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Being a Witch is not just about casting spells. It's also
about magick-the magick of nature and of life. This book,
by a veteran Witch and mother of three teenagers, shows teens
how natural magick is both quietly beautiful and unstoppably
powerful, and how they can harness that energy to better their
own lives. The young seeker will be introduced to the theory
of Witchcraft, the God and the Goddess, and ethical considerations.
There are elemental meditations, correspondence charts, information
on nature spirits, magickal herbalism, spells, and charms.
Teens will also learn how to create their own magickal tools
and altars with natural supplies, cast a circle, avoid magickal
mistakes, and live a magickal life. Elements of Witchcraft
is your guide to everything you've always wanted to know
about spells, rituals and magick.
- Magick
101--The Basics of Magick, harming none, ethics, and responsibility
- The
Four Elements-- All about the elements, correspondences,
and elemental charms and spells
- The
Magick of Nature--Magickal herbalism, crystals and stone
magick, color and candle magick, the Witches' Sabbats and
the magickal year, and the Witches' traditional tools
- Walking
the Path-- How to put what you've learned into practice,
including casting the circle, performing rituals, magickal
ethics, and even "magickal quickies" for when
you need to conjure some instant magick
It might
not be as flashy as the movies make it seem, but real Witches
work magick every day --the magick of the natural world, the
magick of the Craft, and especially the magick of the heart
and mind.
Editorial
Reviews
Elements of Witchcraft: Natural Magick for Teens
From Publishers Weekly
Dugan (Garden Witchery: Magick from the Ground Up) has been
practicing witchcraft for 17 years and has three teenagers.
Her experience in both these undertakings shines in this solid,
forthright primer. Most notable and praiseworthy are her many
cautions to impressionable young people: "Love spells that
target a specific person are a really bad idea. Now, you may
magick yourself to seem more appealing and attractive....
Spells that call for you to have more confidence and poise
are great too." Dugan stresses that clothes, jewelry and gear
are not essential to magick. She prefers to emphasize ethics,
accentuating that the Craft centers around positive personal
power that is enhanced and harnessed by working with the forces
of the natural world. The book is filled with real-life stories
that teens can relate to, and the tone is friendly but not
condescending. Dugan covers necessary points such as the four
elements, explained in part by explicit guided meditations.
There are also useful chapters on yearly observances and circlecasting.
Dugan's gardening expertise comes into play in a thorough
chapter on flowers and trees, more than is found in other
similar works. In the chapter on tools she provides teens
many affordable and safe alternatives to traditional supplies
(e.g., a staff instead of the athame, a short double-sided
blade). Interested teens will enjoy this primer, and involved
parents should feel at ease with the overall tone and treatment.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 8 Up-An introductory overview for those interested in
making a connection between the natural world and the world
of witchcraft. Readers are led through a study of the four
elements-earth, air, fire, and water-and will learn many different
forms of real magick, including crystal, herb, stone, color,
and candle magick. Dugan sets the record straight about the
Hollywood-hype and actual witchcraft. She cautions readers
that it is not the gothic, mysterious experience of an episode
of Charmed, but an age-old religion that requires disciplined
study and hard work. Her wise-woman tone and gentle guidance
will help nurture budding natural witches, and her well-written
text will guide novices in their discoveries as well. The
chapter "Lessons Learned in Living a Magick Life" is particularly
interesting. Although the appeal is limited, this is a well-done
book that discusses witchcraft in the context of day-to-day
living.
Elaine Baran Black, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville,
GA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From
Booklist
Gr. 8-12. "Hello, Teen Witch," begins this enthusiastic, in-depth
guide to witchcraft. The author, a practicing witch and a
Master Gardener, emphasizes spells based on the earth's elements
and plants, and includes general information, such as an overview
of major dates in a "magickal year," as well as a chapter
giving practical advice about choosing a wand, and so on.
Teens looking for a juicy revenge or romance spells will be
disappointed; Dugan has a full chapter on ethics in which
she states that it's unethical to perform a love spell on
another person. In the section "Dabbling--Don't Go There,"
she warns: "Effective spell casting hinges on . . . knowing
the difference between right and wrong and harming no one."
As one of the more comprehensive, teen-friendly guides available,
this will have great appeal among readers with esoteric interests,
particularly the fantasy crowd. Nervous adults may be relieved
by Dugan's cautions: Don't cast any ill-intended spells and
"be a wise teen witch . . . work safely with the dragons and
candle magick."
Gillian Engberg Copyright © American Library Association.
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