#diana rajchel

[thevirginwitch]

Review of Urban Magick by Diana Rajchel

Took me a while, but I finally finished Urban Magick! ✨

I give it about 3.5 ⭐ / 5 ⭐. Overall, it gave me a bit more hope for being a "witch" in a space that's not-so-nature-oriented. I always personally felt disconnected when folks would talk about being in nature, because I live in the dead-center of Dallas - and this book taught me that I don't necessarily have to be in nature to feel that magic around me, or have powerful tools at my fingertips.

That being said, there were a few outdated concepts in this book (there always seems to be in these Llewellyn publications), but it was a great foundational text that gave me a lot of inspiration and good ideas on how to participate more in my local neighborhood and overarching city.

If you live in a super dense city and want to feel more connected to your craft, and want to learn different ways to incorporate city elements into your craft, I definitely recommend this book! I also recommend this book if spirits, entitities, and thoughtforms are your thing. There is a LOT of speak about city spirits in this book, which is great for someone who's into that sort of thing (I'm personally not)!

[sublimedevastation]

[laurel-and-key]

ARCANA OBSCURA: a personal occult library

Disclaimer: this post is a perpetual WIP, serving as an archive of all the books I've read on topics of non-Hellenic paganism, witchcraft, occultism, etc. I read widely because I enjoy expanding my perspective.

This is by no means a list of recommendations (in fact, there are some titles on this list I wouldn't recommend), but feel free to treat it that way if you're looking for suggestions!

Other reading masterlists:

DIVINA OBSCURA: a personal Hellenic library

OCCULTISM

A History of Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult, D.K. Publishing

On Monsters: An Unnatural History of Our Worst Fears, Stephen T. Asma

Grimoires: A History of Magic Books, Owen Davies

Darkness: A Cultural History, Nina Edwards

The Spectral Arctic: A History of Ghosts and Dreams in Polar Exploration, Shane McCorristine

The Witch, Ronald Hutton

WITCHCRAFT

Psychic Witch, Mat Auryn

Urban Magick, Diana Rajchel

Of Blood and Bones: Working with Shadow Magick and the Dark Moon, Kate Freuler

Year of the Witch: Connecting with Nature's Seasons through Intuitive Magick, Temperance Alden

MUSINGS & MEDITATIONS

Becoming Dangerous, Katie West

Waking the Witch: Reflections on Women, Magic, and Power, Pam Grossman

Waking Up to the Dark, Clark Strand

Meditations, Marcus Aurelius

DREAMS & SYMBOLISM

The Forgotten Language, Erich Fromm

[midwestbramble]

Book Reviews and Recommendations

This will be a running list of books I’ve reviewed and which ones I recommend according to topic. This way when people ask I have an easy place to point them.

Right now I’m posting one review a week of a book that’s already on my shelf. Eventually all the books I’ve recommended will have a review linked as well; for now if you have questions about one feel free to ask. This post will continue to be updated.

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Content:

Book Reviews

Book Recommendations

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Book Reviews

America Bewitched

American Brujeria

Aradia

Astral Dynamics

Backwoods Witchcraft

Besom, Stang, and Sword (coming soon)

Mastering Witchcraft

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Book Recommendations

Ancestor Work:

Honoring Your Ancestors by Mallorie Vaudoise

Animal Spirits:

Fang and Fur, Blood and Bone by Lupa

Skin Spirits by Lupa

Astrology:

The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology by April Elliott Kent

Beginners:

Natural Magic by Doreen Valiente

Psychic Witch by Mat Auryn

Weave the Liminal by Laura Tempest Zakroff

The Witch’s Path by Thorn Mooney

Crafts:

The Green Witch’s Grimoire by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

Potions, Elixirs, and Brews by Anaïs Alexandre

Cultural Literacy in Modern Witchcraft:

Aradia by Charles Godfrey Leland

Doreen Valiente: Witch by Philip Heselton

Power of the Witch by Laurie Cabot

The Rebirth of Witchcraft by Doreen Valiente

Spiral Dance by Starhawk

Transcendental Magic by Éliphas Lévi

Death Work:

Morbid Magic by Tomás Prower

Druidry:

The Book of Celtic Magic by Kristoffer Hughes

Elements:

The Four Elements of the Wise by Ivo Dominguez Jr.

The Little Work by Durgadas Allon Duriel

Faeries:

Fairies: A Guide to the Celtic Fair Folk by Morgan Daimler

Feri (not to be confused with faeries):

Betwixt and Between by Storm Faerywolf

Forbidden Mysteries of Faery Witchcraft by Storm Faerywolf

Folklore:

Black Dog Folklore by Mark Norman

The Devils Plantation by Nigel Pearson

Folk Magic:

American Brujeria by J. Allen Cross

Backwoods Witchcraft by Jake Richards

Doctoring the Devil by Jake Richards

Ozark Folk Magic by Brandon Weston

Ozark Mountain Spell Book by Brandon Weston

The Powwow Grimoire by Robert Phoenix

Trolldom by Johannes Björn Gårdbäck

Working Conjure by Hoodoo Sen Moise

Green Witchcraft:

The Green Witch’s Garden by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

Plants of the Devil by Corrine Boyer

The Poison Path Herbal by Coby Michael

Under the Bramble Arch by Corrine Boyer

Wild Witchcraft by Rebecca Beyer

Wortcunning by Nigel Pearson

Hearth Witchcraft:

The Hearth Witch’s Compendium by Anna Franklin

The House Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

Hedge Riding/Spirit Flight:

Astral Dynamics by Robert Bruce

A Broom at Midnight by Roger J. Horne

History:

America Bewitched by Owen Davies

Demons and Spirits of the Land by Claude Lecouteux

Harry Potter and History by Nancy Reagin <- unaffiliated with JK Rowling

A History of Magic and Witchcraft by Frances Timbers

The Return of the Dead by Claude Lecouteux

The Tradition of Household Spirits by Claude Lecouteux

The Triumph of the Moon by Ronald Hutton

The Witch by Ronald Hutton

Witches, Werewolves, and Fairies by Claude Lecouteux

Holidays:

The Hearth Witch’s Year by Anna Franklin

Samhain by Diana Rajchel

Yule by Susan Pesznecker

Protection:

By Rust of Nail and Prick of Thorn by Althaea Sebastiani

Hex Twisting by Diana Rajchel

The Reclaiming Tradition:

The Spiral Dance by Starhawk

Scientific Studies on Magic:

Real Magic by Dean Radin, PhD

Spirit Work:

Honoring Your Ancestors by Mallorie Vaudoise

A Witch’s Guide to the Paranormal by J. Allen Cross

Traditional Witchcraft:

Besom, Stang, and Sword by Christopher Orapello and Tara-Love Maguire

The Black Toad by Gemma Gary

A Broom at Midnight by Roger J. Horne

The Crooked Path by Kelden <- great for beginners

The Devils Dozen by Gemma Gary

Folkloric American Witchcraft and the Multicultural Experience by Via Hedera

New World Witchery by Corey Hutcheson

Plants of the Devil by Corrine Boyer

The Poison Path Herbal by Coby Michael

Southern Cunning by Aaron Oberon

Traditional Witchcraft by Gemma Gary

Treading the Mill by Nigel G Pearson

Tubelos Green Fire by Shani Oates

Under the Bramble Arch by Corrine Boyer

Wild Witchcraft by Rebecca Beyer

The Witch Compass by Ian Chambers

The Witches’ Devil by Roger J Horne

The Witches’ Sabbath by Kelden

Wortcunning by Nigel Pearson

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[lazywitchling]

Jes' Collection of Witch Books

I said I would make this list, so here I am, making this list.

These are all the Witchy (and witchy-adjacent) books I own and/or have read. It's a long list, so it's going under a cut!

Key of Symbols:

📗 Read

📖 Reading

📚 Not Yet Read

Books that I own

📗 Rebel Witch by Kelly-Ann Maddox (Review)

📗 A Dabbler's Guide to Witchcraft by Fire Lyte

📗 Spellcrafting by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

📗 The House Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock (Review)

📗 Witchery by Juliet Diaz (Review)

📚 A Witch's Guide to Spellcraft by Althea Sebastiani

📚 All That is Sacred is Profaned by Rhyd Wildermuth (edit: nevermind, he's a transphobe now)

📚 Reclaiming Ourselves by Emma Kathryn

📚 In the Midnight Hour by Anthony Rella

📗 Weave the Liminal by Laura Tempest Zakroff (Review)

📚 Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways by Gemma Gary

📗 Grovedaughter Witchery by Bree NicGarran (@breelandwalker)

📗 The Sisters Grimmoire by Bree NicGarran (@breelandwalker)

📚 Witchcraft by Anastasia Greywolf or Tamsin Chamberlin (don't buy this one: here's why)

Books I read from the Library

📗 The Modern Witchcraft Spell Book by Skye Alexander (don't buy this one: here's why)

📗 Backwoods Witchcraft by Jake Richards

Zines and Pamphlets

📗 A Pagan Anti-Capitalist Primer

📗 Brainscan 33: DIY Witchery by Alex Wrekk (@upthewitchypunx)

📗 Brainscan 34: A Dabbler's Week of DIY Witchery by Alex Wrekk (@upthewitchypunx)

📗 Everyday Magic #1

📗 Everyday Magic #2

📗 Exploding the Tangerine by Clint Marsh & Oliver Bly

📗 Five Principles of Green Witchcraft by Asa West

📗 Hex Your Ex

📗 The Witchy Zinester's Pocket Book of Spells

📚 Twin Peaks Tarot Spreads

📚 Sow Sprout Grow Tarot Spreads

Charity Bundle E-Books

These all came as a bundle, so the quality will vary as it does with any bargain grab-bag. I'm not linking these unless I've read (or am reading) them because it takes a long time, and I have no idea if they're good or absolute shit. If you want to learn about these, you know how the internet works.

📚 City Magick by Christopher Penczak

📗 Consorting with Spirits by Jason Miller

📚 Herbal Magick by Gerina Dunwich

📚 Hex Twisting by Diana Rajchel

📚 Italian Folk Magic by Mary-Grace Fahrun

📚 Love Magic by Lilith Dorsey

📚 Magic When You Need It by Judika Illes

📚 Magickal Astrology by Skye Alexander

📚 Personal Magic by Marion Weinstein

📚 Plant Witchery by Juliet Diaz

📚 Positive Magic by Marion Weinstein

📗 Queering Your Craft by Cassandra Snow (Review)

📚 Reading the Runes by Kim Farnell

📚 Spellcrafting by Gerina Dunwich

📚 The Big Book of Tarot by Joan Bunning

📚 The Study of Witchcraft by Deborah Lipp

📚 The Witch's Eight Paths of Power by Lady Sable Aradia

📚 The Witch's Guide to Wands by Gypsey Elaine Teague

📚 True Magic by Draja Mickaharic

📚 Water Witchcraft by Annwyn Avalon

📚 Wicca Made Easy by Phyllis Curott

📚 Wishcraft by Sakura Fox

📚 Witch, Please by Victoria Maxwell

📚 Witchcraft Activism by David Salisbury

📚 Year of the Witch by Temperance Alden

[greenfinchandlinnetbird]

Annual Samhain Dinner

We set up our ancestral altar/ofrenda yesterday - I love that this has become a tradition for our family, one that our 7-year old daughter brings up and is just normal for her to do. I find it so meaningful. A family friend’s dog passed away recently, and she asked if we could put his picture on our ofrenda. Before dinner we read a couple prayers from the Samhain book in the Llewelyn Sabbath Essentials series, this one by Diana Rajchel.

Tonight’s dinner consisted of:

Tossed salad

Biscuits

Hard cider (for me)

Oven roasted purple sweet potatoes*

Pumpkin & vegetable stew**

*I didn’t even know these were a thing until I saw them in the grocery store - I’m not even sure if they’re yams or sweet potatoes or what but they are purple on the inside and really yummy. We roasted them with garlic, rosemary, sage, thyme, salt/pepper and olive oil

**Stew made with pumpkin, red-skinned potatoes, carrots, caramelized onions, garlic, and a bit of seasoning - usually we use vegetable bouillon but we ran out

Have a blessed Samhain

[the-clumsywitch]

I’m just starting to get into witchcraft and wonder where is best to start? I live with my Christian family so I can’t have open or obvious things :’)

all I have currently are a few different crystals, what I think is turquoise, epsom salts, and taper candles. What are some beginner things to do so I can learn how to feel the energy of a charm or spell? Thanks!

also is there ways to talk to local spirits? My neighborhood was built on top of a big old farm land and we find fences and saw pieces in the woods. Would there be a way to attempt to connect to spirits near me?

I wish you amazing luck on your journey <3

Hey!

You actually have enough to do plenty of spells, everything else (cauldrons, herbs, oils, etc.) are useful but not 100% necessary. You mentioned not being able to be open with your craft, if you mentioned that because you want to set up something that is typically larger, like an altar. You can create a pocket altar with an altoid tin, you can also use an altoid tin to store certain witchy items.

When it comes to feeling the energy of a spell, I can't tell you how to do that, this is something that just came naturally to me. I'm assuming you're talking about the energy you put into the spell. But if you're talking about detecting the energy in a spell, like a spell jar you can actually use a pendulum. Generally the stronger the movement of the pendulum the more energy the spell jar contains.

Lastly, I will preface my advice forworking with spirits by saying I never reach out to a spirit that I don't know. So my advice on spirit work always comes from a rather guarded standpoint. Now, on to the advice. First make sure that the spirits you call upon your spirit team for protection, also any angels, ancestors, or other spirits that you know offer you protection. You may also want to do a protection candle before reaching out. Then you can begin speaking in the room or space that you're in, a simple greeting like a "hello". Leave an offering of some sort, this may be an offering that comes to you intuitively or if you have an idea of what the spirits you are dealing with may want, give them that. You might get the feeling that someone is there with you, if the presence feels wrong or off get out of that place with a quickness! If you feel nothing and feel like the spirits in a particular area may not want to deal with you, leave those spirits be. Also, be sure to cleanse yourself if the presence was a negative one. Please, please, please be careful when calling on an unfamiliar spirit, I know a lot of times people on the Internet will approach everything spiritual or witchcraft related like just try it. But some stuff is not as simple as just trying it, not everything is as simple to come back from. This is by no means a comprehensive guide on dealing with spirits and you may want to learn a little about the different types of spirits. The book "Urban Magick" by Diana Rajchel has information on dealing with city spirits. If you don't feel comfortable bringing home a book about witchcraft many libraries have ebooks now.

Sorry for the super long response and feel free to ask another question if this didn't fully answer your questions, all the very best to you!

- Erika, The Clumsy Witch

[cavorta]

July 27, 2024 16 very recommendable books with witchcraft and pagan topics which I have read since 2019. Some of them feature witchcraft/pagan 101 content, but many of them focus on rather specific topics for advanced witches and pagans.

List of the books:

„Mastering Magick: A Course in Spellcasting for the Psychic Witch“ by Mat Auryn

„The Way of Fire and Ice: The Living Tradition of Norse Paganism“ by Ryan Smith

„Magic for the Resistance: Rituals and Spells for Change“ by Michael M. Hughes

„Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick & Manifestation“ by Mat Auryn

„Rebel Witch: Carve the Craft That's Yours Alone“ by Kelly-Ann Maddox

„Death Walkers: Shamanic Psychopomps, Earthbound Ghosts, and Helping Spirits in the Afterlife Realm“ by David Kowalewski

„Outside the Charmed Circle: Exploring Gender & Sexuality in Magical Practice“ by Misha Magdalene

„The Path of Paganism: An Experience-Based Guide to Modern Pagan Practice“ by John Beckett

„Intuitive Witchcraft: How to Use Intuition to Elevate Your Craft“ by Astrea Taylor

„A Kitchen Witch's World of Magical Herbs & Plants“ by Rachel Patterson

„A Kitchen Witch's World of Magical Food“ by Rachel Patterson

„Sigil Witchery: A Witch's Guide to Crafting Magick Symbols“ by Laura Tempest Zakroff

„Inspiring Creativity Through Magick: How to Ritualize Your Art and Attract the Creative Spirit“ by Astrea Taylor

„The Witch's Guide to the Paranormal: How to Investigate, Communicate, and Clear Spirits“ by J Allen Cross

„Hex Twisting: Counter-Magick Spells for the Irritated Witch“ by Diana Rajchel

„Bringing Race to the Table: Exploring Racism in the Pagan Community“ by Crystal Blanton, Brandy Williams, Taylor Ellwood

I have reviewed all of these (and more) books. If you are on The StoryGraph, you can read my reviews here: https://app.thestorygraph.com/user_reviews/andreag23

[ausetkmt]

[bibliophilicwitch]

I personally find my recent and upcoming nonfic reads interesting and thought why the hell not share

The Way of Ice and Fire: The Living Tradition of Norse Paganism by Ryan Smith

Remedies and Rituals: Folk Medicine in Norway and the New Land by Kathleen Stokker

Elves, Wights, and Trolls by Kveldulf Gundarsson

The Tradition of Household Spirits: Ancestoral Lore and Practices by Claude Lecouteux

HausMagick: Transform Your Home with Witchcraft by Erica Feldmann

Greek Nymphs: Myth, Cult, Lore by Jennifer Larson

The Scent of Lemon and Rosemary: Working Domestic Magick with Hestia by Raechel Henderson

Nine Ways to Charm a Dryad: A Magical Adventure to Connect with the Spirit of Trees by Penny Billington

City Witchery: Accessible Rituals, Practices & Prompts for Conjuring and Creating in a Magical Metropolis by Lisa Marie Basile

Urban Magick: A Guide for the City Witch by Diana Rajchel

City Magick: Spells, Rituals, and Symbols for the Urban Witch by Christopher Penczak

Honoring Your Ancestors: A Guide to Ancestoral Veneration by Mallorie Vaudoise

Badass Ancestors: Finding Your Power with Ancestoral Guides by Patti Wigington

Carmina Gadelica by Alexander Carmichae

Scottish Witchcraft: A Complete Guide to Authentic Folklore, Spells, and Magical Tools by Barbara Meiklejohn-Free

Also want to get to The Old Magic of Christmas: Yuletide Traditions for the Darkest Days of the Year by Linda Raedisch and In Winter's Kitchen: Growing Roots and Breaking Bread in the Northern Heartland during December and January 🥰

[thevirginwitch]

Current Reads + Book Reviews

To stay more up-to-date with what I'm reading, and to see my book notes, be sure to check out my Patreon!

last updated April 5th, 2024

Current Reads

Queering Your Craft: Witchcraft from the Margins by Cassandra Snow

Queer Magic: Power Beyond Boundaries edited by Lee Harrington and Tai Fenix Kulystin

The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft by Ronald Hutton

A History of Witchcraft: Sorcerers, Heretics, and Pagans by Jeffrey Burton Russell

Elemental Witchcraft: A Guide to Living a Magickal Life Through the Elements by Michelle Heron

The Black Arts: A Concise History of Witchcraft, Demonology, Astrology, Alchemy, and Other Mystical Practices Throughout the Ages by Richard Cavendish

Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America by Margot Adler

New World Witchery: A Trove of North American Folk Magic by Cory Thomas Hutcheson

Condensed Chaos: An Introduction to Chaos Magic by Phil Hine

Weather or Not: Two Books About the Magic of Timing & the Timing of Magic by Katrina Rasbold

Coven Craft: Witchcraft for Three or More by Amber K

Read Recently + Reviews

The Everyday Witch's Coven: Rituals and Magic for Two or More by Deborah Blake

Traditional Witchcraft for Urban Living by Melusine Draco

Urban Magick: A Guide for the City Witch by Diana Rajchel

Postmodern Magic: The Art of Magic in the Information Age by Patrick Dunn

The Crooked Path: An Introduction to Traditional Witchcraft by Keldon

Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick and Manifestation by Mat Auryn

[witchyfashion]

Llewellyn's 2023 Witches' Companion explores the leading edge of Witchcraft and Pagan lifestyles with more than two dozen articles featuring new insights and hands-on magical practices.

Ari and Jason Mankey reveal how to renew your magical self through cleaning up and letting go. Najah Lightfoot explores some of the most important movies to include in your witchy film library. Michelle Skye walks you through creating your own full moon altar that changes throughout the year. Stephanie Rose Bird discusses the importance of acknowledging magic from the African diaspora. You will also discover how to create your own Book of Shadows (Deborah Blake), use the laws of magic to increase prosperity (Diana Rajchel), make mundane moments magical (Phoenix LeFae), and increase your confidence as a witch (Melanie Marquis).

https://amzn.to/3U5VRti

[thebonnevillegamepodcast]

In honor of Audiodrama Sunday we want to highlight some of Ingrid's favorite books!

Her taste in books ranges from horror to fantasy to books about witchcraft. She's the witchiest of the three leads.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: The background is dark woods with greens, purples, and blacks. In green font, it says "Ingrid's Book Recommendations" with a skull and cross bones in a pink heart next to it. Ingrid's headshot is off to the right with 5 star rating above her head. There are four boxes with the titles of four different books and their covers. They are My Heart Is A Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones, My Best Friend's Exorcism by Grady Hendrix, The Enchanted Sonata by Heather Dixon Wallwork, and Samhain: Rituals, Recipes & Lore for Halloween by Diana Rajchel & Llewellyn

[thewritehag]

Tag people you want to get to know better

Thanks to @battywitch for tagging me 💙

Last song: Take On Me by a-ha

Last show: Bojack Horseman

Currently watching: Nothing at the moment, but I'm thinking of rewatching Next Generation

Currently reading: Urban Magick: A Guide for the City Witch by Diana Rajchel

Current obsession: Stickers and unisex t-shirts. Both are kind of nostalgic for me, except I now have a reusable sticker book so my stickers fulfill their purpose and I can look at them whenever, and the t-shirts I suddenly like are often pun based instead of the edgelord word-tees of Hot Topic and Spencer's days gone by.

Thanks again for tagging me! I miss the tagging posts, we should get those circulating again.

Tagging @kyuohki @cesspitoflove @bloody-peaches @msfehrwight @gattmammon @sailor-lady no pressure, of course. Of anyone else is sees this and wants to join in, please do and please tag me!

[lazywitchling]

Alright, I’m almost done with Rebel Witch. What should I read next?

Poll:

Some of these are from reputable sources. Some are from a witchy ebook bundle with varying qualities. Some are sure to be terrible. I learn different things from all types of books. Sometimes what I learn is “this is a flavor of bullshit that I previously didn’t know was available”.

[herbwitchery]

🌚 Preparing Samhain 🎃 J’aime beaucoup cette petite série consacrée aux sabbats chez @editionsdanae, qui regorge d’idées, d’inspirations et de sources pour faire de nos célébrations de jolis moments de (re)connexion avec la roue de l’année. Recettes, bricolages, rituels, divination, historique, ce sont des mines d’informations que j’adore redécouvrir à chaque fête, histoire de me remettre dans le bain. Sans surprise, celui-ci est un de mes préférés, je m’y replonge tous les ans pour pimper ma célébration et me redonner de l’inspiration quand ma créativité est en baisse. Et vous, des projets pour le Samhain de cette année ? 🎃👻🦇 #book #read #reading #readingtime #bookworm #booklover #bookaddict #readingaddict #samhain #halloween #samhainiscoming #halloweeniscoming #sabbat #celebration #wheeliftheyear #pagan #paganism #neopaganism #neopagan #witch #witchcraft #pumpkin #jackolantern #halloweenvibes #halloweendecor #samhainblessings #autumn #october #autumnvibes #seasonofthewitch 📖 Samhain, Diana Rajchel, @editionsdanae 🔮 Halloween Lenormand, @tarot.by.seven https://www.instagram.com/p/CkK4HZ7qsCV/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=