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The Night School: Lessons in Moonlight, Magic, and the Mysteries of Being Human
Delve into the mysteries of the Night -- from divination and astrology to ancient philosophy and self-exploration -- in The Night School , a magical course of study for modern witches, seekers, and mystics, from award-winning author Maia Toll.
Welcome to the Night School, Firefly. Here you'll explore the farthest reaches of the universe, and the deepest parts of yourself. You'll learn to cast off the constraints of the day, and open your eyes, your heart, and your mind to the enchanted mystery of the Night. You'll travel the world in search of inspiring sites, timeless wisdom, and essential magic. And you'll do so under the bewitching guidance of the Night Mistress, your guide in the curriculum of all that lies beneath the starry sky.
For anyone interested in spirituality, folklore, mysticism, witchcraft, healing, and self-exploration, The Night School is a highly creative journey into the magic of the night. Organized as an enchanted course of study, with semesters and subjects for exploration -- ranging from Midnight Foundations (Philosophy 101) to Divining the Night (Divination 101) to Harnessing the Celestial Tides (Energetic Engineering 101) -- this illuminating manual offers short nightly lessons complete with reflections, exercises, homework, and even extra credit to help readers connect with the power of the night and explore the deeper mysteries of being human. In an era when our daytime hours are increasingly uncertain and people are turning inward to reevaluate what really matters, The Night School encourages us to slow down and contemplate our dreams, relationship to the natural world, and the ancient traditions of mystical thinking -- all by the light of the moon.
Welcome to the Night School, Firefly. Here you'll explore the farthest reaches of the universe, and the deepest parts of yourself. You'll learn to cast off the constraints of the day, and open your eyes, your heart, and your mind to the enchanted mystery of the Night. You'll travel the world in search of inspiring sites, timeless wisdom, and essential magic. And you'll do so under the bewitching guidance of the Night Mistress, your guide in the curriculum of all that lies beneath the starry sky.
For anyone interested in spirituality, folklore, mysticism, witchcraft, healing, and self-exploration, The Night School is a highly creative journey into the magic of the night. Organized as an enchanted course of study, with semesters and subjects for exploration -- ranging from Midnight Foundations (Philosophy 101) to Divining the Night (Divination 101) to Harnessing the Celestial Tides (Energetic Engineering 101) -- this illuminating manual offers short nightly lessons complete with reflections, exercises, homework, and even extra credit to help readers connect with the power of the night and explore the deeper mysteries of being human. In an era when our daytime hours are increasingly uncertain and people are turning inward to reevaluate what really matters, The Night School encourages us to slow down and contemplate our dreams, relationship to the natural world, and the ancient traditions of mystical thinking -- all by the light of the moon.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published August 9, 2022
104 people are currently reading
3009 people want to read
About the author
Maia Toll
16 books343 followersMaia Toll is the award winning author of Letting Magic In, The Night School, and the Wild Wisdom Series (including The Illustrated Herbiary). After pursuing an undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and a master’s at New York University, Maia apprenticed with a traditional healer in Ireland where she spent extensive time studying the growing cycles of plants, the alchemy of medicine making, and the psycho-spiritual aspects of healing. Maia maps new pathways for seeing our lives, inspiring those who encounter her work to live with more purpose, more intention, more meaning, and, maybe, even more magic. She is the co-owner of the retail store Herbiary, with locations in Philadelphia, PA and Asheville, NC where she lives with her partner, three ridiculously spoiled dogs, and her gorgeous rescue horse. You can find her online at maiatoll.com and writing on her Unkempt Substack at maiatoll.substack.com.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 10, 2022
All this time you've been waiting for a mystical creature to drop off your letter to witch school and expecting an owl, or maybe a black cat would be the messenger. I'm very surprised to find out that the invitations are delivered via Maia Toll.
The Night School is a series of exercises to be performed at a slow pace. These cover all sorts of topics from Alchemy, Astrology, the elements, divination, and a lot of self-reflection. The exercises are pretty accessible and I like that you could take one day or three days to finish a lesson and you can take all the time you need to move through the book. You will want to gobble it up but the lessons are great for sitting with and reflecting on.
I read the other reviews for this book so far and I disagree with the statement that there was not a lot of insight. I found a great depth of insight and the beauty of a lot of it is that you have to take the time to come to the insight being served up here. Skimming through the book is a lot of fun but you will miss great gems hidden within. Maia strikes a great balance of tapping into the world of feelings and the world of concrete facts in a way that makes the writing appealing to all sorts of people.
I will say that if you are not interested in witchcraft at all, you may not enjoy this book. However, if you are curious about the liminal space between fantastic whimsy and solid truths, you will probably get a lot out of this.
I hear from a lot of people in the witchcraft community that they want to feel more in touch with their craft, this book is fantastic for this purpose. You will come out of this experience ready to bubble up something in the metaphorical cauldron.
My one disappointment is that I hoped to see more astronomy in the lessons. I hope to see more titles from Maia Toll in the near future, maybe I will get lucky and get a constellation-based title from her in the future.
The Night School is a series of exercises to be performed at a slow pace. These cover all sorts of topics from Alchemy, Astrology, the elements, divination, and a lot of self-reflection. The exercises are pretty accessible and I like that you could take one day or three days to finish a lesson and you can take all the time you need to move through the book. You will want to gobble it up but the lessons are great for sitting with and reflecting on.
I read the other reviews for this book so far and I disagree with the statement that there was not a lot of insight. I found a great depth of insight and the beauty of a lot of it is that you have to take the time to come to the insight being served up here. Skimming through the book is a lot of fun but you will miss great gems hidden within. Maia strikes a great balance of tapping into the world of feelings and the world of concrete facts in a way that makes the writing appealing to all sorts of people.
I will say that if you are not interested in witchcraft at all, you may not enjoy this book. However, if you are curious about the liminal space between fantastic whimsy and solid truths, you will probably get a lot out of this.
I hear from a lot of people in the witchcraft community that they want to feel more in touch with their craft, this book is fantastic for this purpose. You will come out of this experience ready to bubble up something in the metaphorical cauldron.
My one disappointment is that I hoped to see more astronomy in the lessons. I hope to see more titles from Maia Toll in the near future, maybe I will get lucky and get a constellation-based title from her in the future.
August 1, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.
This is a true beginner-level witchcraft book. Instead of focusing on herbs or crystals, it focuses on how magic operates with science in our natural world. I loved reading about this in this way. There are historical sections of where it goes along the lines of “This is what was believed in the past and this is how it changed.” I really enjoyed that since it solidified this book as a theoretical text. To quote the author, “Science is simply daytime’s version of Nighttime magic.” and that’s the point of this book.
This book is “a tapas bar of delectable tidbits” (the author’s words referring to something else but I believe it works for the book as a whole). The author gives a succinct and thorough introduction but still wants you to research on your own. A reference list is provided at the end to help on your journey.
The presentation was this book was amazing. The narration was actually something I really enjoyed as it was a “nonfiction book being narrated by a fictional character.” Could this have failed? Absolutely! But it didn’t and I loved that. The interiors are beautiful and the formatting is laid out in a great way. I did read the version available through the NetGalley Shelf app, so I don’t know if a true ebook is going to look the same. if anything, the Shelf version showed what the paperback/hardcover would look like and it’s gorgeous.
There’s a lot of great contemplative work in here that I haven’t found in other beginner witchcraft books. The astrology chapter was one of the best nuanced but easy-to-follow astrology lessons I’ve ever read. I’ve read multiple books on the subject and after a certain point, my eyes would start to glaze over and I lost track. With this book, I actually understood what was being said once it hit a more intermediate level.
I think this book is an amazing theoretical resource that should be one of the first books a new witch reads. It’ll take time to get through every single lesson, but since the author wants you to go at a certain pace and not read in one sitting, that’s what you want. The book requires continuous working on it and at one point, a whole month has to be dedicated to doing the homework.
This is a true beginner-level witchcraft book. Instead of focusing on herbs or crystals, it focuses on how magic operates with science in our natural world. I loved reading about this in this way. There are historical sections of where it goes along the lines of “This is what was believed in the past and this is how it changed.” I really enjoyed that since it solidified this book as a theoretical text. To quote the author, “Science is simply daytime’s version of Nighttime magic.” and that’s the point of this book.
This book is “a tapas bar of delectable tidbits” (the author’s words referring to something else but I believe it works for the book as a whole). The author gives a succinct and thorough introduction but still wants you to research on your own. A reference list is provided at the end to help on your journey.
The presentation was this book was amazing. The narration was actually something I really enjoyed as it was a “nonfiction book being narrated by a fictional character.” Could this have failed? Absolutely! But it didn’t and I loved that. The interiors are beautiful and the formatting is laid out in a great way. I did read the version available through the NetGalley Shelf app, so I don’t know if a true ebook is going to look the same. if anything, the Shelf version showed what the paperback/hardcover would look like and it’s gorgeous.
There’s a lot of great contemplative work in here that I haven’t found in other beginner witchcraft books. The astrology chapter was one of the best nuanced but easy-to-follow astrology lessons I’ve ever read. I’ve read multiple books on the subject and after a certain point, my eyes would start to glaze over and I lost track. With this book, I actually understood what was being said once it hit a more intermediate level.
I think this book is an amazing theoretical resource that should be one of the first books a new witch reads. It’ll take time to get through every single lesson, but since the author wants you to go at a certain pace and not read in one sitting, that’s what you want. The book requires continuous working on it and at one point, a whole month has to be dedicated to doing the homework.
August 1, 2022
This book offers its reader SO MUCH. It would be easy to view The Night School as an introduction to the world of magic and mysticism but because of the breadth and depth of what it offers I'm confident it will serve as a lifelong companion for me as I navigate my ongoing journey from day to night. How Toll packed so much information (astrology, psychology, philosophy, alchemy, etc. etc.) into one book is an accomplishment in and of itself. How she managed to make it readable, approachable, digestible and FUN is . . . . nothing short of magic!
July 29, 2022
The Night School is a guide through western metaphysical, mystical, and magical philosophy and practice done in a soft, cozy, step by step guide. It pulls strongly from the Kybalion, Jungian psychology, and modern witchcraft.
What I Enjoyed
As a former gold-star gifted kid later diagnosed autistic and loves checking off boxes and enjoys dark/magical academia aesthetic…the book’s set up as a school with semesters, courses, and lessons with homework and a final exam was right up my alley. (Yes I’m a nerd when it comes to magick.)
I was grinning ear to ear at the orientation section referring to the compass as the sort of code symbol of fellow students like we were in some secret academic society. I imaged us, walking through cafes and bookstores holding our school notebook and bag of pens, our compasses hanging like watch fobs from our belts, nodding surreptitiously at each other in passing – see you tonight, the moon is dark, bring your candles.
As I said, this was primarily about western metaphysics and mysticism but the author does her best to include references to those outside the western world when able including Chinese elements, Taoism, India’s chakra and yoga systems and philosophies, middle eastern philosophers especially in Alchemy, etc. While the reading list was dense, it does make it clear where these concepts are drawing from for those wanting that connection and further research.
The exercises were mostly great (see my next section on why I say mostly). I was a particular fan of the emphasis on writing in your journal, the focus on processing your own thoughts and why you think or feel the way that you do, the development of rituals around divination, and more.
I also loved that DNA and Genealogy was included in the Psychology section. The ancestor work including work and craft lineage is so important and I was happy to see that included.
As an alchemist I was very excited to get to that section of the 2nd Semester. It wasn’t in-depth (other than the philosophy section, most of the book is about introduction rather than deep dives) but it was still good to see since a lot of 101 books don’t include alchemy. The book recommendations are all ones I own and I also heartily agree with them being recommended.
Regarding divination and astrology, I really loved the exercise of scrying the night sky. Not necessarily by astrology or astronomy but simply by noting what objects you see first, what is rising, what is setting, etc and divining that intuitively for yourself. Brilliant! Something I don’t know why I never really thought of before but I will be doing more of.
Lastly, if this book just gets witches to step outside, embrace the darkness, and look at the sky – it has done wonders. We need to get out of our rooms, our altar spaces, our bookstores and cafes and look up more often.
What I Wasn’t a Fan Of
I want to start this section off by saying that I would not change these issues. These are personal pet peeves or problems of mine that I’m noting here in case you are like me and might like a heads up.
First, I’m not a fan of cutesy names and being continuously called Firefly was a little obnoxious. I know some folks like it though so its just a personal pet peeve and feels patronizing in a bad way.
Second, use of Bananas Foster as the alchemy metaphor was cute but not very helpful for someone like me who is allergic to bananas. I note it here because I wouldn’t have it changed but if you are allergic or have any other dietary restrictions, this part is a little disappointing.
Third, some of the exercises could have had some notes about alternatives for those who are disabled such as the balance exerice using the Mountain Yoga Post. I have joint deformities and chronic pain. Yes, standing up straight at all some days is more than I can handle so this wasn’t an exercise I can do. I know I’m not alone.
There was also a meditation where you mentally regress through the years to age 7. I opted out of this entirely because that would require me to go back to an age and time when my abuse was particularly difficult. This exercise too could have had an alternative option or at least a note with a nod to the community of people who have experienced child abuse.
Lastly, there is an exercise about planting 2 cuttings and speaking kindly to one and not to the other. This wasn’t something I was comfortable with because I believe all things I grow deserve kindness. It would have been better to at least let the reader know they can look up cases where this experiment has been done on plant and water and see the effects rather than do it themselves.
Rating and Recommendation
I give The Night School 4 stars. I took a star off for its lack of alternatives for disabled and other readers who might have difficulty with some of the exercises.
I highly recommend it for those who are having difficulty understanding western metaphysical concepts like the Kybalion, Jungian psychology, and beginning divination and would like a gentle, fun, step by step guide on that path.
What I Enjoyed
As a former gold-star gifted kid later diagnosed autistic and loves checking off boxes and enjoys dark/magical academia aesthetic…the book’s set up as a school with semesters, courses, and lessons with homework and a final exam was right up my alley. (Yes I’m a nerd when it comes to magick.)
I was grinning ear to ear at the orientation section referring to the compass as the sort of code symbol of fellow students like we were in some secret academic society. I imaged us, walking through cafes and bookstores holding our school notebook and bag of pens, our compasses hanging like watch fobs from our belts, nodding surreptitiously at each other in passing – see you tonight, the moon is dark, bring your candles.
As I said, this was primarily about western metaphysics and mysticism but the author does her best to include references to those outside the western world when able including Chinese elements, Taoism, India’s chakra and yoga systems and philosophies, middle eastern philosophers especially in Alchemy, etc. While the reading list was dense, it does make it clear where these concepts are drawing from for those wanting that connection and further research.
The exercises were mostly great (see my next section on why I say mostly). I was a particular fan of the emphasis on writing in your journal, the focus on processing your own thoughts and why you think or feel the way that you do, the development of rituals around divination, and more.
I also loved that DNA and Genealogy was included in the Psychology section. The ancestor work including work and craft lineage is so important and I was happy to see that included.
As an alchemist I was very excited to get to that section of the 2nd Semester. It wasn’t in-depth (other than the philosophy section, most of the book is about introduction rather than deep dives) but it was still good to see since a lot of 101 books don’t include alchemy. The book recommendations are all ones I own and I also heartily agree with them being recommended.
Regarding divination and astrology, I really loved the exercise of scrying the night sky. Not necessarily by astrology or astronomy but simply by noting what objects you see first, what is rising, what is setting, etc and divining that intuitively for yourself. Brilliant! Something I don’t know why I never really thought of before but I will be doing more of.
Lastly, if this book just gets witches to step outside, embrace the darkness, and look at the sky – it has done wonders. We need to get out of our rooms, our altar spaces, our bookstores and cafes and look up more often.
What I Wasn’t a Fan Of
I want to start this section off by saying that I would not change these issues. These are personal pet peeves or problems of mine that I’m noting here in case you are like me and might like a heads up.
First, I’m not a fan of cutesy names and being continuously called Firefly was a little obnoxious. I know some folks like it though so its just a personal pet peeve and feels patronizing in a bad way.
Second, use of Bananas Foster as the alchemy metaphor was cute but not very helpful for someone like me who is allergic to bananas. I note it here because I wouldn’t have it changed but if you are allergic or have any other dietary restrictions, this part is a little disappointing.
Third, some of the exercises could have had some notes about alternatives for those who are disabled such as the balance exerice using the Mountain Yoga Post. I have joint deformities and chronic pain. Yes, standing up straight at all some days is more than I can handle so this wasn’t an exercise I can do. I know I’m not alone.
There was also a meditation where you mentally regress through the years to age 7. I opted out of this entirely because that would require me to go back to an age and time when my abuse was particularly difficult. This exercise too could have had an alternative option or at least a note with a nod to the community of people who have experienced child abuse.
Lastly, there is an exercise about planting 2 cuttings and speaking kindly to one and not to the other. This wasn’t something I was comfortable with because I believe all things I grow deserve kindness. It would have been better to at least let the reader know they can look up cases where this experiment has been done on plant and water and see the effects rather than do it themselves.
Rating and Recommendation
I give The Night School 4 stars. I took a star off for its lack of alternatives for disabled and other readers who might have difficulty with some of the exercises.
I highly recommend it for those who are having difficulty understanding western metaphysical concepts like the Kybalion, Jungian psychology, and beginning divination and would like a gentle, fun, step by step guide on that path.
December 13, 2022
The Night School by Maia Toll the book is lessons in Moonlight, Magic and the Mysteries of being human. Magic is everywhere. To see it and the effects it has on your life, change the way you perceive the world. Many lessons in this book have homework: This isn't a reading book it's like a teaching book for anyone who is a witch or a seeker. I happen to enjoyed this book and plan on going back to school. I recommend this book. Thank you Goodreads and Maria Toll 🌙⭐🌙
December 10, 2022
Toll commits one of the seven deadly book sins of straight up refusing to cite sources. More than once a passage would be something along the lines of "A study found that...." What study?!? From where?? What year? Or even worse, "[insert wild scientific claim here] don't believe me? Just look it up!"
In our current world of rampant misinformation, writing like this is as dangerous as it is irresponsible.
In our current world of rampant misinformation, writing like this is as dangerous as it is irresponsible.
July 15, 2022
This is one of the best, well put together, well researched, books I’ve seen of it’s kind. Author is knowledgeable and creates a fun was to work through the material. It’s creativity designed. I wish growing up my own family had actually used a similar format not do this because and left me to find all The Who what why’s and who’s on my own starting at age 6.
This is amazing for any elder for a fun run through or to pick up something you could ass to practice. But best for starters and the youth. Highly recommend
This is amazing for any elder for a fun run through or to pick up something you could ass to practice. But best for starters and the youth. Highly recommend
June 11, 2022
While I enjoyed the set up of this book- similar to taking an actual course- there is nothing profound in this book. If you are an extremely new beginner, I can see this being a good introduction. I was skimming most of this book. The information is good and it wouldn’t hurt to read this, but it didn’t work for me personally.
June 20, 2022
The Night School by Maia Toll is a book which guides the reader through the wonder of the night. This book is a mixture of psychological contemplation, philosophy, scientific information and of course magic itself. It gives a unique perspective on the velvety, rawness of the night and how it impacts our everyday lives. I absolutely adored the expressive, imaginary and spectacular writing style and artistic illustrations presented throughout the book. I could immediately tell that this book has been thoroughly researched, and that the writer is passionate. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the intertwining of science and magic. Thank you to Netgalley, Maia Toll and Running Press for the DRC!
Read
March 15, 2023DNF : The book got returned back to the library before I could finish and had a good waiting list. I enjoyed listening but won't lie the narrator had a soothing voice that put me to sleep a couple of times.
January 31, 2023
An interesting book that I listened to/read for a personal book club. I enjoyed the narrator and followed along well enough. I just had moments where I couldn’t really turn off my own brain.
March 2, 2023
Please note: I won this in a GoodReads giveaway.
First the art in the book is beautiful. Major kudos to Lucille Clerc.
I liked how Toll set this book up to be like a college course. You’re supposed to do one lesson a night and complete your homework writhing 72 hours. I didn’t do this, but I enjoyed this layout and the interactive nature was engaging.
Content wise, I enjoyed much of the philosophy, history, and ideas presented. I’m glad Toll mentioned that there was a lot European men in her resources, but also took the time to speak about and recommend looking cultures outside the European sphere of influence.
However, there were a few draw backs to this. The biggest one for me was using Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey. I find it over used and his assumptions about all cultures following his findings rub me the wrong way. Didn’t love that that was the final assignment.
The other critique I might have is that there wasn’t a mention of how to follow some of these lessons/instructions if you live somewhere with a lot of light pollution. But that’s not really the author’s fault.
Otherwise it was a fun read. Try the banana foster.
First the art in the book is beautiful. Major kudos to Lucille Clerc.
I liked how Toll set this book up to be like a college course. You’re supposed to do one lesson a night and complete your homework writhing 72 hours. I didn’t do this, but I enjoyed this layout and the interactive nature was engaging.
Content wise, I enjoyed much of the philosophy, history, and ideas presented. I’m glad Toll mentioned that there was a lot European men in her resources, but also took the time to speak about and recommend looking cultures outside the European sphere of influence.
However, there were a few draw backs to this. The biggest one for me was using Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey. I find it over used and his assumptions about all cultures following his findings rub me the wrong way. Didn’t love that that was the final assignment.
The other critique I might have is that there wasn’t a mention of how to follow some of these lessons/instructions if you live somewhere with a lot of light pollution. But that’s not really the author’s fault.
Otherwise it was a fun read. Try the banana foster.
January 3, 2024
This is an excellent beginner witchcraft book that focuses on practical understanding of the concepts in a really lighthearted, interesting way. Formatted like a scholastic text, lessons are bite sized and include homework assignments to complete, which is a lot of fun. The tone is conversational and friendly, with the narrator taking a patient, careful approach to explaining topics. But, despite this being a beginner book, it doesn't drag or talk down to the reader; it is less concerned with showing you how to do magic than with teaching you how to think about magic. It was a really nice read to sort of take my time through, and I love the constant focus of connectivity between the practitioner and the world around us. I wasn't fond of one lesson that encouraged speaking lovingly to one plant and aggressively to another, but I just opted out of that portion; the lesson was explained straightforwardly enough to understand what I needed to get without doing it, in my opinion.
Overall, the book is beautiful and well written, with an extensive recommended reading list. Definitely a recommend for anyone looking to strengthen the fundamentals of a magical practice!
Overall, the book is beautiful and well written, with an extensive recommended reading list. Definitely a recommend for anyone looking to strengthen the fundamentals of a magical practice!
December 29, 2024
I did not enjoy the condescending tone. Interesting topics, and I was excited by the "school" premise, but being called "Firefly" every 5 seconds got to be super annoying fast. It's mentioned far too often, Firefly! Once you notice it, you can't stop seeing it.
And no, Firefly, I don't have a candle cupboard.
It is also exceedingly difficult in the modern world to find a reliable daily space with zero artificial lighting, even without my own outdoor lights, I have neighbors to contend with, even in a rural area.
It's also good to know you won't need the compass until halfway through, Firefly. I avoided continuing on with reading the book for 2 years because I couldn't settle on a good compass, but it's only needed for 3 exercises.
All that being said, Firefly, the magical content is very informative for any newcomers to witchcraft. It provides a full year and a day practice for those who may not have communities or groups to practice with. I enjoyed the art and Maia Toll is one of my favorite authors (why I preordered the book!), but unfortunately this one just didn't hit the mark for me, Firefly.
And no, Firefly, I don't have a candle cupboard.
It is also exceedingly difficult in the modern world to find a reliable daily space with zero artificial lighting, even without my own outdoor lights, I have neighbors to contend with, even in a rural area.
It's also good to know you won't need the compass until halfway through, Firefly. I avoided continuing on with reading the book for 2 years because I couldn't settle on a good compass, but it's only needed for 3 exercises.
All that being said, Firefly, the magical content is very informative for any newcomers to witchcraft. It provides a full year and a day practice for those who may not have communities or groups to practice with. I enjoyed the art and Maia Toll is one of my favorite authors (why I preordered the book!), but unfortunately this one just didn't hit the mark for me, Firefly.
August 15, 2022
Maia Toll does it again! I love this exquisite book. I am not a novice at the subjects contained within. If anything, it supports, nurtures, and reinforces my 50 years of delving into the mystical side of life. If the night had a voice, this is what the night would be telling us. I bought the Kindle version AND the hardback, the cards, and the journal. What a complete package! I was so surprised that I can actually read this book instead of just the ebook because of the chosen font. The card packaging is easy to open for those with hand arthritis and tickles the imagination like a sweet dream. The gorgeous journal makes me want to write. The information in this course is fantastic. Embrace your night with this beautiful book. I intend to take my time because the information contained within is so valuable. There is no rush in my night world. Thank you, Maia.
August 9, 2022
This is a great book for beginners or for a refresher.
I love that this book not only talks about magic, but the history as well.
The way this is narrated *chef's kiss*! This is a self-help book and those are usually quite boring and monotone. This excites you! Like you're reading a fantasy novel, but you aren't!
I am definitely going to be ordering a hard copy for myself!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.
I love that this book not only talks about magic, but the history as well.
The way this is narrated *chef's kiss*! This is a self-help book and those are usually quite boring and monotone. This excites you! Like you're reading a fantasy novel, but you aren't!
I am definitely going to be ordering a hard copy for myself!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.
October 31, 2024
5/5 STARS! Wow what a gorgeously made book! This book felt magical (as it should). It's educational in a fun way & I loved the format of it. I also felt so much smarter on how not only astrology works, but also how science plays into it, especially in the older times. Very cool book that is perfect for a coffee table read too. I had a blast with this. Very unique & unlike any other ivecread before.
March 29, 2024
Say it with me, because you know you're thinking it too: "The Night-Time is the Right Time"
Well, this is a cozy little tome filled with journal prompts, exercises, and activities that will take you outside...at NIGHT. Yes, sometimes literally. Designed to help the reader shed the madness of the daily grind, step outside their daytime comfort zone, and fully appreciate the quieter vibes that happen after dark. As a (mostly) morning person, I wasn't too sure at first, but I figured I'd give it a try and am finding I'm enjoying the book immensely. I plan to take my time with this one and get the full appreciation (and lessons) out of it.
Reader Edit: I find that Night-Time Vibes are very similar to Early Morning/Pre-Sunrise Vibes in that I am in a similar (albeit far less drowsy) mindset. So if the pre-dawn is more your thang, feel free to complete your lessons during a morning Coffee and Contemplation situation instead..
p.s. . This will make sense as you read.
Well, this is a cozy little tome filled with journal prompts, exercises, and activities that will take you outside...at NIGHT. Yes, sometimes literally. Designed to help the reader shed the madness of the daily grind, step outside their daytime comfort zone, and fully appreciate the quieter vibes that happen after dark. As a (mostly) morning person, I wasn't too sure at first, but I figured I'd give it a try and am finding I'm enjoying the book immensely. I plan to take my time with this one and get the full appreciation (and lessons) out of it.
Reader Edit: I find that Night-Time Vibes are very similar to Early Morning/Pre-Sunrise Vibes in that I am in a similar (albeit far less drowsy) mindset. So if the pre-dawn is more your thang, feel free to complete your lessons during a morning Coffee and Contemplation situation instead..
p.s. . This will make sense as you read.
November 30, 2022
boring
Read
July 10, 2024DNF. The activities were a little much for right before bed but then it felt weird to read this during the day. But I like the idea and the writing style.
October 3, 2024
I enjoyed world traveling with Bea. Using earlier chapters as meditations were helpful. Later chapters seemed rushed, I would like to see them fully explored in a second book.
April 29, 2025
I wish I could’ve finished this in a more timely manner. It had fun homework and a lot of woo woo stuff. It was a fun distraction.
September 9, 2022
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not finished with this book because I'm saving the experience for the hardback edition I pre-ordered. But what I've read is playfully and beautifully written by Toll, alongside evocative illustrations. I can't wait to dive into the full experience of night magic. It really does feel like the magic school we're all craving and a kind of secret initiation into a way of looking at the world and summoning up your very own lush night experience.
I'm not finished with this book because I'm saving the experience for the hardback edition I pre-ordered. But what I've read is playfully and beautifully written by Toll, alongside evocative illustrations. I can't wait to dive into the full experience of night magic. It really does feel like the magic school we're all craving and a kind of secret initiation into a way of looking at the world and summoning up your very own lush night experience.
August 21, 2022
I liked this book. Set out in little lessons and with it's playful but informative tone, it's a nice book to dip into or for nightly reading. Its not super in-depth on the subjects it covers, so it's not necessarily designed for those who are already deep into these themes and interests. But it's beautifully bound and illustrated and a nice reminder to stop and appreciate the dreamer in ourselves. I'm happy to have it on my shelf.
With thanks to the publisher for the copy for review.
With thanks to the publisher for the copy for review.
March 15, 2025
As part of a book club, I read this book and went ahead and got the journal and card deck just for fun. What can I say? I am a magpie for journals and mystical decks. Do I regret it? No. I did use them and made my own fun. It took me ages to read because I was determined to do it justice so as to be fair in my review.
Maia Toll's The Night School presents an appealing concept, offering gentle introductions to various spiritual themes and practical exercises. While the book provides a pleasant, accessible entry point for those completely new to such concepts, it ultimately falls short for anyone seeking deeper exploration. I agree with another reviewer that the lack of cited sources undermines its credibility. For me, the content, though well-intentioned, remains largely superficial. I found myself wanting to embrace its wisdom, but it lacked the depth and originality to truly resonate, leaving me with a sense of pleasant but ultimately unfulfilling familiarity.
I also found fault with the suggestion to write by candlelight and constantly being referred to as “Firefly” by the author. Perhaps the whimsy and romanticism of this element didn’t suit my analytical nature and the fact that it pulled on my practical H&S precautions. It’s a “cute” foray into the magical world of self development. I may leave it at a Costa or Starbucks near a college or 6th Form.
Maia Toll's The Night School presents an appealing concept, offering gentle introductions to various spiritual themes and practical exercises. While the book provides a pleasant, accessible entry point for those completely new to such concepts, it ultimately falls short for anyone seeking deeper exploration. I agree with another reviewer that the lack of cited sources undermines its credibility. For me, the content, though well-intentioned, remains largely superficial. I found myself wanting to embrace its wisdom, but it lacked the depth and originality to truly resonate, leaving me with a sense of pleasant but ultimately unfulfilling familiarity.
I also found fault with the suggestion to write by candlelight and constantly being referred to as “Firefly” by the author. Perhaps the whimsy and romanticism of this element didn’t suit my analytical nature and the fact that it pulled on my practical H&S precautions. It’s a “cute” foray into the magical world of self development. I may leave it at a Costa or Starbucks near a college or 6th Form.
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