Part grimoire, part handbook, and part spiritual travelogue, A Mystical Practical Guide to Magic is a personal and practical compendium for creating your own magical life.
The author writes from real life experience, as practitioner and teacher, sharing field notes and anecdotes from the magical practices that inspired her, and so many others, over the astrology, tarot, witchery, writing, meditation, improving intuition, mediumship, and more, including her own system for emotional regeneration, Moon Pluto Magic.
The topics and practices traversed herein will help you, if you let them. They will help you find you as the book explores this how to make life more meaningful. Astrology can help. Tarot can help. Magic will definitely help! And so will your Spirit Guides.
Are you a witch? Should you learn about your birth chart? Why keep a journal? How can Tarot make you psychic? Why meditate when you can't sit still? Can your spiritual life keep you grounded during hard times? These questions and many more are offered, as well as simple exercises and ideas, including spells and tarot spreads and recommended listening, that you can use to chart your own unique spiritual quest.
Full disclosure: I fell in love with Aliza's writing back in 2013 and I've never looked back. Mystical Practical is a cozy, magical, lovely book that takes you around New York City while teaching you the basics of all things woo-woo. You feel like you're in the company of a good friend who just happens to know all the esoteric basics. She takes you into her home, pours you some cocoa and tells you the secrets of magic. She takes you to diners and cafes in New York and tells you the basics of tarot, astrology, magic and the other side.
This book is parsed into sections on tarot, astrology, beyond the veil, magic and ritual. It is informative but reads like a novel. Beautiful book for beginners and pros alike. Beginners will learn a little bit of everything and pros will feel like they are in the happy company of a kindred spirit. The illustrations are stunning and this is a good book to gift others. Quirky, well-informed with a hint of memoir. I devoured it in a day.
“It’s about giving to yourself what you likely already give to others. Room to breathe. Compassion. It’s about loving the tender, raw soul inside of you and the idea that you need not abandon yourself, even though others may have when they saw you or heard you or felt you.”
I feel like I've been searching for so long for a book about tarot & practical magic that isn't pop-culture-y. This entire book was professional & concise with the perfect amount of personal input.
The author guides you through tarot spreads, how to do certain rituals, questions to ask, ways to build your own knowledge and understanding. She also provides author recommendations for the different subjects included if you'd like to do some further reading!
This isn't a one and done, or a skim read. The information is captivating and the little one-liners she does won't make you cringe! I will most definitely be using this as a reference guide, especially the chapter titled Moon Pluto Magic.
This is an excellent introduction to mystical subjects. Astrology, meditation, magic & tarot are all included. The author does a good job of explaining each one without talking down to the reader. She focuses quite a bit on intuition and relying on it more than on what an "expert" would say. That being said, she also includes resources that she has found helpful. A very inclusive introduction into things mystical and magical.
Aliza is an incredible writer. She not only writes from the intuitive side, she brings her wisdom to the table. This book is for those who want to feel empowered in a world of lost souls. Do not take this book lightly, it is not your average “pop astrology” coffee table book. You need to truly want to connect to yourself, and understand the layers that your own spirituality contains. Aliza’s guidance can really help you especially in times like these!
I think this is going to be fun. Normally a reader of literary fiction and history, this came recommended from a trusted friend who despite my inclinations figured I would love it. I am reading it with my friend Noah Clemons of the booktube Everyone_who_reads_it_must_converse this coming July. Why would I bother? Well, I am pretty sure the author is a poet I used to know nearly 30 years ago, for one thing. How does a poet migrate to magic and such (there must be some good stories about that and, well, who knows what else [spoiler: the recommendee, one A.S., formerly of Kingston, NY, told me it's as much a book of stories as anything]? What is magic and such? What does a poet mean by witch? Oh, and apparently there are tarot sections and Noah is big on tarot cards. Look for the results of this spree read on Noah's Channel after we post the results of our read here sometime in July.
This is the book you NEED that you have no idea you need. Take my word on that. I have assigned myself the title of Aliza's biggest fan although I'm sure legions of others will fight me for it. Listen, I'm not just someone who has read this book, I have also had readings with Aliza (which I also highly recommend.) This book has not only years of experience and knowledge contained within its covers (or in its bits and bytes) but experience and knowledge that comes from a place where it cannot be bought. One must be chosen to be able to have this work come through. This is not just what Aliza does for a living, Aliza *lives* it and you will not only read it, you will feel it.
I am not a professional in any of the subject matters contained in this treasure, but I do consider myself a pretty seasoned Astrologer and have a greater-than-average knowledge of Tarot. I know zilch about magic or mediumship. Guess what? Not only did I learn from this compendium (which is really what it is) about Astro and Tarot, but it opened up a whole new world for me to continue to, and more importantly WANT to explore magic and mediumship. Isn't that what life is about - wanting to explore, learn and grow? And to continue expanding knowledge and understanding? And put it to practical use in your own world? Do yourself a favor and add some magic to your life. Aliza will be your guide and will make it easy, fun, empowering and enriching.
Maureen Marus Staszewski 5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Aliza is a kindred spirit Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2021 I love this book and I need another one. I need more of Aliza. This book is like a hug from a good friend and a warm cup of tea on a rainy night. Being a mystical Catholic I identified totally with Aliza’s blending of her religion of origin and embracing the many metaphysical practices that are let’s say, “frowned” upon. Being a native New Yorker born in Brooklyn it was like coming home to my roots reading her stories and her wise and sage advice about tarot, astrology, healing, mediumship, cats, altars and our ancestors. A lifelong Tarot reader myself, I loved the advice about “Tarot Buddies” and I am fortunate that my area of Florida where I currently reside has such a MeetUp Group and tonight I will bring this little gem with me to share with my group. I have ordered both astrology books recommended as I am about to take a one year immersive astrology course. I hope this review inspires Aliza to offer some astrology/tarot courses as she has a lot of knowledge to offer. Thank you, Aliza I also enjoy your Jewish Witch podcasts. Good luck with your current writing project. I can’t wait! Also loved your book on Saturn. I feel there is a Pluto book in you!
"A Mystical Practical Guide to Magic" is a very fun read. Einhorn takes the reader through her preferred crafts. First of all I'm going to start by mentioning the doodles that are over. As a very aesthetic based person, I found them precious and well done.. Okay now to the meat of it. I enjoyed this thoroughly. I was just bopping through taking some notes and then a quote hit me towards the end. "For others, it hurts to be alive..." and that hit me and made me have an actual connection. I've been depressed my entire life and this quote felt nice because someone else was saying what I've been thinking. Anyway this thing made learning engaging. I didn't get bored the entire time and I feel like I learned to like the person as well as her crafts. As you can tell, I loved this and I would recommend any new witches pick this up and read it. It's a lot more accessible than something by the Farrarst, for example, and has good recommendations for other resources to help you expand your views.
So, this book is a true overview of the methods most easily available for personal development in the occult or often more popular new age methods which include: meditation, intuition, ritual, tarot, astrology and ... if all that is too much... following the moon.
This book gives practical exercises, personal journal prompts and enough information for a person to explore the different modalities presented. This is not an entry to a cult... more a personal journey. Aliza provides a path for the reader to integrate more personal development & develop some skills in exploring this using energy, tarot, astrology and ritual spells (like ancient prayer employing energetic herbs, elements and strategic planetary timing). I love it. It has made the cut in the very limited real estate on my bookshelves. If you don't believe me, borrow a copy first from the Library as I did. You will be ordering from a favorite bookstore before you return it.
The first thing you’ll notice about this book is its enchanting design. It will draw you in and it will accompany you while you read it. The next thing you’ll notice is that this is not a book, but rather a conversation with a friend in a coffee shop. It is an experience.
The author Aliza Einhorn really reveals an interesting perspective - she is a Jewish witch that loves tarot and astrology. And something even more important - she is a very talented writer. You’ll get to know her better as you both venture around esoteric towns and adventurous detours. The book is a practical road map to magic, but also a very smart introduction to complex and existential topics. Are you truly a witch? How one talks to the dead? You’ll walk through practices (in writing, too!), spells and tarot spreads. You’ll be introduced to the Moon Pluto Magic of the author. You’ll be guided by a friend and will hope the road doesn’t end.
“A Mystical Practical Guide to Magic” is indeed an experience. If I have to define it, I think that’s what the good side of contemporary witchcraft is in its essence - honest and casual, but also thoughtful and practical. And very unique.
Come for the magical writing, stay for the wisdom… If you love a well written story or are just curious about magic, tarot, spirituality or any of that “stuff” this book is for you. This book meets you where you are and takes you as far, as deep as you want to go. This is a book I will go back to again and again because it not only teaches but contains nuggets of insights that I newly discover each time. Aliza is a captivating writer - if you haven’t yet discovered her checkout this book. You’ll be hooked on her writing after the first sentence! Oh, and check out her Little Book of Saturn too - it will leave you wanting more!
I read lots of spiritual books. This one is different because there are practical methods, yes, but there’s comfort, too. A lot of the spiritual path can feel isolating or maddening (which is sort of funny because we’re seeking connection), and Aliza lets you know that’s perfectly normal (and how to let the frustration out). The practicality is more than the methods, it’s also about the beauty of the day to day and discipline. The author takes us around New York, slings cards in 24 hour diners, and thinks about poetry on the subway. Could we all dare to live a meaningful and magical life? Will you pull cards with me at the bar?
Recommended for new or not sure witches, for sure not witches who still want a spiritual tune up (including “traditional” religions), and people who enjoy the reading of words as much as what they say (Aliza’s MFA is apparent).
This book is a fantastic introduction to mystical subjects such as astrology, tarot, magic and meditation. are all included in this how-to guide. Aliza Einhorn has written in a meaningful way managing to speak and connect directly with the reader creating an intimate reading experience and learning journey.
This is one of the best magical guides I've read in years! I love Aliza's writing style, and how approachable she makes witchcraft and metaphysical studies. I highly recommend this book for beginners and experts alike! Aliza has a fresh take on approaches to Tarot, astrology, and using art as an avenue to bring forth spirituality without being preachy or holier-than-thou. 10/10 highly recommend!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Mystical Practical Magic was just what I want from a witchy book: the author never talks down to the reader. On the contrary, she was nurturing and encourages the reader to do things their own way. The book didn’t try to do too much. The author explained that this was the beginning of the reader’s journey, not the entirety of it. There were interesting connections between practices that the author encourages the reader to follow: tarot is the important link running through the book, and to support this she has interesting spreads for the reader to sample. The illustrations were charming. There were further books and media to engage with at the end of each chapter.
I really loved the book. The author’s voice was soothing, and she is quite knowledgeable. When it comes out, I’ll probably buy a paper copy just to refer to.
Well written and very informative. A great book for those in the beginning stages of the craft. This guide to practical magic is very practical indeed. I highly recommend! I voluntarily read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
This women is a spiritual phenom! I highly recommend anything she has written. Aliza is not only insightful, intuitive, and inquisitive, she also is one of the most thoughtful writers I have come across. Please preorder this book, it will only bring you to a higher vibe! ❤️
Absolutely amazing! This book has been a beautiful, magical adventure since I first opened the mailer and saw it. It's stunningly designed (I mean it) ... every page. And it's a treasure chest full of riches on every page (I mean it). I picked up my Tarot deck for the first time in a decade after reading two pages. And boy, did the magic begin happening! Still is, tbh.
Aliza is a wonderful writer, super approachable, friendly, warm, inviting. And damned smart. She knows her stuff. As will you, as soon as you begin reading this marvelous book. I'm a psychotherapist with a strong woo-woo bent who understands how many paths to healing and wholeness are waiting for us if we'd only take the first step or two. Aliza's book can help you do this.
As an added bonus, I got to interview Aliza for my public radio show (Living From Happiness, on KSFR 101.1fm). Guess what? She's delightful in person, as well -- funny, thoughtful, confident, open to sharing her considerable knowledge with the rest of us.
Have you ever looked up and the moon and you were mesmerized by it? Have you ever looked at a deck of tarot cards and wondered what they could tell you? Do Astrologers on YouTube sometimes shock you with their accuracy and you wish you understood how they do that? Get this book.
Here's the thing though, this is so much more than an instruction guide. This book is a love story. Aliza is besotted with the Moon, tantalized by the tarot and amazed at the power of astrology to help her (and you) understand the self better. It is not just her wisdom and expertise with these things (she's studied, and studied and read and read and read), but it is her absolute love of the mystical and how she and you can use these tools to enhance your life and understand yourself and others better.
Did you ever have a relative who told the best stories, and who could keep you enchanted and wanting more? You know, that person whose adventures were ones you wanted to take too? That's Aliza. She is not only expert with the tools she uses and the practices she suggests, but she truly enjoys what she does and what she learns, and it comes through her writing. Now this could be a passive book for you. I mean you could read it and just love the way she writes (because it's that good), or you could do the exercises - call it an experiment - and create a communication with the tools, with the universe, with the ... whatever you call It that informs and guides.
Finally, Aliza is the only person who has ever enticed me to really begin to learn Astrology. I know my signs and a little but, but honestly it's always felt a bit too much like a math class the way most astrologers talk about it - honestly, interesting to listen to others talk about but far too much like doing my taxes for me. But the author's communication with the sky, the stars planets, and the way she invites you to get to know them is enchanting - like getting to know interesting characters at a cocktail party you actually are enjoying.
New to magic, or old hat at it, I do believe you will enjoy this book. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage, curl up on the couch in your comfies and give it a go. You won't be sorry... and you just might fall in Love too.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It gives an overview of tarot, astrology, the spirit world, magic, and ritual and how they can be incoporated into your spiritual practices. The sections have homework and references to expand your knowledge. The book is well written, and the practical tips were helpful. The illustrations throughout the book are gorgeous.
I really enjoyed this book. It was such a practical guide into exploring spirituality and utilizing different tools to do that! It also helped me realize that gosh I love Tarot cards and the use of them in meditation.
I had so many wow/whoa moments while reading this amazing book.
If I had to boil down the essence of it to just a few sentences, they would be: You can become a more powerful person when you increase your self awareness. The tools of magic (tarot, astrology, meditation, ritual, trance, etc.) are all useful in increasing your awareness of yourself and others. It is possible to transform things in your life and in the world using magic.
This book will not tell you the meaning of every single tarot card. The author recommends several other sources for that. It will not tell you what every astrological sign points to. What this book does do is to show you how to bring these (and more) different practices together coherently. Additionally by sharing stories about her own journey, the author also demonstrates how to include and incorporate aspects of traditional religions that the reader may have grown up with or may be attracted to. She shows us that it is not necessary to surgically remove parts of ourselves in order to forge a unique, meaningful path of our own . . . Unless we want to.
The author's voice is gentle and encouraging. Poetic. Filled with love for her readers.
If I were still teaching college courses, I would definitely consider using this book in a class on modern forms of religion. It is one of the best examples of living contemporary witchcraft in practice that I have come across.
I felt like half of this book can be summed up as: Do Your Research and You Do You. I liked some of the advice but overall it didn’t feel like much of useful information on any of the topics.
Reading this I felt like I was hanging with one of my Witchy besties. Especially when she talks about the “Cool Stuff” we literally talk about that often and it made me laugh.
Throughout the book the author is reminding, or introducing, you of all the tools and cool stuff you may already have or want to learn about. The fact that she validates that we may have these things put aside and forgotten about them is reality. How many things we get and forget about or use for awhile then move on to something else. It just might not have been the right time for it, but maybe now is the right time.
From Tarot to spirit guides and more, there are a lot of tools at your disposal and this book is a great way to explore some of them and how they fit into your practice. A great read with lots to learn even for experienced witches. Be sure to take the time to explore and practice with the “Homework” listed t throughout the book.
Aliza Einhorn’s book is an intimately written dialogue between her and the reader. She takes the reader on a journey of discovering themself in their magical practice. Einhorn’s down-to-earth, easygoing writing style is personable and creates a feeling of two friends talking to each other rather than a teacher or mentor talking to a student. This is a very beginner-oriented book, but a more experienced practitioner can take away some new perspectives from it as well.
Einhorn is comprehensive and immersive with her writing and her love for her craft shows through the passion seeped into the pages of this book. My only “issues” with it are that it does mention chakras, which are often exotified and taken greatly out of their original context, and that the exercises can be somewhat tarot-heavy, which can be a hurdle for those who do not resonate well with tarot. Because of how often tarot is used in the book, it makes it seem as though tarot is a prerequisite skill for one’s craft. Another thing is that Einhorn doesn’t make an explicit distinction between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation when she talks about her experiences regarding Santa Muerte. As an author and a teacher, this distinction is an important one to impart to a reader, especially those who are newer to their practice.
Regardless, I had a wonderful time reading this book and Einhorn’s love for her practice and her city shines through brightly within its pages.
A Mystical Practical Guide to Magic is a good introduction to magikal aspects such as astrology, magic, tarot, and meditation.
Aliza Einhorn wrote a very thoughtful book including side stories, impacts on her personal life, etc. The personal aspect created a more meaningful reading experience and learning journey. As the initial beginnings of learning you craft can vary so much, it's good to sometimes have a personal journey to relate to.
While I found this book to be a good primer on aspects of learning Magic, I guess I didn't see it wholely from the author's eyes. My experiential learning was skewed a bit and my empasis is on a bit of a different spectrum. No one way is right or correct and I think, ultimately, that was what the author was trying to convey.
The book is well written and the practical tips were helpful. This book would be an asset to anyone starting on the journey to learning about Magic.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
This book is so delightful. There are two reasons why I loved this book so much. The author writes beautiful prose and I love how she structured the book. The author covers tarot, astrology, magic, the invisible world, ritual, writing and moon Pluto magic. In each chapter she has homework suggestions and recommended resources. Some people might think the book is for a beginner. I see where they are coming from but not quite. if you have been going yoga over 20 years but haven’t done yoga in a while because you don’t have the time. Either it’s not really a priority and if that is the case then that is fine. Now you may just need to incorporate structure in your daily life so you make doing yoga a priority. That is what is book is really about no matter what your experience is. The book came out on July 2021 and was written in 2020. The last paragraph was so powerful.