Witch in Darkness: Magick for Tough Times, Bad Days and Moments of Total Catastrophe

by Kelly-Ann Maddox

Your magickal practice has the power to support and guide you through even the darkest of times.

We all go through difficult times. We all feel loss and confusion, and we struggle with seeminglyinsurmountable problems. For any witch sitting in the light of a candle flame, at a low place in theirlife, this book shows how magickal practice can be a powerful support.Following on from the hugely successful Rebel Witch, Witch in Darkness offers tons of practical, step-by-step workings to show practitioners how to customise and optimise their craft to use as armourto survive the toughest times you can go through. It offers empathy, encouragement and a hugecollection of ideas ranging from simple mindset shifts to weird, rare workings.


The book reminds you that witchcraft has alchemical power. It can help you find joyful sovereignty inloneliness, and it brings you home to yourself when you’re not sure who you are and where you’regoing. This is a manual for getting back on track, magickally and spiritually.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Self Help, Occult, Paganism, Magic

288 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2024

Reviews

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who needs therapy when we have Kelly-Ann Maddox? (I'm kidding, please still get therapy.) This book was beautifully written and can help any witch find hope, resilience, and healing during the darkest parts of life.

[Victoria Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witch in Darkness is a must-read for anyone interested in magick, whether you're an absolute beginner just starting out with the craft and going through a tough time, or someone (like me!) who's been doing it for a while but always interested in a new spin, fresh take on magickal practices for difficult times.

Kelly-Ann holds space in such a loving and supportive way while bringing the reader both spiritual wisdom and practical advice. This book reads like Kelly-Ann is with you, right beside you, holding you in sacred space as you navigate the darkness.

If you are going through a tough time, or just want to be prepared for when life throws you a curve ball, you can't skip this book.

I've been a follower and client of Kelly-Ann's for many years and I'm so glad I found her. This book is a true gift to the magickal world and I really hope that she continues to write and teach and share her knowledge, wisdom and light.

[Stephanie Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly-Ann Maddox wrote a book that I’ve been waiting for, for a long time. A book about Witchcraft during our darkest moments in life. I honestly read this book at a perfect time in my life because I’m currently going through some health issues that have taken me away from my craft and I needed this. The information is well researched, thorough and quality content. A lot of witchcraft books borderline on tacky because they are full of cliches but this book is raw, and real. It is a must for all those who practice the craft so they can find their magick through trying times. I loved the chapter set up and the questions towards the end. I especially enjoyed the journal questions that are at the end of each chapter. Excellent for shadow work and inner work. I can see myself adding a lot of the spells, journal prompts to my personal craft.

I do have one issue which is the formatting. It was hard to read some parts because paragraphs were misplaced and would sometimes trail off and pick up somewhere totally random. However I didn’t take away anything from my rating of the book because that’s a format issue and easy to fix.

[Rachel Pout · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was incredible! 🧙‍♀️ Hands down the best woo woo book I've ever read! I find lots of these books I can take or leave as they don't fully resonate with me, but this one was bang on. Absolutely perfect mixture of self-help, tarot spreads, wonderful woo ideas and journalling prompts for those that way inclined. I must have marked about 30 pages of ideas I will return to! I absolutely love Kelly-Ann on YouTube and her book was no exception.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Less of an instructional how-to, Witch in Darkness provides an excellent array of options to help any practitioner of any level broaden their practice by way of emotional intelligence. Not only does the author offer multiple options and suggestions, but all of which include many accessible points.

The thing that most spoke to me in this was the lack of preachiness in many magic books, that almost turns you away from modern medicine which is a terrifying concept in this day and age. Instead, Kelly-Ann works in the supporting medicines in your life through “bless your meds” and opening the door for actual healthcare to be interwoven with spiritual care.

Overall wonderful read, lots of great notes and lead me to asking myself questions that I hadn’t thought of yet.

[Artemis Crescent · Rating 4 out of 5]

An appropriate time to read something like this, with that title, isn't it?

It could not have come out at a more appropriate time, either.

'Witch in Darkness: Magick for Tough Times, Bad Days and Moments of Total Catastrophe' is exactly what it says on the tin. It is a spiritual, therapeutic, sublime self-help witchy book by Kelly-Ann Maddox, and a follow up to her first book, 'Rebel Witch'. I devoured it in a week, when I could, absorbing as much as I could, and I think it helped me somewhat, in dealing with my own issues. I could relate to a lot of the subjects talked about, and it is always nice to feel I am not alone, in similar, toxic situations, troubles, and thought patterns. Dark, depressive, oppressive, anxious thought patterns.

Maddox consciously, carefully goes pretty deep, and gives sound life advice. The book is life-affirming, dark yet hopeful and comforting, friendly, and a very personal journey, without being too harrowing, scary and overwhelming. I felt for the author as well as myself whilst reading.

Us individual humans, each with unique, differing experiences, are not so different in certain human life experiences, after all.

'Witch in Darkness' should help someone through some deeply troubling, traumatic, shattering times and aspects of their lives, via psychological and spiritual takes, whether or not they are a witch, or whatever they like to call themselves in a likeminded mood and, well, spirit. On giving and receiving positive and caring vibes, in soul-searching and practicing witchcraft.

In slowly, surely beating depression, and healing from it.

The author of 'Witch in Darkness', as I said in my review of 'Rebel Witch', writes personally, comfortingly, and free-thinkingly, like a friend holding your hand along the way, and giving you the choice of what you want to do and how you want to go about it; what feels right to you. Like a true therapist. It's not coddling or cloying, it's helping you on your journey, your path to mental, emotional and spiritual recovery and wellbeing.

While, like with 'Rebel Witch', the advice can get repetitive and too simplified, it is overall never dull and it engaged me enough to keep reading and taking it to heart and psyche. 'Witch in Darkness' gives the readers space to think - think for themselves, as everyone needs to do - as every mind, every psychological issue is different.

It can be a lot to take in, but with all the issues it discusses, it is an easy, accessible guide, by a caring, thoughtful writer.

I love that Maddox is crystal-clearly an openminded and grounded individual, never coming across as judgemental, forceful, pressuring, or a know-it-all with the pretence of having all the answers. She doesn't. No one does.

We just have to keep trying. Keep going.

In my opinion, 'Witch in Darkness' is more strongly written than 'Rebel Witch', giving clear activities, ideas, spells, and notes, such as at the end of each chapter (note-taking and journaling are fundamentally essential on the road to being a witch and towards self-recovery. Also tarot card and oracle card reading).

Cool, dark illustrations are included. A further win for yours truly, witch-ily. Sorceress-ly.

Keep it simple. Do what feels right to you - a spell, a ritual, however you want to design your alter, etc. Take notes and journal your experiences, memories and observations. Recall you energy healthily. Practice selfcare as well as witchcraft. Whatever positive, loving energy and vibes you are sending into the world must come from within, and be truthful, authentic and effectual to yourself. To save the world, you have to save you first. Know yourself. Love yourself.

These are my personal takeaways from 'Witch in Darkness: Magick for Tough Times, Bad Days and Moments of Total Catastrophe'. Bless you, Kelly-Ann Maddox, you lovely, wonderful, patient teacher.

Now I don't mind calling magic "magick", when I was put off by that spelling (heh) before. It sounded more hokey than hocus-pocus to me, but I don't mind it as much anymore.

But, seriously, Ms Maddox, I will never use, nor mix, recreational drugs into anything I do, let alone in any kind of witchiness. Though in 'Witch in Darkness', it is written in more responsibly and in more detail than in 'Rebel Witch' (overcoming and conquering addiction is another chapter subject Maddox goes into).

Speaking of, here is my review of her debut, 'Rebel Witch', for more.

We can all find our way out of the darkness - in our minds, our hearts (from past heartbreaks and traumas), and the chaotic, divided world at large. We will get there. Together.

Love you all.

Final Score: 4/5

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Witch in Darkness discusses how to use witchcraft to make it through difficult times in your life. This includes practical step-by-step rituals, tarot readings, journal prompts, and affirmations to help you through whatever you are dealing with.

This is an easy to read book that provides helpful rituals to get through a variety of situations. Each chapter has rituals, a tarot spread, journal prompts, and a speak it section of affirmations. I liked the wide variety that Maddox provided in each chapter. Maddox makes incorporating witchcraft in hard times easy and reminds people that you don’t always have to do elaborate witchcraft. They also discuss that your practice can change with what is going on in your life and you should embrace that change and not try to force yourself to stick to rituals that used to work for you but are now not.

“Fostering an imperfect practice is the key to witching through darkness.”

Overall, this was a helpful guide for continuing your craft during hard times. I probably won’t use a lot of the rituals in this book in my current practice, but I am glad to have them if the need ever arises.

*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

[Nicole Bergen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Witch in Darkness! I hadn’t read Rebel Witch yet but started that immediately after reading this because it was so good. It has a lot of creative and intriguing ideas for how to cope with the more brutal things that can happen in life.

[Freydís Helsdóttir · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Kelly-Ann published another work of art. This book would be amazing for newbies to the craft but even for people like me who have been practicing for decades - I still got so much out of this. I love how kind, gentle, and empathetic she is to all situations that people find themselves in. I just adore her!

[Paola Dunbar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and is much needed for any witch going through tough times or preparing for tough times. She gives some amazing techniques and some great journal prompts, tarot spreads, and affrimations at the end of every chapter.

[Jamesine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Covers a wide variety of commonly faced dark topics. I feel empowered after reading this. I would highly recommend this to any witch.

[Books Tea Magic · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle ‘Magick for Tough Times, Bad Days and Moments of Total Catastrophe’ for this book enraptured me from the start. I thought FINALLY — this is what we need, some witchiness that addresses the lack of rainbows and unicorns that life throws our way — that will inevitably come. I particularly love the prepping for darkness chapter with ideas that are both adaptable and applicable to energy practices and self care. And a whole helluva lot of YES to protection practices. My next fav chapters are Dark Artist + Spiritual Darkness w/ their truthful reveals, action oriented activities and journal prompts.

[John Of Oxshott · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Kelly-Ann Maddox spoke about ‘Witch in Darkness’ at the Watkins Bookshop in London, she was asked if art played a part in her craft. Her answer was very long but included the idea that musicians and artists, who would never see themselves as magic practitioners, nevertheless perform a kind of alchemy upon her when she engages with their work.

Quite by chance recently I went to a poetry reading where the major themes were our dying planet, the collapse of western democracy, suicide, genocide, fear, anxiety, grief and the feeling that time is running out for all of us. There was even the suggestion that no-one liked poems any more, even though the theatre was filled with poets.

The tone of the event sounds depressing but it was a joyful evening and I returned home with renewed energy and hope. It occurred to me that poems can be like cantrips and that readings can be like incantations warding off encroaching ills.

I have not read any of Kelly-Ann’s poetry but her book ‘Witch in Darkness’ has the same effect as poetry on me. It’s crazily optimistic, uplifting and inspiring.

It’s also very responsible. Kelly-Ann does not offer witchery as a prop or a substitute for more conventional therapies. Sometimes, she says, it is all you need, but at other times it may form only part of a more comprehensive set of tools, including advice from family, friends and qualified professionals.

The body of the book covers more than a dozen areas where you may feel overwhelmed and need some help. These include matters of health, grief, addiction, debt, despair and relationship troubles. There’s a chapter for each, offering affirmations, tarot spreads, practical advice and journalling prompts. Kelly-Ann is creative within a very structured approach.

My favourite chapter is called ‘Dark Artist’. There are ideas in here to transform the way you create art, whether it’s visual art, music, poetry, dance or any other kind of creative expression. Some of the ideas will really wake you up, quite literally — she recommends setting creativity alarms.

I’ve probably made it sound quite jolly and playful. In places it is — Kelly-Ann has an exuberant sense of humour — but there is real seriousness and depth in this book that is shaped by the author’s own life experiences. It is a mature and reflective repository of practical advice, sincere compassion and uplifting wisdom — and not just for witches I think.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved reading this one, especially the first sections of the book. The book contains many practical and creative ritualistic ideas, tarot and journal prompts, and affirmations for witching in darkness.

I recommend it if you are looking for an introspective or secular approach to witchcraft and would describe it as: a psychologically informed, chaos-influenced witchcraft practice focused on shadow, self-sovereignty, and meaning-making.

Kelly-Ann’s writing is informative, direct, clear, and funny at times. I loved that her witchcraft is based in psychology and she writes about psychological techniques like anchoring in music, visualization, and other sensory-somatic ritualistic techniques.

She emphasizes embracing witchcraft alongside other supports, and not as a replacement for medical or therapeutic advice (ethically sound advice that many witchfluencers neglect to mention).

This book was a fresh perspective that I was craving about working in the shadows, and working with negative emotions like rage, depression, sorrow, grief, and overwhelm. It was highly de-stigmatizing for how openly Kelly-Ann writes about her own negative emotions and mental health experiences.

I found it to be a breath of fresh air in a witchcraft culture that sometimes plays the same old feminine cultural scripts — emphasizing “love and light,” shrinking emotions, and self-betrayal. Kelly-Ann’s book addresses the shadow side directly and allows room for it to exist.

I found many techniques and ideas that are helpful for restoring yourself in times of darkness, preparing for darkness when not in it directly, or simply surviving the chaos. Overall a highly empowering approach to witchcraft.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've followed Kelly-Ann Maddox for years and I loved her first book, so when I learned about this one, I already knew it was going to be amazing. Reading "Witch in Darkness" feels like sitting down with a bestie who always tells it like it is - even when it's maybe not what you want to hear - but always with kindness, and in a way that makes you feel fully seen and supported. I can almost hear her say, "Listen up, poptart..."

What the author has done with this book, is given us a primer on witching your way through tough times. Whether you are dealing with grief, mental health challenges, or just feeling beaten down by the constant barrage of awfulness in the world at large, she offers practical tips and actionable suggestions for allowing your witchcraft practice to support you through it, whatever "it" happens to be. I particularly like the exercises and affirmations at the end of each chapter, and I appreciate the author's candor in relating to her own experiences. This would be an excellent gift for a witchy friend who needs a little support, or for yourself if you need it. I know I will be referring back to it for myself.

While I was given the opportunity to read and review this book before publication via NetGalley, I look forward to purchasing a hard copy when it is released.

[Megan Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly-Ann has done it again!

I adored this book. Delving into the dark side of humanity and lived experience is equally important as searching for the light.

The first video I ever found of Kelly-Ann was the video where she was sharing with her audience that she had lost her brother. It was heartbreaking to watch, and yet I connected immediately with her pain and vulnerability. I instantly became a fan and supporter for life.

This work is a beautiful culmination of and dedication to The Dark Times. Pain, loss, and the dark side of life are a necessary part of what it means to be human. Sweeping these facets of life under the rug and pretending they don't exist is not helpful or healthy. I love Kelly-Ann's bravery and willingness to meet these challenges head-on, and to look them directly in the eyes.

I recommend this book to all humans on a spiritual path. Though this book is tailored to witches, there is so much good advice between the pages. I firmly believe everyone, regardless of their spiritual beliefs, would benefit from taking in these words and sitting with them for a while.

10/10 - please pick this up ASAP.

[Nancy Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so wonderful to hear this narrated by Ms. Kelly-Ann herself! The introduction in particular is extremely personal and the tone of the entire project feels like a deep conversation with a dear friend. I love that she recommends things to do when you’re feeling good, so that you can prepare for the darkness and navigate through it more easily.

She defines low-risk vs. high risk witching activities and emphasizes the importance of alchemizing negative intentions into something more productive and positive. Anger is more useful when it’s converted into sheer determination, she says, reminding us to be ethical.

Overall, this book is a gold mine for advice on how to feel better. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Special thanks to Watkins Publishing for lending me an advanced copy of the audiobook via Net Galley. I was so excited to read this and it did not disappoint.

[Raquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of comfort and pragmatism, written without pandering or preaching. Maddox's book provides guidance and wisdom and shows how you can align spiritual practice with modern life and medicine. Lots of easy and easily implemented ideas, along with little TLDR-esque sections at the end of each chapter, along with nice illustrations throughout. I have already found some of the tarot spreads and ideas of use and comfort. Easy ways to strengthen the bonds you want and to protect against those you don't. The book is divided into chapters for addressing various kinds of challenges, including much-appreciated ones on dealing with creative/artistic stagnation and how to deal with greater challenges in the world affecting us all.

A deeply personal and useful book I will regularly return to. Will certainly check out her other works. 💞💫

[Heather K Veitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witch in Darkness is a reassuring yet practical guide for the challenging aspects of life — grief, addiction, a broken heart, mental health issues, and more. Part autobiography, part-how-to, this is a small but powerful book that tackles these issues and offers Witchcraft as a lifeline. Having been in those places without a guide myself, I really appreciated this book existing and offering some solace and solutions to the modern reader — there are tarot spreads, affirmations, journal prompts, spells, and rituals. Each of these could be used as-is, or as a springboard to create similar within your own magical/spiritual practice. Recommended!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher, Watkins Publishing, through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Julia G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelly-Ann Maddox did it again!

Writing a beautiful written Witchraft book with dark subjects this time. Subjects that people need to speak more about. And Kelly-Ann did it, sharing those subjects, while putting in Witchcraft in it.

As always, the illustrations are beautiful. There are write it in this book as well ( just like book 1 ).

Kelly-Ann made it work for readers, who needed help with magic, that normal people couldn't give them.

Kelly-Ann does mention that it's not a book to read instead of going to the hospital or see a doctor ( Kelly-Ann wrote it in different words ).

Thank you Kelly-Ann, for a book that can help people, including me, through the tough times, bad days and moments of total catastrophe.

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are all imperfectly perfect. And I love how the author shared herself and her experiences as she writes this book. It absolutely touched me to the core of my soul.

Good Reads
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
Amazon

Tarot for Creativity Chelsey Pippin Mizzi (5/5 stars)
An excellent read for all levels!
This is a great resource for everyone! Because, as the author says, we are all creative. I found the writing and the content in this book to be easily consumed, but easy to put to use. Regardless of your level of experience with The Tarot.

[Kate Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Listened to the audio book**

I listened to Kelly-Ann Maddox's previous book and adored it so was super excited for this one!
I really appreciated Maddox delving deeper into her personal life within the book. She is incredibly honest and does talk about some real hard hitting topics and her own personal take on them. She is very open and talks about how her Witchy-ness has helped her through these times.

As I always say, I love it when an author narrates their own audiobook - especially in non-fiction, and especially with a book such as this one, thats super personal.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love KAM so it's impossible for me to do an impartial review. I think this book is brilliant and I don't think you need to identify as a witch to take something from it. If you're a bit of a hippy woo woo type, even just a tiny bit new age-y, and you're going through a tough time, this book is an amazing resource. As soon as I finished it I started it again. I got a lot from it and I know this book is going to help a lot of people. Highly recommend for yourself or as a gift for a friend who is living through a really difficult time.

[Inky Quillwarts · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re in darkness or have found yourself in darkness for most of your life, this book is for you. I read this book feeling like someone in the witchcraft community understood that I am a different type of witch because of the trauma I have survived in my life. Kelly also provided excellent, simple, and reachable tools for support during the darkest of times. I really appreciate her for this work and for using her own trauma and pain to help others find a way back to themselves and out of the pools of despair.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witch in Darkness by Kelly Ann Maddox delivered everything I expected. I've watched her YouTube channel for many years and her teachings always resonate with me.

Each chapter ends with prompts to help you practice and integrate what was covered.
For tips and practices about your spiritual practice during times of darkness and uncertainty, I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for my review.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read! This tome is about witchy self-care. I loved the spreads and journaling prompts as well. I also feel the book was well-rounded and extremely knowledgeable. I highly recommend reading this book if you're a witchy being. I read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Linda Muhammad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was groundbreaking for me.

I had just lost my husband when I started this book. The grief was so thick and real. This work has helped me through some of those dark moments. Thank you Kelly Ann!!! I highly recommend for all witches but especially to those who are going through dark times. This book is a roadmap.

[Divya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for people new or old to the world of witchcraft, self care and activism! Kelly-Ann Maddox has an excellent command on her craft. She holds your hand with a protective grasp - gently nudging you through trying times.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book for so many reasons. I love her as a person. Kelly is brilliant. I will refer to this book again. It touched me in a way I wasn't expecting. I bought it before alot of chaos & loss happened in my life . Divine Timing. Thank- you Kelly - ann for being you.

[Paris Chandhar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! A true voice in the darkness🌹💋✨❤️‍🔥