Member Reviews
" Enchantments" is an enjoyable and snarky book that provides a great introduction to witchcraft. As someone with prior experience, I still found it informative and fun. The author's approach to magic and altar building resonated with me. However, after reading some reviews about the shop mentioned in the book, I had second thoughts. Nevertheless, I would recommend this book to beginners or anyone looking to incorporate magic into their life.
I enjoyed reading this book on the basics of witchcraft, that reads like it was written by your snarky BFF. I have been practicing for some time, but I still picked up a few things. It was a fun and quick read. I liked her approach to magic and her thoughts on altar building. I really wanted to go to the store and get a candle until I read some of the reviews for the shop - and the behavior the author makes excuses for in a chapter of the book. Overall I liked the book and would recommend it to someone just getting started or wanting to add some magic to their life.
I always love a book that helps me learn more about my craft and perfect my practices. This book was no exception, definitely one to buy and have on my shelf for reference.
I found this to be a very enjoyable and informative book that's perfect for beginner witches and the curious. It is written for a diverse and broad audience. This book is filled with helpful and appealing ideas. A perfect addition to your reference books.
An enjoyable and informative book for beginner witches and the curious, written for a broad and diverse audience and filled with helpful and appealing ideas.
I apologize due to a death in the family I was unable to read and review this book. I apologize to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my inability to follow through.
Mya Spalter introduces the world to magick in this fun book with fun illustrations and humor. Step by Step instructions lead you through candle magick practice and more.
This is a fun book by a modern witch who tells about herself, her journey, the famous store she works at, and how to get started with modern witchcraft. The tone is down to earth and it's filled with step-by-step directions, basic information, and sweet black and white illustrations. This is a great guide for those who like to do it themselves rather than follow strict rules.
This was thoroughly enjoying to read and I think it was a friendly introduction into witch craft. It was informative without being too wordy and it was very welcoming.
Unfortunately, this novel just wasn't for me and I couldn't really ever get into it. Thank you to Netgalley for sending this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really great read! The history of this establishment is epic! The flow of the text feels as though you are speaking with the author, friend-to-friend. The spells in the book are creative and simple to follow or update given personal preference. Definitely a book I will be looking for to add to my personal library!
A cute, informative guide for those interested in other ways of enlightening themselves. Well written and entertaining.
An amazing book if you are interested in spellcrafting, magic or general metaphysical topics. It covered most of the material I learned in an Intro to ritual class I paid a lot more than this book for and did it in a fun and understandable way. Mya Spalter is very relatable and reading her book feels like talking to a friend. If magic or ritual work intimidates or is new to you definitely read this book. There's also quirky insights from Enchantments the NYC magic shop she works at, so even if you have some knowledge on the topics discussed, you will definitely enjoy reading those parts and Mya's writing style. I loved how it focused more on the general practice of magic instead of just a bunch of specific spells or rituals. One of the best general "magic" books I've read.
Inspired by a New York Occult shop of the same name, Enchantments: A Modern Witch’s Guide to Self-Possession, takes the reader on a virtual tour of the shop, its wares and the accompanying advice and conversation that might be had when looking to craft a beautiful and meaningful altar space, or create sacred space.
The author, Mya Spalter, uses a very warm approach, telling how she came to work at Enchantments store and then taking you on a journey through the highlights of her learning and experiences in working in a busy occult venue. Even the way in which the book has been arranged feels like a coffee break exchange of information of “what works, and what doesn’t?”, “how’d you do that?” and “can you teach me about that?”, that you would expect from most witchy stores and those who work there.
Part One is aptly entitled Witchy Implements and includes chapters dedicated to altars, correspondences, such as colors, plants, herbs and some of the disciplines that would be included in witchy practice such as astrology, the wheel of the year and more.
Part Two reinforces the necessity for Magical Intention(s) and begins the work of spell crafting, protection and divination, and concludes with a more in-depth approach to astrological uses and the cosmic connection found within what has traditionally been deemed an earth/nature-based practice.
The book is nicely illustrated with interspersed black and white drawings that are whimsical and informative. And, using a style near and dear to my heart, each chapter concludes with “Suggested Reading” and a list of well-respected titles relevant to that chapter’s offerings. I could go on in pointing out sections here and there, but, quite honestly, this is a book to be experienced first hand.
Enchantments: A Modern Witch’s Guide to Self-Possession is the next best thing to having a good friend who will walk you through the magic, point out the highlights anh solid and usable information, this is the one for you!
http://paganpages.org/content/2018/12/book-review-enchantments-a-modern-witchs-guide-to-self-possession-by-mya-spalter/
A cheeky, informative overview of all things witchy: intention-setting, sigils and colors, energy, candle magic, herbs and oils and scents, divination, astrology, the seasons and celebrations throughout the year, etc. Spalter has a sassy, funny style of writing, which can sometimes be grating but mostly is entertaining and makes this book fun to read. If you're curious about Wicca, witches, or all of the stuff in your local occult shop, this book is a great introductory guide.
As someone brand new to all things magic, this was really enjoyable. I loved all of the explanations to things I had heard, but knew nothing about. This is a must add to anyone interested in the enchanting world of magic.
A charming and unconventional "self-help" book for witches. Enchantments is a collection of ideas, tips, and knowledge about the witch culture, but it isn't one that you'll typically hear from a serious mentor.
Mya Spalter really did a good job in conveying her emotions and thoughts of the culture of witchcraft in this handy guide of hers. Her writing is quirky and funny that'll make you absolutely in sync with her while at the same time keep your interest for the subject matter grounded.
Enchantments wouldn't be a recommendation for me in terms with the interest of familiarity for witchcraft and its culture. It is more of something that should be read by someone with a premeditated knowledge or an experienced witch. Why, you might ask? Because her thoughts are more on the notion that we can do our own thing with witchcraft since it relies heavily on our own spiritual energy and vibe.
Overall, this book is outstanding. It made me laugh, curious, and it made me want to learn tarot more (teehee~!).
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review. Once upon a time I was into crystals and spells, so I was quite interested in this book, which covers how modern witches practice. This book has a very conversational tone to it and not only did I learn, I laughed.
This is a funny little informative book about wiccan worship. It’s been a long time since I’ve been part of the culture but I loved how simple and informative this was. It made me want to practice again. Her description of alters was one of my favorite parts and made me want to remake my informal alter into a proper one.
I think this is a great introduction to the craft. It also has references to books that can deepen your learning. I found it a great refresher for one who hasn’t practiced in a long time.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Written by a long-term employee of the New York store, Enchantments is...not your typical "how-to" guide for any sort of witchcraft. There are no strict "you must do it this way" rules set down. Rather the whole book is a guide on how to make a practice that suits you, rather than trying to make yourself suit the practice. There is a bit of language, but nothing more than what you might overhear walking on the street. The attitude is very laid-back and encouraging, and frankly, I sort of like how I felt encouraged rather than inhibited. I will say - I wish I lived closer to the store, because after reading this, I'd love to go in!