LOVE this book. Great information and connections to the fire element. It is third in a series, but can be a stand alone - which this and the water one will be for me.

This started out with some history about use of fire in ritual and the elements in general and I was glad to see Professor Ron Hutton referenced, but surprised there was no mention of Alchemy where our Western idea of the four elements (five if you include spirit) originates.

This is followed by some information about 'burn marks' around the world and examples of how fire has been used in rituals of the world's major religions over time, even giving a source for the tradition of birthday candles on cake. Then we have a smattering of mythology that includes a few creatures associated with fire, the djinn, places and some information about Australian places and how the local Pagans deal with fire rituals in a country given to horrendous wild fires.

The author writes from an Australian point of view all through which gives an interesting perspective in contrast to US and UK Paganism. Some of the information about common uses for fire are new and interesting, but quite honestly some of it feels like filler. There's a lot of general information that anyone reading this would already know.

Alchemy does eventually get a brief mention, then the symbol for fire is described and all sorts of sources for it cited except Alchemy, where it originates. There's a lot of good in this book, but I feel there are some gaps that anyone writing a book of this nature should have known.

To my joy when she got to tools representing fire she got it right, the sword. Then she spoiled it by allowing for the wand for those who don't know that it was changed deliberately. She credits this to the Golden Dawn, but not specifically to Arthur Edward Waite who deliberately transposed the working tools in his writings and on his Tarot deck in a misguided attempt at secrecy.

The safety information is another plus, especially where herbs and burning them around pets are concerned. Glad to see someone point out that smudging is only relevant with the appropriate rituals. Salt and water works fine without appropriating. We get some fire associations with herbs and essential oils, then crystals and metals. I can't say I agreed with all of them, but correspondences can be at least partly arbitrary anyway and often based just on colour.

There is a lot of beginner information including sacred trees and animals, but as one would hope, a long section on candle magic covering many aspects, even making oils to dress the candles. More specifically fire information follows including the diference between a ritual fire and a bonfire, hearthfires, attributes of different kinds of fire wood, solar lights, safety and laws regarding public fires (prtty strict in Australia where bush fires are a serious hazard) and how to make torches safely for a torch procession.

We get a few spells and recipes, including incense blends and information on superstitions regarding fires. Reference are given for all these lists and the celebrations are attributed to the Farrars. There isn't a lot here that's new or original and a lot is very basic, but it was interesting seeing the perspective of an Australian Pagan.

Fire Magic by Josephine Winter (and the entire elemental series) is a must-read for any practitioner. It is a treasure for new practitioners and also insightful for those not so new to the craft. What I love about this book is that it delves into many topics. Typically that means the details are pretty scarce and it loses practicality. That is not the case here, it allows you to go down multiple rabbit holes and points you in the direction to go further if you'd like.

This is an in depth study of fire as it relates to the practitioner. It also introduces you how to safely use fire in your spells and rituals. The use of candles is also addressed. I found the book to be very helpful and I added it to my personal library. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to use fire in their spells and rituals.

From religious rites to mythical fire beasts, we see examples of fire magic in everyday life from the religious ceremonies we attend to the books we read. Three author gives a history of fire through the ages and how fire is used in magic. The herbs, plants and other things associated with fire will broaden your knowledge and work with this element.

My favorite of all is candle magic. This is what I really wanted to read more about as I have always been drawn to this area in my practice. It is one of my favorite ways to cast and I learn something new whenever I read about the topic.

Whatever your interest in fire magic, this book will have something of interest for you. Enjoy the journey and build your own rituals as well.