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Practical Prosperity Magick: Crafting Success & Abundance

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Learn how to optimize your opportunities and draw success with this no-nonsense approach to prosperity magick. Providing an accessible foundation grounded in the seven Hermetic principles and the four elements, author Ellen Dugan explores how it can be combined with the law of attraction to improve your future. Along your journey you will Filled with humor and candid advice, Practical Prosperity Magick is everything you've come to expect from Ellen Dugan. Join her as she explores practical and advanced techniques for using transformative magick to change your luck and unlock personal and financial success.

240 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2014

21 people are currently reading
231 people want to read

About the author

Ellen Dugan

76 books502 followers
Ellen Dugan is the award winning author of over thirty six books and the Witches Tarot. She branched out successfully into paranormal fiction in 2015 with her popular Legacy Of Magick series. Her portfolio of work also includes dozens of articles in the Llewellyn Almanacs and Calendars and 15 non-fiction books. Ellen's non-fiction titles with Llewellyn Worldwide have been translated into over twelve foreign languages. She is a psychic-clairvoyant, and has been a practicing Witch for over thirty-five years.
With over 300K books sold Ellen has a global following. She currently has over twenty published novels, the eleven book Legacy Of Magick series and three other paranormal series: The Gypsy Chronicles, Daughters Of Midnight, and Hemlock Hollow. The first four books in her Legacy Of Magick series were made into audio books with Tantor Audio in 2018.
Ellen was featured on the cover of Witches & Pagans Magazine. She has been interviewed in the studio on KMOV News Channel 4 in St. Louis, done numerous newspaper and radio interviews, and a two hour guest spot on the national syndicated live radio show, Coast to Coast. In 2017 Ellen was also featured in USA TODAY'S HEA column. More information on Ellen's work can be found at www.ellendugan.com on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ellendugan/ or on Facebook www.facebook.com/ellendugan

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Megan.
610 reviews17 followers
March 15, 2015
Actually 3.5 Stars

I started out really impressed with the level at which Dugan seemed to be approaching the subject, but the more I read the more I deflated I became until by the end I was just completing the book - most of my notes on the later portion of the book are notes of frustration rather than ideas for working with. So let's go through this good, bad and ugly style.

The Good: The book started out great, I appreciated hearing the personal story that sparked the book in the first place and I assumed if we were going to begin by reviewing some heavy scholarly ideas like the Hermetic Principles then it could only get better from there right? Unfortunately I was wrong about that, but the first two thirds of the book, while mostly falling in the Meh category after this did have the occasional jewel that truly made it feel like reading the book was worth it. It would just be a line or two, but it was the kind of thing that really offered great insight or opened whole new worlds of thought for me. These tiny jewels are the only reason I'd give the book the extra .5 or ever recommend it to another person to read.

The Meh: What started out with so much potential very quickly reduced down to your average "written for a teenager" witchy book. In no time it quickly begins to suffer from the problem that so many books in this genre (and especially from this publisher) suffer from - over simplification, lots of air and fluff but no real meat. I loved that she explained why spells use rhyming verse (one of the aforementioned jewels) but gods, I wish she wrote better ones. Beyond the first two or so chapters, the hidden jewel or two and the correspondences the whole rest of the book was exactly the same as what you'd find anywhere and added absolutely nothing new to the either the conversation around magic (and performing it) or (and especially not to this) around money.

The Annoying: And then there were the bits that really began to grate on me. Most of these are minor and just have to do with me and how easily I am annoyed by these "teenage witch" style books. For example, at one point in the final third of the book Dugan refers to "witches or muggles", I hate this. I hate this for a hundred different reasons. I hate that it's divisive and elitist - those who consider themselves witches are set apart from all others who are now associated with the ignorant and drab "normals" of the Harry Potter world. Of course all else but us must be ignorant and drab. It's insulting and the last thing the magical community needs is more of a reason to divide itself from others. But even more than that it creates two groups: Witches and All Others - and implies only witches are magical and capable of creating and influencing their world. Of course not. Witchcraft is one among many paths that use the power of spirit and energy and faith to affect the world they live in. It's only one tradition. But here it is implied if you aren't a witch you don't matter. I hate it.

I also hate all the kitschy "cute" witch bits. "Hold this in your witchy hands..." or "Pull yourself up by your witchy black bootlaces" I get it. We're reading a witchcraft book. We get to think of ourselves as witches (if we like, but maybe some of your readers don't like, have you considered that), but I am not 5 I do not continually need to be reminded of this fact, or be called a witch in every third paragraph just to boost my ego and sense of self-fulfillment. And, as the witch I identify as, I definitely don't want to be associated with black boots, or cats, or witchy hats or any stupid cultural and childish stereotypes - I'm a full and well rounded person who happens to be a witch. As I assume Dugan is. As are all the magical workers I know. None of them go around in pointy hats and most of them never would want to be more closely tied with those stereotypes than they need to be. So why are you writing like this?

I'm well aware these are personal pet peeves that come from my world view. I know that for the teenagers and new to withcraft peeps writing like this works and keeps these kinds of books selling (sadly), but there was one thing about this book that is an honest, applies to everyone, complaint and it is that all of the conversations about money and pretty much all the magic spells supplied are reactive. The focus is heavily on responding to having financial difficulty, or over coming a problem, or just drawing in that extra $10/$100/$1000 you need right now. Frankly, I think it missed the mark in focusing that way because I believe that Dugan had the opportunity to at least begin to introduce the idea of crafting a magical life that supported big, long-term shifts in prosperity and abundance rather than simple reactions. The first third of the book certainly read like that's where we were going, but once we got to the actual applications of magic it all fell apart. One place this "reactive thinking" really stood out to me was in the Crystal section of the book where she talks about (more than once) being able to "save money" while crafting your spells - the mentality of "how do I save some money here" is completely counter to the energy of calling and drawing in prosperity (and she should know this as she spent the first third of the book hammering the point of mindset and attitude home on us) and that it came up here (and that almost all the magic spells feel reactive - especially the further into the book we got) tells me that while Dugan had some epiphanies and insights that brought her to writing this book she didn't fully break out of her financial world view to a new level of money relationship and so she couldn't take us, her readers, there either. If I'm buying a book on money magic I sure hope the author of the book can take me to a new level of relating to money...

She closes the book by talking about how much more depth this book had than others she had written and I think it did have the potential to be a next level of work for her. I'm not sure if it's that she fell into old writing habits thinking about catering to the people already reading what she's written, or if the dumbing down (and annoying up) came from her editor, but I feel like what I got in the end had nothing more than the potential of depth, that the real depth got lost in the kitsch of "witchiness" which is a shame for both us her readers, and Dugan herself.

Profile Image for Autumn (Triquetra Reviews).
430 reviews16 followers
April 24, 2014
Hey all!

Thanks to Llewellyn Publications via Netgalley for giving me a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

It's been a while since I reviewed a witchy book huh? To all my Wiccan/Pagan/New Age etc followers - sorry!

The cover is a lovely green (perfect color for abundance no?) Doesn't give too much away but I like the vibe it throws off.

The book starts off kinda heavy. This isn't just a "get rich quick" guide. Mrs. Dugan really sits down and shows you what you need to do to change yourself and therefore change your path. One thing that was thankfully drilled into my head while reading was that "thought creates!" This had turned into a mantra of mine and it has helped me get through many a tough time in the past few weeks that I've been reading this. Oh yes, you read that right, it has taken me not only one or two days, but rather close to a month and a half of reading this, changing my attitude and changing my life.

We start with the Seven Hermetic Laws. For those of you that practice magick you might want to take notes (I did.) I had never really paid attention to these laws, but they've helped in my practice and in everyday life. I now pay closer attention to what I think. Thought creates. What you send out there via your mental energies WILL come back to you. I have noticed that through changing my energetic vibe by putting out better thoughts that my world has become less gray.

The spells and rituals outlined were clear, concise and very easy to put together. No crazy materials were necessary and most went off without a hitch. I haven't tried all of them, but a majority and I wasn't disappointed with any.

Very impressed with this book. I'll definitely be buying it when it comes out on June 8th of this year.
Profile Image for Katarina.
872 reviews23 followers
March 30, 2014
This is an extremely well-written and detailed book.

Ellen Dugan obviously knows the topic and has shared great information. Each chapter gives general information, and then step-by-step instructions.

I don't practice, but I have always had a keen interest in the subject of Magick. This book is a great resource for a novice or an experienced person alike.

Profile Image for Dawn Thomas.
1,086 reviews6 followers
December 20, 2020
Practical Prosperity Magick by Ellen Dugan

9780738736969

240 Pages
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
Release Date: June 8, 2014

Nonfiction (Adult), Religion & Spirituality, Money Magic, Success, Abundance

I must be completely honest; I love the cover of the book. It looks like I am opening an old book with metalwork around the edges. It has the following chapters.

Chapter 1: Earth – Foundations & Fundamental Knowledge
Chapter 2: Air – Happiness & Success
Chapter 3: Fire – Illumination, Transformation & Manifestation
Chapter 4: Water – Letting Prosperity Flow
Chapter 5: Attracting Abundance
Chapter 6: Good Luck Charms & Coin Magick
Chapter 7: Removing Obstacles to Your Success
Chapter 8: Herbal & Crystal Magick for Abundance, Good Luck & Prosperity
Chapter 9: Practical Magick

Ellen is a very talented writer and storyteller, and this book is proof of that. I was giggling out loud when I read about her money spell and getting a job as a floral arranger. You get what you ask for! She explains this book is not a quick fix to get money. It is the structure needed to explore bringing prosperity and abundance to life. She also goes into detail about the Law of Attraction and the steps to follow to reach a goal.

The idea of a new mindset and new attitude is perfect for the coming year. 2020 has been a challenge in more ways than you can count. I plan on taking her suggestions and making a new plan for next year. I am going to do a cleansing and get rid of both physical and emotional negativity. Which moves us to gratitude.

She cannot express enough to be careful what you cast for. Without having a clear vision of what you want, you will get what the universe wants you to have. The section on fire has several candle spells that are easy to follow with minimal supplies. The water section lists two goddesses with their correspondences and ritual for each one. There is also a Tarot ritual with the Nine of Cups card.

In Chapter 7, I loved the heating repair man story. It is another example of being nice to someone means someone will be nice back to you. Chapter 8 has lists of crystals and stones along with herbs to be used in prosperity spells and charms. The appendices at the end of the book are invaluable. This is a wonderful book for anyone wanting to improve their skills working with prosperity, abundance, and attraction.
Profile Image for Awen.
16 reviews27 followers
September 28, 2017
This book was not an easy read nor is it meant to. All the spell are interwoven like a cozy fabric or a proper foundation that most books do not tell you. She starts off with the basics and each chapter refers to the other in some way. I love that she has the hermetic principles and practicality. She has so many ideas and spells scattered through the book. She does bless you with a guide at the end so you book won't have to be watchful and highlight them while you read. I finally figured out why my spell did not work or only trickled in comparison. My PME was negative mostly and rarely a 1 or 2 which helped with discounts of all sorts. Now to fix my problem, remove the obstacles and bring forth the prosperity and then some.

Enjoy!
Profile Image for Bode Cauthon.
590 reviews48 followers
April 10, 2019
Practical prosperity magic? Why yes indeed! I love the author’s voice, her approach, the way she includes her family in her practices. It feels so much more tangible and real. I especially love all of her personal anecdotes. I’ll be picking up more from this author!
Profile Image for Brandy.
86 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2025
This book is jam packed with resources and information about the craft. I really enjoyed reading through it, but do feel it is definitely more of an introductory read. I did learn new things though, as I feel everyone’s perspective can show us things in a new light.
Profile Image for Patricia.
3 reviews
April 28, 2022
Easy, enjoyable read. Great for a beginner, but also beneficial for a more advanced practitioner. I used this book as a refresher and I also picked up new information. Great reference book.
Profile Image for Claudia Blanton.
184 reviews7 followers
March 19, 2017
This book works well for beginners and those who are in need for refreshing the basics of "White Witchcraft". I had never read a book by Ellen Dugan before, so I did not know what to expect, but I did think that she is very thorough in her research and description, making this book easy to follow along. Of course, it would have been nice if the more advanced practitioner would have been able to benefit from this book as well, but all-in-all it is a good, solid book.
Profile Image for Cathy Addley.
36 reviews
July 29, 2018
This book makes you think about what you do in your own practice and gives you new ideas
I would recommend this book to anyone looking to extend on their magic
Profile Image for Allison.
583 reviews6 followers
March 2, 2016
Thanks to Llewellyn Publications for allowing me to read Ellen Dugan's "Practical Prosperity Magick" via Netgalley prior to publication!


It was the first book I have read by Ellen Dugan but I really enjoyed it. It will definitely not be the last book I read by her! Whether or not you are a practitioner or not, a beginner or someone more advanced, I think this book has a little for everyone. I enjoyed her conversational tone throughout the book and, while other reviewers of her books have said Dugan might have tangents on certain topics, I felt every personal story held a kernel of knowledge and wisdom from Dugan's experience. Every story was succinctly brought back to the point of sharing it, bringing it full circle to the topic it hand. Beside, we all have something to learn, no matter how advanced we are or how many experiences we have had in life. If anything, the tone made me feel as though I was having a sit-down conversation with Dugan and was getting to know her on a personal level.

I also appreciated Dugan likening magick to the wildly successful and popular book "The Secret." It is the same idea--whatever you put out in the world will be what you receive. If you have a happy and positive outlook, you will get that out of life. We could all use a little of that in our lives!
Profile Image for Laurali Star.
40 reviews15 followers
June 27, 2016
I love Ellen Dugan so much! I have never learned so much from a book about practicing witchcraft. The writing style is easy to read and developed, so that it can work for beginners, intermediate, and advanced.

This book is based on Hermes Trismegistus and the hermetic principles. It's practical magic at it's best. Ellen reminds me of someone from ancient times, as if has been a practicing witch on this earth for thousands of years.

I did many of the spells throughout the book and they are highly powerful and effective! Prosperity is a state of mind, a feeling of total freedom, and this book makes it easy to get in touch with the prosperous, luxurious side of yourself.

I could also tell that Ellen really did her homework. The information she gave on the hermetic principles were both well researched and astounding. She combines both the use of the physical world (practical) and the spiritual realm in a marriage of clear understanding.

I am so glad that I purchased this book. It's a reminder for me to live my life by these principles, as both a witch and a human being. If you read this, thanks Ellen!
Profile Image for Bookish Enchantment (Katherine Quirke).
1,045 reviews30 followers
May 2, 2014
Yes this is about casting spells and White Witch stuff. But you don't need to be a practicing witch to enjoy this book and get some very positive information from it. Take the plunge and have a read you will be surprised and at the same time make positive changes in your life.
1 review
June 21, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyed it.

I would recommend this book to beginners and those that have been on the path a long time. Ellen writes in a very down to earth and understandable manner. Lots and lots of excellent information.
Profile Image for Taylor.
83 reviews
August 11, 2015
The only one of Dugan's books I've read so far that I didn't come away completely obsessed with. Maybe it was meant for a younger (or more intro-level) audience, but I'm not sure. It started out great but I ended up just pushing through so I could mark it as "Read".
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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