Reviews

Book Review – Year of the Witch: A Planner and Spellbook for the Novice Witch

Book Review

Year of the Witch:
A Planner and Spellbook
for the Novice Witch

by Francesca Black

Publisher: Microcosm Publishing 

190 Pages

Release Date: June 27, 2023

 

 

 

 

“Magic is the ever-present energy around us – it’s in the sky, our companion animal, what we eat, where we live, and ourselves – and it can be used to create and manifest the things we want in our lives. By living with our intentions and the moon’s guiding energy, we can align ourselves with this energy and live our best lives, creating our narratives and movement along the way. And with each step we take, we are closer to our authentic selves. If you’re new to witchcraft, this guide will walk you through your first year. Year of the Witch serves as an introductory guidebook, a planner, and a space to take notes and creatively expand your knowledge and build a practice. You’re encouraged to customize this book to your needs. Write in your own dates each week, mark the moon phases, and begin your journey at any time during the year. Each month offers insight, spells, and techniques related to a different topic in witchcraft, such as manifesting, divination, crystal magic, home magic, celebration, protection and more.”

Description taken from the Amazon.com product page (2023)

When I opened the package with this book, I liked the size and feel of it in my hands. It is a smaller book making it perfect for slipping into your bag. A thoughtful detail for a book you are meant to work with and take notes in.

The table of contents outlines a good array of topics for the beginner practitioner:

  • Witchcraft and You
  • How to use this book
  • New beginnings
  • Moon Phases
  • Your Magical Home
  • Protection
  • Grounding and Centering
  • Divination
  • Reflection and Celebration
  • Crystal Magic
  • Banishing
  • Writing Spells
  • Creating your Grimoire
  • Where to go from here

The overview to witchcraft and you is short but succinct. A well-worded conversation of what witchcraft is and is not. “But remember, witchcraft is not about control, or dominating in life; it’s about living with the flow of your reality and bending it to get to a place where you want to be.” (Pg. 9, Year of the Witch)

How to Use clearly states that this book was written to be a guide in the first year of learning witchcraft. I believe this could be great for the beginner to help find what speaks to them and questions to consider along their journey. It also relieves the pressure of having to start a grimoire immediately, because you have a place for notes, reflections and plans.

From New Beginning to My Grimoire there is an introduction to the section, a small lesson, questions to consider, information and a place to record moon phases, things to remember, short assignments, and a monthly reflection. Where to go gives ideas for how to continue your journey and a few resources.

This is a lovely guide for those new to the craft. The information is bite-sized, but well written and not overwhelming. The author encourages personal research and responsibility during one’s journey and personal growth. I would recommend Year of the Witch to those new to the craft or even if you are helping guide another through the craft.

 

Year of the Witch on Amazon

 

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About the Author:

Irisa MacKenzie can be found on Instagram at SassyVikingMama honestly discussing life, motherhood, meditation, and mindfulness. Her current focus is incorporating farm to table and nature to nurture into her spirituality, business, and daily life. Viking Woman Creations is a woman-owned business that began with creations to nurture your soul, but has also become women artists supporting each other. Viking Woman Creations can be found on Instagram and Facebook, along with our show schedule.