Reviews

Book Review – The Witch at the Forest’s Edge: Thirteen Keys to Modern Witchcraft by Christine Grace

Book Review

The Witch at the Forest’s Edge: Thirteen Keys to Modern Witchcraft

by Christine Grace

Published by Weiser Books

224 Pages

Published: November 2021

 

 

 

…I stand in the meadow, at the forest’s edge. One step forward and I will straddle the boundary between fading light in the swaying grass and rich darkness in the woods. One more step and I will be immersed in the nighttime world of southern, hardwood forest. My home lay behind me, the wild magic ahead. I am the witch at the forest’s edge… (1)

The Witch at the Forest’s Edge: Thirteen Keys to Modern Witchcraft by Christine Grace is an immersive and deep dive into the world of the modern witch. Ms. Grace’s theology studies shine through with informed practices and cross section references to other spiritual practices. The philosophies and method of study contained within this book provide the reader with a sampling of the tried and tested teachings that are foundational within The Forest’s Edge Tradition, co-founded by Ms. Grace in 2011.

The How to Use This Book and the Self-Assessment sections of the Introduction were a welcome addition that many books of this type tend to omit, assuming that the reader will glean from the writings how to apply and get the most from them. As we learn more of the Forests Edge Tradition, it becomes apparent that the how and why of all magickal practice are part of the tradition’s methodology of training and teaching. Additionally, knowing the “how” and the “why” align deeply with the overall intentions of The Witch at the Forest’s Edge: Thirteen Keys to Modern Witchcraft. These emphasize the ultimate goal of the modern witch to develop as one who finds their way through deep reflection, deep practice and a slow and often self-guided approach to cultivating the individual’s personal growth in the practice of witchery. All of the tools required for that intention are found within the pages of The Witch at the Forest’s Edge: Thirteen Keys to Modern Witchcraft.

The book is separated into thirteen (13) chapters. The formatting of these chapters allows the reader to flow easily through a methodical and well-designed approach towards cultivating their own practice of modern witchcraft. Communing with Spirits (Ch 2), Cultivating Spirit Senses (Ch. 4), Divination (Ch. 8) and Spellcraft (Ch. 12) are some of the topics included for deeper exploration. Additionally, each chapter contains sections with related content for reflection and another for actual practice. The Resources that conclude the book are thoughtfully aligned by chapter and rich in specifically curated titles of depth and substance.

Ms. Grace offered some practical insight in Chapter 1: Worldview and Spirituality, which spoke as a lovely fusion of her spiritual practice and her training as a counselor….

…It is one thing to give an intellectual assent to the ideas and practices outlined in this book. But will you do the work? …..In order to identify and develop perceptions of the sacred and the many influences at work in ourselves, and our environment, we need both study and practice… (2)

This approach is clearly evident throughout the pages of The Witch at the Forest’s Edge: Thirteen Keys to Modern Witchcraft, each chapter complete with opportunities for study of the related skills and guidance for practice of these newfound concepts. As stated by Ms. Grace, the power lay in the interweaving of the two as the reader begins to build a strong foundation of witchery.

I was particularly drawn to Chapter 11: The Practical Use of Magical Theory. I am always interested in what approach the author will take with this subject and where the emphasis may lay in relation to how they practice their craft.

…We pluck tender leaves with whispered thanks, leaving precious trinkets beneath old trees. Words leap from our mouths, speaking power into the world. Our bodies dance to exhaustion and our voices chant to hoarseness. Our eyes shut and our breath slows as we sink into the earth and our spirits fly. (3)

Discussion of energy and cultivating beneficial relationships with spirit allies come to the forefront of what magick is and how it is woven and worked from the perspective of the witch. These are seen as basic ingredients towards the application of an intentional practice that produces the witch’s desired results.

Another chapter of note was Chapter 13: Magical Ethics. There is much debate in the pagan community about the ethics of baneful magic and the harm or healing it may do, if thought ethical to practice at all. This chapter speaks clearly to what the responsibilities and the allowing of free will, individual power and choice are for those who embrace a witchery that is rooted in traditional witchcraft as practiced by The Forest’s Edge tradition….

…Traditional witchcraft does not forbid any spellcraft or magical practices. We cultivate the skill to both hex and heal as needed, as all of existence contains this sort of ebb and flow… (4)

There are generous amounts of thought-provoking statements and the Reflection section of this chapter is one that should be given deep consideration in the formation of the individual’s personal ethics. This is preceded by Ms. Grace providing the reader with An Ethical Structure, that allows for a methodical approach to ethics within the craft and ways of organizing your thoughts.

The closing section The Witch at the Forest’s Edge feels like a loving gift of support and encouragement from Ms. Grace to the reader. She offers a bolster of confidence that is infused with the underpinnings of some of the philosophies presented throughout her book; there is no right or wrong way of practice, the work of the craft is demanding and difficult, and although at times progress may feel slowed, the path of the witch is always rewarding when you remain true to yourself.

…Don’t fear the cycles of practice. The time and energy that you devote to your craft will wax and wane and shapeshift through the seasons of your life. It doesn’t make you less of a witch. You are just living the cycles, like the rest of nature. The magic is yours, a witch unto yourself. You are beholden to no one but connected to many as you stand at the forest’s edge…. (5)

Would I Recommend:

The Witch at the Forest’s Edge: Thirteen Keys to Modern Witchcraft by Christine Grace is a handbook into the world of modern witchcraft founded on the teachings of a practicing tradition. Regardless of what or if the reader claims as their own practices within the craft to explore and build upon, the take away from the reading of this title is one of greater clarity about the possibilities of taking the journey of the Witch. As is true of the mysteries of weaving one’s magick, the content is layered between word and practice, between experience and integration; and, as such it should also be understood that a single reading of The Witch at the Forest’s Edge: Thirteen Keys to Modern Witchcraft provides only one layer of understanding. This is a title that will become the reader’s reference guide and much like fine wine as the studies age, so does the deepening of the practice becoming the way in which (Witch) the practitioner lives their magical and mundane life.

Notes:
1. From the Publisher
2. Pgs. 12-13
3. Pg. 157
4. Pg. 183
5. Pg. 192

Christine Grace is a longtime teacher of the Craft and a founder of the Forest’s Edge Tradition of witchcraft. She is cohost of the Betwixt & Between podcast, covering a variety of topics in witchcraft and everyday magic. She has graduate degrees in theology and mental health counseling from Vanderbilt University. Connect with her at www.christinegracebetwixt.com or @awitchbetwixt on Instagram.

 

The Witch at the Forest’s Edge: Thirteen Keys to Modern Traditional Witchcraft on Amazon

 

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About the author:

Robin Fennelly is an Elder within The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition and serves as High Priestess of Coven of the Mystic Path, the 12th Coven within the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition. She teaches and facilitates classes for the Pagan Experience Study Group that serves as foundation for membership within Coven of the Mystic Path.  

Her spiritual journey is strongly rooted in both Eastern philosophy and the Western Magickal systems from which she has formed a core foundation that is diverse in knowledge and rich in spiritual practice.  A life-long learner, her practice has evolved from the classical and philosophical teachings of books, practical experience and enrichment of this knowledge base by attending workshops of various spiritual traditions presented by master teachers.

Robin formally came to the Wiccan path in 1994. Following a practice as a solitary for 2 years, she dedicated to Oak and Willow Coven of The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition in November of 1996. She received her 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th (Elder) degrees within the Assembly Tradition and has served as High Priestess of two ASW covens since Samhain of 2001 and the Winter Solstice of 2015.


As a teacher of esoteric and magickal studies she uses Energetic Anatomy, Tarot, Astrology, Hermetic Qabala, Eastern Philosophy, and Numerology as the foundations of her diverse selection of workshops and writings for more than 25 years. Exploration of varied energetic protocol has been the focus of her work for some time now and the information gained through direct experience informs all of her magickal and spiritual work.

Robin’s writings have been featured online, and in print Internationally.  She has authored several books incorporating her unique style of writing making use of poetry, prose and pathworking to enhance the concepts presented.  She has taught extensively throughout the Pagan community, including Sacred Space Conference, Spring Magick, Between the Worlds Interfaith Conference and Free Spirit Gathering Festival. Her most recent projects include a channel on youtube: A Journey to the Inner Chamber. She also shares audio pathworkings and ritual on her bandcamp site: Teachings on the Path with Robin.

Robin is the owner of Holistic Embrace providing services for mind, body and spirit such as Tarot readings, Astrology reports, Spiritual Guidance and other related offerings.  She lives in Eastern Pennsylvania and her life is blessed by a 40+- year marriage, five children and the opportunity to work in the field of public education.

Robin’s Websitewww.robinfennelly.com

Coven of the Mystic Path, ASWwww.covenofthemysticpath.org

Her books can be found on Amazon or purchased directly through her website:

For more infohttp://www.robinfennelly.com/books.html

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 1 It’s Written in the Stars-Astrology

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 2 Poetry of the Spheres-Qabalah

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 3 Awakening the Paths-Qabalah

The Light of SELF: Consciousness, Spiritual Practice and Learning to Breathe

Magickal Verse: A Collection of Poetry and Prose

A Year of Gaia: The Eternal Cord

The Elemental Year: Aligning the Elements of SELF

Temple of the Sun and Moon: Luminous Devotions

Sleeping with the Goddess: Nights of Devotion

A Weekly Reflection: Musings for the Year

The Magickal Pen: A Collection of Esoteric Writings

The Enchanted Gate: Musings on the Magick of the Natural World

The Temple of the Sun: An Astrological Solar Year

Writings in the Shadow: An Exploration of the Shadow Nature