The Maker's Guide to Magic: How to Unlock Your Creativity Using Astrology, Tarot, and Other Oracles

by Andrea Hannah

An engaging and accessible guide for creatives on how to unlock your creativity using esoteric tools.

The Maker’s Guide to Magic introduces esoteric tools to creatives of all levels to help them discover their own brand of magic. Based on Andrea’s work as an astrologer, certified yoga teacher and creativity workshop leader, it breaks down tarot, astrology and other tools into manageable and easy-to-follow parts that anyone can use to refresh their creativity—whether they’re beginners in the esoteric realm or advanced practitioners. With tarot spreads, astrology prompts, and other simple exercises, creatives will develop a fresh and different toolkit to explore their art in a mindful way.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Magic, Paranormal

288 pages, Paperback

Published September 26, 2023

About the author

Andrea Hannah is the author of non-fiction and novels for young adults. She teaches creatives all over the globe and writes everything from fierce modern fairytales to horoscopes (she’s a Gemini). Her work has appeared in Bustle, Elite Daily, Reader's Digest, Thrive Global, HuffPost, and Mslexia Magazine. Though her novels trend toward the dark and mysterious, she has also written for My Little Pony comics and created a tarot deck for Marvel's Agatha All Along. You can find her on socials @andeehannah

Reviews

[Leah M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Essentials for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I had requested this book among a spree in this genre, and while it took me quite some time to get around to reading it, I’m so incredibly glad that I did. So far, this is the standout of the bunch that I’ve read so far.

There are certain types of magic discussed in the book that I’m more familiar with, but if there’s one piece of advice that the author gives that I am grateful that I took, and highly recommend that you also take, it would be to keep an open mind, especially, if there’s some kind of magic that you are less familiar with or even might not think much of.

Hannah takes us through how magic works in her life, and breaks it down in ways that make it understandable even for beginners, without dumbing it down. She also talks about tarot, astrology, and oracles, as well as the importance of developing ritual in creative practice. I loved how she broke down tarot, and stressed how helpful it is to use your own insight when reading tarot, as well as your own experiences with the cards.

Don’t judge, but before I read this, I was a bit skeptical of astrology. This book delves into astrology by having us create a natal chart using a (free) website based on the date, time, and place of our birth. That information is then used to determine various characteristics. I was blown away by how much information I was able to learn based on this chart, and how much of it was on point. She also offers a more in depth section for people who are more knowledgable about astrology.

Throughout the book she offers options for the reader to journal responses and thoughts about certain questions. While this is undoubtedly helpful to the newbie, it can also be helpful to experienced practitioners to see things through a different perspective or even refresh things from a beginners point of view. Overall, this is a fantastic book, and it’s one that I’ll definitely be using as a resource in the future.

[ashe louise | la sorcière de fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

The introduction…oof, right in the feels. Really resonant for any one who engages in creative pursuits. I love the unique way of viewing magic and weaving it with creativity. The book has a really nice flow and covers a lot of great basics - nature magic, divination, moon phases, elements, astrology, etc - really thougtfully and gives a lot ideas for ways to work with them and start creating/incorporating into your practice. While the content is mostly geared toward beginners, the perspective and thoughts on creativity are great food for thought even for more seasoned practitioners.

[Books Tea Magic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes to communing with tools! ✨🔮♥️ Magic, Creativity and Activation — in my opinion a sacred triad. Andrea Hannah defines magic as a conversation with the cosmic and the human heart — ooh yes!!! As a fellow yoga student and teacher, a lot of what Hannah says speaks to my heart and soul. Distilling the wisdom and working with Tarot are a big part of my everyday practice and I’m always grateful for well written reminders. This book serves as perhaps a new way to look at all the fabulous ways of magic, an opportunity to build new pathways to your personal power. In whichever way this book greets you, it’s a glorious mystical reminder to tap in. Go Boldly!

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am inspired and recharged because I engaged with this book and got so much from it. Through tarot, astrology, and other oracles, this book explains how to find your greatest creativity. I took 21 pages of notes, played with my tarot and Oracle cards, analyzed my birth chart, and dug deep emotionally and creatively. I just loved the whole experience and would recommend getting this book for people that you love.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Zai M · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love rituals or tarot, or anything in that realm and you’re a creative this is a great add to your collection. There are one or two ways I plan to incorporate what’s in here and it definitely lit my mind on fire when it comes to ways I want to practice my creativity.

[KarnagesMistress · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am tempted to add this book to the list of those that have changed my life. I originally pulled my natal chart and read an analysis of it several years ago, but it never resonated with me in the same way that it does now that I have read The Maker's Guide to Magic: How to Unlock Your Creativity Using Astrology, Tarot, and Other Oracles. Beyond unlocking my creativity, I have unlocked a deeper understanding of my entire personality. Andrea Hannah does a wonderful job of expanding on my understanding of the Tarot, too. I found the exercises throughout the book to be useful, if not always truly applicable to me. (My creativity is more of an integrated part of my whole rather than a set of certain activities.) I would highly recommend it to anyone who wanted to get started learning more about the Zodiac, if nothing else. I received this book for free though Goodreads Giveaways. It is an advance reader copy.

[Kelly Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Maker’s Guide to Magic is an informative and accessible guide to the esoteric tools that can help creative people fill their lives with magic. Hannah explains that “magic is a tender thing, felt most often in the agony of a sleepless night and the lull between scattered thoughts.” She encourages her readers to embrace their own creativity and enrich their life journeys.

The book introduces the basics of using candles, crystals, incense, and tarot cards, but it is careful to define these items as simple tools for creating magic which truly comes from our own human heartbreak. Hannah, an astrologer and certified yoga teacher, outlines the four steps to the magic process which include clearing the channel, tuning in, taking action, and distilling wisdom. She leads her readers through information on moon and planet cycles and breaks down the complexity of tarot and oracle cards for divination. She offers advice for amplifying or softening the traits of your astrological signs and advocates for the beauty of meditation and mindful time spent in nature. Her organized and informative approach is punctuated by “spellwork” sections which contain journaling prompts designed to help readers connect to their own intuition.

The Maker’s Guide to Magic lightly explores the connections between science, nature, mindfulness, and magic to conclude that the making of art is a necessary element in human healing. Hannah explains that it is impossible to go through life without heartbreak, and she says that “pain is where the light gets in.” She defines the making of art and magic as a conversation between the cosmos and the human heart and she upholds the sacred nature of all creative acts from cooking a meal to starting a business. This book made me think about creativity in new ways, and I highly recommend it to everyone who would like to fill their lives with magic.

Thank you to Netgalley for a free copy of the book in exchange for a fair review.

[Dominique (The Diary of a Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ “The Maker’s Guide to Magic” by Andrea Hannah is a soothing and intuitive guidebook that invites you to tap into your creative energy through magic, tarot, astrology, nature cycles, and more. From the first page, it felt like a breath of fresh air, gentle and grounding, like a reset button for the soul.

This isn’t just a book about creativity, it’s a call to reconnect with a deeper, mystical rhythm of making. While I expected a more advanced dive into the material, I found this to be a beautiful, beginner-friendly guide. The information leans toward the “newbie” side, which wasn’t quite what I anticipated given the concept. But it absolutely shines as a primer for newer witches or creatives looking to begin a more magical, intentional practice.

I especially appreciated the reminder that creativity exists in many forms, and that magic can be woven into every layer of it. There is real value in the sections that offer ways to break through blocks and approach your craft with sacred intentionality.

That said, I do wish there had been more direct connections between the magical tools shared and the creative process itself. It started strong in acknowledging all forms of “making,” but didn’t quite follow up on that core message.

🌿 Still, this is a lovely and inspiring read I’ll recommend to those at the beginning of their magical journey.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Andrea Hannah for this reader copy.

[sammi_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting guidebook to tapping into a different nature of yourself. It was about finding a creative energy using magic, tarot, astrology, nature cycles and more. The entire read had a soothing nature, very palate cleansing.

I think people interested in incorporating a few mystical and natural elements into their creative process or a meditative process (although never called that, it felt like this) will gain a lot from this book. It covers a lot of ground in a short guide.

I wish more connections were drawn throughout about how to use these things towards creativity and various makings, instead of just giving you the tools but not much beyond that. I did like that the beginning covered how making and being creative covered a lot of ground and could mean a lot of things - but then it never came back. It would have been more effective had it been brought back around with the tools.

Overall, people will learn a decent scattering of information about tarot, natural cycles and astrology.

I'd like to thank both St. Martin's Press and Andrea Hannah for my free reader copy. I'm sorry it took so long for me to read and review! My review is unbiased and opinions my own

[Marissa F · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found so much to enjoy in this guide. Andrea Hannah's view of "making" isn't limited to artists and content creators; she expands "creating" to include the things we all do on a daily basis to build the world around us and define our place in it. In this sense, we are all creating all the time.

This book reminds us that creation is not a single thing done by a single person. It reminds us to incorporate the energies and the tools around us, to invoke forces both seen and unseen in our process… In short, to make magic.

Although I am not an artist or a content creator, I found comfort and inspiration in these reminders of how to reconnect with my own magic. I was motivated to find ways to bring a little elemental magic into my workspace, which helps me to feel a bit more grounded when things around me are getting stressful.

I'm so glad I was able to read this ahead of publication and I will definitely be buying a hard copy to keep on hand for when I inevitably need to be reminded again.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got a lot more out of this book than I expected. I would also so that this is a great book for beginners looking to unleash creativity through a communication with the cosmos.

Throughout the book, Andrea Hannah takes the time to define magic and create an association to that and creativity. Through this, she discusses how each person delving into the practice should focus on their own uniqueness, how to focus on a path, and ways to get into better connection with your own personal magic. Topics ranged from opening and focusing on personal aspects such as creating a channel, learning to tune in and take action, and then how and what to do with the garnered wisdom to the ways to use tools and rituals.

If you have ever wanted to delve into the creativity and tools that have long been available to those that seek them out, then this is a great book to get started with as you begin your journey.


Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's for the dARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.

[Tam (is a cryptid) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Maker’s Guide to Magic by Andrea Hannah. Hannah approaches the craft in a way that I feel would be relatable and easy to understand for folks new on the path. That being said, there was a good bit more “newbie” information than I expected for what doesn’t necessarily feel like an “introduction to magic” topic. I think I expected a bit more advanced knowledge and tips for established witchy folk.
But don’t get me wrong- this was a solid read and one I’ll be recommending to newer witches as it gives some brilliant suggestions for how to incorporate magic into your creative time. As a working artist, I appreciate the thoughts on the various ways to incorporate magic into every bit of your process, helping you break through creative barriers and really tune into your process in an intentional way.

4/5 stars; highly recommended for creative witches, especially those new to the path or stuck in a rut.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Publishes, & Andrea Hannah for the opportunity to review an advance copy of this book.

[N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I initially found Andrea Hannah's work in 2020, when I won a giveaway to attend her online workshops, and instantly knew this was what I'd been looking for--and The Maker's Guide to Magic is exactly what I've come to expect (and love) from Andrea. Her approach is gentle (with an emphasis on only doing what works for you) while laying everything out in a really straightforward manner that's easy to follow.

This book both showed me of just how much I know, and taught me some new things. And through it all, it reminded me that my spiritual journey (especially as it ties into my creativity) is ultimately mine alone to discover, no matter who is holding my hand along the way (and I am THRILLED that it's Andrea). I can't wait to dive more into the journaling and other practices that she outlines in this book.

[Shirley Andrade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for Beginners

Andrea discusses the definition of magic and its relationship with creativity. She states that each practitioner has to discover their own unique brand of magic and how to identify it by choosing one of two paths: the path of destruction or the path of creation. Additionally, she states that there are also steps that need to be taken to hear your own magic, loud and clear, and they are:
1. Clearing the Channel
2. Tuning In
3. Taking Action
4. Distilling the Wisdom

The author discusses many aspects of magic, including tools, phases of the moon, the elements and other pertinent areas of magic. She provides information on astrology, tarots, oracles and other tools.

This is a great book for anyone desiring to learn the basic of magic. I particularly enjoyed yhe fact that the author provides quite a few rituals.

Highly recommend.

[Sage · Rating 1 out of 5]

shallow egotistic drivel. hippy dippy with emphasis on the dippy disguised as the esoteric. the hypocrisy in the quotes of the 2nd and 3rd pages helps summarize the meaningless of this book. "no one needs to relieve trauma to prove a point to anyone, but especially not within a vacuumed space to people who haven't asked to hold it"

I would say if you are reading the book you asked to hold it.

"everyone wants more art- more media, more entertainment, more pieces that remind us what it means to be human- but nobody wants us to pay for it"

evidently the author won't make emotional sacrifices for her art or the art of communication.

these authors are antithetical to the work they promote. honestly the worst book I have yet read.

[Lyric]

Thank you, NetGalley and MacMillan for the ARC!

This was a great book for someone with a little insight into magic who wants to learn more about the ways that we can utilize the different ways magic manifests in the universe and our lives. As a seasoned witch, I was still able to learn a lot of lovely, new magic practices as well. The way the Hannah describes creatives is spot on. I also like the method she describes for channeling your magic and creativity so that you are able to put yourself into the mindset to create more often and easily. She also describes how to get out of the headspace when you’re completed. I get creative block a frequently so this has been really helpful for me.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had requested this book among a spree in this genre, and while it took me quite some time to get around to reading it, I’m so incredibly glad that I did. So far, this is the standout of the bunch that I’ve read so far. The introduction…oof, right in the feels. Really resonant for any one who engages in creative pursuits. I love the unique way of viewing magic and weaving it with creativity. I am inspired and recharged because I engaged with this book and got so much from it.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Essentials for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Maker's Guide to Magic is a book designed for beginners of the metaphysical side of things. It's great if you want a tiny taste of everything without going too deep into anything. It introduces its readers to basics of astrology, tarot, and other oracles.

I would recommend this to people who want to look into the magical side of things to help their crafting but aren't sure which aspect they'd like to look into. I feel like this book could give you a big enough taste where you can decide if a topic is something you want to dive into further without being bogged down if you aren't interested.

[LittleRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for more information about magic and ways to use several tools along with your creativity, this book is for you. While this book provides a great starting point, it doesn’t go too deeply into any one area which makes it a truly great way to gauge your interest and choose which you wish to peruse in more depth.

That said, this book will help get you started and allow you to include several tools your practice. A great way to expand your knowledge and take things for a spin before delving deeper.

[JadersCorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC NETGALLEY REVIEW

I love this author take on these topic, and pulling from history vs modern concept to support their ideas throughout this book. We’ll explain for any beginners and anyone of teen age and up. If not so much spirituality as is based of humanity in a way, such a unique book. I plan to add it to my bookshelves when in print.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the A through Z book on witchcraft. I have never given a five star review, but this book...Wow! As a person who has been practicing for over 30 years, I Wish this had existed back then. This book covers it all ! If you are a new or moderately new witch you will learn a lot. I can't say enough about this book other than Buy It!

[Katherine Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic resource for any creative looking for new or deeper ways to connect to their magic. It comes with practical advice and guides for how to connect with your own creativity, and how to use spiritual tools to do just that. I know I’ll revisit this book again and again as I deepen my own understanding of my magic and my creative process.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and full of prolific knowledge for creative persons utilizing tarot and astrology, I enjoyed this book immensely! It was easy to read and I learned something new and a different perspective. I recommend this book to all magical folks. I voluntarily read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Trudy Crow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this as an ARC. Great as a refresh or for the beginner. I love how they address the messages that people have related to Magick, conjuring, manifesting, and the like. Well-worth the time. Would love to have a physical copy.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool book and nicely written. So fun having a book about how you can add Magic to your everyday life..
I like how the book is laid out starting with 1st part being The Making of Magic to learn the steps and then learn and discern. Next we head to the 2nd part called The Tools where we learn about Natures Magic, the Elements, Astrology and Tarot and Other Oracles and tools. This was so interesting as I know little about Tarot, Then in the 3rd part we learn how to put it all together with The Process and the steps to take to put everything into action.

[Mae B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Easy to read with great insights.

[Lovely Loveday]

The Maker's Guide to Magic is a comprehensive book that unveils the secrets of unlocking creativity in the modern age through the utilization of tarot, astrology, and other esoteric tools. Embark on a captivating journey through the realms of tarot, astrology, and creativity, delving deep into the recesses of your own soul to nurture the dormant creator within. With Hannah's expert guidance and mesmerizing perspective on the transformative power of magic as a creative tool, this enchanting voyage becomes a gateway to self-discovery.

[Ren | Ex-Bookstagrammer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I loved this book! I’ve always had a soft spot and deep-rotted interest in all things “Magic” from tarot reading to divination. I’ve studied a variety of Wicca books over the years, practiced with rune stones, and kept sleep journals. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 has it all!

Andrea Hannah does a fantastic job in connecting personal growth and creativity with “Magic.” Covering topics such as nature magic, moon phases, candles, tarot, elements, astrology, and so many others, she makes valid opinions and firm discussions about the importance of utilizing tools to guide your hands. So many topics are broken down into easy to follow sections that provide prompts and exercises that will help you find new and fresh ways to explore yourself and the “Magic” around us in mindful ways.

This guide is a wonderful tool itself for guidance into the world of the magic. Both beginners and seasoned practitioners can benefit from this wealth of knowledge.

𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚. 𝙈𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮.

[Summer R Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the writer and publisher. Also, thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

This was magic! You learn so much about different ways to use magic from tarot, astrology, nature... the list goes on. This book is so much more than a how-to. It's about dwelving deep inside yourself and learning about what kind of magic you possess.

This book teaches you that you have it in you to do so much. You just need to believe and take care of yourself.

Reading this book was so much easier than most books dealing with magic or witches. It wasn't boring and didn't drag on. It was written beautifully and just on a in depth soul level. I truly enjoyed reading this book.

[Louisa Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. Thank you, Andrea, for being.