And Raise Hell with Your Coven - How to Summon Success

Probably one of my most favorite books I’ve picked up this year, it was recommended to me by a friend and now it’s part of my daily reading. It’s a great pick me up (I have anxiety so there’s stuff in here that isn’t exhausting but very useful). It’s a very “witchcraft on a shoestring” style of writing for just about anything you need in a pinch. This is honestly useful for everybody needing something to lighten up their day. This is one of the first few books that seemed attractive by its cover and contents (and definitely got my massive approval by the section on natural hair geared towards POC with 4C texture hair) and femme-presenting people all over the rainbow without seeming obsessed with genitalia, or overly appropriative. It’s awesome. Need more like these.

Just to let people know, if you are a practictioner or witch, then this is not the book you are looking for. The authors state that this book is not for them so the store really needs to remove from the New Age section because this book is full of tumblr-like faux spells that serve no purpose. It would be better served in the teenage fiction section of the site. They've tried to repurpose the word witch for the book and turn it into some female empowerment thing, which I would normally be on board with but not this time. This is something I do practice and I feel they've made a joke out of something people take very seriously. The moment they started talking about "black magic" is when theyreally lost me because it showed a lack of knowledge and are seeing witchcraft as "trend" to make a buck from. The book itself is vapid and I wouldn't even give this as a gift to someone because there is simply no substance to it. The small sections on witchcraft history are interesting and the art is cute but that is where my interest in this book stops. I wanted to give it a chance because I thought it would offer some substance but its just going in the garbage.

I'm conflicted about this book. To the authors' credit they state early in the book that they don't walk a Wiccan path but I have to wonder why they chose to write a book on the topic. I also have a problem with some of their humor which not only does not seem amusing to me but often it makes me wonder if they are making fun of those involved in witchcraft or those who are exploring it.

The positive things were the one or two page sections that appear throughout the book concerning history of topics however these pages are extremely simplistic. This book is not intended for adults who are wanting to seriously explore this path...for that I'd recommend Valiente or the Farrars or Adler. The Starhawk book is also excellent. If you're a young person looking for a more serious introduction Buckland's book would be good. I know there are many other books available as well but book's directed toward young people aren't my specialty. Hopefully someone will stop by with more info for the beginner.

Physically this book is appealing with its black background with a mix of gold/copper and blue/purple covers and it even has an attached silk purple bookmark.

A self-help book with actual spells? Yes, please!

I feel like the start of the book was a bit stereotypical try new clothes, try new colors, but once the basics were done the book tackled some very important things like losing people, toxic friendships, and personal demons. It was also great to see the book mention non-binary people and pushed an actually fair view on sex positivity. If you are a witch, would like to be a witch, or think the aesthetic will personally help you, check this book out!

While it was very informative as far as spells and the history of witches in general, there was the glaring issue of how much they used sex and sexuality as remedies and large parts of spells. This is probably okay for most people, but for me and those of us that are triggered by or sensitive to those things, skip at least a whole chapter and be careful of some casual mentions of it. Otherwise, their well informed, and for the beginning baby witch it's a nice place to dip your toes (or wand) into.

This is absolutely appalling. I don't give a damn if this is meant for anyone who practices the craft or not...there is NO NEED TO SLAM WITCHES. REAL WITCHES WHO HAVE DECENDANTS IN SALEM...ARE PISSED. REMOVE THIS FROM MARKET PERMANTELY. THIS IS GRADE A DEPRAVATION OF CHARACTER UPON WITCHES.

WE AREN'T HIPSTERS. WE AREN'T BASIC. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE RESPECT IN THIS WORLD. IF IT ISN'T FOR EVERYONE....DONT PUBLISH IF

I bought this book becuase I love Camille Chew, but then it was actually very good. All of my friends now own a copy. The spells feel almost like guided meditations and I found them relaxing and reassuring.

Ok but do you have to appropriate and degrade people who actually practice witchcraft by alluding to the fact that you're giving "spells"? There's a huge difference between actual spells and what you're calling spells.

You're taking ancient traditions that are cherished, honored, and respected and turning it into "makeup for witches!".

It's demeaning to those who actually are. You're taking something that means a lot to a lot of people and giving it away like it's novelty.

Regardless of the supposed beginning statements of "not intended for witches", don't steal the culture, beliefs, or vernacular to serve your pathetic book.

Because that really is what this could and should accurately be entitled. It's more and more junk like this popping up these days that is definitely just trying to cash in on something that has become more mainstream and unfortunately has been wildly misappropriated and perverted and dumbed down in the process. My gods, the table of contents alone should let anyone with half a brain know that this is rubbish. Just go back to watching "Buffy", children, and leave the real witchcraft to real witches.

This is less a book about witchcraft than an excellent self help book with rituals, chanting, and self-help ideas under the guise of spells. This is more about feeling free, taking care of oneself, and ways to encourage positive thoughts and energy with a few historic notes on the holistic care, independence, and lives of “supposed” witches back in the day. That said he rituals and self care in the book is catchy and I definitely felt like a better person after reading it.

I really enjoyed this text although it seems more like a trendy self-help book. I really liked it. The differences in the voices of the authors do but heads occasion ally, but then it gets back on track.