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Wicca Practical Magic: The Guide to Get Started with Magical Herbs, Oils & Crystals
Learn the practical applications of Wicca with this helpful beginner's guide
Wicca Practical Magic is a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for those yearning to deepen their connection to the natural world. This helpful beginner's guide, written by renowned Wicca expert Patti Wigington, will become an important addition to your reference library, one you'll turn to over and over again when you want to put your beliefs into magical action.
You'll use a variety of tools—including herbs, crystals, and oils—to develop your magical intuition and manifest health, protection, love, and prosperity.
Wicca Practical Magic
Improve your life, evolve into the best version of yourself, and develop your craft with Wicca Practical Magic .
Wicca Practical Magic is a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for those yearning to deepen their connection to the natural world. This helpful beginner's guide, written by renowned Wicca expert Patti Wigington, will become an important addition to your reference library, one you'll turn to over and over again when you want to put your beliefs into magical action.
You'll use a variety of tools—including herbs, crystals, and oils—to develop your magical intuition and manifest health, protection, love, and prosperity.
Wicca Practical Magic
Improve your life, evolve into the best version of yourself, and develop your craft with Wicca Practical Magic .
202 pages, Paperback
Published June 6, 2017
242 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 5, 2021
Wicca Practical Magic: Not about the movie (which I loooooved)
I am not a Wiccan, but I have some tendencies, enough that I accepted a free copy of this book to review. I learned long ago that there is an incredible amount of power in belief alone, so my lack there of should not be a quanitifier of fact or proof.
Growing up in a region with a strong religious presence, I dabbled in anything NOT the norm where I lived. I spent some evenings at the Krishna temple, did some research on Catholicism, and was also a passenger on the Wiccan train. The latter, as you know from the title of this review, is where the emphasis of this review will reside.
I find that people deny the overlap between their beliefs and those of other religions. Ditto where science is concerned. Belief and science are often loving bed partners. For example, In science, we know that the right resonant frequency combined with aerodynamic ‘Flutter’ can shake a bridge to pieces. So why is it negatively reflected when a religion has belief in rocks that react to frequencies or influence humans? Closed minded silliness.
Wicca Practical Magic: The Guide to Get Started with Magical Herbs, Oils, and Crystals (Patti Wigington)
Does spellwork, candle magic, or potions work? I never had much luck with my own tests, but I could never bake a wedding cake, or remove an appendix either. I leave those things to experts and people with a passion I lack. I do believe that mindful meditation should be taught in every school on the planet. Cut out the religion, and just help people center themselves and become more cognizant of self.
Quick Gripe:
Some lawyer placed a disclaimer in the copyright section touting that this book stands by itself in support of it’s contents. This just pisses me off. The same statement would never be placed in a Bible or a Vegan cookbook, or physics overview.. Was it a joyless reminder of social views? Or to cover their bases when a crackpot decides to exclusively self medicate?
About the book:
WPM is built and formatted like a classic field guide. Instead of birds or wilderness training, it presents sections on History, natural ingredients, usage, and even mindful meditation.
Beginning with the history of general Pagan beliefs, Polytheistic lifestyles and fundemental Wiccan info, the space alloted for history can only gloss over the depth of knowledge available. While fascinating, this is a one shot history lesson with minimal repeat value. This section is more likely to drive you down some wikipedia rabbit holes looking for deeper info on topics loosely touched on.
More fascinating was the breakout field guide sections disclosing herbs and plants. The book dictates their use in the creation of potions and ceremony, but more importantly, the disclosure of general herbal info. For example: While touted benefits may exist for things like Basil oil, it can have stimulant effects and pregnant women should be aware of as it can cause contra-indications. Sensible knowledge to share.
Oils and tinctures are discussed with Wicca specific perspective. I am a hardwired disbeliever of oil therapy right up until it benefits me, making it difficult to deny effect. I scoff under my breath until I am in a high priced mall and find peppermint lotions designed to remove headaches; get a bad allergy attack and my wife shares a concoction with me that immediately diminishes the symptoms; experience a bout of gout which gets temporary relief by a mixture of oils I would never think of.
Full circle, the guide returns to crystals used for theraputic and magical value. While the magical aspect is not in my realm of belief, I do believe in resonance of objects and was fascinated by the details contained.
I only glanced over the sections in spellwork and ritual. I have learned over the years that I only have a tourists interest in those topics.
From a field guide perspective, this book can act as a solid primer for anyone looking to begin investigation into Wicca (or looking for an easy reference guide). It is even priced appropriately to not break the bank.
—
Disclosure: This book was provided by the author or publisher for review purposes. I may not be a religious person, but I am a zealot for honestly shared perspectives.
I am not a Wiccan, but I have some tendencies, enough that I accepted a free copy of this book to review. I learned long ago that there is an incredible amount of power in belief alone, so my lack there of should not be a quanitifier of fact or proof.
Growing up in a region with a strong religious presence, I dabbled in anything NOT the norm where I lived. I spent some evenings at the Krishna temple, did some research on Catholicism, and was also a passenger on the Wiccan train. The latter, as you know from the title of this review, is where the emphasis of this review will reside.
I find that people deny the overlap between their beliefs and those of other religions. Ditto where science is concerned. Belief and science are often loving bed partners. For example, In science, we know that the right resonant frequency combined with aerodynamic ‘Flutter’ can shake a bridge to pieces. So why is it negatively reflected when a religion has belief in rocks that react to frequencies or influence humans? Closed minded silliness.
Wicca Practical Magic: The Guide to Get Started with Magical Herbs, Oils, and Crystals (Patti Wigington)
Does spellwork, candle magic, or potions work? I never had much luck with my own tests, but I could never bake a wedding cake, or remove an appendix either. I leave those things to experts and people with a passion I lack. I do believe that mindful meditation should be taught in every school on the planet. Cut out the religion, and just help people center themselves and become more cognizant of self.
Quick Gripe:
Some lawyer placed a disclaimer in the copyright section touting that this book stands by itself in support of it’s contents. This just pisses me off. The same statement would never be placed in a Bible or a Vegan cookbook, or physics overview.. Was it a joyless reminder of social views? Or to cover their bases when a crackpot decides to exclusively self medicate?
About the book:
WPM is built and formatted like a classic field guide. Instead of birds or wilderness training, it presents sections on History, natural ingredients, usage, and even mindful meditation.
Beginning with the history of general Pagan beliefs, Polytheistic lifestyles and fundemental Wiccan info, the space alloted for history can only gloss over the depth of knowledge available. While fascinating, this is a one shot history lesson with minimal repeat value. This section is more likely to drive you down some wikipedia rabbit holes looking for deeper info on topics loosely touched on.
More fascinating was the breakout field guide sections disclosing herbs and plants. The book dictates their use in the creation of potions and ceremony, but more importantly, the disclosure of general herbal info. For example: While touted benefits may exist for things like Basil oil, it can have stimulant effects and pregnant women should be aware of as it can cause contra-indications. Sensible knowledge to share.
Oils and tinctures are discussed with Wicca specific perspective. I am a hardwired disbeliever of oil therapy right up until it benefits me, making it difficult to deny effect. I scoff under my breath until I am in a high priced mall and find peppermint lotions designed to remove headaches; get a bad allergy attack and my wife shares a concoction with me that immediately diminishes the symptoms; experience a bout of gout which gets temporary relief by a mixture of oils I would never think of.
Full circle, the guide returns to crystals used for theraputic and magical value. While the magical aspect is not in my realm of belief, I do believe in resonance of objects and was fascinated by the details contained.
I only glanced over the sections in spellwork and ritual. I have learned over the years that I only have a tourists interest in those topics.
From a field guide perspective, this book can act as a solid primer for anyone looking to begin investigation into Wicca (or looking for an easy reference guide). It is even priced appropriately to not break the bank.
—
Disclosure: This book was provided by the author or publisher for review purposes. I may not be a religious person, but I am a zealot for honestly shared perspectives.
May 23, 2017
Patti has been writing informational articles about the practice for years on About.com and she brings this book to life with accurate history and exceptional information. This is not just another 101 book that is recycling information someone has read on a blog or another book. This is a clear cut reference book that can be used for ages.
I was most impressed with her pages devoted to herbs and crystals. Not only does she explain herbal and crystal magic, she offers up information about specific herbs and crystals. While some other 101 books may include this sort of information, they often offer up the same stuff repeatedly. Patti offers information on a wide variety of herbs and crystals, some I have only found in specific reference books devoted to herbs or crystals. The fact that she makes a point to offer up some fresh information is fantastic and separates herself from the others.
Speaking of fresh information, seeing recipes for various oils, rituals, and spellwork is absolutely fantastic. There is nothing worse than reading about what to do and why we do it and we are left still wondering how to do it. The meditations are a fantastic addition as well. I never found anything on meditations when I began my journey 16 years ago and had to figure it out on my own and through talking with others. It’s a blessing to have so much information available to the masses!
I also think this is a great resource for family members of someone interested in becoming Wiccan. It’s hard to watch a family member shift spiritually when you have no knowledge about what it is they are getting into. And as is the case with Wicca, often folks are misinformed about what it is. This book clearly offers up what it is Wiccans do and why they do it. It becomes a valuable book when it’s written in such a way that it can educate anyone open to understanding.
From my blog post: http://angelakunschmann.com/wicca-pra...
I was most impressed with her pages devoted to herbs and crystals. Not only does she explain herbal and crystal magic, she offers up information about specific herbs and crystals. While some other 101 books may include this sort of information, they often offer up the same stuff repeatedly. Patti offers information on a wide variety of herbs and crystals, some I have only found in specific reference books devoted to herbs or crystals. The fact that she makes a point to offer up some fresh information is fantastic and separates herself from the others.
Speaking of fresh information, seeing recipes for various oils, rituals, and spellwork is absolutely fantastic. There is nothing worse than reading about what to do and why we do it and we are left still wondering how to do it. The meditations are a fantastic addition as well. I never found anything on meditations when I began my journey 16 years ago and had to figure it out on my own and through talking with others. It’s a blessing to have so much information available to the masses!
I also think this is a great resource for family members of someone interested in becoming Wiccan. It’s hard to watch a family member shift spiritually when you have no knowledge about what it is they are getting into. And as is the case with Wicca, often folks are misinformed about what it is. This book clearly offers up what it is Wiccans do and why they do it. It becomes a valuable book when it’s written in such a way that it can educate anyone open to understanding.
From my blog post: http://angelakunschmann.com/wicca-pra...
July 1, 2018
First of all, I want to throw out the fact that I am not Wiccan--just full of curiosity when it comes to different religions and things of a metaphysical nature. I've recently started collecting different gem stones and dabbling with different essential oils, so the fact that these are widely used in Wicca caught my interest.
While some of the information contained in this book was a bit hard to wrap my head around, (specifically the use of a "magical broom" for the cleansing of different spaces and the use of "ceremonial knives" to represent cutting ties and banishment) a lot of it felt fairly natural.
Some of the things Wigington stated about the spiritual effects of the different seasons and the power of nature and the elements made absolute complete sense. I've always had such a strong affinity with nature and this summer (perhaps more than ever) I've felt the peace that comes with having your bare feet in the green grass, digging your hands into rich soil, and watching the things you planted burst into color and abundance. It makes my heart happy. 🌻🌿🌲🌱
This was well-organized and easily understood by someone with absolutely zero background knowledge on the subject, which is all I could really ask for from this type of book.
While some of the information contained in this book was a bit hard to wrap my head around, (specifically the use of a "magical broom" for the cleansing of different spaces and the use of "ceremonial knives" to represent cutting ties and banishment) a lot of it felt fairly natural.
Some of the things Wigington stated about the spiritual effects of the different seasons and the power of nature and the elements made absolute complete sense. I've always had such a strong affinity with nature and this summer (perhaps more than ever) I've felt the peace that comes with having your bare feet in the green grass, digging your hands into rich soil, and watching the things you planted burst into color and abundance. It makes my heart happy. 🌻🌿🌲🌱
This was well-organized and easily understood by someone with absolutely zero background knowledge on the subject, which is all I could really ask for from this type of book.
July 29, 2019
Very Insightful Read
I love how thorough the author was. I could visualize the descriptions of how to use the elements and tools. I now have a better understanding of witchcraft and Wicca. Though I still have much to learn this is a very good place to start.
I love how thorough the author was. I could visualize the descriptions of how to use the elements and tools. I now have a better understanding of witchcraft and Wicca. Though I still have much to learn this is a very good place to start.
June 6, 2017
Patti has mastered teaching both the art and the science of Magic! I have been a practicing witch for over 40 years; Wicca Practical Magic makes the basics fresh again, then takes you beyond "Wicca 101" and offers information you won't find in other places. Gain a foundation in your craft, then learn how to apply that knowledge in your day-to-day life. If you are new to Wicca and witchcraft, buy two copies: one for you, and one to help your family understand where you are going on your spiritual and magical path. If you are NOT new to Wicca, this book is an incredible reference resource!
May 23, 2017
Perfect Balance
I found that Wicca Practical Magic held a perfect balance of teaching magic and the art of ritual. I would recommend this book to both beginner and expert. I loved the websites listed, the books listed and the way the references were listed. Made them all easy to find and research further if needed.
Patti Wigington did an excellent job of both writing and researching.
I found that Wicca Practical Magic held a perfect balance of teaching magic and the art of ritual. I would recommend this book to both beginner and expert. I loved the websites listed, the books listed and the way the references were listed. Made them all easy to find and research further if needed.
Patti Wigington did an excellent job of both writing and researching.
May 28, 2017
A fascinating and useful combination of history and hands-on practice
The cover of Patti Wigington’s latest book, Wicca Practical Magic, ought to have the middle word, “PRACTICAL,” in 72-point Helvetica bold caps. I’m sure the rest of the colorful cover elements can be squeezed in around it.
This book hits all my high points. History Research. Recipes. (I can has Crescent Ritual Cakes nao please?) A bounty of spells. A wealth of crystal lore. Candles. Ceremonies. Circles. Rituals. Celebrations.
The book overflows with all this information without causing flashbacks to the classes we all tried to stay awake for in college. Her style is one hundred percent accessible: Wigington’s book reads as though you’re having a cup of tea over conversation in the kitchen with her.
Wigington leads the reader step by step from the basic information of Wicca through finding one’s own path and onto specific rites and celebrations. Tucked into these is advice on altars and tools and circles, herbs and candles and crystals. And all of it is as easy to read and follow as a favorite recipe.
Speaking of recipes: I read many books on the writing craft and I always find at least one point of connection, one nugget of advice to carry with me. As I read Wicca Practical Magic I realized that if Wicca was my personal path, the choice was a no-brainer: I’d be a kitchen witch.
If this book spoke to me in such a clear way, I can say with confidence that it is essential reading for anyone exploring Wicca. And Wiccans who are interested in a refresher. Or searching for new elements to their rituals. Or history nerds, like me. And research lovers, too.
This book absorbed me. It’s a winner.
The cover of Patti Wigington’s latest book, Wicca Practical Magic, ought to have the middle word, “PRACTICAL,” in 72-point Helvetica bold caps. I’m sure the rest of the colorful cover elements can be squeezed in around it.
This book hits all my high points. History Research. Recipes. (I can has Crescent Ritual Cakes nao please?) A bounty of spells. A wealth of crystal lore. Candles. Ceremonies. Circles. Rituals. Celebrations.
The book overflows with all this information without causing flashbacks to the classes we all tried to stay awake for in college. Her style is one hundred percent accessible: Wigington’s book reads as though you’re having a cup of tea over conversation in the kitchen with her.
Wigington leads the reader step by step from the basic information of Wicca through finding one’s own path and onto specific rites and celebrations. Tucked into these is advice on altars and tools and circles, herbs and candles and crystals. And all of it is as easy to read and follow as a favorite recipe.
Speaking of recipes: I read many books on the writing craft and I always find at least one point of connection, one nugget of advice to carry with me. As I read Wicca Practical Magic I realized that if Wicca was my personal path, the choice was a no-brainer: I’d be a kitchen witch.
If this book spoke to me in such a clear way, I can say with confidence that it is essential reading for anyone exploring Wicca. And Wiccans who are interested in a refresher. Or searching for new elements to their rituals. Or history nerds, like me. And research lovers, too.
This book absorbed me. It’s a winner.
December 21, 2024
Wicca Practical Magic: Getting Started with Magical Herbs, Oils, & Crystals by Patti Wigington is a warm and approachable introduction to Wiccan magic. Wigington offers a brief overview of Wicca before diving into practical guides on herbs, oils, and crystals. The book also includes simple spells, meditations, and foundational rituals, making it a perfect entry point for beginners looking to integrate magic into their daily lives.
While it doesn't delve deeply into the history of Wicca, spirit work, or more complex magickal theory, it provides an accessible and hands-on foundation. This book is a great choice for those who are curious about Wicca and want to start with tangible, everyday practices. It's a gentle and inviting resource that opens the door to further exploration.
While it doesn't delve deeply into the history of Wicca, spirit work, or more complex magickal theory, it provides an accessible and hands-on foundation. This book is a great choice for those who are curious about Wicca and want to start with tangible, everyday practices. It's a gentle and inviting resource that opens the door to further exploration.
April 10, 2021
I received this as a gift an I absolutely love it! It's a very easy read, which I appreciate since I am very much a beginner. There is a lot of information to take in but the book itself is outlined beautifully and really easy to absorb. This is a great reference book that you will find yourself coming back to.
Which is why, I recommend purchasing the spiral notebook version instead. (I was gifted the soft cover book) It's available on Amazon. It displays much better if you need the book to stay open while you're preoccupied doing something else or taking notes.
Which is why, I recommend purchasing the spiral notebook version instead. (I was gifted the soft cover book) It's available on Amazon. It displays much better if you need the book to stay open while you're preoccupied doing something else or taking notes.
June 30, 2018
Lost and yearning
I have been lost and my life filled with famous and negative energy since I put aside my practices and discontinued assisting others with the healing of Reiki. This was a book that called to me and I found to be beneficial in my path out of chaos. I would recommend this to those searching for a more spiritual connection to their self and their higher power, or just interested in essential oils and crystals.
AssillemNoiri.
I have been lost and my life filled with famous and negative energy since I put aside my practices and discontinued assisting others with the healing of Reiki. This was a book that called to me and I found to be beneficial in my path out of chaos. I would recommend this to those searching for a more spiritual connection to their self and their higher power, or just interested in essential oils and crystals.
AssillemNoiri.
April 18, 2021
Loved it!!!!
This book was so well written. I learned so much and I appreciated how the topics were organized. I’m buying a paperback copy to use for reference!!!! Such a good book!
This book was so well written. I learned so much and I appreciated how the topics were organized. I’m buying a paperback copy to use for reference!!!! Such a good book!
June 18, 2018
This is a really great book for beginners and people who are interested in learning about different parts of Wicca!
September 7, 2018
Good book for beginners
It covered all the necessary info for someone getting started with Wicca in easy to understand explanations of rituals and spells.
It covered all the necessary info for someone getting started with Wicca in easy to understand explanations of rituals and spells.
January 20, 2019
Amazing Read
This book was packed full of information, very easy to read, and highly recommended to those just starting out. Thank you for sharing this information.
This book was packed full of information, very easy to read, and highly recommended to those just starting out. Thank you for sharing this information.
February 4, 2019
The information was knowledgeable and useful, I feel this is a good reference book for beginners.
February 4, 2019
Very informative. Will be using it as a reference. I would highly recommend this book to others.
July 2, 2019
I thought this was very informative to someone new to Wicca and easy to read. It never over explained but still held exactly what you needed to know.
I especially liked the chapter on Sabbats and Esbats.
The spells were simple and straight forward,
I think this would be a good resource for anyone interested in learning more about Wicca.
I especially liked the chapter on Sabbats and Esbats.
The spells were simple and straight forward,
I think this would be a good resource for anyone interested in learning more about Wicca.
March 1, 2021
Awesome
I liked this book ot as a beginner in my practice, it gives you alot of good references to go read about as well. Great book! Buy it!
I liked this book ot as a beginner in my practice, it gives you alot of good references to go read about as well. Great book! Buy it!
November 6, 2023
Great little starter book for beginner witches and Wiccan, goes into some history, has some spells, crystals, and herbs listed and their uses
July 9, 2025
The symbols for the elemental symbols in this book are incorrect. That makes me think more information is incorrect as well. Not good that Patti didn't double check that before publishing.
June 4, 2025
Incredibly fun book!!
July 22, 2017
I thought Wicca Practical Magic to be a great starter book on the subject. It does a wonderful job of explaining what it is, what it's not, the history as well as what magic really means today. I also found it a great resource to have handy as there are sections on stones, herbs and oils, and spells to reference throughout your journey.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews