Anatomia wiedźmy. Mapa twojego magicznego ciała.

by Laura Tempest Zakroff, Katarzyna Emilia Bogdan (Tłumaczenie)

Poczuj magię we własnym ciele.
Umysł i ciało, duchowość i cielesność, potrzebują w praktykach magicznych integracji i zespolenia. Ich osiągnięcie jest możliwe poprzez odpowiednie ćwiczenia i praktyki, które prowadzą do akceptacji ciała i uznania go za duchowe naczynie. Dzięki życiu w zgodzie ze swoją cielesnością można rozwinąć swoje magiczne umiejętności. „Anatomia wiedźmy” stanowi wyczerpujące źródło wiedzy na temat obecności magii w naszym ciele oraz informacji, jak w pełni wykorzystać jego moc.

Dowiedz się, jaką rolę w praktykach magicznych odgrywa twoje ciało oraz poszczególne jest części, w tym płuca (oddech), serce (puls i rytm), kości (siła) i umysł.
Odkryj ponownie swoje ciało, a także magię, jaka przepływa zarówno przez ciebie, jak i przez otaczający cię świat dzięki, m.in.:

- ćwiczeniom z kartami tarota i sigilami,
- codziennym rytuałom,
- praktyce oraz ruchowi.

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

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 8, 2021

About the author

Laura Tempest Zakroff (she/they) is a professional artist, author, performer, and Modern Traditional Witch based in New England.

She holds a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, and her artwork has received awards and honors worldwide. Her work embodies myth and the esoteric through her drawings and paintings, jewelry, talismans, and other designs.

Laura is the author of several bestselling Llewellyn books including Weave the Liminal, Sigil Witchery, Visual Alchemy, and Anatomy of a Witch, as well as the artist and author of the Sigil Witchery Oracle, Anatomy of a Witch Oracle, The Liminal Spirits Oracle. Laura edited The New Aradia: A Witch’s Handbook to Magical Resistance, The Gorgon's Guide to Magical Resistance, and Serpents of Circe: A Manual to Magical Resilience from Revelore Press.

Laura is the creative force behind several community events and teaches workshops online and worldwide.

Visit her at www.LauraTempestZakroff.com.

Reviews

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anatomy of a Witch was the book I needed at this particular time in my life and witchy journey. It's the kind of companion I didn't know I was looking for, to help me not only understand the power and magic within my physical body, but to allow me to open up and embrace it with the love and acceptance I struggle to achieve. Reading this book at the end of each day was a welcome balm and reminder to take care of myself. A few of my favorite things about Anatomy of a Witch: the framework of your body as a pentagram and the connection to the Elements; the connections to the first 10 cards of the Major Arcana in the tarot, which allowed me to gain a deeper understand of each card AND each aspect of my witch body; the practical exercises, journal prompts, and "witchuals" provided throughout each chapter (not just at the end); the inclusion of specific sigils for each chapter that can help me connect even deeper with each aspect of my witch body. I can't say enough good things about this book, and it is something that I will continue to reference and reread throughout the rest of my life. Yes, I immediately pre-ordered my own physical copy of this book as soon as I finished the advance copy! I'd recommend Anatomy of a Witch to anyone on their own witchcraft journey and/or anyone who would like to approach their relationship with their body from a loving and magical perspective. I am so grateful for this book.

[Larissa Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Actual rating: 3.5/5]

[First Glance]
I’ve used lots of sigils created by this author, pulled from her blog at Patheos called A Modern Traditional Witch. When I saw this book and the premise of connecting to your body as the most magical tool in your possession, I figured it was worth taking a good look. Based on her writings elsewhere, I trusted that she’d consider health and mobility issues with kindness while taking us on this exploration of the physical self.

[Positive Bits]
First of all, I was right to trust this author to handle physical issues with a gentle touch. Time after time, we are reminded that our body does its job by holding a space for our spirit to exist. Illness and age come for us all, and that isn’t an inherently bad thing! The tone throughout this book encouraged people of all ability levels to work with their bodies and reconsider the relationship they have with different parts of themselves. I imagine for some, the idea of radial self-acceptance and self-compassion would be mind-blowing.

One section I particularly liked was where we looked at consumption and how it affects our magical body. From what we eat to what we read, the things we consume feed us at some level. This means the meals we eat can be eaten with intention, be they a smoothie bowl full of nutrients or an energy drink to get us through a long work shift. Awareness is key in both food and media consumption. If you know that your diet of media doesn’t include much variety, you can choose to diversify your content sources and pop your own media bubble. Stretch the mind, learn, and grow!

In another chapter, there was a beautiful explanation of why we shouldn’t tie our reproductive organs, gender, or sexuality to our magic. This is something I struggled with earlier in my path, as so much of that time’s magic was binary (or else!). As someone who’s fought infertility for years in hopes of starting a family, it’s always important to remind myself that my body’s ability to carry a child isn’t the start and end of its value. That might seem obvious to some, but it took embracing the idea of nonbinary magic to really internalize not being a failure over infertility struggles.

[Less Enjoyable Bits]
I’ll start with something that bothered me, though I’m having an issue with why. One of the sections of the magical body we look at is the Serpent, and I knew going in that I’d likely find some pause here depending on how it was handled. The Serpent is essentially kundalini energy from Hinduism, but rebranded. There’s nothing actively wrong with it or the chapter describing it, but it felt borderline appropriative in a way I didn’t jive with. Kundalini is mentioned in one sentence of the chapter on the Serpent, and then we continue on to other serpentine representations in mythology and religion. I would’ve liked more acknowledgement of the source code here, I guess?

[Update on 4/15/2021: After some discussion with the author herself, I’d like to temper my thoughts on the Serpent. My interpretation of the chapter on the Serpent was based on my experiences and personal biases, particularly in anything that feels too much like a practice from another path. While I was initially left feeling as though the Serpent was Kundalini energy by another name, the author intended for us to pull from various mythos and the deeper societal symbolism of the Serpent itself in order to experience it as part of the magical body. As I reread the section, I can see how her intent and my understanding of it diverged. It still doesn’t speak to me, but it may resonate with you.]

As a poet, I’m always hesitant to review poetry books the same way you might review fiction or nonfiction. I feel that poetry and poetic prose are highly subjective. That said, I didn’t connect to the charms and poetic chapter introductions. I tried slowing down, reading them out loud, and counting syllables – all to try and figure out why I wasn’t connecting with them. I think they were just a little too wordy for me personally, but your mileage may vary.

I really wanted to find something in this book. A connection between my magic and my body strong enough to help override years of body shaming. A new look at the magical body that approached the topic outside of borrowed systems. A toolkit for some serious magical maintenance on my meat mech? While this book uses some interesting and unfamiliar focuses, it didn’t speak to me. Some references included:

> the Cauldron of Poesy – a medieval Irish poem listing three cauldrons that control the body and spirit in different ways
> Tarot – the first ten cards of the Major Arcana are tied into the chapters
Kundalini energy – while renamed as the Serpent, those familiar with Kundalini will likely understand and enjoy that connection
> dance – as the author is a dancer and artist, she makes many references to joyful movement that may resonate with those similarly inclined

Is it worth the coin? Yes – if none of my “less enjoyable bits” make you reconsider, then this book is for you. It wasn’t for me, but I enjoyed reading it enough to be glad I finished it.

[Verónica Fleitas Solich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sort of like self-care for witches.
Interesting and applicable to everyone.

[Lorna Vivi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Tempest Zakroff is a multitalented artist, dancer, writer and more who runs her own youtube channel and is already author to two books concerning witchcraft. I have yet to read them but know she is held in high regard for work in modern tradition witchcraft. In Anatomy of a Witch we see her draw on her many skills and knowledge to create a holistic guide for the practice of magic that utilises the body as the main tool and focus, in doing so it also provides a wonderful system for a witch to connect with their body and use as part of a wellness practice.
In a market that has so many witchcraft 101 books its hard to find a book on witchcraft that is not just for beginners. This is that much needed book, its still very accessible in Laura's beautifully poetic writing style, but it expects a grounding on modern witchcraft and for the reader to know what a sigil is, for example. She does explain the meaning behind certain practices, when its required to help create our own ritual or 'wituals'. I also really liked how she discussed concepts and explained such as sovereignty within the context of the craft. For those aware of the Irish poem Cauldron of Poesy, she draws on it in this book.

I honestly love this book, it is well structured and thought out including an array of activities connected to each chapter and part of the body from journal prompts, tarot cards, breathing or movement exercises to spells etc. Laura is able to show her wide range of knowledge and intricately weave many strands together into a solid system that I believe is truly beneficial to any practice. I cannot recommend it enough; it is a sophisticated text that makes for an empowering read that has made me want to read Laura's other books. Also she must be given props for quoting Terry Prachett!

(I received a copy via Netgalley in exchange for a review however all opinions are my own)

[Rebecca Elson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review originally appeared on The Magical Buffet website on 06/21/2021.

Laura Tempest Zakroff set out to write a “manual to the most magical tool in your possession,” and in this, she succeeded. What is this amazing tool? Your body. Welcome to “Anatomy of a Witch: A Map to the Magical Body.”

Zakroff utilizes all the tools at her disposal: tarot, meditation, journaling, ritual, her artistic talent (including her noteworthy sigil work) and writing skills to take you on a journey through your body. “Anatomy of a Witch” begins with lungs, moves to the heart, discusses the body’s primal part (referred to as the Serpent), moves on to the bones, and concludes with the mind. The end goal is to have a better relationship with yourself and your magic.

“Anatomy of a Witch” is a triumph of blending magical modalities and self-improvement. Essentially, if you have a body (even one as dysfunctional as mine!), you need this book. I feel this is destined to be a classic!

[The Shakti Witch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Witch and mistress of the sigil, Laura Tempest Zakroff, is back with her new book Anatomy of a Witch. Zakroff attempts to add a new spin on body postitivity by acquainting magickal correspondences to particular non gender specific body parts. I did enjoy her take on animism. Who doesn’t yell at inanimate objects like laptops -“what are ya, a f**king toaster?”. Some good health and safety advice is given in regards to bodily fluids. Nicely the author acknowledges readers with aphantasia and their frustration with visualisation exercises. As expected from this author excellent sigils are provided with clear use of intent.

I disagree however with the author’s sentiment that someone practicing the craft despite which path would have a different body or parts to other humans. I found her chapter entitled ‘The Serpent’ poorly researched, poorly presented and smacked of appropriation. The hand activation exercise “kitten, bunnies, ferrets” is really twee. Annoyingly the referencing by the author of her YouTube channel is an unnecessary distractraction throughout the book. So too the author’s made up word “Witchual” instead of ritual. In fact recently I’m finding too many writers attempting neologisms, so “FETCH!” Please stop it.

A bit of love hate with this one. Beginners may find this book useful and those disconnected from their bodies. A Good Kundalini yoga class would provide more.

*eArc provided by the publisher and NetGalley

[Nikol · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have no idea what it is I’ve just finished reading. It read like a crossover between a self-help book, a personal spiritual path, an explanation of the first nine cards of the Major Arcana, and some kind of dancing/exercising propaganda. I have nothing against all of these. But when put together in one book, I have to say, I despised all but the tarot card explanations (which honestly felt out of place).

I listened to an interview with Zakroff recently, in which she described how she had written the first draft while battling a migraine. When she later read what she had written, she was unpleasantly surprised—the text made little sense in places; you could see it was written by a feverish mind. According to her own words, most of the first draft met the delete button.

Be it as it may, the book still reads as if the author had either a lot of ideas battling for her attention, or no idea at all what to write, and so she was trying really hard to put in bits and pieces that would support the main idea—this overarching personal philosophy. The resulting book feels patchy and forced, as if all that is said exists solely for the purpose of the book a.k.a. “I pitched this and now I have to deliver”.

The concept of the book is pretty simple: as a witch you possess a “witch body” and here’s how to care for it. The main idea is speckled with science facts that at places make you go “wtf, how did we get here”. And then there are the “witchuals” (is it just me, or does it sound as if some kid is trying to say the word “rituals”?) and sigils. I didn’t like either, but that’s probably a me thing. I’d much rather read about Zakroff’s personal journey and experiences than to go though a weird visualization where I’m supposed to imagine a cauldron in my stomach and then proceed to clean it.

The many metaphors and neologisms jump out at you from the pages because they often have no real substance to them, other than that they sound witchy. Cauldrons, snake, witch lungs and witch heart and witch bones, and the Weaver – I still have no idea what the Weaver even means. But that might be because I read the book in two sittings, and one was ages ago.

There were things I enjoyed, but mostly we’re talking short paragraphs or the chapter openings where Zakroff connected each chapter to the first nine cards of the Major Arcana. Come to think of it, I’d honestly love to read a book on tarot by Zakroff. But I think I’ll just leave the rest of her books be.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Zakroff's perspective on life. It's refreshing and inspiring. The book is easy to read and includes plenty of exercises, but not so many that they occupy the majority of the book. I like that there is no overlap with other books. It's not just another beginner book. It fits anyone wherever they are in their practice.

Audio version: it would benefit from a pdf of the sigils it references. If you're interested in the exercises, I would suggest getting a physical copy or the kindle edition to reference.

[Damiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read for the spiritually minded who is looking for some self care encouragement. That said this isn't exactly indepth or mind blowing. Its more like I said, encouragement. If you're wanting ideas and a comfort read, this is a great choice. Or if you're looking for a gift for the witchy person in your life who needs perhaps to take things slow right now and take care of themselves.

[Nicole Bergen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weave the Liminal was a great beginner book which led me to Anatomy of a Witch, which I loved! Years spent growing up in a fundamentalist community lead to a pretty complete disconnection from my body. Now that I’m on a witchy/animist/herbalist path, it’s been incredible to remake some of these connections.

[Nova · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books on witchcraft ever! I'm not a major fan of my body and Tempest really helped me see it in a new light. This will change how you value your temple and give you insight into having a more healthy relationship with it. I cannot recommend this book enough!

[Thomas Pinneck · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does it mean to fully inhabit your magical self? Laura Tempest Zakroff’s Anatomy of a Witch seeks to answer this question by redefining the witch’s relationship with the most powerful tool they possess—their own body. But it’s not just about flesh and bone. The Witch Body Zakroff speaks of is a symbolic and magical vessel, bridging the gap between the material and metaphysical realms. This layered exploration takes the reader beyond the mundane into a journey of embodiment, healing, and deep connection to personal power.

Zakroff approaches the body as a landscape, mapping out each part of this magical anatomy through what she calls the Witch Lungs, Heart, Bones, Mind, and the inner Serpent. The lungs represent breath and the flow of energy; the heart is the seat of emotion and intuition; the bones embody strength and memory; and the mind, with its capacity for vision and clarity, directs the whole. At the core of this anatomy coils the Serpent, an ancient symbol of transformation, power, and the primal force that animates life. Each chapter introduces readers to practical exercises and rituals that connect these metaphors with real-world experience.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its emphasis on embodiment. Rather than viewing magic as something that happens externally, Zakroff calls on practitioners to root their craft within themselves. The spells and rituals woven throughout are designed to be experienced through movement, breath, and sensory engagement. Activities like sigil work, grounding practices, and energy exercises are thoughtfully tailored to align with each part of the Witch Body. This focus on embodiment makes the book stand out as it encourages readers to move magic out of the purely intellectual and into the visceral.

But Anatomy of a Witch doesn’t stop at the individual level. The book is rich with correspondences that connect the Witch Body to broader magical symbols and systems. Zakroff threads her concepts through the mythos of tarot, elemental correspondences, and even the cycles of the moon. In doing so, she reveals how our own bodies reflect the greater universe, making this more than a manual for personal growth—it becomes a guide to aligning oneself with the cosmos.

The tone of Anatomy of a Witch is both instructional and intimate. Zakroff’s voice is one of a trusted guide, urging readers to approach their bodies with reverence, respect, and curiosity. She doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the complexities and societal pressures that can cause one to feel estranged from their physical form. Instead, she addresses these head-on, providing tools to counteract limiting beliefs and embrace the body’s innate magic. Her inclusion of protective and warding rituals, alongside self-acceptance work, speaks to the book’s holistic vision of empowerment.

Ultimately, Anatomy of a Witch is an invitation to take up space—not just physically, but energetically and spiritually. The book’s greatest gift is its ability to transform the reader’s relationship with their own body, turning it into a sacred temple and a source of endless magical potential. For witches seeking to deepen their practice and root their magic in the flesh, Zakroff’s work is a deeply nourishing and inspiring read. Whether you’re looking to explore the mechanics of breath, strengthen your bones, or awaken your inner Serpent, Anatomy of a Witch provides the map to navigate your own magical landscape.

[Dodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book though with that said I like some chapter better than others. An anatomy of a witch has a certain structure to it. Each chapter has a particular body part. The author has associated each of the particular anatomy to numerology, tarot, elemental considerations, mythology and how it can reflect in your practice. I first did this as an audio book but then got it as an e-book because I wanted to see the sigil. It work great as an audio but you will not get the sigils

The chapters are organized with illustrations at the beginning of the chapter along with a poem/incarnation. The sigil was the end of the chapter. As I mention before the author incorporates the correspondence along with journal prompts, witchual and other bodily rites.

Highlights:

Chapter 2 – heart, are pulses and to find purpose (fire)

- Look at you practice, what has become dull
- Looking at different times of ritual and why we do them
- Ideas for daily, weekly, monthly, yearly ritual
- How to build/created ritual,
- Daily correspondences to relate to daily practice

Chapter 4 –Bones, structure of practice, whisper of our ancestors (Earth)

- RITES
o Roots: Origins, myth, folklore
o Inspiration: Influences and leading factors
o Time: Seasons and schedules
o Environment: Location and foundations
o Star: Guidance, morals and ethics

- Calling of the bone
- Connecting with spirits of place

Chapter 7 –Touch the sky; kiss the earth (bringing it all together)

- Altar body (how to cast and call the direction as a solitary practitioner and being realistic about.)

Chapter 8 – Tending the Cauldrons (maintenance, this was my favorite chapter)

- A ritual to tend to your cauldron
- A ritual to cleanse
- A ritual to connect
- The 3 poesy cauldron ( I knew this one because of the Sisterhood of Avalon)

[Toni-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura’s book is a fresh look at being a witch. A brilliant book for those who are beginners in the craft or those who want to go back to basics.

While so many books in spiritual practice talk about all the magical things that exist in the universe. I have not read many where it’s so focused on how magical our bodies are and how to work with them in a intentional, internal way.

While it’s not overflowing with detail about each part of the body. The book provides a nice starting point for anyone interested in this topic. With various rituals and Sigil designs for those who want to incorporate that into their practice.

I personally skimmed those sections taking on board what resonates. There is a section like that in every chapter so just to be warned if you don’t like those types of sections or find their repetitive natures cumbersome to read.

I would personally have loved more context in regards to where a lot of these ideas come from. The various folk lores and traditions which had lead to these interpretations. While each chapter does have a dedicated section to some of the folklore and myths. My nerd self would have loved much more information on this.

Overall, it’s a lovely book that is aimed at acceptance of ourselves and bodies for what they are. There are some very practical element that I will be incorporating into my own practice and some that I just didn’t connect to be that’s a personal preference. It’s a relatively easy read and reference multiple magical practices within the book.

My favourite quote from the book - “Perfection is like a butterfly pinned down under glass. Nobody is able to fly in those circumstances, let alone live”

[Angy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, this book has been one of the most refreshing guides on witchcraft I have read. Most of what I've read, both related and unrelated to magick, features a disconnect from the physical body. And quite clearly, in modern society, most people experience a sense of shame regarding the body they were given and its appearance, bodily functions, etc. I've always been open to discussing taboo topics such as these, but even I feel a sense of disgust about my body not being the way I want it to be. However, this book made me think about how we are all given a unique body, how in some former cultures, all bodies were seen as sacred, and how religion may have caused people to disconnect from their bodies. I've always been sensual and I can see how the body relates to the five senses, and how important it is to experience these things fully to gain mindfulness and intent during witchcraft. Laura Zakroff writes in an interesting yet empathetic style, realizing that some traumas are very hard to overcome, but that every witch has the power to try improving and helping themselves. That every witch stands on their own, but can benefit from the help of the community. I look forward to reading more of her work.

[Jessica Nightshade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anatomy of a Witch by Laura Tempest Zakroff is unlike any other witchcraft book I’ve read. It focuses on the most powerful magical tool we all possess—our body. Zakroff leads you through practical exercises and rituals that connect you with your Witch lungs, heart, bones, and mind, making this a truly embodied approach to magic. I loved how this book highlights the relationship between the physical and metaphysical bodies, showing how deeply intertwined they are.

One of the most unique aspects is how Zakroff connects the body with the elements, tarot, and the natural world, encouraging us to embrace the sacredness of our physical form. Through breathwork, sigils, and rituals, I felt a deeper sense of connection not only with my own body but also with the magic that flows through it. The activities in this book make witchcraft feel personal and tangible, and it’s already enhanced how I approach my daily practice.

If you want to explore the magic within yourself and align your craft with your physical form, you need this book. Anatomy of a Witch takes witchcraft to a new level by guiding you to embrace the power of your own body as a conduit for magic. This book is essential for anyone looking to deepen their connection to both the material and magical worlds.

[Dawn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anatomy of a Witch by Laura Tempest Zakroff

9780738764344

216 Pages
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
Release Date: June 8, 2021

Nonfiction (Adult), Religion & Spirituality

The book is divided into the following chapters.

Introduction
Chapter 1: Witch Lungs
Chapter 2: Witch Hearth
Chapter 3: Serpent
Chapter 4: Witch Bones
Chapter 5: The Weaver
Chapter 6: Loving the Magical Body
Chapter 7: Touch the Sky, Kiss the Earth
Chapter 8: Tending the Cauldrons
Chapter 9: Home Within the Temple


I absolutely love this book. The way the author describes the different processes for each part of the body is so easy to understand and makes so much sense. She also includes the elements and the Tarot with the connection to body parts. The artwork in the book is beautiful

I was lucky to listen to the author talk about this book and explain the concepts during LlewellynCon. I plan on spending more time with this book and working through all the exercises. If you want to know more about treating your body like the temple it is, you definitely want to read this book.

[RajKSiążek]

"Anatomia Wiedźmy. Mapa twojego magicznego ciała." Laury Tempest Zakroff to GENIALNA książka, która pozwala nam wejrzeć w głąb siebie i docenić nasze ciało oraz umysł, a także energię wokół nas.
Krok po kroku autorka przeprowadza nas przez pięć elementów anatomii wiedźmy, czyli Płuca, Serce, Wąż, Kości i Umysł. Wszystko jest bardzo dokładnie wytłumaczone przystępnym dla każdego językiem. Oprócz tego w dalszej części mamy jeszcze wiele innych przydatnych treści.
Znajdziemy tu sigla, rytuały oraz ciekawe ćwiczenia, a wszystko to w otoczeniu przepięknych rysunków.
Szczerze mówiąc jestem pod wrażeniem spisu treści, ponieważ nie tylko rozdziały oraz podrozdziały są wypisane na początku książki. Gdybyśmy czegoś szukali po przeczytaniu, bardzo łatwo to znajdziemy, ponieważ z tyłu są jeszcze szczegółowo rozpisane rytuały, sigla oraz ćwiczenia i ilustracje. Szukacie konkretnej rzeczy, a nie chcecie ponownie czytać całej książki? Wystarczyć zerknąć na spis z przodu lub tyłu.
Za książkę dziękuję wydawnictwu♥️

[Alan D.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro que te pone a pensar en el cuerpo humano como algo sagrado. Es fácil dar nuestro físico por sentado, pero Laura te hace ver las cosas desde otro punto de vista, cómo entender nuestros músculos como nuestro templo personal, nuestro ser como una deidad, y a nosotros como un altar a nuestro espíritu. Es un libro de autoayuda y desarrollo espiritual para brujos, pero personas espirituales en general lo encontrarán igualmente fascinante.

A book that makes you think of the human body as something sacred. It is easy to take our physique for granted, but Laura makes you see things from another point of view, how to understand our muscles as our personal temple, our being as a deity, and us as an altar to our spirit. It is a self-help and spiritual development book for sorcerers, but spiritual people in general will find it equally fascinating.

[Rach · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

“This is witchcraft. There is no use for da nation and shame. Plain and simple: it is unhealthy to exist in this world while simultaneously looking down upon it. The planet suffers as we suffer because we as a society have largely lost or forgotten our ability to connect with the land, animals, plants, and other beings. We become imprisoned in our bodies rather than being able to revel in the experience of living.”

I like the focus this book has on mindfulness and being in tune with the body. Too often have I realized that I’ve stopped breathing deeply or being mindful throughout the day that it is a detriment to my own health. I think this book has way more approachable exercises and sigils included for any ability or dabble-r. It is funny and doesn’t take itself too seriously as well which feels distinctly witchy to me.

[Lazarone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you want to have one more authentic teaching of witchcraft beside those from teachers, books, videos etc...? Where to find it? Imagine, it is there with you, in your body! And this book is all about that, it will show you the light of the stars deeply embedded under your skin. If you don't believe think again! Do you remember how much time is magic associated with human bodies and their parts? Many times, in many traditions. So in the body is witchcraft in theory and practice. This book will show you exactly how is that possible. In addition, little pearls of wisdom and advices are scattered through the text. In some minor places text is little too general and more explanations would be welcomed. So this is an interesting book!

[Whiskey Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book for many reasons. Overall there was a lot of new information which I felt I needed and the witchcraft community in general needed. The book is full of spells, sigils, journal prompts, and exercises. I love the illustrations and I love that everything is so thoroughly explained and researched. I love that Laura takes us through the body and relates each part to an element and a tarot card - I thought this was really fascinating and I was happy to see that there was some really insightful and illuminating information that came along with each tarot card. One of the lines that jumped out at me was that the intestines were shaped like a snake... and honestly I had never thought of that before. Overall, I found this book really interesting and refreshing.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Get outside of your mind and inside your body”
I’ve waited for 2 months for this book to arrive and it was definitely worth the wait! The writing style of Laura Tempest Zakroff is magical and easy to understand. The structure of the book is well organised, starting from the lungs, through the heart, serpent and bones, all the way to the weaver. I love how she correlates scientific facts about the human body with their spiritual meaning and I absolutely enjoyed the parts with the tarot cards and how each one reflects on our own journey.

This book is definitely like a little self-care guide and it is perfect for for people who are only getting into spirituality and/or wanting to learn more!

[Kelly Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My library has welcomed Anatomy of a Witch with enthusiasm. This book has been on my radar since before its release date, and I’m not quite sure why I delayed making a purchase. My body and how to reach optimal wellness (for me) has long been a part of my work. Laura’s witchual workouts, available via You Tube, prepared me for the journey through her book. The philosophy and system she unpacks is practical and not complicated by cultural appropriation or myths of binary gender. I have already recommended this book to friends, look forward to continuing my morning dancing with Laura, and will never empty or dress a cauldron again without sending love to my anatomy.

[LittleRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone’s journey is different as are our bodies. This book does a great job in explaining how YOU and your body are part and parcel of YOUR JOURNEY. Because everyone and everything is all connect, just as your body and its systems flow. You need to maintain your body, or as the author says, “tend the cauldrons in your body”.

This is a great read and includes sigils and charms as well as a journal and exercises to follow. While the journey is yours, you should make the most of it and this book will help you maintain the most important part of all…your body!

[Mellissa Bushby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this, I found it informative and interesting, and enjoyed the fact that it was so interactive.

This is a very personal path, and many of the things discussed here are only achieved through personalised trial and error, it takes time and hard work put into crafting your own spells and/or sigils to achieve end goals.

But it's a good guide none-the-less, and the illustrations add a lovely touch. I especially liked the addition of sigils. I enjoyed it enough to investigate more by this author.
Thanks to Net Galley, the author and publisher for my ARC.

[Nikolaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It's a wealth of information no matter your experience level. Also, it addresses uncommon topics and is inclusive of every ability level - case in point: this is the first spirituality book I've read that addresses the topic of aphantasia (the lack of a mind's eye and inability to visualize things in your head to some extent) and how to work around that if you can't visualize things. I can't recommend this one enough - even if not everything applies, there's bound to be something useful to almost every reader.

[Krisanne Lane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really nice beginner’s book with a different perspective on approaching witchcraft and the body. I would say this leans a little more on the “self help” side of witchcraft, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, I appreciate some of the simple thoughts about taking care of and presenting your body as a magickal act, etc. Some of the exercises were interesting. I enjoyed the one on dance and movement that included visualizations of animals around you. The audiobook specifically drags a bit, and I had to significantly speed it up to stay engaged.

[Megan Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable and easily digestible read! Laura Tempest Zakroff is a new author for me, but I realized that I had seen her artwork before in the Liminal Spirits Oracle.

I loved and appreciated this book's focus on learning to love, respect, and cherish one's body and all it does for us physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. The sigils created for each aspect discussed were beautiful, and I expect I'll find myself returning to this resource often when I need reminders. :)

[Teri Stich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully unique approach to being a witch. One that truly resonates with me. The author talks about the body as a whole and yet breaks down the many and how important each is to the complete. Entwined with this is relating these parts (Brain, Heart, Lungs, through hands and feet) to the Major Arcana and the journey one takes to learning. Also included is the relationship each part has to the Elements. Filled with story, activities and ways to journal one's experiences. A guide to the true part of Witchcraft: ones self. High recommend and one to go back to time and again.