Spells8 44th Book Club 📖 January 2025

Activities
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PLEASE NOTE!

Starting in 2025, Book Club will be a little different. Instead of running for four weeks on - one week off, it will be ran on a monthly basis. For example, this reading session will begin on January 1st and end on January 31st. The review session and the next book club session will run at the same time. It will become more clear as we continue, and if you have any questions, please let me know!

Book Club 44
→ Reading Session: January 1st - January 31st
→ Review Session: February 1st - February 28th

Book Club 45
→ Reading Session: February 1st - February 28th
→ Review Session: March 1st - March 31st

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Welcome to all of the witchy book-lovers here in the forum!

:books: :mage: :heart:

Thank you again to everyone who joined in for last month’s reading session! For those who haven’t yet shared their thoughts about their book (or anyone who enjoys reading book reviews!) you still have time to do so in :memo: Spells8 Book Club XXXXIII - Readers’ Reviews!.

As of today, the 44th book club reading session has now begun!

spells8 book club

On Your Mark, Get Set, READ! :books:

  1. Begin by announcing your book
    The first post below is an editable wiki post- add your book title and name to the list! (instructions below)

  2. Know that you have [[ the whole month ]] in this reading session
    While it is great if you can finish your book during this time, it is okay if you break it into chapters or sections- do as much as you can and know that doing your best is always good enough!

  3. As you’re reading, feel free to share your thoughts!
    You are very welcome to share any thoughts or tidbits while you read in the comments below or in a new post in the forums. Just save the best parts for the final discussion at the end of the reading period!

  4. Join the final discussion
    When the month is over, a discussion post will open encouraging all readers to share a review of their book and any personal thoughts they have about it. A mini-review is perfectly fine, and there will be a suggested format for anyone who would like to write a longer review.

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A note about sharing books:

While everyone is free to choose their own book, you may consider reading along with someone else ! It is fun to share thoughts and insights about different books and even more exciting to do in-depth about a book with fellow readers :handshake:

If the book you plan to read is already on the list below, add your name to the list of others reading that book! Please keep in mind that everyone will reconvene and chat together in the Reader’s Reviews discussion, regardless of which book you read :books:

Not sure what to read?

You can find book recommendations in:

And also:

Reading on a budget?

Free online books can be found in:

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If you have any questions about Book Club, please feel free to check the Book Club FAQ and/or ask in the comments.

Blessed be and happy reading!

:sparkles: :open_book: :sparkles:

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~~ ~~ ~~ This post is a WIKI POST- it is editable by everyone! ~~ ~~ ~~
for help editing a wiki post, see the tutorial here

Please announce your books here :blush:

Example:

  • Book Title by Author - (@) your username

Out of respect to others, please only add/edit your own entry

  • Shadow Work for Hot Messes by Mandi Em - @MeganB

  • Norse Witch by Connla Freyjason - @tracyS

  • Imbolc by Mari Silva - @Amethyst

  • Italian Folk Magic by Mary-Grace Fahrun @Jewitch

  • Embracing My Shawdow, an inner child healing workbook and Integrating my shadow: A Shadow Work, Prompt Companion Journal By Author Unknown - @Jeannie1

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A book review of Sigil Witchery, by Laura Tempest Zakroff, Kindle edition.

‘Sigil Witchery’ is a well written, referenced, and sometimes witty treatise on sigils that explains their history, how to draw them, what to do with them, and comments about it all. Zakroff is a talented artist and disciplined writer. Many of her drawings in the book are extraordinary and well worth studying… and perhaps framing for yourself. Her Instagram pictures portray what some would view as a ‘witchy look’ and also someone who would be wonderful to know. Her background supports what she writes very well. Her bibliography, drawings and suggested books are probably worth the price by themselves.

I think the book was more of a history and maybe a bit less on how to use sigils. It goes into drawings of cave men, ancient civilizations, and current sigil evolution. There is also a section on art and art supplies. That is not to say it leaves application out but there is a heavy dose of background which may be slightly off-putting to new readers who are just trying to figure out how to use them.

I like her pithy humor and comments on traditional thoughts about witchery. There are a few areas that are contradictory to ‘common’ belief. For instance, She doesn’t embrace the idea of burning sigils but thinks, with exceptions, they are easily learned and used as part of both the conscious and unconscious mind.

The humor helps keep the reading interesting and a few chuckles are always welcome. Here is an example that cracked me up:

On painting sigils on everyday objects:

** I suppose you could even paint sigils on your underwear if that inspires you. (Perhaps a handy location for a fertility sigil, if that’s your goal? Use caution.)**

Overall I give the book an 8 out of 10 with a bump up for the writing and history and a detraction for a slight lack of detailed application. I would buy it again.

A note about the reviewer (me). I’m new to Wiccan and all that implies. I am interested in meditation and anything that will help me with it. Recently I’ve been exploring Chaos magick/magic/belief systems.

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Book title and author: Italian Folk Magic by Mary-Grace Fahrun

Status: Finished

My overall rating of the book: 10/10

How does this book relate to my magickal practice? I’m still trying to expose myself to as many different viewpoints as I can. In addition, according to 23&Me, I have some Italian in me, and one of my cousins was born in Italy while my uncle who was in the Navy was stationed there, so I figured I’d read at least one book on Italian witchcraft.

My personal thoughts/opinions: Even though I’m not Catholic and wasn’t raised Catholic or in an Italian-American family culture, the information in this book resonated with me a lot more than I expected it to. My guess is that the reason for this was that there was such an emphasis on food and the kitchen; anything and everything relating to food is one of my biggest passions in life. The workings discussed are also very simple and down-to-earth like my practices. They don’t require any exotic tools or ingredients – everything is based on things that just about everyone has in their home or kitchen, or can relatively easily acquire or make.

This book was an absolute pleasure to read! I felt like I was sitting at a table across from the author while she was casually telling me about her traditions. I’m a slow reader, but this was a fast read for me because it was so enjoyable to read. I bought the Kindle version, but I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase the print version as well – one of the ways I know that I enjoyed the book.

One of the things that I liked most about this book is that it was very clear that the author was simply presenting information as she learned and practices it; she was very clear about “this is how I do it, but you should do what works for you, and I won’t judge you.” That is to say, it doesn’t come across as preachy at all. The information and workings could all be easily adapted to work for pretty much any practitioner.

An interesting quote from the book: I couldn’t pick one, so I picked three that I feel sum up the book pretty well.

“My hope is you then take these components, do your own research, and craft a tapestry of practice that is uniquely you.”

“The Italian witchcraft I will be presenting is not a religion. It is a practice anyone can incorporate into their spirituality regardless of religious belief.”

“The contents of this book are recorded oral history. Its purpose is to document this oral history and provide a road map for all spiritual seekers and lovers of tradition. May it guide you in reconnecting with your roots, and assist you in forging a tradition and legacy of your own.”

All-in-all, would I recommend this book?: Yes!

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Sounds like another good book to keep on the shelves! :clap: If you’re interested in more Italian witchcraft and Italian folk magic, Frankie (AKA Chaotic Witch Aunt) practices Italian folk magic. You might like their channel if you’ve never come across it before :blush:

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Their channel is actually where I originally heard about Fahrun’s book, and one of the next books on my reading list: Burn a Black Candle :heart_eyes_cat: I love Frankie’s channel — it was one of the major foundational resources for my practice when I first started practicing :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

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Ahh :sweat_smile: well, I’m glad you enjoy their channel! :laughing:

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I am rededicating my spiritual journey and I hope this year to actually achieve doing a spell a day! I have a my magikal tools and honestly I like going back and reading some things I thought I understood but didn’t really understand the concept of having direct contact with nature. I can appreciate how 366 days are there for me to help me harmonize the Witch life as it relates to our own lives and experiences. In the book, he talks about how there are layers of social, emotional, and psychological conditioning. He says it frees the mind, the heart, and spirit. I can sure use some spiritual power!
Jeannie

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Megan,
I’m just wondering you taught us the basics of Sigils But do you feel like this book helps you understand sigils better? I never bought a book on sigils. Thank you for sharing
@Jewitch
Hello i’m glad that you are exploring your Italian side. Keep going man.!!
Jeannie

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That’s so wonderful, Jeannie! I know you’re going to have an amazing year, for sure! :clap: I wish you all the luck and blessings with your goal of doing a spell a day or at least connecting back to your practice every day. :consecrate_spell: You can even utilize our Spell-A-Day that we do here, too, if you need inspiration!

I’m not sure, honestly. I have it but haven’t made it through the book yet. It’s one of the books that’s on my list to read this year :blush: as soon as I finish it, I will do a full review! I know that others have found it helpful, though. I think a few people I know have done reviews… but I was only able to find one link this morning :laughing: if I find more, I’ll let you know!

→ Book Review: Sigil Witchery by Laura Tempest Zakroff || Beverley Butterfly on YouTube

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Megan,
I really enjoyed to listen to the woman who did the book review on the Sigil Witchery! I am going to get this book because I want to incorporate more sigils because I do see my self as a artist. Thank you for sharing your so enthusiastic and I hope that rubs off on me!!
Jeannie

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I’m glad you enjoyed the video :blush: Beverley is such a sweet woman and she really loves what she does on YouTube. I think Sigil Witchery would be a great way to get more ideas for incorporating sigils into your practice. There are so many different ways you can use them.

Aww, I’m sure it will! You’ll get your energy back - I know it!

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