Be Positive: If you feel frustrated or your mindset is negative, it’s best not to do any ritual or spell at that time. Instead meditate, perform a simple negativity cleanse or wait until a more positive time. Then you will be able to calmly focus on the situation and cast an effective spell. I dove into The Spell Book for New Witches: Essential Spells to Change Your Life for a couple of specific reasons. Mostly because it worked for some challenges that I'm in. It also doesn't hurt that it's a book from a new author. Or that the title alone seemed pretty interesting. We also like how this book touches on rituals you can do with a partner to influence and promote love. It even touches on how you can craft your own spells which is the next logical step to spellcasting once you feel comfortable following others’ recipes. What Factors to Consider A lot has changed in the 40 years since the Satanic Panic first gripped the United States: no longer feared or sidelined, witchcraft has become one of the nation’s fastest-growing spiritual practices. If you’re looking to get into witchcraft, or just want to deepen your burgeoning practice, then let this list of spell books be your guide. As many have said, the spells are very ingredient and tool heavy. These can be pretty hard to follow for new witches and those practicing in secret. *Know that you can alter any spells presented to you to fit your practice, needs, and ability.* I don't like how it simply gives you an ingredient list. Each herb and oil has its own energy and correspondences, you should know the properties of every ingredient you use. If you don't know why you're using something in your spell you won't be able to tell it what its purpose is and you'll have energy that may not be able to aid you in the way you wanted.

The illustrations and layout, however, are beautiful, and the book is well-organized and well-written, with no editorial mistakes that I could see, which isn't something I take for granted with small publications like these, so kudos to that. And, as I said, it has a pretty cover.For those of you thinking, "Isn't that what witchcraft is?", in this case, I refer to the fact that a lot of New Age traditions basically believe that what you believe matters more than what you use. In more traditional magic, there are very strict correspondences, and messing it up can have dire consequences. Historical witchcraft, likewise, does a lot of research into what meant what so that they can have an accurate rendition of ancient potions and spells, because they believe that it does matter, and substituting any old herb because you want to is Not Done. The list of resources is pretty thin and definitely not historical or even traditionally-based, as far as I can see, and there's a lot of emphasis on crystals, which is a little too New Agey for my cold dead heart. I would not recommend this book for the *absolute* beginner. Once you have a grasp of the basics it will be much easier to interpret for yourself. The introduction was pretty good, I liked the way the author described magic, but they criminally underrepresent how many different types of witchcraft there are. They also push the concept of the threefold law, which many witches do observe but not all. Presenting it as a "cosmic law" is misinformation.

This spellbook is especially lovely because it includes a format that could pass as your grandmother’s favorite cookbook. It even gives you the specifics like where to perform the spell and how long it should take you to complete.

2. The Spell Book for New Witches: Essential Spells to Change Your Life

All in all, if you're Wiccan or more into New Agey magic, this might be a good book for you, especially for beginners. For those who are more practiced in their craft or prefer some documentation along with their magic, then look elsewhere. Now I've never been one of those people who believed in energy, spells, or crystals. I do think they are an interesting topic though and one I would like to explore a bit more. I mean, I like all of that stuff in shows, movies, and books. So, I figured I should dive into another take on it because people do believe in these things. Step-by-step photo recipes to craft your own Witch apothecary cabinet, including oils, salves, bath blends and other simple and safe homemade herbal remedies.

Work with the Moon Phases: The symbology of the lunar phase can be very powerful and feed your ritual with a unique energy according to the lunar time. Learn more about it here: Moon Magic Basics. The Spell Book for New Witches is a beautiful first reader on the subject because Ambrosia Hawthorn explains some of the histories of this practice while providing a plethora of example spells that one can use to become acquainted with the practice. She also explains many of the different objects that witches use, and why they are important, without telling the reader exactly what they must do to be considered a "witch". I wish that I had found this book when I was first exploring witchcraft because it makes the reader feel well informed and welcomed. So many other texts make the reader feel as though they have to earn the right to be considered a "witch", but Hawthorn presents love and acceptance through her writing that creates a lovely learning and reading experience. The Spell Book for New Witches is an excellent introduction into witchcraft that debunks the myths surrounding this spiritual practice. Like all books on this subject, the information presented should be taken with a grain of salt as everybody's practice is different. White Magic — or Positive Witchcraft — can be used by anyone. These spells and rituals are useful in helping us achieve our goals, or for good physical and mental development in connection with the Spirit.Alice Nuttall (she/her) is a writer, pet-wrangler and D&D nerd. Her reading has got so out of control that she had to take a job at her local library to avoid bankrupting herself on books - unfortunately, this has just resulted in her TBR pile growing until it resembles Everest. Alice's webcomic, writing and everything else can be found at https://linktr.ee/alicenuttallbooks

A grimoire is more of a reference book, which would include said herb correspondences, as well as maybe identifying herbs, lunar calendars, etc., while a book of shadows tends to be the actual spells a witch uses. Don’t Give Up! Although your first ritual may fail, do not give up. Keep working to improve your Magic powers, trust and believe in your potential. Your first ritual might not be very powerful so don’t be disappointed. Keep studying Wicca and keep learning. 🔮

The spells in this book include candle spells, crystal spellcasting, amulet magic, plant magic, edible spells (our favorite!), and more. There are even spells that can be used for the seasons and sabbats like an Ombolc Creativity Spell and a spell for blessing a new baby. There’s magic in all of us, just waiting to be tapped. If you’re ready to access and channel your power, this spell book will be your guide. Inside, you’ll discover what it means to create and cast a spell, the central philosophies of witchcraft, and how spellwork can help you feel more powerful and connected to the world around you. The spells themselves were pretty good. Each section has many spells that do the same thing, but I liked how the reader had options to find the rituals that best suited their needs and style. The spells did require, as a general rule, items and supplies that are easily obtained making the book accessible for anyone just starting out. The spells trended towards meditative/”New Age” ritual which just happens to not be my style (not a bad thing, if this is your style, this will be a great resource). Sage advice—Explore an introduction to spellcasting that covers key terms, the different forms of magic, and step-by-step instructions for successful spells. For love, prosperity, and healing—Try 130 spells that can impact every part of your life, like a Rose Attraction Potion, a Friendship Repair Knot Spell, or Healing Full Moon Water. Designed with new witches in mind—Enchanting illustrations and a cookbook-style format make it easy to find your favorite spells, along with guidance for honing your craft over time. But Spellcasting is just one of the many ways to manipulate energy. It’s also the means of using tools such as crystals, stones, herbs, shells, metal, and wood.” (pg. 8)