Happy Witch: Activities, Spells, and Rituals to Calm the Chaos and Find Your Joy

by Mandi Em

Invite joy and healing into your life using your own magic with this self-help guide from the author of Witchcraft Therapy , Mandi Em.

Witchcraft is a practice where everyone can self-soothe and find their alignment again through performance, play, following impulses, and inviting joy into their lives. Beyond spell jars and candle magic, there’s a whole world of uncommon ways to inject some childlike wonder and play therapy into your daily practice. Now you can pursue joy, healing, and fun, with this guide to finding happiness through magic, filled with straight-talk self-care advice backed up by magical spells, rituals, recipes, meditations, and more!

Happy Witch is an uncommon spell book full of witchy self-care spells and rituals that think outside the box of what a witch’s practice usually looks like. From kinetic cloud dough play for moving through your emotions to using dance as a form of manifestation, Happy Witch brings out your inner child to help you undertake your healing through magic. Woven through with BS-free empowering messages, suggestions, and encouragement on how to build your intuitive practice that you love, this self-help guide is your perfect companion for magical healing.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Self Help, Magick, Audiobook, Religion

224 pages, Hardcover

Published October 11, 2022

About the author

Mandi Em is a humorist, author, and chaotic wellness witch. She’s the author of Witchcraft Therapy, and she shares funny, approachable self-help guidance on her blog and social channels for Healing for Hot Messes (https://healingforhotmesses.com). Her writing has been featured in The New York Times, HuffPost, SheKnows, Refinery29, McSweeneys, and more. She and her husband are born-again hippies raising their three children in beautiful Vernon, BC, in Canada.

Reviews

[Jazmin]

Honestly, I didn't like this as much as I did her first book. I love witchcraft therapy so much and compared to that, this was a meh. I just felt like she was going over and over the same stuff all the time. This honestly could have been squeezed down into a few chapters. Not an entire book. I did like some of the spells tho and will he trying them out, as they do seem fun and good for a depressed bitch like myself. But in the end just a meh. I liked it, but I didn't love it. I can't see myself going back to it in all honesty 😅🖤

[Kat]

Amazing Resource

I've followed Mandi online for several years now, and her approach to witchcraft is incredible, practical, and matches my own approach. As someone with depression, being happy takes a lot of effort and this book has so many tools, spells, and rituals to aid me in that effort. I've tried a few already and they are perfect. I would recommend this book to any witches who need more happiness and more joy in their life.

[Rebecca Elson]

This review originally appeared on The Magical Buffet website on 11/01/2022.

More and more often, I’m finding books about witchcraft intersecting with self-help. It is an easy fit, but I always carry a bit of skepticism when approaching a self-help/wellness book and dressing it up in a witch’s hat doesn’t change that. Fortunately, there are authors out there doing it right, and today’s book, “Happy Witch: Activities, Spells, and Rituals to Calm the Chaos and Find Your Joy” by Mandi Em is one of them.

“Happy Witch” comfortably walks the line of being positive without becoming toxic and being realistic without discouraging aspirations. Em divides the book into six chapters, which breaks down as:

Be Free by laying the groundwork for a magically empowered mindset.
Be Wild by connecting with nature and leaning into rewilding as a source of joy.
Be Playful by inviting play and creativity into your life through spells and rituals designed to heal and delight your inner child.
Be Still by unearthing bliss in the quieter work of your witchy practices, exploring your shadows to find the light.
Be Connected by using relational magic to enjoy your connections with yourself and others on a deeper level.
Be Soulful by embodying the magic you want to see in the world.

The subtitle is accurate, Em provides a bevy of spells, activities, and rituals in each chapter. They generally feature readily available items and utilize beginner friendly magical concepts. In “Happy Witch”, witchcraft is a tool, not a religion, that when used effectively can positively affect your life. This book is certainly beginner friendly, being perfect for those looking to dip their toe in witchcraft, or for a witch looking to integrate a little more self-care into their practice.

[Shannon Huard]

“Happy Witch” by Mandi Em is an enlightening and inspiring read that blends positivity, mindfulness, and witchy wisdom in an accessible and uplifting way. Mandi’s voice is encouraging, and the overall message of embracing joy and magic in everyday life is both refreshing and empowering.

However, while the book has a great vibe and plenty of feel-good moments, it leans heavily on spells, rituals, and recipes—sometimes at the expense of deeper content. I found myself wanting more substance and practical guidance on applying the mindset and philosophy behind the “happy witch” lifestyle, rather than just a collection of magical how-tos.

Still, it’s a charming and aesthetically pleasing book that would appeal to beginner witches or anyone looking for a little spiritual pick-me-up. Just be aware that it’s more spellbook than self-help.

[Rebecca Dye]

★★★★☆

Happy Witch was such a fun, uplifting read! Mandi Em packs this book with lots of great information, practical spellwork, rituals, and ideas for bringing a little more magic and joy into everyday life.

I especially appreciated how positive and approachable it felt. Nothing was overly complicated or intimidating, and there were plenty of things I could actually see myself incorporating into my own practice. It’s the kind of book you can read straight through, but also keep on the shelf and come back to whenever you need a little inspiration.

A lovely reminder that witchcraft doesn’t always have to be serious or solemn—sometimes magic can simply be about finding joy, setting intentions, connecting with yourself, and making everyday life feel a little more special. A solid 4-star read!

[wildandwitchyreads]

I have read this author's other book and really enjoyed it. So when this one came out, I bought a copy. This book feels like it was written specifically for me. The messages that are written and the activities and spells are super simple yet effective. This is smart if the person doing them is lacking joy. Simple is good. Simple is accessible. There were also multiple mentions of the Wheel of Fortune tarot card, which just so happens to be my life card. I will definitely revisit this book when I need a boost in my mood and faith in my practice.

[Anne]

I thought it was a guided journal, so therein lies my disappointment.

The book can be summarized as follows: anything can be a spell with some candles, herbs, and a few other random objects. Make spells on happiness. The end.

Maybe inspiring for young people interested in spell casting. Good organization. Easy to read. Lots of spells. Attractive design and layout.

But no lightning strikes or gongs for me. And no reflective journaling.

[Sarah]

Really excellent read for anyone (witch or not) that helps you dive into yourself and create rituals that can be beneficial for mindfulness and mental health.
The book reads more casual than informative, which isn't my personal cup of tea for nonfiction. But the author somehow created a safe space in her work by using that language. Feels more like the book was written for you specifically.

[Cordially Invited]

I say this positively; this book is more of the self-help genre than spiritual, but spirituality and mentality go hand-in-hand. It was a nice read, and the author's casual way of writing made her advice easy to accept. I'll definitely pick this book back up from time to time because there are some basic, but very good, tips on how to live a fulfilling/happier life. Cheers to the author.

[sundari meacham]

Beautiful, Affirming and Uplifting

Thoughtful, straightforward, and fun.
I immediately thought of multiple people that I wanted to share this book with.
This will definitely be a well used and much referenced resource.

[Jasmine C]

Interesting read! I saw this book at my library and picked it up out of interest. I particularly enjoyed the chapter that talked about being a secular witch and explored what it meant to practice witchcraft under a scientific paradigm.

[Adriane Cole]

Lovely book of advice and ritual. I’ve already put some into practice. It’s a well written guide to help look within yourself and easy practices to help you realize your own power, calm down or get out of your own head. I will keep this in my library.

[Hana the Suburban Witch]

Excellent for those new to the craft and exploring spellwork and witchcraft.
It's secular.
Easy to understand.
Accessible.
Uplifting.
With an undercurrent of Mandies authentic sass which I always love.

[Lisa Lamkins]

Just like her first book “Witchcraft Therapy” this book is also a MUST READ!

[Monica Hyde]

Beautiful, just what I needed to inspire hope and positivity for myself and those around me. Lovely!

[Sara Owens]

Just what the doctor ordered! Peace and calm
Finally!

[Nori Fitchett]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A wonderful book with clear instructions and advice

[Hali Davidson]

Easy and fun.

[Jonathan Black]

Fluffy at times, funny at others but still practical and on point.

[Paayal]

I like the rituals and activities, I love that they’re all about being happy, positivity, moving on and stuff.

[Lucinda Rose]

This is another witchy book I recommend to those who love witchy stuff and wanna learn more and gather up own thoughts and ideas of personal witchiness

[Bridget Young]

Such a relaxing thoughtful read

This book is great to sit and read cover to end like any story book or flip through and use any section as needed. It definitely helped me find new ways, and even create my own new ways, to calm my mind and feel more joy when needed.

[Amanda]

Quick and easy. A perfect read to dip your toes into the craft if you are just beginning.

[Roslin Sinclair]

This book had some practical advice, which was a good reminder for me. Things like remembering to ground and centre myself, to live my truth, and continue to hope when hope is hard.

[Dana]

"Happy Witch: Activities, Spells, and Rituals to Calm the Chaos and Find Your Joy" is a delightful guide that seamlessly blends practical advice and mystical insights. The author masterfully navigates through a myriad of activities, spells, and rituals, offering readers a comprehensive toolkit to enhance their well-being and harness positive energy. With a focus on finding joy amidst life's chaos, this book provides a balanced approach to modern witchcraft, making it accessible to both newcomers and experienced practitioners. From meditation techniques to spells for inner peace, the book's content is both empowering and enriching, ensuring readers embark on a transformative journey. Through its engaging prose and thoughtfully curated practices, "Happy Witch" is a must-read for those seeking to infuse their lives with magic and happiness.