The Goddess is in the Details: Wisdom for the Everyday Witch

by Deborah Blake

"Deborah Blake has created a practical method of weaving the spiritual into the daily chores of the mundane world in which we must live."
—Edain McCoy, author of Advanced Witchcraft and If You Want to Be a Witch

From the Hearth to the Altar,
Make Magic in Every Moment

Being a Witch isn't limited to casting a spell under the full moon or consecrating a ritual circle. Whether you're calling the Goddess or doing the dishes, your wonderfully witchy ways are woven into everything you do.

With her signature down-to-earth wisdom and warmth, Deborah Blake takes you into the heart of what it means to be a Witch all day, every day. Filled to the brim with practical suggestions, Pagan and Wicca spells, and helpful advice, this essential book brings to light all facets of a modern Witch's life: The seven core beliefs of Witches, mindful eating and health, creating sacred space at home, relationships with non-Pagans, sex and the single Witch, raising Pagan children, solitary and coven practice, Pagan ritual, and green living.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Paganism, Wicca, Magic, Religion

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2009

About the author

Deborah is the author of over a dozen non-fiction books on modern witchcraft and a tarot and oracle decks from Llewellyn. Her fiction includes the Baba Yaga series, The Broken Rider series, and the Veiled Magic series, and her cozy mysteries The Catskill Pet Rescue series (mostly from Berkley) as well as a few stand-alone novels.

Deborah lives in a 130 year old farmhouse in upstate NY with multiple cats. She believes in magic, laughter, chocolate, and wine. The order may change depending on the day.

Reviews

[☘Misericordia☘ ⚡ϟ⚡⛈⚡☁ ❇️❤❣ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cool. Very friendly. Very lovely. Very cozy. Very sensible.

A lot of practical ideas for the impractical world we inhabit.

Q:
В конце концов вы всегда можете просто выйти на улицу в полнолуние и постоять под звездным небом, впитывая в себя присутствие Богини. Такое общение с природой никто не сможет вам запретить. Важно помнить, что в душе вы можете верить во что угодно и как угодно, и для этого не нужно специальных предметов. Там, где есть воля, намерения, вера и любовь — и живут боги. (c)

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Goddess is in the Details by Deborah Blake
Wisdom for the Everyday Witch. Non fiction self help.
Practical and useful tips for the Wiccan, Pagan or Witch to incorporate their beliefs into daily life. Spells, mindful eating, single or coven practice, candles and ritual circles, this book is a clear tool be your best self.

This book is not to answer your question if you are, or how to start. This book is practical advice for everyday rituals, and bringing your faith into your daily rituals. Opening and closing circles procedural and suggestions for specific uses are detailed.
Clear and easy to follow text and many references included.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook version narrated by Romy Nordlinger. Her pace is steady and voice clear. While it’s all from a single voice, she expresses process with solid diction with clear joy for life.

[Nicole Holst · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected, although to be fair, the author did try to warn me in the first few pages. I am not a Wiccan, but find the religion very interesting and I've read many introductory books over the years. I was hoping for this book to offer insight into the ways being a Wiccan or Pagan influences one's life outside of rituals and magick. At times, this book did that, but I could not get used to the informal writing style. Once the author suggested that an independent person might dress up as a slave for Halloween in order to access a non-dominant personality trait, I almost put the book down for good. I see the point she was trying to make, but don't understand how she missed the red flags on that specific example.

[Hannah J · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author pulls from a lot of her experience and books that she's read. The best part of this book is the extensive list of references to other books, which the author quotes heavily from. This would be a find basic book but there are several problematic elements. Cultural appropriation/ advocating "smudging" which is a Native American closed practice.
Other moments like suggesting dressing up like a "slave girl" on Halloween to contrast normally being independent, etc that do not sit well with me.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful book! It is not a Wicca 101 book if that's what you are looking for. Blake delves into the spiritual aspects of Wicca/Goddess worship and teaches the reader how to apply those principles to their daily life. I especially like the chapter on how to get through difficult times. A must read!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Multiple reviewers and the author herself have said that this book isn't intended for beginning Witches. I think it would be suitable for them anyway. This simply isn't a book on the techniques of Wicca. If the books that tell you what esbats and sabbata are, what the significance of the four elements is, or how to cast a circle are Wicca 101 books, I'd say this is a Wicca 102 book. The Goddess is in the Details strikes me as a book that gives a context for all those techniques you're learning from the beginners' books. Blake discusses topics on handling crises, living with non-Pagans, and religious prejudice and tolerance—issues that a witch may have to deal with long before becoming proficient at spell-casting. (Conversely, I'd be a bit worried if someone took the time to master all the techniques and theories of Wicca without grappling with the ramifications of "Harm none" or considering the pros and cons of raising their child as a Wiccan).

That said, I was a little frustrated that this book didn't go deeper into many of these topics. Maybe I'm just craving more 201 books! And the book may not have many surprises for those who've got plenty of life experience; just being alive will expose you to lots of these issues. Still, I really liked the chapter on integrating ritual into your life on a daily, monthly, and yearly basis—life beyond the sabbats, so to speak. Blake has some solid simple rituals that bring out the heart of Wicca without bogging down in the paraphernalia ("How many candles do I need?!"). She also finds ways of integrating Pagan practice with the mundane holidays, which you don't find in most other books on being Pagan. Plus, a 2½-page bibliography at the end helps curious readers find more on the subjects that interested them.

[Cinnimini · Rating 3 out of 5]

It says it isn't a 101 book, but to me it really did come across as a 101. Lots of great info, but very basic. The chapters are only 1 or 2 pages long. It has some "things to think about" or exercises at the end of each chapter. A good read for someone starting on the path or who is looking for a bit of a refresher.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

much of it was pretty obvious but nice to see it stated.

[Cheryl Kaye · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wasn't terrible but it was very American, and there were a few places that made me cringe (if you've read the other reviews you can guess one of them).

Also the author states this isn't a beginner's 101 book......but it kind of is.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am I a witch? I’m acutely aware of the seasons, and honor them in my Seasonal Eating and Seasonal Photography blogs. I grow herbs and know which ones help with alertness, sleep, and finding love. I have made money-drawing incense and lover-drawing wine. I observe solstices and equinoxes, and the holidays halfway between them. I’ve worn or carried specific gemstones to strengthen specific traits. I’ve even been known to cast a spell or two, though honestly with limited results. Everything that Deborah Blake says in The Goddess is in the Details makes perfect sense to me.

The thing I like best about Blake is that she presents her subject in a down-to-earth way, just like I’d expect from the “everyday” in the title. She demystifies both terminology (witch, Wiccan, Pagan, etc.) and practice. She broadly defines the term witch to include everyone from coven witches who enact rituals to solitary witches who simply work with nature in their gardens. It is a modern presentation, as she points out, so different from the arcane and stilted language of 1980s witch books. This style welcomes readers rather than alienating them, allowing them to see that witches are not so unlike everyone else, just as Yule is not so unlike Christmas.

At the end of each short chapter are two simple and optional exercises: Something to Think About, and Something to Try. For example, in “The Practicing Witch” chapter, readers can think about their religious background and how their beliefs have changed. “Does it make you feel stronger?” is a pertinent question. Then, for something to try, the simple but powerful ritual of standing in the moonlight and feeling the goddess within, appreciating the entire universe, and feeling appreciated in return. More elaborate rituals for the 8 yearly holidays are clearly iterated and don’t require many props. Other considerations include witchy health, sex and marriage, child raising, and living harmoniously with non-Pagans. Easing life’s path and observing rites of passage for births, coming of age, passing over, etc. are discussed. There’s a short and sweet section on familiars.

Would-be witches and goddesses, neopagans, and curious readers who live by the seasons will enjoy The Goddess is in the Details. It’s a joyful, easy to understand exploration of lifestyle and beliefs, written in a way that is both practical and lighthearted.

[Baroness · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bewitch my witchy witch. As I turned the page I hoped I would find something of interest or something I didn’t already know.
That wasn’t so...
I encourage anyone who is on their spiritual journey to read it.

[PaperbackGoddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things I absolutely loved about this book is the writing style. It is not stiff and impersonal like many other books I have read. Miss Blake writes in a very friendly and welcoming manner, often using humor, which makes it seem more like a conversation than a lecture. You feel as though she is talking directly to you.

I believe that this is a wonderful book that anyone who feels the need to learn more about Pagans can enjoy. Displaying such warmth and wisdom, Deborah Blake is really in her element here. My full review can be found here.

[Deborah Lowder · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a Wiccan book. And as such, it makes assumptions about what every witch believes and practices.

If you’re searching for a type of witchcraft that doesn’t appropriate (as I was), this isn’t for you (aka smudging).

There’s also back to back sections on sex and marriage. But the sex section is geared toward single folks and the marriage section talks about heathy relationship practices. It may be a small thing, but the way it was organized leans heavily toward erasure of intimate relationships that don’t end in marriage and the importance of sexual practices (for some) in marriage. It also flirts with purity rhetoric. I do like that she drills enthusiastic consent for all.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes the reader on a wonderful journey through many aspects of witchcraft in everyday life. Blake uses simple, yet descriptive language that allows the reader to easily understand the concepts taught in each chapter. This book is clearly well thought out and contains many tidbits of wisdom.

[Danielle Barboza · Rating 1 out of 5]

VERY wicca forward. Spends a chapter saying there's no difference at all between 'wiccan', 'pagan', and 'witch'. At one point suggests dressing like a slave?!? Meanwhile, no real ideas on adding more practice into every day life that aren't blatantly obvious. Total waste of time and money.

[Tiffany Spencer]

The Goddess is in the Details:
Not quite what I thought it would be going off the title. I thought it would be about discovering your inner Goddess. However, there were a couple of interesting things. Even though I’d heard the 7 core concepts individually and sporadically in a span of similar books, these books joined them all together.

Another thing I took note of was looking at how we use our words. It gave examples of some of the negative phrases we tend to think and say. For example, “I hate (politician)” “I hate my life!” “My (fill in blank are driving me CRAZY!” I know I have been guilty of using a few of these phrases. Sometimes I’ll think “I can’t finish this book.” Or “I wish my life was different” or “My neighbors are driving me crazy with all this constant yard work” Or “These doctor appointments are getting on my nerves.”

Helpfully it gave some phrases to substitute instead like “I can accomplish whatever I put my mind to” “My life is getting better everyday.” “I am truly blessed” and “I’m working on making it better.” It also showed how internal monologue like “I’m so stupid” can be more damaging that the words others say to us. It made me think of someone I know and how it can also be not only damaging to the individual thinking these thoughts but how hurtful it can be hear to others. It gave a good tip about replacing the negative words with positive words or just telling that voice to SHUT UP!

There were also some good tips how we as Wiccan’s (Pagans) can use holidays and celebrate them in a way more relevant to our beliefs. And it goes through everyone. Even the Christian ones. It also give some good tips how to if youw ere considering it “come out of the broom closet” to certain people.

There were some things tho that I didn’t find useful. There was a chapter on Sex. There was also one on Marriage. Then there was one about how to raise your kids as Wiccan (or not) and how to prepare them for handling you being a Wiccan. But overall, it’s worth a read just for the section about alternate ways to celebrate holidays with a Wiccan flair.

Rating: 6

[Lauma Llamandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book after reading the Everyday Witch Tarot manual as I loved the author`s writing style.
I would like to start out by saying that I came to this book as a novice in the pagan ways and with an open mind...just to realise that many of the subjects discussed in the book are something that I have been implementing in my life in one way or another for many years.
It discussed things like relationships, health, your house and faith and how to create a safe space for yourself and find like minded people when appropriate. And how to not push your agenda when its not the time and place for it!
It gave me a lot of food for thought and I very much enjoy the light and jokey style the author has - it seems very friendly and accessible.
Never thought I would resonate so much with pagan and wiccan traditions and beliefs, but yet here I am - it just seems so inclusive and flexible that it may just be a good fit for me.
This book was a pure joy to read so although its not perfect as a light beginner read, I very much appreciated the amount of subjects covered and made accessible to the reader from the get go.

[SA · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent intermediate volume of pagan practice, for those who have moved beyond the 101-style books and are looking for a solid next step.

There were only a couple of hitches for me: first, that the language was unerringly framed as if the reader was a woman, and second, that the text relied on cisgender and heterosexual gender and sexual essentialism. That no doubt stems from the author's own experience, but for a book first published in 2009, for the pagan community, it reads as very off-tone.

There were a couple of points where the author was nudge-nudge-wink-wink "oh, Christians," which I find unpalatable even as I acknowledge that a substantial population of pagans come out of Christian upbringings/bad experiences. It wasn't particularly noticeable for the average reader, I think, but it's another element of essentialism, which was a bit strange given the author is self-acknowledged Jewish.

All in all though a fine volume.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended by Jennie Blonde on her podcast the Cozy Comfy Witch. As I've said before, I look up to Jennie, so if she suggests something to read, I'm going to read it. Much like my previous What I'm Reading, "Toil and Trouble" by Augusten Burroughs, this book came to me just when I needed it.

As I read through Blake's book, all I could think to myself was that this was confirming I chose the right path, spiritually AND with starting this blog. A lot of what Blake talks about I wasdoing before I formally decided to go down the hearth witch path: it was like I was a witch and I didn't know it.
​
I really enjoyed Blake's focus on daily mindfulness, and positive intentions - obviously, and her writing style is so approachable: I've read other short pieces by her, but an entire book was a real treat. I can see why Jennie would recommend this book, and while I borrowed this from the library this time around, I am definitely looking into purchasing a copy.

[Adelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a book that delivers what it says - everyday witchcraft! This is not a beginners book but beginners may appreciate how to integrate the craft into their day-to-day. This is a book I wish I would have found decades ago for insight, perspective, and inspiration.

Often times many get tied up in the details rather than realizing those details are the Divine around us. The craft does not need to be overly ceremoniously where we get so caught up in ritual that we miss the point or stop enjoying the process.

Blake has done a great job putting together a book that really guides us to find the magical connection we have in all that we do. Truly offering exercises that get you to think or try something with every chapter ending is a great way to think and work with the chapter's messages.

[Guusje · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle; Wisdom for the Everyday Witch perfectly describes this book. The audience is someone (most likely a woman) who is just beginning to learn about Wicca and White Witchcraft. It's a also a good refreshers for anyone who is a returning to the craft after a long absence. Unlike many of the books on this topic the author has a lively style and sense of humor. Ms. Blake covers the philosophy and history of the Craft as well as Herbalism, Rituals and Practices. Each chapter includes ideas to try and food for thought journaling prompts. She includes an extensive bibliography so the reader can take a deeper dive into any subject of interest.
Highly recomended!

I read this for the Writual Society On-Line Book Club.

[Adrian Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I grow up (like that's ever going to happen!) I want to be a High Priestess in the style of Deborah Blake. Her positive attitude, mixed with real talk, speaks to me on deep -- and encouraging -- levels. I haven't read all of her books (yet!), but the ones I have read, I've thoroughly enjoyed. She's taught me a lot, including some life-shifting perspectives! She also co-created my favorite tarot deck (the Everyday Witch's Tarot). Her books are accessable to practitioners of many levels, but never dumbed down. I would recommend this book for someone who's read some intro books, done a bit of practicing, and is looking to deepen their craft. Enjoy!

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how the author ended each chapter with a question about the subject of the chapter and it's importance in one's own life, or a suggestion of ideas one might try in one's own life related to the chapter. This book is beyond a basics book. The author won't be teaching you how to ground and center, how to cast a circle, or much in the way of correspondences. There are books on all those topics. This book is about how an individual witch might bring those practices into her or his daily life and expand upon the basics of once-a-month ritual activities.

[Razzberrykool · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informational and light hearted

Overall I enjoyed this read. A lot of insight into different aspects of life to integrate your belief/practice into your everyday life. Some chapters I kind of just skimmed over (if you're not a pagan parent, how can you give soulful advice on being one?). And at least in most portions of the US, please don't plant a tree in the summertime. It will most definitely die lol.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the majority of this book. The author is very kind in her writing and brings to the front that our magic is in everything and the path is personalize to each individual.

I just wish that witches would not feel the need to speak about medical issues, such as mental health, as though they can be solved with herbs and a good attitude. But, that's the community and this author isn't anything special in that regard.

[Raven Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great resource for any witch. It covers the basics a bit but mostly is aimed at making a magickal life. Many of the topics go into detail where you may have not considered all aspects which is nice. It was strange to read about performing handfastings that weren’t legal because it was still illegal for same sex couples to be married at the time this was published. Seeing such a huge change in just over a decade is amazing. Overall, definitely recommend this to any witch.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give a 3.5 but rounded up for GR.

I was hoping to find a book that would help with building rituals in daily life and while I think this was close, it didn't give me what I was hoping for. I think the most helpful chapter for me and what I was looking for was chapter 19.

I also felt that sometimes the author was a bit judgemental...sometimes what she was trying to express kinda rubbed me the wrong way.

[Anastasia Mpimpa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice friendly approach to decluttering our daily connection to the Divine. Taking complicated ideas to their parts and making things easier. It is written in a friendly easy to read style with good doses of humour. If you want to rethink your magickal path and find more depth in simple everyday tasks it is a good place to start.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book rather addresses the American witch (sorry, no Luther King Day hereabouts to transform into some sort of pagan festival...) it does offer some useful and creative ideas. Not as many as I hoped for, since quite a lot of it is the kind of thing you would come up with yourself when you devote a little bit of thought and energy to a given topic, but it certainly makes a nice read.

[Ophelia · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first chapters are really good, they really help you understand how you are and act (or can be or act) as a witch in your everyday life. I didn't find the other chapters very useful for that purpose.