The introduction to this book introduces the primary author and his background as well as the other three contributing authors. I thought this was a good way to give context to the information that would follow. Mankey describes himself as a third degree Gardnerian, but later says he and his wife were initiated into a British Traditional line. Different but compatible paths I suppose. The others are apparently eclectic witches with no 'line' affiliations.

I had mixed feelings about this beginning in that sometimes he sounded very sensible and better informed than some I've read, but then he seemed to perceive some pretty short limitations on the use of magic.

I have to admit I was hoping for more original material, but the book does a good job of going over beginner information for working with the Wiccan model of witchcraft. At times it does get wordy, but overall is well presented and one of the better written books for this material.

This is a great book about natural magic (indeed it is greater in page length also). There are many insights into occult techniques which will approve your practice and knowledge. Information is clear and in line with modern streams of occultism. It is written by group effort and that it shows (this time) in better quality of material. Of course that can cause that text is in few places unnecessarily wordy and even annoying. A wonderful book that deserves to be read by anyone interested in theory and practice of natural magic.

I have read many books on spellcraft. Many of them seem to repeat the same structure of giving you examples of either too intricate or too vague spells, some require supplies even a witch with 10+ years of experience hasn't heard of. That is not the case with this books, it has more depth to it. Mankey goes over the philosophies and ethics of magick which is brilliant, he even reminds you of the fact that not every witch follows the Wiccan rede (harm none etc..). You'll also find tips on cleansing your magickal space, there's some great info for beginner witches on the subject (smoke free alternatives...).

Then Mankey goes into the many ways of spellcraft written and drawn, ways of visualisation, sound, movement, herbs, moon and more. You do get readymade spells in this book as well, but they are quite easily adaptable, some of my favourites were the spells by plants and knot magick.


Thank you to NetGalley, Llewellyn and the Author for providing this ARC!

This is the perfect companion for every new witch after reading their first texts about witchcraft and are ready to dig in to the practice. There is a good amount of explanation with each type of spell that isn’t dry and hard to read through. Many of the materials mentioned in the various spells would be easily accessible to most people. Recommend for new to the practice of witchcraft.

I think 'The Witch's Book of Spellcraft' is a cute, fast, and easy read for those who have an interest in getting into spellcraft. As someone who has always found Wiccan/witchcraft interesting, I went into reading this book with an open mind. There are a lot of cute spells included and what I liked is that magic isn't the "magic" you read and see in fantasy books or movies. Magik is more about energy and manifestation. You need t know that going into this book. After reading this book I may low key try some of these spells.