Scan barcode
A review by opheliafeyre
Secrets of the Witch: An Initiation Into Our History and Our Wisdom by Elsa Whyte, Julie Légère
3.0
Book Review: Secrets of the Witch: An Initiation into our history and our wisdom by Elsa Whyte, Julie Legere and Laura Peraz (illustrations)
Genre: Spirituality, YA, Teens
Publishers: Quarto Publishing Group - Wide Eyed Editions
Release Date: 4th August, 2020
If you are looking to be initiated into the world of Witchcraft then this book is a great place to start. Even though it is only a small book, at 80 pages, it packs in a lot of information about the history and philosophy surrounding Witches.
I would say that this book is definitely for beginners and is aimed at the younger audience. It is a great starting point and breaks the information down into small chunks, covering: etymology and definitions of key terms, history, symbols, crystals, lore and tools associate with the Craft.
As the guide is short and aimed at a younger audience it doesn't go into great depth, certainly not the detail a more advanced practitioner would be looking for in terms of the history of Witches.
Most of the book, about three quarters, covers the history of Witches. It explains the basic roots of Witchcraft from the Greek Gods and Goddesses, through to Ancient Egypt, the Druids of Celtic societies, the rise of Christianity in the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and finally, the 20th Century's melding of Witchcraft and activism and portrayal of Witches in popular culture. It was interesting to read a book that considers the history of Witches after the Witch-hunts and the way Witches were viewed during the Victorian era and the years preceding and succeeding.
The last quarter of the book focuses on a brief guide to: magical symbols, animals, tools, crystals and herbs. But again this is very much a guide for practitioners when they are just dipping their toes into the Witchy pool.
What I really loved about the book was the message that is delivered throughout; the idea that Witches were and are women who want freedom and independence. Therefore, this book does have a feminist vibe throughout. As I mentioned it looks briefly at pop culture representations of Witches such as, Hermione from Harry Potter and Willow from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and how they are positive role models.
Even though the book doesn't provide the depth I usually like, it did offer references to other literature, written by figures throughout history, that I will definitely be adding to my reading list. There were quite a few quotes that stuck with me, non more so than one from Matilda Joslyn Gage, who was a Women's rights activist;
"When for 'Witches' we read 'women', we gain a fuller comprehension of the cruelties inflicted by the church upon this portion of humanity"
- from, Woman, Church and State (1893)
One way in which the book did not work for me was that some of the information given about notable 'Witches' throughout history was given in first person; as though they are talking to the reader. This was definitely not something that appealed to me, but may to younger readers. It felt very odd the way it was delivered, as if they were putting words in to those people's mouths, when really we have no way of knowing what they were really experiencing internally.
Overall this was a quick read, with some notable pieces of information that I added to my Book of Shadows. I imagine the physical copy of the book, with the illustrations, will be really lovely and something to show off on your witchy bookshelf.
Genre: Spirituality, YA, Teens
Publishers: Quarto Publishing Group - Wide Eyed Editions
Release Date: 4th August, 2020
If you are looking to be initiated into the world of Witchcraft then this book is a great place to start. Even though it is only a small book, at 80 pages, it packs in a lot of information about the history and philosophy surrounding Witches.
I would say that this book is definitely for beginners and is aimed at the younger audience. It is a great starting point and breaks the information down into small chunks, covering: etymology and definitions of key terms, history, symbols, crystals, lore and tools associate with the Craft.
As the guide is short and aimed at a younger audience it doesn't go into great depth, certainly not the detail a more advanced practitioner would be looking for in terms of the history of Witches.
Most of the book, about three quarters, covers the history of Witches. It explains the basic roots of Witchcraft from the Greek Gods and Goddesses, through to Ancient Egypt, the Druids of Celtic societies, the rise of Christianity in the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and finally, the 20th Century's melding of Witchcraft and activism and portrayal of Witches in popular culture. It was interesting to read a book that considers the history of Witches after the Witch-hunts and the way Witches were viewed during the Victorian era and the years preceding and succeeding.
The last quarter of the book focuses on a brief guide to: magical symbols, animals, tools, crystals and herbs. But again this is very much a guide for practitioners when they are just dipping their toes into the Witchy pool.
What I really loved about the book was the message that is delivered throughout; the idea that Witches were and are women who want freedom and independence. Therefore, this book does have a feminist vibe throughout. As I mentioned it looks briefly at pop culture representations of Witches such as, Hermione from Harry Potter and Willow from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and how they are positive role models.
Even though the book doesn't provide the depth I usually like, it did offer references to other literature, written by figures throughout history, that I will definitely be adding to my reading list. There were quite a few quotes that stuck with me, non more so than one from Matilda Joslyn Gage, who was a Women's rights activist;
"When for 'Witches' we read 'women', we gain a fuller comprehension of the cruelties inflicted by the church upon this portion of humanity"
- from, Woman, Church and State (1893)
One way in which the book did not work for me was that some of the information given about notable 'Witches' throughout history was given in first person; as though they are talking to the reader. This was definitely not something that appealed to me, but may to younger readers. It felt very odd the way it was delivered, as if they were putting words in to those people's mouths, when really we have no way of knowing what they were really experiencing internally.
Overall this was a quick read, with some notable pieces of information that I added to my Book of Shadows. I imagine the physical copy of the book, with the illustrations, will be really lovely and something to show off on your witchy bookshelf.