It's worth reading Michael Furey's book of witch potions. I love books about occultism and magic, so this book really intrigued me. This is an excellent reading for both beginners and experienced professionals in the field; I think everyone can learn something from this book! I love simple recipes and I think many of them can be put into practice.

If you're a witch who loves to dabble in the magical art of potion-making, then "The Witches Book of Potions" by Michael Furie is a must-have addition to your bookshelf. This comprehensive guide offers a wealth of information on the art of potion-making, from the history of potion-making to the various ingredients and tools used in potion-making.

One of the things I appreciated most about this book was its thoroughness. Michael Furie leaves no stone unturned when it comes to discussing the various aspects of potion-making. He covers everything from the different types of potions, such as healing potions and love potions, to the various ingredients used in potion-making, such as herbs, crystals, and essential oils. He even discusses the tools and equipment used in potion-making, such as cauldrons and mortar and pestles.

Another thing I appreciated about this book was its accessibility. Despite its comprehensive nature, the writing is clear and easy to understand, even for those new to potion-making. The book is organized in a logical and easy-to-follow manner, making it easy to find the information you need.

One of the standout features of this book is its emphasis on safety. Michael Furie provides detailed information on the safe handling and use of various ingredients, as well as tips for ensuring the safety of yourself and others while making potions. This is an important reminder that while potion-making can be a fun and rewarding practice, it should always be done with caution and care.

The book also includes a number of recipes for potions, ranging from simple and easy to more complex and advanced. Each recipe includes a detailed list of ingredients and instructions for making the potion, making it easy to recreate the potions in your own home. There are also tips for customizing the potions to suit your own needs and preferences.

Overall, I highly recommend "The Witches Book of Potions" for anyone interested in the art of potion-making. The book is comprehensive, accessible, and emphasizes safety and responsible potion-making. With its wealth of information and recipes, it's a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their practice of witchcraft.

The Witch’s Book of Potions by Michael Furie

9780738764955

216 Pages
Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide, Llewellyn Publications
Release Date: February 8, 2021

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

The book is divided into the following.

Part 1: Background and Basics
Chapter 1: Cauldrons, Kettles, and other Brewing Options
Chapter 2: Brew making and Magical basics

Part 2: Magical Potions and Brews
Chapter 3: Astrological and Planetary Recipes
Chapter 4: Cleansing and Banishing Recipes
Chapter 5: Healing Potions and Elixirs
Chapter 6: Love, Money, and Luck Recipes
Chapter 7: Protection Potions and Brews
Chapter 8: Psychic Potions and Divinations Brews
Chapter 9: Potions and Brews for the Sabbats and Esbats
Chapter 10: Potions and Brews for the Elements

Part 3: Beyond Water: Other Magical Mixtures
Chapter 11: Cauldron Cookery
Chapter 12: Oils
Chapter 13: Ointments

Appendix 1: Magical Color Correspondence
Appendix 2: Ingredient Table of Correspondence

This is a wonderful resource for potions and brews. I like how the author distinguishes the difference between potions and brews. He has a great definition for magic. All the recipes in the book use ingredients that can be found in grocery stores or health food stores. The instructions are easy to follow. In chapter 8, there are directions for reading tea leaves. The recipe for Cheesy garlicky protection broth sounds amazing and I cannot wait for cooler weather to make some. As a soapmaker, I am always looking for good recipes for oils and ointments. I found several ideas in chapters 12 and 13. This is a well-researched book and I recommend it to anyone looking for new recipes.

Good, general book on potions/elixirs. Perfect for someone just starting to dabble in magic and wants to start somewhere. Would appreciate more context/intention about the language he uses but overall approachable and easy to use.

An interesting read if you're ever curious about magick or Wicca. There are a few helpful points in this book and some parts I definitely did bookmark for later.

This had some good recipes, but I ended up feeling like it didn't offer anything new or interesting.

I enjoyed the parts of the book related to design and aesthetic quality, and there are receipts that are not only easy to follow, but the ingredients aren't hard to find. I did find something was off, though I can't quite point out what.

An interesting book, easy to follow and full of good recipes.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The Witch's Book of Potions by Michael Furie was a great read. I love books about the occult and witchcraft so I was very interested in this volume. This is a perfect read for novice and advanced practitioners of the craft; I think everyone could learn something from this book! I liked the easy-to-follow recipes and felt that there were many that I could use in my practice. Thank you to NetGalley for giving me a free digital Advanced Reading Copy (ARC e-book) of this title. I really enjoyed it!

Generally speaking it's an alright book, especially for witches not as experienced in potion making or witches wanting to get back to the roots.

But I really don't feel comfortable with the author "exchanging" male/female properties with ying/yang - and as far as I know, there's still male/female energies there? - and also, taking parts from another culture because you like them better? Yeah, no.

There are some Wiccan influences as well but the book tries - and mostly succeeds - in being more or less neutral about witchcraft which is a plus. Same with information about essential oils and not putting them in your body.

The recipes are interesting enough and overall I've enjoyed The Witch's Book of Potions: The Power of Bubbling Brews, Simmering Infusions & Magical Elixirs but I don't see myself recommending it, ever.

This is a good comprehensive book, easy to read, lots of different potions. Author does a nice job of explaining various ingredients, methodology. Good to revisit. Plus the cover is lovely.

Great recipe book that's easy to follow. I think there's something for every witch in it and highly recommend it for a new witch who's interested in potions.

The recipes for potions/brews in this book were easy to follow and most ingredients were readily available. I do wish that there was a substitutions list for things that are harder to find though.

As a child, Michael Furie would stir together “potions” of cooking spices and water, not knowing that potion- and brew-making would become a passion as an adult practicing witchcraft.

“There is something so perfectly dramatic and innately magical about gathering various ingredients and combining them into a rich mixture of liquid; adding and stirring as fragrant steam rises from the bubbling cauldron,” he wrote in the book’s introduction.

It’s as if it’s the very essence of magical witchcraft, and yet it doesn’t rate its own chapter in many books. “The Witch’s Book of Potions” contains a collection of recipes for traditional and modern concoctions – his own, those from people he personally knows, and those historically associated with what is generally understood to be witchcraft.

Michael defines a potion as exclusively magically charged, water-based, edible, herbal infused or boiled liquids meant to be drunk. Brews, which are steeped like tea and not fermented like beer, are inedible. They are used as an anointing liquid, applied to skin, put on objects to charm them, or used to asperge an area of unsettling vibrations.

The book has three sections.

The first gives an overview of the symbolism, history, magic, and seasoning of cauldrons. Kettles, pots, and other cooking vessels are also covered. The background and basics include some of the main points of the practice of magic and the theory about how it works. Ingredients, the book explains, are chosen based on their corresponding magical context and alignment. Charging the ingredients with energy and intention is the magic, which he describes as “the science and process of projecting emotionally and intellectually charged energy into the spiritual plane in order to manifest change in the physical world.” Methods to extract herbal properties are explained. The process primarily used in the book’s recipes is infusion, where ingredients are added to heated liquid, covered, allowed to steep, and then strained.

The eight chapters comprising Part 2 are full of recipes. There are astrological and planetary recipes; recipes for love, luck, and money; cleansing and banishing recipes; divination brews; and potions and brews for the sabbats, esbats, and elements.

Calling it “one of the most noble of magical practices,” Michael writes, “Of all the amazing magical pursuits available to try, perhaps the most transformative is healing. … [It] is so powerful and deeply emotionally satisfying …” For this he turns to magical healing tonics, elixirs, and potions.

Many recipes can be made with ingredients found at supermarkets; they are marked with stars. If ingredients are rare, he offers reasonable substitutions to prevent further endangering rare plants.

Part 3 delves into other magical mixtures including making oils and ointments, and giving a recipe for Green Fairy Potion – perhaps better known as absinthe, – drunk in preparation for ritual or psychic work.

Helpful appendixes list magical correspondences for colors and for more than a hundred ingredients.

Reading this book introduced me to the many effective ways of making potent, powerful magic from herbs and spices. There was a sense of ease, simplicity, and empowerment in the infusions that invited rather than intimidated. Written with passion and joy, this book could spark a revival of the nearly lost art of potion making.

Reviewed by Lynn Woike of PaganPages.Org
https://paganpages.org/emagazine/2021/03/01/book-review-the-witchs-book-of-potions-by-michael-furie/

The designs (graphics) are very pretty and aesthetic, I liked them. I didn't read a lot of the book but the aesthetic stuck out to me anyways.

Really good recipe book. Definitely something to have on your shelf if you like to brew potions! I don't myself but it's always good to have on hand.

The Witch's Book of Potions was an interesting read for beginners of potion making or those that are just curious about it.

I liked that the authour stated initially that the items used would be items you could find at your local grocery store. Mainly it is better for the environment and the world, but two it is just easier to find, That does make it very beginner friendly.

I thought the history of cauldrons was fascinating although not necessary for this book.

The Astrological Signs section was fascinating, and my favourite section was the "healing" section. I thought that part had the most useful items. Some of these recipes are similar to recipes I have seen else where. I guess it is the intention and prepping that makes it more witchcraft. I appreciated that the book was more focused on potions and brews to help verses harm.

Overall, it was an interesting read. Not something I would necessarily incorporate in my day to day life, but it was interesting to read. It is probably something a would prefer to pick up from the library. I would give it 3.5 stars.

I received an eARC from Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.

This is a great recipe book. The instructions are easy to follow. The beginner and veteran practitioner will find something of use.

Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for the advanced e-reader copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was such a great book! I was happy to find some new witchy things to try without having to hunt them down on pinterest

Book Review: The Witch's Book of Potions - The Power of Bubbling Brews, Simmering Infusions and Magical Elixirs by Michael Furie.
Genre: Religion and Spirituality
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
Release Date: 8th February, 2021

The Witch's Book of Potions is described as including, "potions to raise your psychic abilities, brews for the Sabbats, astrological recipes...oils and ointments. There are 90 recipes in total so there is plenty to work with.

Other than the occasional tea infusion or anointing oil I don't really use potions or brews in my practice, so I was definitely intrigued by this book. Consumable potions are tricky. It's important to know everything about the ingredients you are using, whether it's safe to consume, or not, and take into account any relevant allergies. I'm glad to see that the author does address this issue directly and differentiates between what recipes in the book are 'edible' or 'inedible'. There are also useful distinctions between what exactly potions, brews, infusions and elixirs are and what they can be used for.

Before getting into the recipes Furie gives a little bit of the theory behind potions. I appreciated the information about how the extracting process works. It is useful to know if you decide to curate your own potions that some herbs may require a light simmering to extract the necessary properties whereas other ingredients may need to be boiled.

On the other hand I found the 'cauldron history' quite dry. I understand why the author chose to include it - cauldrons being the traditional potion making tool - but a lot of information about historic cauldrons is not necessary for the purpose of the book.

Moving on to the potions themselves, Furie does mention that not all of them are 'palatable', but as the purpose of the creation is in the intent and magical properties rather than the taste this is somewhat to be expected. However, as someone who can't eat/drink anything I don't like the taste of (no matter how good it is for me) I did tend to pay close attention to the combination of ingredients used in the edible concoctions. For example, a sugary lemon cleansing potion was far more appealing to me over the one featuring turmeric and cayenne pepper!

A nice addition toward the end of the book are some recipes for soups and broths which are more my kind of potions as I love the warm comforting aroma they create.

One thing I think the book would really benefit from is some images to compliment the potions. Maybe not for every single recipe, but some examples of the process and final outcome as visual guidance would be helpful.

Like I said at the beginning I am not someone who usually uses this type of magick, but this book is a good place to start for anyone looking to develop their craft in this direction. I also think that even the most ardent potion maker would find this books useful in their practice. There are plenty of potions and brews to satisfy your Witchy urges.