, but succinctly and with clarity. I learned a lot, and really appreciated the thoughtful prompts and exercises at the end of each chapter. As a librarian I especially appreciated the extensive resource list at the end.

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an introductory text to a traditional style of witchcraft, akin to hedgecraft, though not necessarily entirely hedge based. It’s not a Wiccan based craft book, but more an adaptation of folkloric witchcraft.
The book is divided into thirteen chapters, each covering an area of interest to the traditional witch. These feature questions to ponder, journaling prompts, and include a bibliography, which has a number of books listed for further reading on each topic.
While the book is not in depth, it is a good place to begin. There are a number of unorthodox suggestions (rather than the usual Wiccan derived ones), which make this a good addition to a craft library.
As a beginner book, this is an excellent choice: It’s not comprehensive, nor is it a bible telling you exactly how to do things, but more of a foundation, guiding the reader on a path to personalize their practice. There is plenty of space for reflection, guides to adjusting to your own ancestral connections and bioregions, and if you pair your reading with the suggestions from the bibliography, you will find yourself well grounded in the philosophies that make up the tradition and in a good position to personalize the craft for yourself.
These same features, make this also a good book for someone trying to personalize their practice, or setting out to begin personalizing one. While much of it will feature things you already know, there are enough suggestions and reflections to help you plan your own path too, and the further study suggestions are definitely a highlight for those in this position.

A lil in all, this is a good, solid base on which to begin your witch crafting practice, or to further personalize your path, and it’s a book I highly recommend for those who follow a folkloric or traditional path.

[Jessica Nightshade · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Witch at the Forest’s Edge by Christine Grace is a thoughtful and detailed exploration of modern traditional witchcraft that offers a solid framework for anyone looking to deepen their practice. The book is organized into thirteen core chapters, each representing a "key" to foundational skills, making it feel like a well-structured course of study. Grace’s approach is rooted in animism and ancestor veneration, but she presents the material in a way that leaves space for readers to build their own unique practice. Her focus on critical thinking and reflecting on the origins of practices, rather than simply following set rules, sets this book apart from more prescriptive guides.

One of the strengths of The Witch at the Forest’s Edge is the way it blends theory and hands-on practice. Each chapter includes suggested activities, journaling prompts, and recommended reading, encouraging readers to engage deeply with the material. Grace tackles advanced topics like hedge riding and ritual possession with care and clarity, making these complex subjects accessible even to those who may be new to such ideas. My only critique is that the book can occasionally feel a bit dense, and at times the pacing slows with heavy philosophical discussions. Still, for anyone looking for a comprehensive guide that honors both tradition and personal exploration, this is a rich and rewarding read. Four stars for a beautifully crafted and insightful journey into the heart of witchcraft.

[Sachairi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, and can't *wait* reread it and do the exercises! I enjoyed the reflection parts at the end of each section, particularly the end section where it discusses morality/ ethics. These are things I've thought of, but it really breaks down the ethical structure and asks questions that I don't think I was really thinking of.

I'm generally a pretty gentle person, but I need to rethink certain aspects of my moral code as far as spellcasting goes. For example, to really work out how I feel about baneful magic specifically when it's cast at someone who is actively hurting others, especially children. I don't generally practice this way, but when I first started all I heard that it'll come back to you three fold. It didn't make sense to me, as I was just trying to craft something that would protect vulnerable people- I kind of see it as righting a wrong, you know? Going the traditional route for witchcraft suits me a lot better than Wicca, I've found.

This book was refreshing in that it wasn't judgmental, the writer has a very kind, easy going approach that I enjoyed.

*edited as I found a small error

[Victoria DeVita · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book has spent about a year on my TBR and i am so happy to have finally made my way through it! The Witch at the Forest’s Edge by Christine Grace (@awitchbetwixt) was a delightful and refreshing read. Review below:
•
With accessible language, a cheerful guiding voice, and information backed by years of personal experience and research, this book is one I would recommend for witches of all levels.
•
Though this book focused on a lot of “beginner” topics such as the wheel of the year, types of spell work, creating a code of ethics, etc., there were definitely bits of knowledge in here that an intermediate or veteran witch could find new! For example, the chapter on “Green and Local” witchcraft shared interesting perspectives on how to connect with the spirits of the land around you as well as any ancestral lands that you may connect with!
•
Speaking of ancestral ties, this book’s section of ancestors and ancestor work was a really great read and I bookmarked a lot throughout this section to return to later!
•
Overall, I highly recommend checking out this book if you’re looking for a comprehensive yet easy-to-read witchy book!

[Carolina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Livro que li para o Book Club do Refúgio da Bruxaria, e que foi uma das minhas leituras de férias.

Fiquei um pouco desapontada porque a escolha desta vez caiu - de novo - no tema da bruxaria tradicional, nomeadamente o hedge crossing que já havíamos abordado antes. Assim, como foram dois livros seguidos de práticas muito semelhantes, não foi um livro especialmente esclarecedor.

Mais uma vez não está apontado o perigo prático de passar para outras realidades sem supervisão, sobretudo para pessoas muito jovens e inexperientes, e isso deixa-me sempre de pé atrás. A visão do mundo como uma árvore de raízes, tronco e ramos mantem-se, mas desta vez deu-me um pouco de abertura para a pensar como um fuso horizontal, que para mim faz mais sentido.

Temos alguns bons exercícios, gostei sobretudo daqueles ligados à intuição (que foi os que realmente fiz)

De resto, não diria que este livro apareça como uma grande novidade no mundo brúxico actual, no entanto foi uma boa revisão de métodos - embora, pessoalmente e na minha prática, não penso que os vá utilizar.

[ghost reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow. WOW! one of the best spirituality books i’ve read in a hot minute, and i have already ordered a physical copy to go over a second time with a highlighter. this resonated with me so much more than any book on european-centered traditions, more modern branches of new age spirit work, or specific ritualized traditions like wicca (and it’s branches). i think this was particularly impactful as i am exploring a more academic pursuit of my own traditions—which i have learned are actually a branch of Appalachian and southern folk practices (turns out i’m not doing things “wrong”, i just wasn’t looking in the right place for more information)—and this nicely sits at the intersection of familiarity with “modern witchcraft” and a more traditional folk-based religious view, which aligns with my own current position of research vs. practice. overall, a fantastic resource for anyone who does not feel connected with european-centered ancestral practice or modern wicca traditions!!

[Kevin Worcester · Rating 4 out of 5]

really liked this one. the witch at the forest’s edge is a thoughtful and well-rounded guide for anyone wanting to explore traditional witchcraft from an animistic perspective. christine grace does a great job breaking down complex topics like hedge riding and ritual possession, making them accessible without dumbing them down. loved how she focuses on building a strong foundation while encouraging readers to find their own path. some of the chapters felt a bit dense, but overall, it’s a solid read for anyone serious about deepening their practice.

[Jennifer Parde · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great step by step guide in how to craft your own unique practice, grounded in your personal ancestry and local habitat. Lots of great suggestions for crafting rituals, engaging in trance work and trying different types of spell craft. Helpful reflective questions and encouragement to expand your practice and to go deeper. Beginner friendly and also great to brush up/make new suggestions for the more seasoned witch, particularly if you’re feeling in a rut or needing new inspiration.

[Megan Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers an excellent framework for advancing personal practice and theology without restricting the readers to one particular tradition.

An excellent and comprehensive overview of several components of modern-day witchcraft practice, with reflection prompts, and suggestions for practical application of each subject matter.

This a beginner-friendly book and one that seasoned practitioners could also find helpful!

[Lauren the Book Slayer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, not a terrible book.

I liked the author’s writing style and I thought she introduced some interesting and important concepts.

However, she barely presented the concepts.

I wish this book had talked about less things and went into more detail. I feel like this is an intro book that is geared more towards noobies. It’s a bit shallow and requires you to do much more research. I was hoping for a bit more meat.

[Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview and study of traditional witchcraft. While a general study, the book offers valuable insights and covers a great deal of ground. In additional there are prompts and exercises that follow each chapter, intend to work though this with a friend this year.

[Dodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from the library and took my time reading it. There are thirteen themed keys in the book. They are the basics but great for the beginner or even as a review. At the end of each chapter there are questions to reflect on.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book so phenomenal and helpful. As an aspiring witch, I especially appreciated the "Reflection" and "Practice" questions/exercises at the end of each chapter; they inspired and challenged me to think deeply about everything I read and incorporate it into my practice.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing particularly new. It's a beginner book that gives an overview of basic topics. That said, I'm giving it 4 stars for what it is. I could recommend it to someone new, potentially. Does wel as an audiobook.

[Nightshade · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent beginners book. Well written and well thought out with interesting questions to guide one on their path along with practical exercises.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has reinvigorated my practice. No matter if you are new or seasoned, this book assists a reader to find a more personalized path. Looking forward to delving further into the questions at the end of each chapter. I am so thankful this book is in the world!

[Iiris]

fun nd inch resting

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

the instructions for trance work were especially helpful.

[Juli Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciated Grace's rigorous thought and philosophically-minded perspective, though I thought the book was a bit repetitive at times.

[Florence🏳️‍🌈 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m the first to say I don’t know much about anything but this seemed neatly compact, precise, and broadly covering.

[Dora Amalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the tone of it didn't quite resonate with me, there's a lot of valuable knowledge and perspective in this book.