A Box of Magick: A Guided Journey to Crafting a Magickal Life Through Witchcraft, Ritual Herbalism, and Spellcrafting

by Jamie Della

Discover the Magick that lives within you. A Box of Magick will connect you with herbalism, rituals, and spells through the guidance of two priestesses, one from beyond the veil.

A Box of Magick is a call to adventure, an invitation to awaken and activate the deepest part of your most mystical, powerful self. Traditionally, Magick has been taught with close, one-on-one guidance that is rarely available to practitioners of all levels today. This book invites us to practice with two magickal guides, author Jamie Della and her Elder Wiccan High Priestess and mentor Connie DeMasters. Fifteen years after Connie’s passing, Jamie received a literal box of Magick on her doorstep, 23 pounds of Connie’s rituals, hymns, spells, charts, astrology, and more. Through this unexpected gift, Connie is still teaching Jamie―and now they are both teaching us!

With the warmth of female mentorship, A Box of Magick offers a path of personal growth and empowerment and shares:
• Inspiration to recognize the magickal lessons, universal messages, and helpful signs that exist all around us―from cycles of the sun, moon, and planets to herbs
• Rituals that help us face and integrate the shadow self, develop abiding self-love, and stand with a sword of personal truth held ready
• Lessons in how to foster a relationship with crystals, herbs, living creatures, and elemental spirits, as well as our own stories, and write your own spells
• Storytelling and parables that teach discernment as we connect magickal insights with our own experiences

As Jamie shares, this guide offers “a mentor to help you live the craft of the wise and deepen your ability to manifest, intuit, and connect with the language of our alive world and its limitless possibilities.” A Box of Magick shares seeds of magickal wisdom and shows us how to turn them into a blossoming, evolving magickal life, spiced with the essence of our own unique spirit.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

Published September 26, 2023

Reviews

[Elyse Welles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamie has created something really special with this book. It is a love letter to mentorship in the Craft, and much needed in our ever-increasing solitary and digital world. Her words take you back in time to the turn of the millennium, to a different generation of witches, and a different way of approaching the Craft.

Today we practice very differently, and with a different lens on gender and polarity, love and light, healing and selflessness. But the resources and spells found in this book are applicable for the modern world. Some of the best workings in this book are the simple ones that remind us to connect to our intuition. I also have added several of Connie’s personal pages to my own Book of Shadows after reading, which really makes me smile and feel almost a part of her lineage.

This is a book I will recommend to experienced practitioners of all ages to either remember or discover what learning witchcraft was like for the last generation, and to reflect on their path and where they’ve come from.

I really enjoyed the format of this book, moving through the perspectives and elements of practicing witchcraft, with each chapter giving us more insight into the intimate relationship between student and mentor. It was wonderful to get to know Connie through Jamie‘s words, and I think her cat-like eyes are smiling to know this book and her story are preserved for the world to read.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful, informative and well written book that can be useful if you are starting the Path or you want to learn something new or a good reference.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Malin ♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

❥ 1 star ☆

This book alternates between conversations between the author and her mentor + information about rituals, spells, astrology, tarot etc.

I don’t think the conversations were that interesting, and there wasn’t really any new information or it just wasn’t interesting to me. So the information seemed to be for beginners, but I wouldn’t recommend this book for beginners because there are many other books with better and more information.

I would only recommend this book for people who know what to expect from it and who are specifically interested in reading the conversations in the book, and maybe people who are interested in reading wicca information.

💌 Thank you to NetGalley + Sounds True Publishing for a digital copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━

[Books Tea Magic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it from the beautiful intro, and then the first paragraphs of chapter 1 cemented my joy for this book. What if it’s the spirit of the lavender oil pulling us into its state of calm — yesss! The cosmic language of energy and vibration is the language I know best ✨ I’ve tried Abhyanga a dozen times ish, but after years, I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately and this seems to be my sign to rekindle this practice. The stories and lessons, the moon, tarot, circles, blessings and rituals, all the things are touched on in her lyrical way, sharing conversations and experiences. Plus, with a dose of magical synchromysticism, I read this on my way to Mexico. Bravo!

[Jenna Deaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Box of Magick by Jamie Della will be a wonderful addition to the bookshelves of practitioners old and new alike. This book feels like a one on one guide through settling into a practical daily routine of magic and opportunity.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

“A Box of Magick” by Jamie Della is an interesting mix between an introduction to modern witchcraft and a practical textbook on magick, intertwined with episodes from the author’s life.

It took me quite a lot to review this book mainly because I didn’t know what to write.
On one hand, I found extremely fascinating and captivating the parts that were more theoretical, those about the full moons, the witch holidays and the tarots. However, on the other hand, I found the more practical parts, those about the rituals, as well as some biographical parts, weak and boring.
It’s a weird feeling, being able to appreciate one part but feeling completely disinterested in the other, especially considering that, in this case, the two are strongly linked.

Still, despite all this, I found that the relationship between Jamie and her mentor Connie was such a wonderful bond, especially the way they could understand each other without even uttering a word, as if their connection went beyond that medium. Also, while I know what was coming, I kept on hoping for a miracle, on the hope of having misunderstood the signs; then, when that chapter came, I couldn’t help but tear up a bit.

In conclusion, while I found this book a good introduction to magick and modern witchcraft, it wasn’t really my cup of tea, a fact for which I’m truly sorry.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sounds True Publishing for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ishieta Chopra · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a newbie to this world, this is a good book to pick up. It is well written and the author takes you along on her journey - you learn from her experiences - which I feel is so valuable. Many books may teach you tools and spells, but one where you can learn from another's experiences is priceless.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a practicing Witch, but am Wiccan-curious, so this book spoke to me off the bat. The author does a great job weaving her story with her mentor into tips, spells, rituals, and instructions that anyone can use. I really felt the love between the author and her mentor, and feel like I got the benefit of both of their wisdom. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to deepen their knowledge of this practice.

[Shirley Andrade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Reference Material

Jamie Della discusses what magick is and how it works, stating that magick is created by aligning your will with a conscious world and universal influences. Further stating that all of nature, from the wind to the crystals on an altar to the herbs in a kitchen cabinet, is trying to help us experience great joy and satisfaction through continual conversation. She states that supernatural aids are always available because the law of attraction, the belief that you attract what you focus on, is a two-way one street.

The author, also, acknowledge that the law of attraction is real; we will attract whatever we focus on. However, it is important to take a moment here to reject feelings of guilt, shame, or blame for “attracting” bad things or living a life of oppressive social situations and status.

One of the things the author provides is anointing yourself using the Abhyanga method. She describes it as an Ayurvedic therapy that involves massaging. I found this to be very beneficial. Additionally, she discusses many of the tools and practices as with other forms of craft work.

This is a great book filled with much information and it is a great resource or reference book. Highly recommend.

[Karin H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is evident that this book has been crafted with immense care and love, and this sentiment shines through on every page. The introduction itself weaves a captivating story of the book's origin, demonstrating how it not only honors the author's mentor but also embodies a life filled with magic.

There is an abundance of treasures within this book, catering to a wide range of interests and experiences. Every reader is bound to find something that deeply resonates with them, making it an enriching and fulfilling read.

Personally, I fell in love with this book and found it to be a remarkable addition to its genre. Its heartfelt approach and the touch of magic woven throughout make it a truly special and memorable experience. #ABoxofMagick #NetGalley

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was well-written and a call for self-reflection and a captive read. This is an eclectic book that doesn’t push the reader in any one direction, but rather calls to many different ways of approaching the craft. I found this book to be interesting, but I had a hard time staying truly engaged in the book. I really appreciated how this book is a basic call for newbies, and that the author included her mentor in so much of it.

My one true issue with this book is in the very beginning, the author pushes for the law of attraction without calling out that systemic barriers are not going to work for marginalized people attempting to “attract” these things, and this took me out of the book when I was first reading it. 3.5/5

[Athena Funtowicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly a witchy starter book packed with fun information on tarot, spells, and gorgeous illustrations. I enjoyed reading about all of the different tips and prose that Della has to share. I found myself feeling more mindful just based on trying to practice some of these tips. The guides on when to start trying new things based on moon cycles and when/how to practice rituals was also fantastic. I learned about new Gods and Goddesses to honor based on what you are calling for help with and hope that others find wisdom in "A Box of Magick" just as I did.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes in life we stumble upon a book that seems like it was written just for you. That’s how this book made me feel. Many times throughout this book the author would ask a question or describe a place they were in life and it mirrored my own questions and place in life. I wish I had my own Connie to help guide me. But in a way I guess I did for a short time while reading.
This book is a wonderful blend of the authors personal story while also having so much useful information and knowledge. I loved it! I hope you all get just as much as I have from this wonderful “Box of Magick”!

[R.A. Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Box of Magick was part reflective and part guided journey to exploring magic in your own life. With the author's own personal experiences shaping the layout, it felt like she was trying to take you on that journey with her own exploration of magical practices. I would have liked to see more practical applications for a reference book, but what was there was very well done. Overall, an interesting read.

This was a NetGalley review.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gift to all witches! It's beautifully written, and makes you feel good. A Box of Magic is a cornucopia of information valuable to Any practitioner of magic regardless of your chosen path. This one on one style writing is particularly helpful to a newer witch. I highly recommend this treasure to all!

[JadersCorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC NETGALLEY REVIEW

Well written and complied some of the most important information for any beginner or anyone wanting more references sources in their bookcase. The author lacks nothing when she tells her own story to better help you see context to material within the book. Very unique approach to a book of this type.

[Stephanie Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful. The author really knows her stuff when it comes to Witchcraft and I adored the little lessons thrown in from Connie. The conversations between Jaime and Connie made me yearn for my own Mentor and may actually seek one.

Well written and perfect for any witch, baby to old crone.

[S.J. Reisner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so this is a very basic witchcraft book for neophyte witches, but what I loved about it was how the author weaves in a touching memoir of her teacher throughout. A worthwhile read if you're new to witchcraft and looking for some inspiration and wisdom.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book to read. 5 star book
Not sure who to recommend this book to
Might reread it later on in the year

[Marie]

This book is so helpful rather you are a beginner in magick or an expert. You will find tons of useful information in this book.

[Leah M · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Sounds True for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was thoroughly excited to read this one, and had very high hopes going into it. Since I had overlooked the NetGalley expiration date, I wound up checking out the audiobook from my library, which was narrated by the author.

She was very high energy in her narration, and I could tell that she was very passionate about the subject. But I found myself starting to get a little nervous with the repeated mention of using menstrual blood and the discussion about placentas, and just chalked it up to the usual New Age strangeness. I found it even stranger when she mentioned washing her floors with urine and brown sugar, and didn't have to make a mental note never to use that spell because it seemed like a recipe for stinky and sticky floors.

There were some other spells mentioned, but all of them called for ingredients that I don't have on hand, even with my burgeoning supply of crystals and herbs and essential oils. But I figured it couldn't hurt to continue listening anyway.

But I hit my breaking point when Della blatantly appropriates tradition from a closed practice. She inserts Kabbalistic practice from "the Hebrews." Seriously? Who even calls Jewish people "Hebrews" anymore? I thought we left that behind. That wasn't the worst part though. She then spouts off "Hebrew words" which were a bunch of gibberish followed by two actual Hebrew words, and then proceeds to give a "definition" for them which was incredibly inaccurate (at least for the two Hebrew words), attempting to get them to fit closely to the Lord's prayer without even doing basic research. I'm incredibly disappointed at the author for failing to do the absolute minimum in first respecting a closed practice and not appropriating our traditions, and secondly in writing literal gibberish and saying it was Hebrew, and thirdly, for trying to force a translation to fit into her predetermined translation. For the record, the only recognizable words translate as "to the world, amen." I'm even more disappointed in her editing team for not catching this at all.

[Robin Goodfellow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free. This does not impact my review in any shape or form.

A Box of Magick by Jamie Della, is a foundational guide for those interested in pursuing witchcraft as a spiritual practice. Della discusses how someone can use seemingly simple traditions to bring magic into their lives, from herbalism, to different divination techniques, to spell crafting tools and meditating styles. Unlike most other 101 books, Della takes an eclectic approach to teaching witchcraft, and encourages being inclusive with the traditions, in spite of what others may believe.

I appreciate Della including her mentor in the book, even more so when she has her writing the epilogue. It shows how important our elders are to our practice, which, surprisingly enough, there’s a lack of in foundational books. I also enjoyed how inclusive Della is, referring to either God, or Goddess, or Spirit, or the Universe as a main source of higher energetic power. It emphasizes the fact that witchcraft can involve worship of anyone. It’s there reason why there’s a growing number of witches who are atheists, who practice Abrahamic faiths, ect. You don’t necessarily have to be pagan, or even Wiccan, for that matter, to be a witch. It’s a lifestyle choice. There are also times I see the influences of other authors from Dr. Clarissa Estés and Danielle Dulsky, to Salicrow’s and, at times, even Raven Silverwolf.

Although I do wish Della included more references in regards to crystals and various herbs, I feel like this is a good general book for any witch who wants to start building their library. While I’d recommend them getting different compendiums and compiling your own book of shadows, I can see the value in a witch having this book. As such, I would give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

[Emily Fravel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't really impressed with this book. I was extremely bored while reading. In a space where there is an abundance of titles on the topic of witchcraft, it's important to make your book stand out. This title fell a little flat for me and didn't really bring anything new to the table. I also didn't really care for the layout. Every witch and their practice is different so this may be the perfect book for you, especially if you are a beginner but it just wasn't for me.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. I loved the relationship between the author and Connie. It made me feel like I knew Connie too. Their shared love of the craft was quite apparent. The book was well written in a down-to-earth manner. An excellent read! I voluntarily read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Shelby *trains flying monkeys* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet book about a friend/teacher relationship into each woman's journey. My copy was one of those you have to read on either your phone or the computer and I hate those but still read this one. So that's saying something.

Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.

[Kristy Marquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read. It was both informational and a view into the everyday life of two excellent witches!

Definitely, a must-read.

I really enjoyed reading about Jamie's journey with her teacher Connie DeMasters.

[Alexsis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a witch but I’ve always been very interested in the practice. This was the perfect intro to all things magic. It taught so many things and I loved the information behind crystals and oils most because we actually use both of those in our home.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part book of shadows, part biography, part memoir, and part philosophy book - it works sometimes, and sometimes it gets scattered and not so interesting. Della focused a lot on her mentor Connie, but we only got glimpses and snippets of her so it was hard to picture her or really even care much. Della talks a little about her own life, but again the pieces are fragmented and small so we never get a full idea of who she is. When she talks about the magick is when this book shines, as her passion and belief is palpable and draws you in.