The Witch's Guide to the Paranormal: How to Investigate, Communicate, and Clear Spirits

by J. Allen Cross

Flex Investigative Methods That Only Witches Can Wield As a witch, your ability to manipulate energy allows you to interact with ghosts in ways that other investigators can't. Discover how to use your magical toolkit to identify and resolve the four main types of haunting―residual, poltergeist, human earthbound, and inhuman entity. J. Allen Cross guides you through the basic principles of a haunting, while building a foundation of paranormal investigation, witchcraft, and mediumship skills. You will learn how to craft a seal, open and close portals, perform an exorcism, and help spirits cross over. With more than forty exercises and rituals, this book shows you how to make the most of your talents so you can bring peace to restless spirits and those they haunt.

Genres: Witchcraft, Paranormal, Spirituality, Magick, Audiobook, Paganism, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

Published September 8, 2022

Reviews

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.

Before this book became available on NetGalley, I was checking every week for it to make its appearance. I’m a fan of Cross’ first book AMERICAN BRUJERIA and couldn’t wait to see what he thought about paranormal investigations.

I will preface this review by saying that I’ve been a paranormal/ghost hunting fan for over a decade. I’ve watched the shows with a healthy amount of skepticism and read some books about the topic. A lot of the stuff mentioned in this book felt repetitive to what I’ve consumed for a long time. Because of this, I think this is a really good resource/reference book for newbies. It makes sure you’re not a jerk when dealing with spirits and incorporates witchcraft into investigations (though I would argue that a lot of these are necessary outside of witchcraft).

The information is clearly organized. While there is a table of contents for the chapters, there is another one for exercises and rituals so you’re not constantly flipping through, trying to find the one you’re looking for.

This book is geared toward paranormal investigation newbies who see a certain ghost adventuring show and feels like it’s not a good idea to yell at spirits, especially when you think they’re malevolent.

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first interaction with a ghost was at age six. It terrified me, but it was meant to comfort me. I had seen things but never engaged again until my freshman year of college when Native Americans were in my dorm room. The odd thing with this one was my roommate had seen the same thing but we didn’t know about it until lunch time when I told my friends what had happened and they, in turn, told me what my roommate had told them before I arrived and she had head off to class. IT WAS THE SAME STORY.

Since then I have had several more experiences, but had not embraced it. It still terrifies me to some extent. How can I know when a spirit is harmful or not? How can I deal with these occurrences? I saw this book and decided to read it. I think this is going to be something I’ll be working through for a while to come, but at least I don’t feel as afraid of facing it and am learning how to deal with things. A great book for anyone who is interested in spirits or who, like me, needs to learn how to deal with them better.

[Katherine Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I didn't like this book at first. It felt too "paranoral investigator" and less like something I could learn from. Then, about a quarter of the way through, it really grew on me. I noticed I was getting sucked into the book and flying through pages like it was nothing. About halfway through I realized it was talking about things that I have been experiencing that I never equated to something supernatural, despite other people telling me so. It explained things that I have never told anyone. I'm hoping that by using this book, I can do some seriously transformative stuff, as the solution to a good chunk of my problems is right there. This book isn't very "witchy", but if you're interested in spirits or suspect you may be dealing with one, this might be the perfect read for you.

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, I liked it. Will keep for a reference.

[S. Wigget · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great source, and I even used it as research for writing a spooky novel.

[Benjamin Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Brilliant 👏. Finally Someone who knows what they are talking about . Thank You so Much

[LiteraryCryptid · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear and concise guide to recognizing, understanding, and approaching spirits.

This book is divided into sections that progressively instruct the reader regarding encounters with spirits and the paranormal. Beginning with an introduction into channeling and tapping into spiritual energy, then recognizing what different entities are as well as how they effect the living, and finally how to remove the entities and prevent their return. Set up this way, it builds upon the previous chapter providing context and support for each later stage.

While Cross is a Christian witch (and utilizes Christian deities, prayers and angels) she does include alternative deities, prayers and practices, which enables the adaptability of her work to the diverse pagan community. I found her inclusion of deities related to multiple pantheons a great way to promote the use of her techniques with each person's individual craft.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has a starting knowledge of the paranormal or the craft, and is interested in better understanding how to work with spirits.

Thank you to #NetGalley and Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd. and Llewellyn Publications for the opportunity to read and review this title.

[Hana the Suburban Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting. Granted, a lot of it I glossed over because I was familiar with it (I'm an excellent speed reader) but I really honed in and slowed down on the second half of the book.
What I loved:
I loved the spell recipe inclusions at the back, they were wonderful! Also the way J. describes how things look/feel etc. was very on point. Communication style was clear and funny without being scary.
Covered a lot of bases for such a short book.
What I didn't love:
I would have liked a bit more safety and mental health information especially where it concerned kids or potential abuse in the home + poltergeists. There is one sentence that really stuck out to me which was around "people who are being abusive, generally don't invite folks into their home for an investigation so you won't have to worry about that." (I'm paraphrasing) but eeep this is both inaccurate and potentially dangerous information. Lost a star for this aspect.
Overall, I enjoyed his writing and can tell it comes from a place of both knowledge and experience which is wonderful to see. Had some elements that reminded me of Michelle Belanger's work in "A Haunting Experience".
Would recommend to witches wanted to delve deeper into this type of work.

[K Kriesel · Rating 2 out of 5]

🚩 Cross writes that children are the most common poltergeist agents, and the easiest way to remedy this is to tell the child they're causing it. He adds a line to tell the adults in the child's home not to pressure them, that's all. There's no note on how to evaluate whether or not there's any abuse in the home, what to do if you suspect there is abuse, how to make sure the child isn't traumatized, what to do if you suspect the adults won't take this well, nor how to legally cover your ass. This is dangerous, even Roman Catholic diocesan anti-abuse programs are more thorough.

I have many other issues with the book, such as no information on how to tell if a self-proclaimed paranormal investigator or medium is a scam artist. It's also rushed, and he said himself in a podcast episode that this was written in 1.5 months.

There is enough decent information in this book, in my opinion, to justify 2/5 stars.

[Kevin Worcester · Rating 1 out of 5]

hated it. the witch’s guide to the paranormal shouldn’t even call itself a witch’s guide — there’s no real witchcraft here. all the workings feel made up and totally ineffective, like he’s just guessing how this stuff should work. plus, a lot of his views contradict actual witchcraft and paranormal study, but he never backs anything up. it’s all “just trust me” vibes, which doesn’t cut it for a serious guide. if you want real techniques or respect for spirit work, look elsewhere. feels more like a grab bag of random ideas than a legit book based on actual experience.

[Jeannine Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love occult knowledge, witchcraft and the paranormal. This was a very interesting read and held tons of great information. I don't believe in everything that I read, like you will never convince me there is protection out there against Satan, his legions and bad spirits. However, I loved how dedicated the author was and he had information on new forms of demons, like the ones called mimics. Loved that whole topic. Very well put together and the layout of the book was very well done and presented.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not worked with spirits/hauntings but I have always been curious about what paranormal investigations entail and how hauntings are resolved. While this is the first book I’ve read on this specific subject, it was very informative and thorough on a wide range of subtopics one could expect to need knowledge about before starting an investigation. This is also the first book I’ve read that describes how to use certain tools. I also appreciate the exercises and recipes that are provided to assist with protection and cleansing. Those can be used for far more than paranormal investigations.

[Destiny Bridwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I have been a fan of this type of thing. This book is a good guide for those who are just now dipping their toes into the world of the paranormal. The content is nicely organized to make it an easy-to-use reference guide. I grew up in a house that is haunted and this would have been a good book to have when I was younger to understand what was going on.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing topic written with the everyday reader in mind. This book is perfect for the beginner as well as for witches and non-witches alike. The style of the writing and the way the information is presented is akin to having a casual (and enthralling) conversation with the author. The exercises included are useful for every day life and are great introductions to grounding, visualization and intention. This is a book I will return to again and again.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you're not looking to become a professional investigator, this book is hands-down the manual for dealing with any sort of unsavory haunting. Straightforward, thorough instructions and guidance. Plus a very organized section that compiles all the recipes, incantations, and prayers from the book for easy reference. I know I'll be going back to this one again and again.

[Harold Stratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Common sense to Witches in the Paranormal

J. Allen Cross has given me a few new twists on what I already know. His approach in explaining how witches/pagans are really a help in the paranormal field. This is what I've been doing for years, being pagan and working as a paranormal investigator. Thank J. Allen Cross

[ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been wanting to read this book since I heard J. Allen Cross's interview on the "Real Witch's of the End Times," and my god, did it live up to expectations!! The writing came across as educative, but casual, and not condescending at all. The rituals were also fairly easy for beginners, although there are a ton of more advanced stuff. I also loved the list of book references at the end.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. At first it felt too “textbook” like i guess. But as it went on it became more and more informative and really helped, the personal experiences in there also had me a little chilled. Would definitely recommend to others, it quenched a curiosity in me and also piqued my interest in learning more as well.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative and well written book that made me learn something new and I will surely buy. Well researched and well written.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Elizabeth Brandimarte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been interested in the paranormal. This book was detailed and interesting. I read the entire book in one day. I highly recommend reading this book. Many thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC.

[WhiteRaven Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is packed with so much information and extremely well organized! Fascinating topic. A must-have for Witches and anyone that works with the unseen and within the spiritual world.
Fantastic, I could not put this book down. Bravo 👏🏻 J. Allen Cross

[Shay Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super niche read but it is 100% what I have been looking for studying within this field. Fantastic read with great references for just about anything you would encounter in said field, and the end bit was very wholesome. I cannot recommend J. Allen's books enough

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I’ve followed J. for a while in the podcast Invoking Witch. He is very knowledgeable and a witty writer. This is my first introduction to paranormal works with witchcraft and it has some great foundational practices every witch needs, like repairing the aura.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great look at how a person can begin dealing with paranormal events from a magical perspective. A great primer for the work.

[Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was fun and filled with Info

this book was fun and filled with Info. Easy to read practical and useful. I definitely recommend this book for any practitioner.

[Nienke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for blending paranormal investigation and witchcraft together

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid mix of ghost hunting and witchcraft. Good read for anyone psychic or with other abilities.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know that I have it in me to actually do anything with the information I just learned through this book, but it was definitely fun to read just before spooky season.

[Yolanda Orme · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew how to do everything she mentioned but I was happy with her method of energy working I do that . I am a demonologist and paranormal investigator

[Ethan Fromm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed all of the resources, rituals, and recipes provided inside the book. A good book to reference back to.