The Elements of Natural Magic

by Marian Green

Since its launch in 1989, the Elements of . . . Series has introduced thousands of readers to a variety of spiritual traditions and techniques some ahead of their time. Now the series returns with a fresh new look for a new generation of readers. Each title offers a quality introduction to its subject, written by an expert in the particular field.

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

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1989

About the author

Marian Green is an author who has been working in the field of ceremonial and folk magic since the early 1960s. She has also organized a conference every March since 1968 to bring together writers and their readers, the Quest Conference. She has written more than a dozen books on ceremonial magic and aspects of witchcraft as well as editing QUEST magazine since 1970. She is a council member of the Pagan Federation and has also been editor of Pagan Dawn.

Reviews

[Milly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book but its layout isn't easy on the eye. It's set out in lots of block text. I prefer this kind of information to be set out in an easy to read format. The font size is very small as well. It had very good reviews so I bought a second hand copy and when this tiny book arrived I thought Oh, is that it. It was first published in 1989 so maybe that's how they published books back then but for a modern day reader it would benefit from a modern day format which in turn, would encourage more people to read it. Considering it's age, it now seems a little dated and I feel there are bigger and better books on the market. Maybe I should have gone for Natural Magic by Nigel Pennick or even Natural Magic by Pamela Ball. Saying that, it was informative.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! This book encourages you to use the things around you like trees, make sure you ask of course if it's not freely given. Marian teaches you how to talk to fire. I wanted to incorporate more elements into my practice and this was a good first start.

[Lana May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful and interesting read x

[Mica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marian Greene's Elements of Natural Magic is a good basic primer for an individual new to paganism. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning the basics or wanting to start worshipping the old gods/celebrating the old seasonal festivals and needing a place to begin. Greene doesn't offer a stock ritual script, which I like, but she does offer an outline one could develop a practice from. She encourages the aspirant to rely on intuition to guide them, and I think the lack of specific recipes and scripts forces the student to do this, unlike popular 101 books that encourage intuition and then tell the reader how to do things, not to stray, and offer no wiggle room for self-reflection and experimentation.

Greene offers several different and simple practices the student can develop quite easily relating to each of the four elements. Again, suggestions are made for the student to explore but no strict formula is provided.

The author's bias toward organic gardening and ecology are littered throughout the book with no references or footnotes to back up the popular claims made. I don't expect this fact to bother most intended readers of this book, and even though my philosophy is similar to the author's, making statements without reference is a pet peeve of mine.

I would definitely recommend this book to beginning students. Beyond that this book has very little use to the mildly seasoned pagan.

[Erik Akre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book as a kickstart to the study of witchcraft, especially when I read it after a long break. Her writing is excellent, and she writes with authenticity. No cheap Wicca here, but a vision of integrity and solemnity that honors the true nature of the religion, which is reverence for nature and the spirit of nature. Green gives a great deal of advice on communing with the natural environment around you, no matter where you reside. She also suggests practical exercises and meditative prompts to stimulate this sense of reverence.

She strikes the reader as a thorough and dedicated practitioner. She is wise and deep for the experienced witch, and her writing is very patient to anyone seeking a starting point in witchcraft as well. This is a good read for anyone with a strong interest in practicing, or continuing to practice, the "Old Religion." She comes from a point of true dedication to the meaning of this term. There are no cheap descriptions of tools, spells, circles, etc. She means it, and she delivers well.

[Inara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title in German:
Naturmagie

[R J Royer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12490569