Witchcraft is one of the world's fastest growing spiritual movements. Within it are countless variations and traditions world wide. But what they all have in common is the desire of the practitioner to change her/his life for the better through exploration of the craft.

Transformative Witchcraft was a very interesting set of ideas that were often very different from the heavily eastern influenced Traditional (non-Wiccan) form of Witchcraft that I practice and teach. But there were insights here that were extremely insightful and applicable to anyone practicing any form of the craft.

Jason explores the transformative aspects of the craft and how they can profoundly evolve our lives and perspective beyond that which most of us bring to the practice early on. The book is non-dogmatic and very open in perspective and ideology. Both of which are essential in a movement where each witch is a world unto herself in what she believes, how she practices and the role it plays in her life.

It was a warm and enjoyable read and I hope that others will give this title their time and attention. While I won't integrate it into my witchcraft classes here in Tokyo, I will be adding it to our shortlist of recommended books to read for our witch community.

"Real teaching is about opening up a window through which other Witches can experience the mysteries. Witchcraft is an experimental spirituality."

As a solitary practitioner Transformative Witchcraft acts as an insight into the discussions of ritual method, meaning, and history, which would otherwise be granted from an elder in a coven. The author is respectful of his own covens private practice while giving a valuable insight into specific practices. Clear, specific explanations of terminology and ritual, which is often used but not explained, was particularly helpful - such as drawing down the moon, the cone of power, and "As above so below".

While the authors writing is likeable, well referenced, gender neutral, and intelligent, it is also often dry and for me reads like an overly long academic essay.

There are thorough discussions of the origins and history of witchcraft, while referencing the works of the people who created the early documented modern traditions specifically Gardenian Witchcraft.

The book is certainly more relevant for those in a coven or looking to build their own - as a solitary practitioner the applications are limited, though occasionally comparisons are drawn as to how a single person would alter a particular practice.

There are two particular criticisms from other reviewers for this book which I did not find problematic. The treatment of Christianity was not particularly negative to me, nor did I find any confusion between the usage of the words Wicca/Witchcraft as the author addresses this early on and states that he will use them interchangeably in his text, and why.

[This eARC was given to me via NetGalley & Llewellyn Publications in exchange for an honest review.]

Interesting book but it just isn't for me. I know someone who might enjoy it so i will pass along the info to her.

Informative as I learned some new things about the craft. Good read! I voluntarily read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Good book. Very informative. Lots of spelling mistakes lol. Liked how history and stories were combined. Also like how the rituals and drawing down the moon, charge of the God and Goddess were written and history was given on then too.

This is more on the Wicca/system/ritual side of a book. It is more coven based than solitary. you are getting a lot of information introduced to you, Obviously you can go to other books. For me is going more on the traditional wicca system than anything else. Where there is good information, there is that in the background.

My Review: This book was kind of a catch 22 book, on one hand, the author is right that this path is more than pentacles, rituals, and rites. But on the other, it is a path that is open to other religions. I just felt like this author really hated other religions such as Christianity and wasn't really open about anything. So although this book was very informative it fell far from the bar for this Pagan reader.

Repetition is a good thing, especially when the author infuses it with their own ideas and experiences. I believe that everything that we can do to make this information relatable to the broadest of audiences is a positive step towards bring greater awareness to the practice of Witchcraft and the work and dedication that is required to follow such a path. Such is the case in this new offering by author and editor of blog spot, Patheos Pagan, Jason Mankey- The Transformative Power of Witchcraft. Jason has authored several books on the craft, this one feeling more of a synthesis of the basics from start to finish.

The book is complete with history, ritual, creating sacred space, the work of self and more. There are three chapters devoted to the history of the craft and given that we are a spirituality based on the history, but crafted into a neopagan approach, having the solid foundation of what was, goes a long way into crafting what can be.

Chapters Four through Six focus on the “Cone of Power”, its creation, uses and theory behind its success. This information is presented in a thoughtful manner, offering options and adaptations, which I believe many newcomers to the path, are hesitant to interject on their own. Knowing how, when and where to direct energy is even more important now in the wake of global and domestic events and the working of witchcraft is a tool of change that, if wisely used can achieve amazing results.

I particularly enjoyed reading Chapters Seven through Ten, under Part Three’s Header of “Dedications, Initiations and Elevations”. For many, this topic alone is veiled in mystery and there are as many interpretations of what those semantics mean as paths of practice. Indeed, no one size fits all and as the author discusses, much depends on solitary, Tradition based, hereditary or other as to what these terms mean to the individual. Additionally, rituals are provided to be used as starting points or intact for the reader. I appreciate the detail that went into this section, particularly in preparing the seeker for the work required to be done, the preparation of self and the commitment that is undertaken when receiving any of these deeper connections to your path.

No book on witchcraft would be complete without attention to lunar working and Drawing Down the Moon as ritual and self-generator. Jason also covers the other types of Divine assumption, interaction and possession that may be encountered or experienced in the greater work. Chapter Thirteen provides all of the basics and information for the Ritual of Drawing Down the Moon.

The book concludes with discussion of The Great Rite and its ethical use in truth and physicality as well as metaphorical and representative approach. Each has its own specific reasons for selection, and in particular, when enacting The Great Rite as an offering of sex magick and potency, I believe it is important to know exactly why and where that option would be suitable and when it is used unethically as a means of control over the uninformed.

A glossary and bibliography is provided and the index makes it easy to zero in on specific topics.

This book is available for pre-order on Amazon with a publishing date of January 2019.

Transformative Witchcraft is packed with information. It has ritual walk-throughs and personal antic-dotes from the author. Despite all of that, I found this book to be mediocre. It's about witchcraft as a religion, and unless you're on that particular path for yourself, you probably won't find this book useful.