Book Review-Crafting Magic: A Junior Witch’s Grimoire by Nikki van de Car

Photo Credits: Stock Photo from Publisher of Crafting Magic: A Junior Witch’s Grimoire

Crafting Magic: A Junior Witch’s Grimoire by Nikki van de Car is a beautifully illustrated, 119 page book published by Hachette Book Group, an imprint of Running Press Publishing, of which I received an e-book copy. Crafting Magic serves as a grimoire, or book of shadows, for children and teens looking to practice easy, basic witchcraft. Sample spell and ritual records are given, as well as blank formats within the book following each section/chapter, to write down what spell or ritual was done, timing, and the like. Each chapter or section covers different types of spells and rituals, crafts and ideas that are easily done, some of which might require adult supervision, as noted in the cover of the book. Before getting into the spells and rituals, Van de Car covers the basics, such as creating and maintaining an altar and ritual tools, crystals, herbs and the like, and at the end of this section a short list of correspondences is given. Each chapter/section, which covers an intent, or area of life that a young witch would want to work magic in, gives spells, rituals, meditations and other ideas to enchant that part of the young person’s life, followed by pre-formatted pages to record spells and rituals at the end of each section of spells. Items ranging from crystals, herbs, essential oils, and candles are used in these spells, creating a diverse practice for the young witch. Knot magic, petition magic, and even creating codes and alphabets grace the pages of Crafting Magic, and I find that remarkable, as the young witch will have an easy time transitioning to the more adult, complicated magicks when the time is right.

Personal Thoughts on Crafting Magic 

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again; I wish they had books like this when I was a young witch. Sure, there were some books like this around at that time, before Witchcraft and the Occult had its revival and following renaissance which we’re in now, but they more focused on the philosophical and ethical views of Wicca, instead of just giving a small introduction to basic ethics with magick, and moving into actual working spells. To clarify, Wicca is not the only form of witchcraft out there, and despite its (probably needed) influence in the young witch books available now, Van de Car does not outright state anything specifically Wiccan. I appreciate this, and her approach to magic for young people. Let them see the enchantment within it, and they likely won’t even want to practice some of the darker stuff (at least not until their later years, possibly). Aside from the philosophical and ethical points, I found Crafting Magic itself and the spells and rituals within a refreshing break from the complicated, needs a million ingredients spells I see so many people doing (myself included at times), and focusing on simple, everyday items, and how to weave magick with those. After all, witches of old used what was available to them. I found the spells to be effective, having used a couple of them myself for various reasons, and they worked in relatively short order for me. I have actually begun using some ideas from Crafting Magic, specifically the record keeping end, reformatting how I keep my records from now on.

Boy, how I wish they had these books when I was a kid and teenager! On a scale of 1-5, I give Crafting Magic: A Junior Witch’s Grimoire a 5; it’s great for kids, and witchy parents whose kids want to learn the craft. It will get them practicing real, effective and simple magick, while also teaching them how to keep records of the magick they cast, which so many of us adults seem to forget to do (myself included at times). I found the spells applicable to adult life as well, and because of that, regardless of age, I find this book is one that beginners to Witchcraft may find helpful as well.

Nikki van de Car is a blogger, crafter and mother, writing books and blogs on knitting, everyday magic, and has written books on both subjects. She lives with her family in Hawaii.

 

About the Author:

Hello there! I’m the Modern Merlin, and I’ve been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Wizard, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician and Soothsayer for 15 years, worshipping and casting magick with deities and spirits from many cultures, including Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as many Faeries, Nymphs, Dryads, Ancestors and other nature and land spirits and spirits of place. I practice Necromancy and Deathwalking, as well as Traditional Witchcraft and Ceremonial Magick. I study and practice Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination. I give readings and spiritual services on my Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!