The Magical Writing Grimoire
Use the Word as Your Wand for Magic, Manifestation & Ritual
by Lisa Marie Basile
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Pub Date Apr 28 2020 | Archive Date Mar 25 2020
Quarto Publishing Group – Fair Winds Press | Fair Winds Press
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Description
Whenever and wherever you are, word magic is with you. During times of chaos or pain, or simply when you need a cosmic boost, writing can help. In fact, healers, therapists, and magical practitioners have long incorporated writing in their practices. From letter writing for creating closure to dream diaries, writing is a powerful process for moving your dreams into manifestation.
The Magical Writing Grimoire approaches writing as a self-actualizing, intentional, and healing act. You will learn how to combine writing with ritual and magic for self-discovery, clarifying intentions, creating and making things happen, and manifestation. You will also be guided in how to create a personal grimoire—a magical book of self rituals, spells, and intentions. Each chapter contains writing prompts that also incorporate magical ritual and tools including working with crystals, spell incantation, or candle alchemy. Other rituals and prompts may be set up for certain moon phases or ask you to bury or burn a piece of paper.
Equal parts practical and inspiring, The Magical Writing Grimoire shows you how to wield your word as your wand.
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781592339341 |
PRICE | $22.99 (USD) |
PAGES | 176 |
Featured Reviews
I love the layout and how the book is chapterized. The spot illustrations are fitting and give you a good vibe while reading through the writing prompts.
This is not only for new age people, but for anybody who would like to delve deeper and explore who they are and what they want. I've only done a couple of exercises so far, but can recommend this.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an eARC.
Thanks to Fair Winds Press and NetGalley for providing me with an electronic ARC in exchange for my honest review.
After reading Lisa Marie Basile's first book, "Light Magic for Dark Times" I was very excited for her next book. I've been writing my whole life, and lately I've lost sight of what purpose my writing has. After reading this book, I can honestly say that I have clear goals and a direction again.
At the beginning of the book she guides us to conjure our voice and set/understand ritual. I was so appreciative of the list of how to set up a spell (from setting an intention all through writing the spell), and what types of spells are best written during the phases of the moon. I also loved the explanation of the elements and what types of spells got with each element.
I feel that this is an essential book for anyone wishing to write spells, but also for anyone who writes with intention (journaling, memoir-writing, even recipes!). I am very excited for its release and will definitely be buying a physical copy for my own bookshelf. Thank you, Lisa Marie Basile for this gift of a book!
Clearly and thoroughly explained.
The author guides you to learn how to acknowledge and accept your emotions and deepest feelings through writing. Each chapter contains tips and rituals on how to use your writing as a way of channeling those emotions.
I think that it doesn’t matter if you’re not related to magick, you can still follow the tips and adapt them to the way it suits you better.
Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Fair Winds Press and NetGalley for providing me with this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. And thanks to the author, Lisa Marie Basile, for sharing her most personal thoughts and experiences in order to help others to overcome their fears, sadness and trauma, and to embrace their shadows.
This was an interesting take on the idea of journaling for self-healing. It obviously has a very specific audience, but I think even those without the same beliefs as those imparted in the book could get some benefit from using words in this way. Everyone knows that the act of putting words down on paper can be cathartic, and this book helps put that concept into a framework. It's also beautifully designed and produced. Even if you don't believe in the power of words to heal, if you're even slightly into the idea of journaling, I think there's a lot to gain from a book like this.
A definite must buy book! I plan on ordering a copy for my friend for her birthday! It has good prompts, and a lovely layout and design throughout. Well Done!
'The Magical Writing Grimoire' is a guide on how to use the art of writing to magick healing and self-care into your life. There are many rituals and ideas included in this book which can help you to release emotions and conjure catharsis whether that’s via journaling, poetry, spell casting, incantations, or any other written means. Those familiar with Lisa Marie Basile will know that she is something of a spiritual scribe herself, who has infused the written with the witchy through her various publications and most obviously with Luna Luna Magazine (which she founded). What I most appreciate about Basile’s work is that she has used writing as a form of self-empowerment so that it takes on a more ritualized form to express one’s light and shadows. Writing is personal, but it can be life changing when it has intention and purpose- the core of what magic is all about.
This book is best appreciated when actually used. Try the rituals. Make your own. Write down the contents of your head. Transcribe your heart.
'The Magical Writing Grimoire' is unique and inspirational. It’s witchy (which is really just about embracing the entirety of who you are) without being kitschy. It’s smart and creative and will hopefully encourage you to put pen to paper or finger to screen...it certainly has for me.
This is a good book to inspire you to write and convince you of the benefits of keeping a journal. I liked some of the ideas and meditations, and some didn't resonate with me. But it is such a comprehensive book that it is easy to pick and choose what to focus on. The background of magic is really nice and makes it feel special, less ordinary. I think it is an imaginative book, full of prompts and ideas that will get your creative juices flowing, resolve some of your blocks and issues, and will put some magic back in your life.
The Magical Writing Grimoire is an interesting written journey illuminated by guided meditations, journaling prompts, and accessible ritual
The book teaches you how to write your own spells while teaching you to learn to write for healing. It's a self-help book encompassing all that is essential - rituals for healing, ways to write love and support for others, moon phases, etc. It stresses the importance of mental preparation and creating a sacred space where you can work.
It's a very detailed instructional book that is easy to follow. I did not however care too much for the graphics in the book itself. One area I did find interesting was the Tarot Writing Ritual to bring about understanding our vision and the drive behind it.
Definitely recommend it.
As a language and magic lover this is the perfect book for me since I've been a wordcraft practitioner for a quite while. This book is a whole experience. Helps you connect with your inner self and get to know yourself a little bit more since it leads you into a journey of self-discovery. Helps heal. I worked on those rituals an a little bit everyday. I did whatever I felt like doing at a time so I didn't necessarily follow the book's order when it came to the rituals. I also feel like I'll redo some rituals at some point to see the outcome. I specially loved creating my own alphabet it was a very fun and entertaining experience. I'd highly recommend it if you're into writing and witchcraft.
A truly lovely little compendium for a writer who loves the esoteric, the unusual and the artistically beautiful, Loaded up with some really gorgeous illustrations, this made me consider writing in a different way and taking a new approach to my work. It doesn't need to be read cover to cover but it's a lovely addition to any bookshelf that craves something a little less ordinary as inspiration.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book ito read n exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This book is a beautifully thought out and delivered guide to learning to write for healing purposes as well as containing journalling prompts and ritual informations. This is a great book even if your not a fan of or into magick.
I really enjoyed this book and will be using the prompts to journal with too.
An interesting and engrossing book that gave tons of ideas.
I liked the style of writing, the explanations, and how the books is organised.
An interesting and useful read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
I liked how the author used her own story as an example in all the exercises. This will be a useful book for anyone interested in the therapeutic effects of writing as a form of expression, regardless of their own spirituality of religion. I will be doing several of them for sure!
This book is a beautifully written meditation on writing, healing and magic! It was a pleasure to read, and the illustrations were a wonderful addition.
Gorgeous and inspiring! I love this beautiful book. It’s gorgeous on the outside and most definitely the inside. It touches on a lot of information and various topics. I think believers and non-believers will both find this book enjoyable.
I love Lisa Marie Basile's writing and her approach to ritual, magick, and what she describes as word witchery.
I devoured the book on first read, but have been bought a physical copy and have been slowly re-reading and setting time aside to work through the writing prompts and rituals that grab my attention.
Like Basile's previous book Light Magic For Dark Times, The Magical Writing Grimoire is also beautifully produced. From the end papers to the illustrations by Ada Keesler, this book would make the perfect gift for the writer/witch enthusiast in your life.
Clear writing, and easy to follow as it goes.
Lisa Marie Basile clearly has a hang on what she wants us to know throught the book, and I enjoyed myself and learned a lot while reading.
I'm still very new to this world, and I just enjoy reading throught different authors to see what fits my own very box, and Basile's helped me a bit while reading it!
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Welcome to my newest review, focused on The Magical Writing Grimoire, by Lisa M. Basile. Writing has always been important to me in a magical sense, but would this book lead me deeper into these practices?
Turns out, the answer is yes. I consider myself a nonfiction writer primarily, but the fiction and poetic exercises in Basile’s work transported me.
One charming aspect of this book? You can read most of it in any order you please! You can read whatever chapter interests you first. The book is written in a way such that each is accessible from first glance.
I was drawn to the chapter about bibliomancy first. It’s something I’d practiced a bit in the past. Basile enriches her take on it with references to history, mythology, and more.
With this and most other chapters, she provides very simple yet powerful exercises, spells, and other rituals.
The author seems to know (and impart) a great deal of information about crystals, astrology, even Tarot. These aren’t the focus of the book, but she ties them all in beautifully with the concept of writing.
Without a doubt, this book will inspire a lot of written soul searches. Many of the workings veer deep into the Shadows, while remaining accessible for someone just starting that sort of work.
The author does a great job of connecting self-focused Shadow work with similar workings involving broader concepts in society. It’s always great when a witchcraft author tackles issues like that.
Basile writes on social issues affecting us in a way that’s temporally-contextualized while also timeless. Her words about justice would be a welcome sentiment in any era, and especially today.
This book pairs well with more conventional (even non-mystical) books about journaling. The chapters which focus on poetry, might even inspire a reader to delve more into the theory and technique of poetry, too.
While this book could be interesting for the beginning willworker, I recommend it mostly to intermediately-experienced practitioners.
Overall, this book gets four of five stars. It could be more detailed, but other than that, it's great. It would've been awesome to cover things like bibliomancy in even more depth!
There are many topics that can be comprehended on multiple levels, but most of this book would be suited to someone with existing knowledge of the topics (especially Shadow work).
I strongly recommend this for other witches who write, either fiction or nonfiction. This book will help you hone both your Craft (of magic) and your craft (of writing)!
Sometimes it's hard for my spiritual self to figure out what I want to write or what's the best of way putting words to paper. This is where the book comes in. A real strategic guide on crafting a better life.
…. In The Magical Writing Grimoire I wanted to be able to make space for others to write their truth, to invest in their stories, to write for others’…and to turn a writing practice (one that you have or not) into a sacred, healing, magical act where writing is elevated into transformative ritual. Because when we tap into that power, we find, in many ways, freedom, beauty, light. The only way out is through…Lisa Basile
I am an author, ritualist and Witch and love to write and express my magick through the vibration and power of using words. So, I jumped at the opportunity to review The Magical Writing Grimoire: Use the Word as Your Wand for Magic, Manifestation & Ritual by Lisa Marie Basile. It did not disappoint in offering a fresh perspective on the power of words and the engagement of magic inherently held in their issuance.
The Magical Writing Grimoire: Use the Word as Your Wand for Magic, Manifestation & Ritual is separated into six (6) chapters, beginning with an introduction to the power of words and moving through the various ways in which writing can be used to become a “word witch”. Chapter 1: Magical Writing opens with the statement…
… At the intersection of ritual and writing, TMG is an exploration of the inherent magic of language…It encourages you to peek beyond the veil to where your voice lives. It is made for writers and non-writers, witches and non-witches, alike…It was written to help us create better, more magical and empowered lives….
Immediately following this statement is the question, “Is Magical Writing For You?”. As the author takes the reader through a litany of experiences, self-identifiers and more, it becomes apparent that the magical writing that Lisa speaks of reaches a broad and far reaching expanse of use and users beyond what our first conception may be. We are reminded that when we write for magical intention we become the embodiment and expression of that magic.
Chapter 2: Conjuring Your Voice guides the reader through the process of creating spells and establishing a writing practice that becomes as sacred as any ritual act. We begin by exploring the why’s of ritual and the potency of their energy in both spiritual and academic setting….
… A review in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that ritual helps us…” contain intense emotions and compartmentalize the review of the trauma (and) provide symbolic enactments of transformation..”
I appreciated the addition of this consideration for ritual affirmation as we often tend to avoid the underpinnings of why a particular ritual may or may not trigger the memories and emotions of past experience, both negative and positive. The author also reminds us that as we begin to write rituals, we are tapping into our personal energy and reserves of reference, making that ritual all the more relevant and transformative in its use. This chapter focuses on “learning how to integrate writing rituals into your life and why they are important”. This chapter is very comprehensive in its discussion of spell writing, creating sigils, automatic writing for information and a brief section on graphology as a tool to decode what deeper information about your inner state is displayed in what is being written.
Chapter 3: Healing Magic explores the use of magical writing for Shadow work and trauma recovery. There is a beautiful Waning Moon practice included in this chapter that encourages the reader to use that phase of release and involves the writing of a “Goodbye Letter”. This is only one of several rituals that have goal of healing, self-awareness and transformation employing writing and ritual as companions for efficacy of the work. I especially liked this chapter largely because it covered such an expanse of day-to-day experiences that limit or incorrectly define us. Those experiences for which we seek reconciliation and understanding and the power of giving words to these in a non-judgmental way and its effect in creating wholeness.
Chapter 4: Manifestation Magic flows beautifully following the intensity of the previous chapter. After all what use is becoming self-aware if we do not then take the next steps towards bringing it into the reality of manifestation. This chapter interweaves several of the core disciplines of magical working such as tarot, the cycle of the seasons and the alchemical elements with a magical writing practice. The manifest products of this self-work are then brought into the scope of drawing and sharing those gifts you have crafted into the larger community. This was definitely a lovely way to conclude writings of manifestation.
Chapter 5:Mindfulness Magic explores the use of ritual for being more present and receptive to what is intuitively moving through you. Writing prompts for this chapter are directed towards cultivating stillness and awareness at a level of deepening the state of “knowingness”.
The Magical Writing Grimoire concludes with Chapter 6: Grimoire Poetica. This chapter brings together all of the practices the reader has developed in previous chapters and now offers the means of empowering and enlivening these as sustainable and diverse tools of word witchery…
… These exercises may be stored in your grimoire, or grimoire poetica, as I call it. It’s a creative, poetic, less structured collection of your magical workings and creative writings, part magical-recipe collection, part literary exploration of you: It’s the sacred book of self…
I don’t want to provide the spoiler for this book and chapter so I will leave it to say, that what emerges from its reading, and of course-writing, will set you on the path of never looking at magic, or writing in the same way.
Would I recommend?
I feel that I cannot remain unbiased in my opinion of The Magical Writing Grimoire: Use the Word as Your Wand for Magic, Manifestation & Ritual. Having been a word witch for most of my life and understanding the power of writing as a synthesis of magic and manifestation, I am thrilled to see this topic given such loving attention and care. Lisa has also managed to pull the ideas and templates of what a magical writing practice could be into an organic and authentic flow of building idea upon idea and thus gently opening the reader to a deeper level of what is possible. Each chapter makes sense in its design and leads the reader through the steps of claiming his/her power in a way that seems neither controlling nor rigid in what “could be”. The Resources section provides the reader with more to explore, and I appreciated the Index for quick reference. This title will definitely be a recommended read.
From the Author-Lisa Marie Basile:
What Inspired Me To Write This Book:
This is going to get dark (but I promise there’s a silver lining!), so brace yourselves. It was the summer of 2014 — I remember because I was blasting Lana Del Rey’s Ultraviolence — when I started writing about my personal experiences with family addiction, separation & my eventual move into foster care. It’s wild to think, but before then, I managed to write poetry and essays that rarely if ever touched on it, which meant my voice and my self and my expression was always half-real, half-honest, untouched by the very thing that made me. That trauma was such a big part of my foundation and the lens through which I saw the world.
So one day in 2014 I wrote a piece about how foster kids belonged to no one & everyone, how we existed in a liminal space legally and physically. The thought of sharing this essay made me shook me to my core. Because then the world would know my past. It would reveal me as the traumatized thing I was before I wore a new era over my wounds. Yes, this essay said, I came from somewhere very real.
After finishing it, it was as though a spell were cast. I felt like the weight of a hundred galaxies came off my back. Because some of what I wrote were words I’d never even uttered to myself. And when I did write it, the words fell out of me like rain.
The ability to write is a privilege for many of us, but it’s also a free tool that can help save us. I’ve seen writing help women in domestic shelters, college students move through self-esteem issues, and incarcerated individuals tell their story. It is something sacred in itself because with our words we are taking nothing and making it into something. So I wanted to design a gentle but effective book that people — especially any marginalized community — could use to tap into their truth and self, in a way that felt right for them. It’s guided, but it allows space for reinterpretation and individuality so that anyone can tap in.”
My Ideas On Writing As Magic:
In a recent chat with The Witchhassle Podcast, I discussed how writing is itself a magical act. This book isn’t *solely* a look at magical or occult practices that will encourage creativity (although of course it explores that); it is a book that places the act of writing firmly in the center of the magic itself. When you write, you are already engaged in ritual and conversation with your deeper self. With the divine. With nature. We write to make magic. When we write, we are casting a spell. We are making change. And so, your words (whether you plan on sharing your poetry with the world or keeping a box of journals under your bed!) are your power -Your wand!
-Review by Robin Fennelly of PaganPages.org
https://paganpages.org/emagazine/2020/04/15/book-review-the-magical-writing-grimoire-by-lisa-marie-basile/
This book is full of very helpful information & inspiration. I'm a lightweight, casual writer but this book & the information provided encourages me to dive deeper. The author provides a lot of rituals, prompts, examples, etc. into writing. Its very eye opening into how mindful writing can be applied to so many facets of life. I also love how the author provided some personal info to see into her background. This is a great book that I would recommend to anyone.
If you are a fan of journaling and connecting to your inner self you will love this book. Covering topics like self discovery, mindfulness, manifestation, astrology and spellcrafting Lisa Marie Basile offers readers a way to connect to their inner self through writing exercises. Although it does cover magical topics, it isn't a traditional witchcraft book, so it is accessible to many readers. The Magical Writing Grimoire is a great way to connect to your creativity and work on yourself at the same time.
4.5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The cover really sucked me in. I'm not gonna lie. I am a huge lover of aesthetically pleasing things, books are no exception.
We all have our strong points and our weaknesses and I have to say that the whole writing aspect to my daily (erm, sometimes weekly, or monthly) devotionals/practices is sorely... nonexistent. So when I got the chance to review this book... I leaped at the chance.
The Magical Writing Grimoire was filled with varied and many simple to more involved examples as to how to integrate magical writing into your life. This does not have to be specific to and pagan type of practice... even if you follow more of the Science of Mind, writing things into existence sort of following or even just intuitive practices, this would still work.
"Language is magic. What we speak becomes poems are spells, and you are a word witch."
"Together, we write our truths, our beauty, and our wildness while calling our shadows by their names. We will fully embrace the rebellion, power, and authenticity in the archetype of the witch, and we will conjure empathy, kindness, and power."
This was a beautifully put together tome and had tons of experiential and practical activities to develop a more personalized magical writing based practice into your life. I definitely recommend for those looking to add magical writing into their daily spiritual practice.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
The Magical Writing Grimoire is a sweet and accessible guide to using writing as both a healing and a magical practice. As well as providing a good starting point for understanding and writing your own rituals, the author offers exercises around unpacking your emotions and self-healing. This book is beautifully presented and encourages keeping a journal as a method of self-reflection and personal growth.
Despite the title and focus of the book, I feel this could be used by witches and non-witches alike, as the content would be applicable to anyone wanting to manifest a healthier emotional state, anyone interested in starting or continuing a journaling practice, or anyone fascinated by the power of words. Quotes and inspiration are sprinkled throughout this book and writers and poets in particular will enjoy prompts.
While this book invites exploration and creation of your own rituals for writing and witchery, it also provides a safe place for you to look towards processing and healing anything that is troubling you. It would be a gentle yet profound companion on a healing journey, empowering and encouraging in equal measure.
I received an e-ARC from the publisher, Fair Winds Press, through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is interesting and I found it very much helpful for me and I know it will be helpful for many people as well.
I do very well recommend .
I struggled to open this book due to its sent format; however, once I was able to download it I instantly fell in love with it! I loved its focus on the magic and manifestation power of words! I will be using this again and again!
This writing grimoire teaches you how to embrace yourself, your pain, and your past by writing it down. Each chapter contains tips and rituals on how to use writing to channel your intentions and be a wordwitch. The author also discusses creating your own sigils, magical alphabet, poetry, spells, and astrology, which can all be used to enhance your journaling experience.
“Writing ourselves and our narratives and our dreams - with all of the shadows and beauty that comes with it - is a form of reclamation. Our words give us autonomy and direction. Our words are our wands.”
As someone who has never had a journal but has always wanted to try this book was very helpful. The writing was clear, easy to understand, and actually made me want to write. This book was a great resource for a beginner writing, even if you aren’t a witch. I highly recommend this book if you want to try journaling.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
This book is so fantastically put together, I absolutely love it. The layout, different fonts, 'handwritten' quotes, splashes of colour, along with some lovely illustrations, make this book so engaging. There is a lot of information but the execution has made this book so 'reader friendly' and honestly just a pleasure to look through.
I love this subject matter and I have reviewed similar books that have fallen short, due to them only containing basic plain text. I can't stress how important is it to keep readers engaged and this book totally nails it. Love it.
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