Witch in Darkness

This is an incredible book. Maddox writes about ‘witching through the bad times’ but much of her advice would be applicable to anyone going through a hard time. She explores hard issues – grief, grieving, addiction – from a witches’ perspective, but I would not hesitate to hand this to someone looking for help even if they weren’t a witch. (I would ask a few questions first, just to gauge how well it might work for them.)

This book has earned a place on my bookshelf and I’ll be referring back to it often. Recommended for anyone who is hurting.

Grief and loss are a part of life that all spiritual paths must in some way address and the way of the witch is no exception to this . I do think that makes books such as Witch in Darkness an invaluable resource.
While the wisdom therein can be Utilized at any point in one's journey I do think this title is best read during the more joyus times of life that the reader will already have learned its techniques long before they are needed.

Thanks Netgalley for the early ARC!

As a pagan I always appreciate being able to review pagan and witchcraft books. And using witchcraft to deal with pain, loss amd trauma is such an important topic. We need more books like this.

I really appreciated the authors voice, and personal stories. In some ways, I would have preferred if this had just been 100% an autobiography of the author using witchcraft to heal, a tale of her journey. But then we would have missed out on the wealth of information & rituals included.

Highly recommended

The cover is misleading as the "in" is very small. This is witchy darkness. This is for witches is periods of darkness. LIke now when women no longer have control over their own bodies again. This book is timely and helps witches get through a variety of bad instances.

Less of an instructional how-to, Witch in Darkness provides an excellent array of options to help any practitioner of any level broaden their practice by way of emotional intelligence. Not only does the author offer multiple options and suggestions, but all of which include many accessible points.

The thing that most spoke to me in this was the lack of preachiness in many magic books, that almost turns you away from modern medicine which is a terrifying concept in this day and age. Instead, Kelly-Ann works in the supporting medicines in your life through “bless your meds” and opening the door for actual healthcare to be interwoven with spiritual care.

Overall wonderful read, lots of great notes and lead me to asking myself questions that I hadn’t thought of yet.

Staying true to you practice and letting it evolve through the darkness we all go through in our lives is truly so important. This book helps you navigate yourself and your practice through these times. I feel like this is an important tool for witches new and experienced.

This is an amazing resource for those who are going to be starting their healing journey while practicing the craft. Within this book, you go through the different “darknesses” that we go through within our human experience. And throughout each chapter, we are given journal prompts, affirmations, and rituals to help overcome those dark times.

Thank you Netgalley, author, and publisher for the eARC.

Witch in Darkness discusses how to use witchcraft to make it through difficult times in your life. This includes practical step-by-step rituals, tarot readings, journal prompts, and affirmations to help you through whatever you are dealing with.

This is an easy to read book that provides helpful rituals to get through a variety of situations. Each chapter has rituals, a tarot spread, journal prompts, and a speak it section of affirmations. I liked the wide variety that Maddox provided in each chapter. Maddox makes incorporating witchcraft in hard times easy and reminds people that you don’t always have to do elaborate witchcraft. They also discuss that your practice can change with what is going on in your life and you should embrace that change and not try to force yourself to stick to rituals that used to work for you but are now not.

“Fostering an imperfect practice is the key to witching through darkness.”

Overall, this was a helpful guide for continuing your craft during hard times. I probably won’t use a lot of the rituals in this book in my current practice, but I am glad to have them if the need ever arises.

Book Review: Witch in Darkness

I want to extend my gratitude to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of Witch in Darkness by Kelly-Ann Maddox. This powerful follow-up to Rebel Witch truly resonated with me, especially as it tackles some of the toughest emotions we face—loss, fear, and grief—through a magickal lens.

From the moment I began reading, I was struck by Maddox's raw and honest tone. She creates a safe space for those navigating dark times, making the book feel like a warm embrace. Her insights into how witchcraft can serve as a lifeline during difficult moments are both practical and profound. I found her guidance on cleansing, grounding, and shielding particularly helpful, especially during days when everything feels overwhelming.

One of the standout features of Witch in Darkness is its emphasis on embracing imperfection in our practices. Maddox encourages readers to find their unique paths, which is refreshing and liberating. I appreciated the step-by-step instructions for various rituals and magickal actions; they were easy to follow and left me feeling empowered to take action in my own life.

The book is packed with wisdom that feels applicable to real-life struggles. Whether it’s dealing with the aftermath of a loss or managing relationships in turmoil, Maddox provides actionable tools and perspectives that helped me shift my mindset. Her inclusion of tarot spread designs and journal prompts also added a personal touch, encouraging deeper reflection.

Maddox draws from her extensive experience as a spiritual counselor and witchcraft mentor, sharing anecdotes from her own journey. Her vulnerability in discussing her mental health challenges makes the book not just informative but deeply relatable. I felt as if I was having an intimate conversation with a wise friend who truly understands the complexities of life.

Overall, Witch in Darkness is a beautifully crafted guide that I highly recommend to anyone seeking solace and empowerment through witchcraft during tough times. It’s more than just a book about magick; it’s a lifeline for those of us looking to find strength and hope amidst the chaos. This is a must-read for anyone on a spiritual journey, and I can’t wait to revisit its pages whenever I need a little extra support.

I love Maddox's work across the internet and her previous book. As a sophomore title, Witch in Darkness stands up as a unique topic in the witchy space as well as a maturation of Maddox's voice. I love the encouragement to do what is right for you while giving a plethora of ideas and examples. I also liked the inclusion of writing prompts as they invite the reader to go deeper into the text, which is helpful when "in darkness." I'm excited to acquire a physical copy of this title, and while I'm not sure if she has any other works lined up, I will be reading it if she does.

I really appreciate Kelly-Ann Maddox's take what works for you and leave the rest approach to writing about witchcraft. Witch in Darkness isn't a prescriptive guide. Instead, Maddox offers a foundation from which to build your own practice and rituals. Maddox is a deeply spiritual witch, yet Witch in Darkness also accommodates a more secular expression of witchcraft.

The subtitle ‘Magick for Tough Times, Bad Days and Moments of Total Catastrophe’ for this book enraptured me from the start. I thought FINALLY — this is what we need, some witchiness that addresses the lack of rainbows and unicorns that life throws our way — that will inevitably come. I particularly love the prepping for darkness chapter with ideas that are both adaptable and applicable to energy practices and self care. And a whole helluva lot of YES to protection practices. My next fav chapters are Dark Artist + Spiritual Darkness w/ their truthful reveals, action oriented activities and journal prompts.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a validating and supportive guide to using witchcraft through life's toughest moments. The spells and rituals focus on your psychology to get you reflecting, mindful, and better able to set intentions and goals. Each chapter ends with journal prompts and affirmations. I really appreciate the book's approach that witchcraft is a tool that can be used in all aspects of your life, not just a perfect social media aesthetic. The book doesn't claim that witchcraft is a panacea or make its use prescriptive or rigid; it's a highly modifiable tool to fit the practitioner's needs and views.

Part 1 describes how witchcraft can be done anywhere, anytime, with any (or no) materials. It outlines low- and high- energy ways to practice witchcraft, emphasizing self-care. The advice is smart and can be applied to both witchcraft and wider life practices.

Part 2 provides thoughtful witchcraft activities including spells, rituals, and cartomancy spreads. Each chapter is themed around difficulties in different life areas (identity, family, mental health, emotions, body, relationships, intense situations, scarcity, creativity, magickal ability, spirituality, addiction, society, and loss).

The book consistently urges mundane acts for mental health like calling hotlines or seeking therapy, but the mundane actions are oddly missing in the physical health chapter. Without that combination, the witchcraft actions seem more like (unrealistically) willing yourself into health than the supplemental actions they should be.

One activity recommends burning a candle after rubbing it with oil and herbs, but that is very likely to be unsafe. I also felt the recommendation for using animal bones needed information on ethical and safe acquirement.

In chapter 16, the author says she doesn't burn anything she writes, but in chapter 14 she says she burns certain of her poems to a deity. I'm curious about this inconsistency.

Part 3 is a Q&A around common themes the author has encountered working with her clients.

While the book conflates the practice of witchcraft with spirituality (they are not inherently connected for every witch), its flexible stance makes it widely applicable to any practitioner. Coming from a more secular standpoint, I found it immensely useful and creative and plan to buy and regularly use it upon publication.

You might like this if you like: The Magickal Writing Grimoire by Lisa Marie Basile, Sacred Tears by Courtney Weber

Witches helping witches. Kelly-Ann Maddox is one kind and empathetic witch, and her amazing book "A Witch in Darkness" should be on every witches shelf.

We are all imperfectly perfect. And I love how the author shared herself and her experiences as she writes this book. It absolutely touched me to the core of my soul.

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Tarot for Creativity Chelsey Pippin Mizzi (5/5 stars)
An excellent read for all levels!
This is a great resource for everyone! Because, as the author says, we are all creative. I found the writing and the content in this book to be easily consumed, but easy to put to use. Regardless of your level of experience with The Tarot.

I've followed Kelly-Ann Maddox for years and I loved her first book, so when I learned about this one, I already knew it was going to be amazing. Reading "Witch in Darkness" feels like sitting down with a bestie who always tells it like it is - even when it's maybe not what you want to hear - but always with kindness, and in a way that makes you feel fully seen and supported. I can almost hear her say, "Listen up, poptart..."

What the author has done with this book, is given us a primer on witching your way through tough times. Whether you are dealing with grief, mental health challenges, or just feeling beaten down by the constant barrage of awfulness in the world at large, she offers practical tips and actionable suggestions for allowing your witchcraft practice to support you through it, whatever "it" happens to be. I particularly like the exercises and affirmations at the end of each chapter, and I appreciate the author's candor in relating to her own experiences. This would be an excellent gift for a witchy friend who needs a little support, or for yourself if you need it. I know I will be referring back to it for myself.

While I was given the opportunity to read and review this book before publication, I look forward to purchasing a hard copy when it is released.

This was a really beautiful book. The cover is also gorgeous! I'm a firm believer that you find books at the right times in life and this was one of them for me. It's very comforting and there were lots of useful witchy tips and ideas in here. I really feel like witches will find this a warm hug in a book! Thank you as always to the publishers and Netgalley for giving me the chance to read this before publication. I have recommended this to a few friends who I know will love it.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Kelly-Ann's knowledge and experience shines through in her book Witch in Darkness. Not only is the cover nice but the book's content feels like its in a workbook style that touches on how to get through a witch's tough and dark times. There are affirmations and journal prompts that make me reminisce on the shadow work workbooks I have done in the past . The spells and rituals that are included seem to be good and I will have to try them when I can find the time.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Some modern witchcraft books are too strict in their rules, while others are trying so hard to be open and inclusive that they don’t offer enough guidance. Witch in Darkness strikes a balance, offering tools for witchcraft practitioners to lean on in hard times without coming across as a preachy or boring how-to. The text is straightforward and organized while Maddox’s voice and personality shines through.

The specificity of the topics makes this book more relatable than its predecessor, Rebel Witch. I will certainly purchase the book upon its release so that I can reference it in the future!

This was an amazing read! This tome is about witchy self-care. I loved the spreads and journaling prompts as well. I also feel the book was well-rounded and extremely knowledgeable. I highly recommend reading this book if you're a witchy being. I read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.