I am a sucker for any witchy book that helps me bring old school pagan practices into my modern day life and this one has it all !

Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Overall this was a solid beginner book. I have not dabbled much in Trad Craft but found it quite interesting and look forward to reading more from this author.

Note: I received a free unpublished proof of this book, for a limited time, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.

For once, I might actually have a short review of a witchy/occult book, and that may or may not be a good thing.

First of all, this book is about Traditional Witchcraft, a Wiccan-esque offshoot of Western Occultism that aims to pull from more historical material. The book is very clear that it is a modern reconstruction of supposed historical practices, which is a good thing. That said, I got the general impression that Towne treats Traditional Witchcraft as a vastly different thing from Wicca, when in reality both of them pull from the same pool of Western Occult ideas for their central practices, such as a God and Goddess, the four classical elements, and general ideas about worship, workings, and tools. (Yes, I realize that Wicca and Wiccan-esque witchcraft aren’t homogenous at all and people have slapped thsoe labels on five billion different things. However, I am going off of the main, surface-level ideas of Wicca presented in works like those of Scott Cunningham. Obviously when you look at different lineages/traditions and look at the philosophy presented at higher levels of Wicca, you will see a lot of differences.)

The book is also somewhat up-front about Christian influences in Traditional Witchcraft, but there are still some historical claims about the origins of holidays, certain figures, etc. that might be a bit iffy. As per usual, I would recommend that readers do their own, deeper research on any historical topics they are interested in.

The first few chapters give a decent overview of the general ideas of Traditional Witchcraft and how it developed, but is underwhelming in terms of actual theology or metaphysical belief. Without knowledge of the deeper ideas of modern paganism and occult thought, the first half of the book mostly just presents the names, faces, and set dressing of Traditional Witchcraft; the “who, what, when, where” without the “so what?” as one of my high school English or history teachers would probably say.

The bits on psychic ability, herbalism, familiars, lucid dreaming, and spellcraft are a useful introduction but somewhat surface-level. I don’t think that readers would necessarily come away from this book knowing how to actually do anything. As much as witchcraft and paganism tend to emphasize experience and practice over book-reading, some instruction is necessary with regards to things that aren’t already cultural norms for readers, in which no real-life person is likely instructing them.

Stones in the Glade honestly reads more like one of the entry-level “Wicca 101” books at Barnes and Noble with a Traditional Witchcraft focus in terms of content and depth. (I don’t want to slander Barnes and Noble; I’ve actually found some decent occult-y books there, but a lot of the “bargain section witchcraft books” just don’t seem very comprehensive.) It is the author’s first book so I appreciate that it is not overambitious in scope. However, I am sort of disappointed that Crossed Crow optioned this fledgling book alongside their other selections by writers who are more knowledgeable and experienced. I personally would not recommend or purchase a book from such a publisher that reads like the contents of a good website.

The other Crossed Crow titles I’ve reviewed have been, if not always to my personal taste or belief system, stronger offerings by authors such as Mortellus and Frater Barrabbas who have more knowledge in their craft and dig a lot deeper in their books. This isn’t to say that this is a terrible book or that the author is out of their depth, I simply think it would find a better “home” in the more mainstream beginner book market, particularly as the writing is actually very good for a beginner book. This book would feel very much “in-place” marketed aside books like Cunningham and Buckland’s beginner stuff and newer entry-level books by modern authors like Skye Alexander and Juliet Diaz.

Overall, I think that readers interested in Traditional Witchcraft would be better off reading books by authors with more titles under the belt who have been more “foundational” in the practice. I am not overly familiar with this branch myself but I’ve heard that Robert Cochrane, Nigel Jackson, Andrew Chumbley, and others in that “circle” have been influential. This book was alright for what it was and I’m curious to see what the author does next, but it didn’t stand out to me as a really great title.

I enjoyed reading Stones in the Glade by Kelley Towne. I would definitely recommend this title to someone just starting out because they could learn a bit about so much and then decide what interests to devote deeper time and learning toward.
If someone is looking for a lot of depth, I would possibly tell them to pass on this one, but that's not a bad thing as there's a place and need for this type of book, too.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC of this book.

Honestly, my practice is based upon those that came before me, so incorporating, the old isn’t new to me. But I enjoy the fact about the author is bringing it to light for those who may be newer or more modern practitioners.

On the other hand, there were a few new things that I learned, and I really enjoyed reading about them. History is my jam, and this book brings old and new together while teaching some history and educating and powering any practitioner.

Likely to be offensive to some and intriguing to others, this is a handbook for the techniques and practices of witchcraft. Serious in tone, thorough, encouraging, well organized...before you start laughing, probably no more or less believable than the tenets of any other religion.

I do not have a background in Trad Craft, so I was excited to be given the opportunity to review Stones in the Glade by Kelley Towne, and from that perspective, I think it is a solid introductory text. The historical background info provided by the author helped place things in context, and I appreciate that they were clear that this represents a particular point of view from within the Craft. I especially enjoyed the chapters on The Green World, Practical Spellcraft, and the one on Familiars.

Stones in the Glade by Kelley Towne is an excellent introductory guide to European and British Witchcraft. I do wish there was a bit more citation in a few places but the overall information and guidance is stellar. I will certainly be adding this one to the coven collection.

Overall a great all around book on magic and old ways. I really like that author covered all the main topics and at the same time providing examples of rites. Facts not only supported by authors personal gnosis but by history and lore. If you’re a fan of magic of British isles that definitely is a to go read. Comparing to other books on the same topic book is written in approachable way and easy enough language, it doesn’t feel like you’re reading a text book.

Stones in the Glade, by Kelley Towne is an outstanding book on European Magic. This book covers the history of magic, including rituals, and spells to use in your own magical practice. This book is a must have for your library.

Stones in the Glade by Kelley Towns is an excellent general introduction to Witchcraft. I found it to be an enjoyable read full of sensible, practical knowledge and examples of workings. The book includes chapters on history, spirits, divination, herb lore, magical correspondences, holidays, spellwork and more. Although the book is a general guide and not an in depth examination of any one topic, I think practitioners of all sorts can benefit from reading it.Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

This was a very informative introductory reference text. I enjoyed that the author included some of the historical context around certain practices as well.