Member Reviews
"The Book of Psychic Self-Defense" offers a solid introduction to the often-overlooked topic of protecting oneself from negative energy and supernatural influences. Leanna and Beleta Greenaway provide clear, practical advice for dealing with a variety of energetic threats, from curses and the evil eye to unwanted spirit entities. The book is approachable, making it a good starting point for those new to the idea of psychic self-defense.
However, for more experienced readers in the field of spiritual or psychic practices, the content might feel somewhat basic and lacking in depth. While the authors cover a wide range of topics, some sections could have benefited from more detailed explanations or real-life examples to add weight to the advice. Overall, it's a useful guide for beginners, but those looking for more advanced techniques may not find enough here to take their skills to the next level.
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Thank you so much to Leanna Greenaway, Beleta Greenaway and St Martin’s Essentials for the opportunity to read and review this book
The Book of Psychic Self-Defense is a nonfiction guide to psychic healing. This book reviews and teaches techniques that help protect from energetic and supernatural attacks in their everyday lives.
This was an interesting read. It focused a lot on positive manifestations and ways to protect your mental health in today’s world. Parts of this book included tactile cleansing exercises and others discussed ways to strengthen your mental shields against unwanted thoughts and behaviors. Even if one doesn’t fully practice the alternative holistic healing exercises in this book, they can get a lot of benefits from the techniques used to strengthen mental positivity and inner peace
Overall this was a 4 star read. I enjoyed the variety of techniques to improve mental health as well as the general knowledge of basic Wiccan practices. I did feel like some of the practices were a little advanced for beginners, but overall I enjoyed it
If is fan of alternative or holistic practices with lots of advice for dealing with overwhelming situations, then absolutely pick this one up!
An interesting book about topics that not all agree or believe in - I like exploring alternative theories. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.
There are many great pointers in this book. A lot of important notes and great information!
However, I am rating this book so low due to the misuse and misinformation of one part of the book. The authors talk about using white sage primarily for cleansing and say to get it online. White sage is not used for cleansing, let alone should not be bought online. This herb is also endangered and has close ties to Native Americans, so if ever purchased, it should come from a tribe or is gifted. There is a lot of appropriation around white sage. And there are plenty, and so much better options when it comes to cleansing and banishing.
Thank you Netgalley, authors, and publisher for the eARC.
I discovered this resource to be invaluable for those seeking a spiritual journey or seeking to safeguard themselves from external energies. As an empath, I was particularly intrigued by its contents. This book offers pragmatic and beneficial insights on establishing boundaries, utilizing crystals and herbs, and other effective methods for self-protection and space preservation. Undoubtedly, this will serve as a go-to reference for me. I extend my utmost gratitude to NetGalley and Saint Martin's Press for this powerful book!
A decent resource filled with lots of information including practical methods of energetic clearing and protection, folklore and mythology, religious traditions or techniques, and witchcraft. Unfortunately I found the content to be disorganized and sort of bouncing back and forth between ideas all over the place. Clearer organization or a coherent through line would have been more helpful for me as a reader. Also, to be plain, I did not know that the authors are witches and that this book would contain so many recommendations that lean heavily on witchcraft. I probably wouldn't have read this if I knew since I don't read books about witchcraft and do not and would not use the spells or witchcraft techniques listed. That being said they do share a variety of other energetic/spiritual techniques that are more universal and not witchcraft (crystals, herbs, prayers, smoke cleansing, salt etc). I appreciate that the authors include a wide array of perspectives and techniques, discuss all types of negative energy and negative influence, spirits and "hauntings" - everything from regular old ghosts to demons, succubi, shadow people and even aliens - and share personal experiences. They don't shy away from anything or gloss over things by being overly spiritual, which was very refreshing. They are very plain in telling the reader to watch their own negative and resentful thoughts, and not to mess with ouija boards or dark occult practices because they can definitely cause harm. But then they share the details of hexes, curses, and black magic which I found problematic. I did appreciate the practical, no-nonsense approach to the subject, but this book just isn't for me. It would benefit from a clearer description of the content and authors to reach its intended audience - fellow witches, who I'm sure would definitely find this a great read. 3.5 stars.
This book is well presented with easy steps to follow it is a bit redundant in a few places but overall the information is great and if you feel you are under physic attack it has useful information. It does have an interesting section that goes over the use of crystals that was used and I found that interesting.
I have very mixed feelings about this book. I didn’t always agree with the use of the word “haunted” pretty much because for me personally haunted has a very negative connotation. I did find quite a lot of the solutions easy to do. No special talents required in quite a few instances. The section on nature’s protection-plants & crystals - was interesting and very useful. If you feel you are being psychically attacked or experience negative vibes do not hesitate to buy this book!!
I found this to be a great resource for anyone interested in a spiritual path or just a believer in protecting yourself from the energy given off by others. As an empath, I was excited to read this. It offers practical and useful information on boundaries, crystals, herbs, and other ways to protect yourself and your space. This will be a book that I will reference again and again. Thank you, NetGalley and Saint Martin’s press for the chance to read and give my honest opinion.
You can't defend yourself against psychic attacks if you don't know what they are and how they can negatively impact your life. This concise and informative book helps you identify symptoms of psychic attacks and possible sources. The authors also provide many practical self-defense techniques that readers can start using today.
The Book of Psychic Self-Defense: A Practical Guide to Protecting Yourself from Energetic and Supernatural Attacks by Leanna Greenaway and Beleta Greenaway is a comprehensive resource on the essential practice of psychic self-defense. This book is brimming with valuable information that I am certain to revisit frequently.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the DRC.
If you've ever dipped your toes into more magickal practices, you've probably heard of the Greenaways. This mother and daughter duo write books (together and separately) about all things witchy. This newest collection to their catalogue is a beginner's guide to psychic self-defence and protection. I think this book is good for introducing the idea of energetic and psychic hygiene to novices. Their practices and suggestions are practical, and have been developed over their years of training and praxis, but I think it's also possible to take what's manageable for you and leave the rest. Even if you aren't into woo-woo, this book still teaches about boundaries and how to maintain yours and build your autonomy. I like that they are honest about people's limitations, including their own. I don't know if this book is necessarily for me, and the writing leaves much to be desired in terms of tone. I'm not a ritualist, but I do think that the easier exercises and suggestions in this book are doable.
3.5/5!
Another outstanding book by the very knowledgeable, and wise Leanna and Beleta Greenaway! I am a practitioner /Tarot reader for 30+ years, and a lifetime student of magic. I learned a thing or two from this book, it's a treasure trove that all witches should have in their personal library.
Are you new to the spiritual path, a healer, or interested in learning how to protect yourself? This should be the next book on your reading list! The Book of Psychic Self-Defense is filled with practical advice about the best ways to protect ourselves from negative or lower energies, whether they be human or otherwise.
As a healer, I found the information practical and useful. I found the case studies also helpful, and the more knowledge that can be added to my psychic toolbox, the more prepared I will be for whatever might arise during a client session.
I also appreciated the herb/plant and crystal sections and how each one can be beneficial in adding more layers of protection.
The book is an easy, quick read, but one that you will regularly pull from your bookshelf to double check and recall prayers of protection and general information.
All in all, it was a good book. I enjoyed reading the case studies. I also learned some new tips. My only issue was that the author(s) stated as fact in Part III, is that all witches believe in the karmic rule of no harm and/or retribution. I know for a fact that all witches do not subscribe to this belief due to their own reasons. That feels like more of a Wiccan belief which does not apply to everyone. And there was also a statement about removing emotion from casting. Again, to each their own, there are many ways to cast. But as I stated overall, it was a great read. I enjoyed it alot.
I received an ARC of “The Book of Psychic Self-Defense: A Practical Guide to Protecting Yourself from Energetic and Supernatural Attacks” from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.
Written by Leanna and Beleta Greenaway, a daughter-mother team, respectively, this book is empowering. Humans live in a world where we have relatively little control over—we can’t control the weather let alone other people. And that means that we also can’t control how each behaves. Bad weather can always be explained away because humans know that whatever may come isn’t personal. But other humans, well, that’s an entirely different matter altogether.
Human’s intentions are extremely important. While humans can’t control what other people say or do, we **can** control whether or not we act or react to negativity and abuse. And, more importantly, we can control **how** we choose to (re)act.
In this uncorrected digital galley, the Greenaway’s remind readers that, “…all thoughts are living things…” and that the way we think can manifest not just for ourselves but also for others. The authors arranged this book into four sections: I. Psychic Attacks and Mental Intrusions; II. Hauntings; III. Curses and Black Magic; and IV. Nature’s Protection. Throughout the book, the authors provide case studies using both themselves and various other people to illustrate points made in the book.
Utilizing both proactive behavior and common, everyday items, the authors show readers how to build up their own strengths and personal defenses to live a more fulfilling life. In numerous places, the authors remind readers that spirits feed off of fear. However, I can also testify that many cruel humans do the same thing. Bullies and other humans want their victims to tremble in fear because then their victims become less of a perceived threat. Apparently, the spirit world operates in the same manner. The Greenaway’s focus on this heavily, telling readers to bluntly stand up for themselves, and forcefully if necessary.
In addition, the authors briefly cover a number of different traditionally used plants, trees, crystals, and practices that have been used over millennia by indigenous peoples around the world for protection. They also include a number of different receipts so that readers can replicate. For example, I followed their directions for a salt bath to counteract black magic. The receipt called for salt, baking soda, and tea tree oil, but having no tea tree oil, I substituted lemon essential oil instead. While many people might claim not to believe in black magic, they will no doubt love this bath. After following the directions and getting out of the tub, I felt refreshed and clean.
In my opinion, what this book really boils down to is that other people’s intentions are far less important than our own. How we choose to live our lives and how we choose to treat others are conscious choices that can make or break us as human beings. I absolutely loved reading this book and hope that other people will read it as well.