Witchcraft: A Handbook of Magic Spells and Potions

A must-have volume for any occultist's library.

Featuring a host of information about witchcraft throughout history, this book features magic, spells, potions and voodoo, and much more, all highlighted by more than one hundred black-and-white illustrations.

About the Author

Anastasia Greywolf is a practicing witch and herbalist with many decades (some say centuries) of experience in casting and conjuring. She lives in the Northeastern United States where she is a founding member of the Coven of the Moonbeam Ravine.

Melissa West is a painter and printmaker whose work explores the magical place where comfort and menace meet. She lives in Santa Cruz, California, and has exhibited in many galleries in the area as well as being featured in Pilgrimage magazine. You can see more of her artwork at MSWest.com.

My Thoughts

This little book is packed with lots of interesting spells. While I typically will create my own,  I still enjoy reading spell books for ideas and inspiration. This book has a lot of chants and traditional spells from a variety of traditions, and it's a great look at the history of witchcraft.

One of the things I like the most about this book is that it isn't specific to any tradition. There is a little bit of information from a variety of cultures including gypsy, Gaelic, and European. In addition to individual spells, it also gives you a quick overview of how to cast a circle and some common ritual tools. Though many of the spells are left-handed and not my personal taste, I still think this is a great book for reference. This is definitely a nice addition to my library.

DVD Review : Midwinter of the Spirit

Country vicar Merrily Watkins (Anna Maxwell Martin, The Bletchley Circle, Death Comes to Pemberley) is in training to be an exorcist, or “deliverance minister,” for the Church of England. Although guided by the sardonic, no-nonsense Reverend Huw Owen (David Threlfall, Shameless, Hot Fuzz), Merrily contends with self-doubt in her tough new role. Her faith deeply shaken by her husband’s recent death, she also struggles to raise her teenage daughter on her own. When Merrily is called in to consult on a grisly murder investigation, the inexperienced exorcist finds herself battling supernatural terrors that threaten to overwhelm her. Based on the acclaimed novel by Phil Rickman, this “truly spine-tingling” (The Daily Telegraph, UK) drama also stars Kate Dickie (Game of Thrones), Nicholas Pinnock (Fortitude), Leila Mimmack (Mayday), Siobhan Finneran (Downton Abbey), and Ben Bailey Smith (Law & Order: UK).

My Thoughts

Midwinter of the Spirit is an exciting occult mini-series inspired by the novel by John Rickman. It centers around a country vicar named Merrily Watkins who is studying to become an exorcist. Dealing with demons is challenging enough, but Merrily also has a raise a teenager daughter alone after the tragic death of her husband. With her faith shaken and her nerves on the edge, she allows herself to be guided by the no-nonsense Reverend Owen. There are three episodes in the mini-series:

1- Recently widowed Merrily is preaching in a small town and learning the ways of exorcism while also dealing with a grieving teen.  She's called into a police investigation of a murder by crucifixion.

2- Merrily believes a suspected suicide and cow mutilations could be connected to a satanic cult. A odd women named Rowena could be involved.

3 - Merrily's daughter runs away with Rowena. A discovery is made that leads Merrily to believe her daughter's life and even her soul could be in danger. 
I really enjoyed this show and the occult elements. It was a nail-biting supernatural thriller that had me on the edge of my seat. After watching this, I want to grab a copy of the book!