"Weave the Liminal: Living Modern Traditional Witchcraft" by Laura Tempest Zakroff offers a fresh perspective on contemporary Witchcraft, empowering readers to craft their own authentic spiritual path. Zakroff skillfully combines practical advice with deep philosophical insights, guiding readers through spellcraft, ritual, and metaphysics. With a focus on personalization and experimentation, this hands-on guide encourages readers to embrace their individuality while exploring the mysteries of the Craft. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to Witchcraft, "Weave the Liminal" serves as a valuable companion on your magical journey, offering wisdom, inspiration, and practical tools to navigate the complexities of modern Witchcraft with confidence and authenticity.

I have been a Eclectic Wiccan for a long time and this book has opened my way of thinking. I felt like the book was directed at me and helping me. I really like the way the author steers you to go your own way, make your own choices but still remembering some of the fundimentals. I have always believed that you should follow your own path in Wicca as long as you hurt no one and try to change someones will. Like traditional religion I have always thought if you take a little bit from each it would be a good religion. With Wicca I feel the same way and this book validates that for me. I really like the authors use it or do not theory as well as her modern approach. Loved the illustrations and thought they were beautiful.

Weave the Liminal Living Modern Traditional Witchcraft by Laura Tempest Zakroff

226 Pages
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications, Llewellyn Worldwide
Release Date: January 8, 2019

Nonfiction (Adult), Religion, Spirituality, Witchcraft, Magic

The book is divided into the following.

Chapter 1: The History of the Modern Tradition of Witchcraft
Chapter 2: Who or What is a Witch?
Chapter 3: A Path of Your Own Making
Chapter 4: The Witch’s Craft
Chapter 5: Exploring the Liminal & Luminous Numina
Chapter 6: The Practical Witch

I really enjoy reading books by this author. She has an easy to understand writing style and I feel as if I am having a conversation with her. She goes into detail about what the craft is and what it isn’t, which may put some people off if they believe their path has ancient roots. She discusses the roots of modern witchcraft and the creators of the different paths. If you are interested in the history of modern witchcraft, this would be a great reference book for you to read.

It was very serendipitous that as this book was coming up for review, I had just registered to take a workshop with Tempest based on this very book.

The word “sigil” means “seal” or an action/word of a spiritual nature. I would hazard a guess that most of us have seen sigils that mean specific things, written and drawn by others.

Tempest brings sigils to us in a more personal way, with the sigils drawn by us, to have meaning to us, specifically. She simplifies it for us, while never detracting from their power.

Before doing this, she gives us a brief history of what she calls “making marks”, discussing the paintings, symbolism and markings of previous civilizations, which are still so important to us today. Tempest does on to explain the differences between sigils and signs, seals, designs, etc.

There are sections on the basic shapes used in sigils and their meanings, adding directions, letters and numbers, how to use the elements in our sigils and how they work.

There is space for us to create our own symbols for specific words that Ms. Zakroff has listed for us, thus building our own library to make our own custom sigils. She gives guidance on designing our own, what tools we can use, why we should craft our own sigils. She offers us suggestion sigils and a gallery of her own custom sigils.

We don’t have to be “high magicians” to utilize the power of sigils and the how-to’s are all right here, in an informative, friendly, easy-to-read-and-relate-to manner.

As one who has never given much thought to sigils, on their own, this book has tempted me to not only think about it, but do it.

Interview With Laura Tempest Zakroff

Susan Morgaine (SM): Hi Tempest – it was so nice to see you while you were on tour.

So, belly dancer/performer, event producer, artist, witch, author and teacher. That is quite impressive. I knew you primarily as a dancer and performer when we met many years ago, and it wasn’t until I saw the logo for Waking Persephone that I realized you were an artist, as well

SM: How did you start and what did you start with, realizing it was most probably a circuitous journey? Please only respond with what you are comfortable with sharing.

Tempest: I definitely started with art, going back as early as age 3. By first grade I was taking formal art classes on a regular basis – all the way through high school. Then for college, I graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design. I discovered modern Witchcraft and Paganism in my teens, and got into dance in my college years. When I moved to California in 2001, dance and Pagan stuff pretty much took over my life. I didn’t have much room or resources to make the kind of art I had been doing in school, so art took a bit of a backseat. It manifested through my costume designs and creations, graphic design, and some small drawings and paintings. When I moved back to the East Coast in 2007, I started working as a fashion jewelry designer. I did that until mid-2012, when it was time for drastic life shift. In that process I moved to Seattle and began working for myself full-time in all the things I do (dance, design, art). Sometimes I feel frustrated that I didn’t just keep going with the fine art out of school, but I realize I wouldn’t be where I am now, on this path – if I had.

SM: What was the impetus behind the idea of Waking Persephone. I know there were several years here on the East Coast; are you continuing it on the West Coast?

Tempest: I co-produced Gothla US from 2008-2010 – which took place in California. It was supposed to switch coasts, but that didn’t happen. Which was frustrating because most of my east coast, home-base students couldn’t afford to attend it. So much work and the people I worked the closest with couldn’t participate. I also had a vision for something that encompassed more, without stylistic labels – to bring in more ritual/sacred dance, more artistry, more diversity. That became a reality first in Tapestry Dance Retreat (2011) and then Waking Persephone the following Spring. We did 2 years in Providence, and 3 more years in Seattle. At this time, I’m not producing any events, because I needed to focus on my art and writing, but when the time comes, something will probably emerge again. Producing events takes up so much time and energy. I transformed that time and focus into something else. Since the last WP in 2016, I’ve written 4 books, published an anthology, and pushed my art deeper.

SM: When did you realize your were a Witch? It’s so interesting to hear about other’s spiritual journeys.

Tempest: I was at odds with the Catholic Church since my youngest days. I got sent to the principal’s office at age 6 because during a field trip to the church, I insisted on sitting where the priests and altar boys did (like my brothers!), and couldn’t understand while girls weren’t allowed. So much doctrine that made no sense – I felt that God was more present in nature and everywhere around us. I discovered that there were other options to the Abrahamic religions in my mid-teens – that Witchcraft and Paganism was a thing. The realization that there were names for what I believed and felt, and that other people saw the world similarly was a huge revelation.

SM: What made you decide to start to write, and then to follow that with teaching?

Tempest: I’ve been writing for a long time – in high school I was the editor of the literary magazine. At RISD in 1997, I got involved with Crescent Magazine – where I became an associate editor and had regular columns. I started up a website on Modern Traditional Witchcraft around then as well. Around 2000, I started offering Witchcraft classes – and kept that up until around 2005 or so. Then I burned out on being a public Witch, and retreated to a solitary path for almost a decade. After getting my life reset in 2012, I ventured out of my cave a bit with renewed focus and purpose. I started up a blog (which moved to Patheos in early 2016 I think), began teaching again and toyed with the idea of finally writing a book. In the Fall of 2015, I was offered the contract to write “The Witch’s Cauldron” for Llewellyn. It was a wonderful way to just dive right in, and was really well received. So from there, I wrote “Sigil Witchery” – after folks taking my workshops asked why I hadn’t written a book yet on it. And well, it’s just kept going from then.

SM: I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to take your Sigil Witchery workshop (which is reviewed somewhere else this month in Pagan Pages). What did you learn from your travels and sitting with/teaching so many Witches and Pagans around the country? I found it fascinating to see, on Instagram, the sigils you created with each workshop.

Tempest: No matter where folks are located or what path/label they use – Witches/Paganfolks have so much more in common than not. The community (or whatever we wish to call it) is incredibly diverse, but we share many beliefs and loves, as well as fears and concerns. There is so much potential in recognizing our collective power and connections.

SM: So what is next on the agenda for you, Tempest? Any sneak peeks?

Tempest: A. I’m finally working on an oracle deck! The tentative title is “The Liminal Spirits Oracle” and it will be out via Llewellyn I believe some point next year 🙂

-Reviewed by Susan Morgaine of PaganPagesOrg

I have been reading about magic(k) and witchcraft a lot more and as someone who is quite skeptical I often run into issues. It either feels very wellness/think happy thoughts, or it is so prescribed and rigid that I can't find myself in the tradition. In 'Weave the Liminal', however, I really felt like I had found a book in which I was encouraged to build my own craft, my own tradition. Wiccan traditions don't really work for me that much and Zakroff mostly keeps them out of this book. I did enjoy her RITES framework as well as her tips on how to prevent witch wars. Zakroff writes with a levelheadedness, a clarity and ease that even makes the more out there concepts easy to consider. A solid recommender for those like me who are still starting, but I think it will also have value for more experienced witches.

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.

A good introductory book but does read as more of a memoir than "find your path" type of book. At times, it tries a little too hard to be one of those "cool" books.

I was a huge fan of this book! I'm very interested in various modern witchcraft practices and was excited when I read the book blurb. I even ended up by a hard copy of the book to have in my collection.

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review on Netgalley. I also purchased a hard copy of the book in July 2019 when I previously read it for a witchy book club. The book club didn't survive but the things I learned in this book did. I love that this book exists. For so many people new to witchcraft, they may think Wicca is the only thing out there. I've studies Wicca - but I am not Wiccan. There are things I like about Wicca and other things that don't resonate. Weave the Liminal is about the witchcraft that the author practices - Living Modern Traditional Witchcarft. I dig it - because she tells you there is no one way to practice. You can believe in deities or not. You can be in a coven or not. You can celebrate all the Sabbats or not. She addresses all areas of witchcraft and tells you different ways of being. She talks about being an ethical witch and witch etiquette. She talks about our responsibilities and freedoms, and she does so in a way that you feel like you are talking to a friend. I recommend this book to everyone that is interested in witchcraft - it's easy to read, friendly, and not bogged down with rules. It emphasizes authenticity and responsibility. I gave it 5 stars, and plan to reference it for years to come. https://piscesmoonflower.blogspot.com/2020/05/april-spiritual-book-wrap-up.html

As normal, I would first like to thank the Publisher, Llewellyn and Net Galley for providing me a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  I love receiving these sorts of non-fiction books to read and review because I enjoy reading this genre, but also it's an easy way for me to give back to the community by providing an honest review of a book that perhaps not a lot of people read. 

Right off the bat, I love the cover illustrations and color scheme of this book!  It is so pretty and has a very neutral feeling style.  It isn't super witchy and is quite gorgeous.  It has its own ethereal or liminal feel to it as well.

As for the main part of this review, this book is jam-packed with information.  Seriously, there is so much here that you would study just one chapter and end up with a ton of notes and things to reflect on.  I like that this isn't "a normal witchy book" as there aren't any recipes for spells or chants you can read aloud; this book reads like an honest and true guide for someone curious or serious versus a one-book one-stop shop for a witchy night to learn to put a curse on someone or create a love potion.  I loved how real this book felt and how the author isn't trying to sell you anything or help you create a spell, but she is just giving the bare bones and facts about the tradition to inform.  This book is a modern introduction to the subject that takes into account the popular culture of today and the shifts in culture since most of the earlier texts were written.

There were a couple of small details about this book that I really liked as well.  First, at the beginning of each chapter, the author has two small sections called "At the Loom" and "Liminally Minded."  I loved these little sentences or phrases because they marked the transition of this book while providing little nuggest to think about.  These themselves could have served as small journal prompts because there was so much to develop in them. 

There are so many ways to use this book and so many things to pull out and think about further.  I enjoy how this book is like a compilation of things and is made to be split up or taken apart for future or deeper study. 

This book got 4 stars from me because, at times, it can be quite wordy and take a few minutes to get through.  I found myself skim reading a couple of sections that just weren't for me, but all in all the majority of the text was excellent.

After almost 25 years of reading books about witchcraft, it's hard to find anything new. Most books recycle the same "history," give an overview of the holidays, the tools, the mythology. That's all fine and well, but very few books go beyond the 101-style beginner information to what it's like to live in the world as a witch. To be a witch 24 hours/day, not just during ritual.

Weave the Liminal fills that void, and it does it beautifully. Not just with the conversational writing style, but also with the absolutely gorgeous artwork sprinkled throughout. The author gives history, but it is HER history, which provides a glimpse into the living experience of witchcraft, not historical what-may-have-beens from decades ago.

The chapters build by delving deeper and deeper into what the author calls liminal space and offers suggestions on how to navigate those spaces while integrating the experiences into the readers daily life. There are no pre-written rituals, no ingredient lists, and what little talk there is of tools comes to the conclusion that most are simply unneeded. In every way, this book is a breath of fresh air that goes beyond the trappings to delve into the actual lived experience of witchcraft. Highly recommended for any witch who wants to deepen their own path while moving away from "how it's done" to "here's how you can do it."

I begin every book on witchcraft with a healthy dose of skepticism. I’m ready for a lot of woo, or pages and pages of prescribed rituals or spells with only fluff in between to hold it all together, or self-important stories about what a skillful witch or diviner or medium the author is. Never having read Zakroff’s earlier work, I began this book in the same fashion. I was, however, delighted to be wrong.

This book is the book I wish I’d had 10 years ago when I was first exploring witchcraft. Its tone is delightfully conversational while the text also makes good use of footnotes and references to articles, Wikipedia pages, other books on witchcraft, mythology, and more.

More importantly, though, the whole book is about how to build your own craft. Using the acronym RITES as a framework - Roots, Inspiration, Time, Environment, Star - Zakroff offers “a foundation to build upon... ideas to grasp and grow, [and] a sense of how and where to direct what you build and put it into action.” I admit I’m still a little unclear of what Star really refers to, but I read it as the culmination of the other four components; our roots, whether our family of origin, ancestral home, or other early influences, our influences and the things that inspire us and our craft, the way that time figures into our life and practice - moon cycles, seasonal cycles, everything from daily routines to once in a lifetime rites of passage - and finally environment, the location where we live and came from. The star, then, is more than the sum of these four parts; it is the synergy of those components in this space and time and shaped by this particular witch.

While Weave the Liminal remains steadfastly a book about how to claim one’s own path, Zakroff does, of course, share her own experiences and philosophies as well. While not including the Threefold Law or the Wiccan Rede in her own craft, she does offer Nine Guidelines to Prevent Witch Wars (which might be useful here on tumblr) which include her own Threefold Law - Read everything three times before responding, and read your response three times before posting.
With an extensive discussion of deities -- are they required for witchcraft? (Spoiler alert -- nope) How do I choose which deity to include in my practice? What’s the difference between worship, devotion, and working with a god or goddess? -- as well as ideas for ways to work with various types of ancestors or spirits of the dead (she recognizes the Familiar Dead, the Ancestors, and the Mighty Dead), she also includes reminders that there is plenty of energy to work with even if you never contact any other spirits or gods. While Zakroff herself identifies as what she calls the “P words” -- pantheist, pagan, polytheist, etc -- and does use an animist lens when speaking about working with the spirits of place, especially, she employs journal prompts throughout the book to guide readers in examining and articulating their own beliefs.

This is as excellent book for a new or beginner witch as it is for a more seasoned practitioner. There was little new information in the book for me, but it was given with a perspective that I find to be rare in most witchy books and was incredibly refreshing. Even as she describes her experiences with the ‘clair’ senses or talks about a side conversation she had with a deity during ritual, she gives an impression of grounded level-headedness. Just as we over at @witchmums​ like to remind our followers to look for the mundane explanations before the magical ones, so too does Zakroff. Just as I insist upon a place for secular witchcraft in the community, so does she. Indeed, there was so little I disagreed with in the book that it felt like I could have written it (though of course I do not have as extensive experience she has to draw from and therefore my version would have been shorter and probably less impressive).

In all, I would highly recommend this book, especially for witches looking to develop a craft unique to their own life and experience, and/or those who are less interested in high formal ritual than in tapping in to their own power and building ritual from there. In fact this has probably made it to the top of the list of books I would recommend to new witches, though I believe witches of any experience level can find something useful or resonant in it.

This is an enjoyable read about the origins and history of the craft with a good orientation of its present manifestations. The book provides good discussion for stimulating one’s thinking and reflection about how the craft applies to one’s life...without devolving into a “cookbook-like” text, as so many other books do. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the craft.

An interesting look at what it means to be a witch in modern society. While explaining the origins of the craft in an easy to read voice, it takes traditions into the modern times so that even a busy witch can get her craft on.

I received a Copy through NetGalley for an honest review.

Weave the Liminal: Living Modern Tradition Witchcraft By Laura Tempest Zakroff,
Is an interesting more introspective look at modern day witchcraft. Rather than a book of working spells or ritual, although it does prompt you to look into things you notice in your own life.
And look at you own touchstones that you "weave" into the magic in your own life.

This isn't really a book for a beginner, I'd recommend this for someone who wants to get a little more in-depth with the intricacies of practicing witchcraft it's self and why you practice or why you started and to look at your own experiences.
Which I defiantly related to.

I haven't really been actively practicing for about a decade or so this wasn't complete what I was hoping for or what I was looking for, but it was an interesting read.

This new book from Laura Tempest Zakroff is a timely introduction to modern witchcraft. Perfect for beginners forging their own paths and a welcomed reminder to those who reject teachings made largely by men in the 21st century. Do you have difficulty connecting with the heterosexual based wheel of the year? Not comfortable with practicing sky clad, a directive made by an elderly man to his nubile female followers? As a southern hemisphere witch of matriarchal linage, I have been blessed to see through a lot of the nonsense hatched up by these men last century and regurgitated by their female cult followers. This book comes as a welcomed antidote to a lot that has been written in the past and is set to be a classic! Oh, and if you want to get your kit off, then power to you.

I liked this book that is both informative and entertaining.
The book is reminded me of a journal and it sounded good, maybe it's something I needed to read.
I don't agree with anything I read but it was great food for thought.
A book that can be useful for people who are beginning their path in the Craft and for those who are looking for new ideas.
It was an engaging read and I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Llewellyn and Netgalley for this ARC

This book was far outside my reading comfort zone and beyond my typical genres. I know many people who are interested in or living this path, and so I have been wanting to learn more.

Overall Zakroff does a great job of providing an introductory text for people beginning their journey in witchcraft. The writing is readable and accessible and the author is confident and guides the reader well. I like how she broke down the chapters and tackled issues head-on.

For the non-witch readership, I thought the book had good pieces of advice for simply how to be a better human being (understanding our history, fighting the patriarchy, how to work hard, when To listen/be contemplative, etc.). The tone of the book is more casual than necessary at times, but overall is an engaging read for practitioners and a general audience alike.

Thank you to NetGalley and Llewellyn Worldwide for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I found this book very interesting to read even though it isn't something I would usually read. I quite enjoyed reading this book.

Unfortunately this book just wasn't for me, however the author and their writing style is likeable, and the potential usefulness of this book for the right reader is evident to me.

The illustrations in this book are lovely and are certainly representative of the authors beautiful & creative outlook on life. Her writing is modern, warming and comforting. The focus of her writing is on the self and what witchcraft really is to you, how you personally can grow and create your own beliefs, practices and personal strengths.

"We are the ferocious raw beauty that is all the blessings and all of the curses that is Life combined."

Unfortunately Weave The Liminal was overall too.. fluffy. There is for example a rather long and exasperating comparison between witches and jellyfish. After about 60% the book becomes less 'self-help for Witches' and instead I started to find sections more focused and specific. Anything positive I have to say is predominantly about a few of these later more informative sections.

There is one section of feminist writing in particular that compared the "ideals" of a quiet, well mannered woman to the concept of a "Good Witch". Fantastic.

The strongest positive for me is that she approaches Witchcraft as a belief system and not a series of exuberant practices to learn. I also appreciate her affirmation that worshiping Deity is not necessary - something that has always been a deterrent for me and has often left me feeling outside of tradition and genuine witchcraft. I also particularly enjoyed her discussions and views in the section "The Dead- Ancestors, the Mighty Dead, Ghosts & More". Her views are modern and more unique than those often expressed and I related to them in a way I did not expect to. It really is interesting to hear her views and I wished that she had gone into greater depth.

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