The Crone's Book of Words

by Valerie Worth

The author has created from her studies these poems that are more than instructions, incantations, and spells for every purpose. This is the magick incarnate in each of us who knows the power that is within.

Genres: Witchcraft, Magick, Paganism, Occult, Poetry, Nonfiction, Religion

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

About the author

(October 29, 1933 - July 31, 1994)
Acclaimed poet Valerie Worth Bahlke was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and grew up in nearby Swarthmore, where her father taught biology at Swarthmore College. The family then moved to Tampa, Florida, and Bangalore, India, where they lived for one year. Valerie returned to Swarthmore to attend college, graduating with an English degree and High Honors. Shortly thereafter she married George Bahlke, a fellow Swarthmore graduate. After settling in Clinton, NY, Valerie met Natalie Babbitt at Kirkland College, and Natalie began to illustrate Valerie's work, starting with Small Poems in 1972. Three more volumes followed: More Small Poems (1976); Still More Small Poems (1978); and Small Poems Again (1986). All four volumes were issued in a single paperback, All the Small Poems (1987), and seven years later, All the Small Poems and Fourteen More was released and was then followed by a paperback edition in 1996. In 2002, FSG posthumously published Peacock and Other Poems by Valerie Worth, with pictures by Natalie Babbitt, a collection of 27 poems which Publishers Weekly, in a starred review, said "heralds the joy of words." School Library Journal, in a starred review, declared that "[Valerie Worth's] work gives children something to admire and aim for."

Valerie Worth was honored by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) in 1991 with its Poetry Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children, which acknowledges a body of work.

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've seen several complaints about the style this book is written in, especially the lack of explanations and I have to say that is probably very intentional on the author's part. I personally have found the style very refreshing, especially coming from Llewellyn. If you are new to the Craft, this is probably not for you at this time. This is what I would consider, for lack of better terms, for advanced practitioners. If you need every little thing explained to you as to why it is needed or being said, even if you have been practicing for a long time, this would not be the book for you. However, if you like the older style of writing spells, this is probably for you. Everything you need for the spells are in the poems and the part you recite or need to write is in italics. I happened across this book at a used book store and could not put it down no matter what.

[Laura Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great learner's grimoire for semi-experienced anglo-pagans. i like. :-)

[Bussola Vespucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turns out words are useful when battling demons.

Side note: actually speaking is the hard part.

[Rissa Pappas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the writing style, and although some of the spells are outlandish and difficult to perform, the rest are relatively simple and satisfying.

[Edwina Book Anaconda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spells written in the form of poetry.
I picked this book up for a friend of mine and she loves it.