Six Ways: Approaches & Entries for Practical Magic

by Aidan Wachter, Jenn Zahrt (Design)

Six Ways is a handbook of practical skills and methods that help build the foundation of a sound magical practice. Six Ways looks at relationships with allies, sigils, energy work and other simple approaches to magic presented in clear and direct language. It explains how to develop the internal and external skills required for effective practice.

Genres: Witchcraft, Occult, Spirituality, Magick, Magic, Nonfiction, Paganism

168 pages, Paperback

First published April 23, 2018

Reviews

[Plateresca · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first learnt about this book, I was put off by rantboi's review, particularly by the words 'he places all the power outside the practitioner' and 'archangel Michael'. So I'll begin by saying that the book does have everything that's mentioned in the review, but at the same time it didn't produce the same impression on me as on Rantboi. Archangel Michael makes a very brief appearance and you can easily substitute him for any other entity you like. As for the power... well, Aidan Wachter does build relationships with a lot of spirits, but he's always stressing the importance of doing the work, so it's not like he's transferring all responsibility to those spirits, - in fact, it's just the opposite.

The other review I want to mention is M. Todd Webster's. This reviewer says that this book is a 'TARDIS'. I had to google the word, but if I understand it correctly, it's something that looks small but in reality is much larger inside. Well, this is it exactly! This is a smallish book, but very no-nonsense and densely packed with practicable and original insights. I would recommend this book to all my magick friends just for the Re/Claiming of Power exercise (I'd recommend it to non-magick friends, too, actually), which has worked wonders for me.

I know I'm not the only one who judges the book partly by its 'Suggested Reading' :) (well, not quite judge, but, you know, it matters), so I'm happy to report it's quite interesting; I've learnt some new names from it, and was satisfied to see Marie Kondo there, whose The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing is another favourite. There is a section on books of chaos magick which is not for me at this point, but still enough interesting titles before it.

As for examples of things that worked (another of Rantboi's criticisms of Wachter, that he doesn't include them), I believe it is unwise to share actual events from one's practice, for a number of reasons. But I do feel a shift in things that may very well be connected to my enriching my practice with Wachter's suggestions. Then of course I never do just one single thing, so I could never say that I owe this or that result to just one book or teacher. But if you're in doubts whether these methods are working it all, - I think they do, yes.

To sum it up, I loved that this was not another Witchcraft 101 with glitter on eggs. I'd say that I'd love to read more books by Aidan, but actually I've already learnt so much from him I don't necessarily need anything else... And yet I see there is something else written by him, and this I will definitely explore :)

[rantboi · Rating 2 out of 5]

So many glowing reviews! Not a criticism in sight! Is this book the best thing since sliced bread, so there’s nothing really to criticize? Hmm, if only! Curiosity got the better of me and I decided to purchase a copy of my own. I knew the author was into the spirit model, but a promise of a non-dogmatic approach and so many interesting topics covered intrigued me. How was the author going to put all those elements together? Why spirits of course! Servitors aren’t self-created entities in the author’s view, they’re real spirits that get attracted to whatever it is you’re trying to create. The author used to be silly too back in the day, but now he knows The Truth. Spirits are everywhere! And if you want them on your side, better get on your knees and start leaving them offerings. The author takes this concept so far that he’s even making offerings to doorways and doors in his house (I wish that was a joke, but sadly it isn’t).

Anyway, I’m all for learning about how other people practice magic, even if they don’t do it in my style. But this guy is so obsessed with appeasing spirits (of pretty much anything you can think of, including doorways of course!) that I can’t really see what he’s doing as magic. It has more in common with religion, only about a thousand times worse! I’m left wondering how many spirit and ancestral altars he has in his house! Oh, and while he’s not a follower of any religion, he does work with archangel Michael. Well, whatever works I guess.

I read most of the book, but around Chapter 24 I started skimming the less interesting chapters. By the end, most chapters were skimmed because I was tired of hearing about spirits this spirits that. I’m not sure what kind of results the author has had from his obsession with all these spirits, since sadly there are no stories of magic actually working here.

Another thing that might annoy some readers: there are accents on letters s and c that seem to be randomly placed throughout the text. There’s no rhyme or reason to it. It’s just annoying.

So, would I recommend this book to beginners or anyone else for that matter? No. It’s just too dogmatic in its approach. Not to mention that he places all the power outside the practitioner. (I guess this is not really surprising, seeing as the author is a talismanic jeweler. We can’t have people thinking that all the power is inside them, now can we?) Want things to go your way? Better start making those offerings and appeasing those spirits! And watch out for those spirits that want to harm you! Also, while the author admits that his spirit model might not be the reality, he does think it’s The Best approach to it! He’s got years of experience, don’t you know? You don’t believe in spirits or don’t want to work with them? Well, maybe when you’re wiser you’ll come around...

I myself am (obviously) not a fan of the spirit model. I’m more interested in developing my own power instead of calling on someone else’s. The jury is still out whether spirits, gods, and other entities are actually real. To me, it doesn’t really matter either way. In my view, if a spirit or god wants to work with me, they’re free to make contact and tell me what they can bring to the table and for what price. I’m not interested in tracking them down and begging for their help, even if it was proven that they were real. Just not my style. If I wanted to stay on my knees, I would have chosen a religion to practice, not magic.

The extra star is for the excellent chapter on meditation (Entering into Silence). Nothing new, but well presented nonetheless.

Anyway, since this book doesn’t have a preview (I wonder why), here’s the Table of Contents. Be forewarned, while the chapter titles might be intriguing, they’re not as interesting as they sound (unless you’re really into spirits, I guess):

Dedication
Acknowledgements
Pretext
1. Introduction
2. Intention
3. Clarifying the Focus
4. Animism, Essence, Symbiosis
5. Two Worlds and In-Between
6. Gut and Bone
7. Re/Claiming: Self, Power, and Position
8. The Six Ways
9. Entering into Silence
10. Entering into Trance
11. Entering into Power
12. Trance and Traveling
13. Simple Divination: the Pendulum
14. Raising Power and the Magical Voice
15. Offerings
16. For the Dead
17. Petitions
18. Sigils, Servitors, and Spirits
19. Training Power
20. At the Crossroads: A Brief Note on Roles
21. On the Stacking of Skulls
22. The Work of the Weavers
23. Playing the Long Game
24. Sacred Fear
25. On Consecration, a Candle Spell, and Falling in Love
26. Vessels
27. Talismanic Magic
28. Behind the Wall of Sleep
29. The Process of Weeding Out
30. The Ship in Practice
31. Stay Clean
32. Reticulation
33. Dirt Sorcery
Suggested Reading
Index

[Joe Crow · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Bias alert: Aidan’s a longtime friend and sorcererous compatriot, so keep that in mind.)

This is one of those immediately foundational texts that I’ll be recommending to anybody who asks me where to start with magic. This, along with. Jason Miller’s The Sorceror’s Secrets, and Andrieh Vitimus’s Hands-On Chaos Magic, will get you farther and better in magical practice than pretty much any other set of books you’d care to name.
Aidan’s got a clear and intelligent voice, and a practical and non-doctrinaire viewpoint that makes him an excellent teacher and guide. The practices and approaches in this book are gonna be shaping my work for a long time. An animist “dirt, rocks, and string” system of sorcery is what he offers here, where all you need to do the Work is patience, flexibility, and the willingness to listen to yourself and the world around you, as well as good manners when dealing with the folks on the other side of the veil. A little courtesy will get you a long way in this work.

[Samantha Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. As a baby witch, it's everything I knew I needed more information on and a whole lot I didn't -- but it's invaluable. If I were to pick one book to give to new witches, this would be it.

[Astarte Earthwise · Rating 5 out of 5]

As we approach the anticipated “Age of Aquarius” new tools are surfacing, and I believe that Aidan Wachters book Six Ways is a veritable lighthouse for those with a desire to get connected in a no nonsense way to magic, and I know this book is destined to become a new classic for practitioners of Magic and Sorcery. As a teacher of the Metaphysical Artes now for over 40 years, I highly recommend this book. Having read this book, I am already selling my other books on Magic, as this book has all I need.
Reading Aidan’s book is like drinking a nice cold beverage on a hot summer’s day; it refreshes and quenches the thirst. Effortless to read and grasp, full of clear, easy to understand concepts and exercises with a twist of his great sense of humour with no dogma attached, which makes the book even more of a great tonic, guaranteed to move you swiftly towards your magical goals.
After just three weeks of practicing his “reclaiming rite” things shifted and manifested swiftly in my life more than any other practice I’ve experienced, Aidan an Aquarian himself is clear and solid in his teachings and his generosity of spirit goes above and beyond as he is so willing to give and share unstintingly.
Six Ways will guide you to variety of approaches, concepts and entries into magic in the simplest of forms that are obviously proven, as roads that have been travelled successfully. Here Aidan throws away the theory and literally gives you the bones, guts and dirt on how to set up a daily working practice, no matter your level of experience, this book will assist you. It will also remind you of the simple things you used to do, but maybe have forgotten. This work is simple and fluid.
As a fellow animist Aidan’s words resonated deeply. You will find Aidan will guide you through the simplest of instruction for resonating and plugging into working with spirits, allies and entities which will help beginners and can also be applied to existing practices. He will take you, like an old friend through chapters of Intention, Focus, Self Power, Trance, Divination, Raising Power, Offerings, Petitions, Sigils, Crossroads, Weaving, Consecration, Sorcery and a whole lot more. He offers a fresh straightforward view that is timely for the world we live in today. If you want to do more than just read about magic, (don’t we all ) then this book is for you to start living your Magic!
Aidan is also a highly gifted talismanic jeweller whose magical practices are rooted in witchcraft, folk magic, chaos magic, and animistic spirit work. This book, his first will be now high on my recommended reading list, and a must read for my students. I am so very grateful for such a concise, practical and well thought out book on Magic and Sorcery.

[M. Todd Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a TARDIS. It's a lot bigger on the inside than the outside would lead you to believe. In under 200 pages, the author has distilled twenty years of study and experimentation in magic into what he calls "approaches and entries into practical magic". I would call them reflections or perspectives on how magic work and practical suggestions to try. In the three weeks I've had the book, I've successfully tried several of the practices and am eager to try more. By "successfully" I mean that they have made the ship of my daily life, to use the author's favored metaphor, operate more efficiently and sail more smoothly.

There are few spells here, few texts to memorize and recite, few lists of tools, materia, paraphernalia one must have. There is little one can pick out of context and employ at will. What there is, is a style of teaching that will enable you to build your own magical practice, your own craft or sorcery, from the ground up, with your own techniques, contacts, symbols, cosmology.

If you have read scores of books on magic and never found a system that suited you, or learned a dozen systems of magic and gotten bored with the whole business, try this book. It won't offer you a system, only some ideas to think about and things to try that might make magic less boring and your life more livable and meaningful.

[Edric Unsane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Simply an all-around great book on the practice of magic. Six Ways really had me questioning not just my personal practice, but why it couldn't have been on the shelves during my youth. Whether you are new or a veteran of sorcery, Six Ways can be the book that launches us to new heights. Because of the raw, non-dogmatic approach that the Author takes, as well as the abundance of good advice and logical magic and mundane practice, Six ways is going to the top of my magical book recommendation list.
I originally purchased Six Ways because of all the hype surrounding it, well rest assured that the hype is real! Seriously, get a copy.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded down. Clear, well structured, usable, adaptable, and harmonious with more elaborate magical systems. I'm happy to own a copy and will refer to it often.

I read Aidan Wachter's this as part of a book club. It had been on my radar a long time - I even joined Wachter's Facebook group a few months ago, and respect Wachter's way of interacting with his community. I was pleased to see the book covered essential foundational practices well, and surprised to find it so inspiring. I have already ordered and received his other book, "Weaving Fate".

I'll begin with my criticism, one which I have with many magical books: This book doesn't link back to the cultural origins of the theories and practices it presents. To me this is more than just about cultural appropriation (which it is, and doing so because you're striving for something "non-dogmatic" isn't right.) This bad habit of neo-pagan writing and publishing is lazy and limits readers. I sincerely don't mean to insult Wachter. I want to emphasize that we need to have higher standards - and I really ought to begin with myself in my own writing.

This book describes an ecclectic practice, and the author doesn't always identify their origins. I can recognize techniques influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, Yoga, Hoodoo, The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and Nordic Runes. There are archangels and chakras. He refers to witchcraft and shamanry. For some people, that will be a deal-breaker for this book.

My opinions about this have shifted over time. Earlier, I would have thought his approach showed a lack of experience, a copy-and-pasted book. In this book, I recognise a pattern and particular details that indicate experience. In having learned and practiced some different systems now, I sincerely don't think you can find a perfectly authentic and accurate contemporary occult system that doesn't draw from others. (In fact, if they claim so, it's a red flag to me.)

Especially when it comes to effective sorcery without religion, people will use what works - it's a matter of survival. Medieval grimoires are all founded upon this perspective, and so this entitlement runs deep in Western Occultism.

This book has a considerate "Suggested Reading" section that transparently show Wachter's influences, some of which I share. Red Temple Press has also included an index. I think that Wachter should have taken a step further to clarify the sources of his sources.

Wachter describes himself as a "sticks and stones kind of guy" but I'll bet you he's downplaying his experience with more complex ritual magic due to the works he refers to. I think Wachter left many details out for the sake of simplicity, knowing the reader can always do that kind of exploration independently. I appreciate and relate to this deeply. I think he was fairly successful in creating a book with a "simple, direct, non-dogmatic and internally consistent magical approach" (9).

I LOOOOOVE Wachter's defining magic as "falling in love with the field and its inhabitants." (13) "Magic is primarily learning and remembering how to clarify the both known and unknown intentions (or desires [...]) that fill us and how to speak to them in the Field in a way that increases the possibility of a positive, helpful response." (14) What a refreshing change from definitions of magic that all hearken to Crowley and "Will".

Wachter's descriptions of the elemental directions is one of the most succinct and most lovely I have read. He clarifies that they relate to "inner landscapes" as opposed to geography.

Other things I appreciated:

- Explanation of techniques, leaving from for you to feel them out yourself
- Dicussing reality as perception, ordinary and non-ordinary reality
- The importance of a system of disciplined practice that involves learning observation, learning focus, observing the mind and body, and exploring trance without drugs
- A practice of devotion and gratitude
- A practice of discernment
- Emphasizes the work of self-knowledge
- Real examples and exercises to work from

You could - GASP - easily replace the Golden Dawn approach with Wachter's practices. If you never plan to seriously study the Qabalah or Hermetics or what I call "solar" currents of magic, this book is my recommendation to you.

Wachter's definition and discussion of devotion, discretion, integrity and consistency is an excellent contemporary approach to Levi's "To Know, To Will, To Dare, To Keep Silent."

Wachter refers to "Feeding Your Demons" by Tsultrium Allione a few times, and does a fair job summarizing the technique. I've previously reviewed the book, tried the technique and also recommend it. (In hindsight, that practice changed my life.)

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sat on the fence for a long while before picking up a copy. I'm trying to gradually transition myself to more e-books for nonfiction and I was hoping to acquire this one digitally but it doesn't look like that's going to happen so I went ahead and slapped down the $20 for the paperback.

I enjoyed this. I wasn't sure what to expect, not being familiar with the author or any of his work. Sometimes it's best to go into a work without any assumptions coloring the impressions it makes. He's very no-nonsense, no BS. His writing is lean, like the practices he shares. No fat or filler, just the nuts and bolts of effective work. Refreshing. It won't be for everyone, but nothing ever is for everyone and how boring would that be? Wachter's background is a bit of this and a bit of that; folk magic, Feri Witchcraft, animism, and just plain bootstrapping/engineering practices that work. He sort of MacGyvers his way through the occult landscape and it's fun to go along for the ride.

The chapters are short, bite-sized but very rich, like a good truffle. There's a lot going on under the surface! Some of them are like philosophical vignettes, and reading those is a bit like picking someone's brain about a Thing that you have in common. Exercises of various sorts pepper the pages from start to finish. Some were familiar to me (offerings, cleansing, petitions, sigils, etc) others were new-to-me or were described in such a way/from a different perspective that it made engaging with them different. I want to DO them all, which is not typical of my response to how-to Craft books. Typically I can find a few things to cherry-pick and integrate, leaving the rest. I want to at least get my hands dirty with everything suggested in this little green book.

Overall I'd recommend it. For those unsure if it's going to be their cuppa tea, I suggest reading through the excerpts of the book posted on Aidan's blog first.

[Epona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands-down the best book I have read on the topic of practical magic. Invaluable to both beginners and experienced practitioners, Aidan lays out bare-bones approaches to a variety of workings and practices in a refreshingly non-dogmatic tone. His writing style is conversational, which I appreciate, and he covers what are usually difficult and complicated topics with clarity and ease. I will be coming back to "Six Ways" again and again, and indeed might need another copy, since mine is already covered in dirt and ash and water-damaged. :) Highly recommended.

[Reiyn Machine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astounding in its down to earth, humble and friendly approach. This is what I feel magick really is. A perfect mix of animism, chaos and folk magick.

[Frankie Flores ❁ · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent reference book that seeks to guide readers through stripped back magickal practices without the additional layers of existing philosophical or popular magical traditions.

[Sian A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, one of the best books I have ever read on building and developing a spiritual practice. Recommend for beginners and lifers alike.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular

[Edward Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read enough magic(k) and witchcraft intros and how-tos during my first baby steps towards and faltering first attempts at realizing a practice I can actually work with to come to one basic truth: not all books are for all people. I've shelved a few whose ideas I thought were half-baked or poorly explained, and put many, many more back because of bad writing. This book might not be for you. But even if you don't dig Wachter's particular approach to magic, there's no denying that the ideas here are fully cooked and that his writing is not only easy to follow, but it's just damn good writing.

So who is this book for? If you like the idea of actual craft in your witchcraft, getting your hands dirty and actually making things -- meaningful, practical things, then you might like this book. If you prefer clear writing that forgoes the musty jargon, that pulls back the curtain without diminishing the mystery and wonder, you might like this book. If you can get behind someone throwing song lyrics into their incantations, you might like this. If you're a former misanthropic Generation X former goth trying to navigate a late-stage capitalist society full of NFTs and music that makes no sense...well, you might be like me and you might like this book.

It's excellent and I'm torn between re-reading it immediately and getting Wachter's next book. I'll do both eventually. But for now, I need to let some of these ideas sink in and take root. There is some really good stuff in here that I've already started doing and, you know what? It fucking works.

[Kelly Miess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a mature, humble, honest and thoughtful discourse on what it looks like to view the world from an animist perspective. It is an offering of some potential processes or actions that proceed from that worldview in pursuit of personal engagement and growth in that world. I read the book very slowly, working through many of the exercises for some time before continuing. I worked most extensively with the Re/Claiming personal power ritual, performing it for a full lunar cycle as the author recommends. I found much benefit in this practice and would recommend it highly. As a woman who absorbed the lessons and beliefs that women are less (valuable, smart, powerful, capable etc etc etc) than men (and that woman has not?), it was a powerful tool in my ongoing quest to let go of the insidious and tenacious vestiges of those ingrained beliefs. I love the author's voice, humble, earnest and humorous. I was pleased to catch a couple podcasts where he was a guest recently and find his spoken voice is as pleasing and full of humor as his written voice. This is not a book I will put away, but one that will be kept in close reach. There is enough here to keep one busy for a very long time. Thank you Aidan and allies.

[Taylor Ellwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is packed with exercise and concepts that will keep you busy. I would highly recommend it for anyone starting or with some experience who wants to challenge what they know to discover what they can learn. Aidan draws from a variety of perspectives and his experiences and makes the work approachable for his readers. Don't just read this book. Work the exercises and practices and you'll see your magical practice transform.

[Fi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not huge, but it’s packed with so much information and exercises. It reminded me a little bit of Psychic Witch by Mat Auryn, but different. I’ve been combining this book with that one a little and it’s actually been very helpful! This is one of those books that I have 50 different sticky tabs in because I don’t want to forget anything!

I definitely recommend this to beginners, maybe not people who are JUST getting started, but people who are still at the beginning of their witchcraft journey. I LOVED this book, and I loved Aidan Wachter’s writing style. It made me feel much more solid in my practice and I’m really excited to read through it again and put more of the ideas into action.

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best how-to-books on magic I've read so far. Never have I had so much conizise, on the point information in just about 150 pages, and I don't say that lightly. In other words, the short chapters collected here have the brevity and punchiness of a blogpost without being mere ramblings or thoughts without greater context - because, as he likes to state and rightfully so: context is king! Being here to "fall in love with the field and all his inhabitants" (what a lovely notion). Here you get the most important informations how to do in magic and equally important, what and why. Up there with Gordon White and Josephine McCarthy.

[Shad Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can anyone really say that they have finished a book like this? It is meant for revisiting and for periodic review. Wachter has this uncanny ability to write about complex topics in a simple manner; he communicates ontologically challenging concepts with surprising deftness, and one walks away with a greater appreciation for what Magick is from the perspective of a practicing magician. I recommend this book.

[C · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't judge a book by its cover. I did by thinking this book was going to be unique. It was not. This is a very basic beginner's approach to magic that attempts to cover many topics but only at the surface level.

[Thomas Pinneck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aidan Wachter’s Six Ways is one of the most indispensable books on practical magic to emerge in recent years. While many occult texts get mired in obscure language and overly complex systems, Six Ways cuts through the noise with a straightforward, yet deeply insightful, approach that speaks directly to both beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Wachter’s focus is on practicality without sacrificing depth, making this book a breath of fresh air in a field that often prioritizes theory over application.

The true strength of Six Ways lies in its accessibility. Wachter strips magic down to its essentials, offering clear guidance on developing the fundamental skills needed for a strong practice: building relationships with spirits, working with sigils, manipulating energy, and more. He approaches each topic with a simplicity that does not diminish the power of the techniques he describes. This clarity makes Six Ways one of those rare books that can transform how a practitioner views their own work, regardless of their level of experience.

Wachter’s presentation of the material feels personal and engaging, almost as if he’s speaking directly to the reader. This conversational tone, combined with his emphasis on building a solid foundation, makes the book feel more like an apprenticeship than a manual. He does not overwhelm the reader with rigid rules or dogma but instead provides a range of flexible methods that can be adapted to suit individual needs and styles. His emphasis on using what works, rather than adhering to a prescribed system, is both empowering and refreshing.

Where Six Ways truly shines is in its holistic approach to magic. Wachter understands that magic is not just about spells and rituals—it is about developing an ongoing relationship with the forces, allies, and energies that shape our reality. His discussions on working with local spirits and the land, for example, illustrate a grounded approach that many texts overlook. This focus on relationship-building is woven throughout the book, encouraging readers to see magic as a living practice that evolves with them over time.

Six Ways is an essential addition to any magical library, offering a comprehensive toolkit for developing the core skills needed for effective practice. It fills a crucial gap in modern occult literature by providing techniques that are accessible, adaptable, and immediately applicable. Wachter’s pragmatic approach and respect for the reader’s own experience make this book a standout, one that will remain relevant and useful for years to come.

[Krisanne Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book focused on spirit work and how to connect that to your magic(k). What I appreciated was that it was very focused in that vein. There were practical exercises that were built upon, and they weren't just left as random exercises to perform. There were reasons behind all of them. The magical techniques were simple, but consistent, which reinforces the "practical" aspect of it. I just really appreciated this as a magical system that didn't try to include everything in the magical realm and its cousin.

The tone of the book is just right for me, but it won't work for everyone. The author is cocky, but not snobby. I knew that going in, from an interview I had heard with him, and that was part of why I was so excited to read it. He knows his stuff. He is a jeweler by trade, and there was one exercise/magickal technique that clearly reflected that, by making a beaded necklace. That part isn't so much my cup of tea, but others like making sigils and petition boxes is. There was a section towards the end about "clearing" yourself of "attachments," and this reminded me of Scientology's thetans, so that got a little side-eye from me. But I get his point about basically clearing yourself of negativity that surrounds you. As with everything, take what works for you and discard the rest. Maybe a slightly different technique would work better for me, but with the same end goal.

Another minor complaint I have is the font choice. It seems like every time there's an "st" "sp" "ct" or "st" there's a little curl connecting the letters at the top. It made the text reminiscent of the old fonts that used an f instead of an s, and let me tell you, it's really fucking annoying. Took me at least 1/3 of the book, maybe more, before I was able to ignore the weird font and not overemphasize the words/sounds in my head.

One last point I would like to make is about style choice when it comes to writing out spells and incantations. He's very plainspoken, and admits to that. He uses language from rock songs and modern dialect, rather than the faux-medieval language common to magickal practitioners. Again, it's a style choice that I appreciate, because I connect with modern music more than the LotR-type language. I appreciate Wachter as a practitioner who is not trying to please everyone, and has an effective system that I will absolutely be incorporating into my practice.

[Helen Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just have to share how much I absolutely love "Six Ways: Approaches & Entries for Practical Magic" by Aidan Wachter. 🌙✨ This book has become one of those treasured companions in my magical journey that I know I'll keep returning to again and again.

Wachter has an incredible way of making complex concepts feel accessible without watering them down. He dives into the essentials of building a solid magical practice, covering everything from forging relationships with allies to the art of sigil crafting and energy work. What really stands out is how practical and hands-on his approaches are—it's not just theory, but stuff you can actually put into practice and see results from.

The simplicity and clarity of his writing make it feel like you're having a deep conversation with a wise friend rather than reading a textbook. There's an authenticity and down-to-earth vibe that makes the material resonate on a personal level. I found myself nodding along, jotting down notes, and feeling genuinely inspired to try out the methods he describes.

A shout-out to Jenn Zahrt for the design—it's beautifully laid out, and the aesthetics really enhance the overall experience. The visuals are clean and supportive of the content, making the book not just informative but also a pleasure to read.

What I appreciate most is that "Six Ways" doesn't prescribe a one-size-fits-all path. Instead, it offers a toolbox of techniques and encourages you to find what works best for you. It's empowering and liberating, reminding us that magic is a deeply personal and evolving practice.

Whether you're just starting out or have been practicing for years, there's a wealth of wisdom here. I've integrated several of Wachter's methods into my own practice, and they've genuinely made a difference. The emphasis on developing both internal and external skills has helped me deepen my connection to magic in a more holistic way.

If you're seeking a practical guide that cuts through the noise and gets to the heart of effective magic, I can't recommend "Six Ways" enough. It's insightful, engaging, and truly transformative.

Happy reading and blessed be! 🌟

[Sophy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books about how to do magic. They tell you to all the correspondences to water, or love or whatever. They offer spells for love and prosperity, or tell you all the things you need to buy for your alter to be a proper witch.

And then there are books about how to live magic. This is one of them. This is a book about philosophy and magical theory, but it is also a head on, dirt-under-fingernails guide to approach to practicing magic. With a sharp intellect, whit and humility, Wachter provides the reader with a peek into his ways of seeing the world (or the Field, as he calls it) from the perspective of a magical being in a magical existence. He doesn't fuss around with how you ought to go about your business, but how to approach it. You do you, your practice is your own, but he gives you a foundation to stand on while doing it, and this is something that you rarely get in this genre of literature. Instead of "how", you get the "why", or at least a suggestion thereof. The rest is up to you.

This is, hands down, one of the best books I've read on magic. I come into this from an academic context, and in Wachter's work, I find nods to both chaos magic and Deleuzian philosophy without it getting either confusing or pretentious. Reading this feels like finding a home. Being the infuriating creature that I am, always striving for going deeper, discovering more, connecting thoughts, ideas and visions that weren't connected before, this book feels like a great conversation with a peer. If you are the same, then this is the book for you. If you are not the same, this is probably still the book for you. So read it. Read it before you read the other books. Plant the seeds, dig your toes into this dirt magic and you will be rewarded.

[Sylvia Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six Ways is a true gem in the world of practical magic—a refreshingly straightforward, hands-on guide that delivers depth without unnecessary complexity. Aidan Wachter’s approach is honest, accessible, and rooted in experience, making it a fantastic resource for both beginners and seasoned practitioners who want to deepen their magical practice.

Wachter covers a range of core practices: building relationships with spiritual allies, creating and empowering sigils, and doing effective energy work. What really sets Six Ways apart is how clearly Wachter explains these concepts without sacrificing their depth. Each section gives you tools you can immediately use while still encouraging exploration and personalization. You won’t find fluff or filler here; every page feels purposeful and practical.

There’s a strong emphasis on building skills from the ground up, with Wachter focusing on both inner and outer work in a balanced way. He’s candid about what works and what doesn’t, offering insights that feel grounded and honest, without a hint of ego or mystification. The writing itself is clear and direct, cutting through the noise and making magical practice feel accessible and doable.

If you’re looking to build a solid, personalized foundation in magic, Six Ways is an invaluable guide. Wachter’s approach is as empowering as it is practical, giving you the tools you need to make magic a real, integrated part of your life.

[Cosette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aidan Wachter’s Six Ways is a concise yet comprehensive guide to practical magic, offering solid information for those ready to deepen their practice. At less than 160 pages, it covers an impressive range of topics, distilling complex concepts into clear and accessible language. Wachter draws from diverse influences—Eastern practices, African Diasporic traditions, animism, Witchcraft, and the occult—and integrates them into a cohesive and practical approach.

This book shines in its emphasis on foundational tools: devotion, discretion, integrity, and consistency. Wachter places animism and relationships with the world at the heart of his practice, making this book especially resonant for those who see magic as inherently relational and reciprocal. Topics include spirits, offerings, meditation, trance, divination, sigils, servitors, shadow work, and creating sacred spaces.

While seasoned practitioners might not find new insights here, they may appreciate revisiting core principles. On the other hand, someone completely new to magic might be puzzled by certain references—such as the Headless Rite—that assume prior knowledge. Six Ways feels most appropriate for someone with some familiarity with basic magical concepts who is seeking a more integrated and holistic perspective.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very useful book for those interested in witchcraft with a spirit work approach. The short chapters are full of great nuggets of wisdom, often buried inside of paragraphs. The chapters on meditation and trance are excellent. The suggested additional reading chapter is top notch too.

This is not an instructional book so much as a series of articles on the author's own practices written in a way that can be adapted to enhance any other spirit-focused personal practice. Wachter perfectly illustrates that our practices are completely our own and open to endless customization and improvement. It was exactly what I hoped it would be and I expect I'll occasionally reread parts of it for many years to come.

The book itself is gorgeous, though I really do wish there was an e-book available. The choice to use a font with random embellishments over some letters only sometimes was odd, but Wachter clearly has a strong personal aesthetic and I imagine the font has something to do with that.

[Deborah Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is indeed what it says, an approach to practical magic. Aidan offers what, for lack of a better term, are easy ways to get into a good magical mindset and subsequently, easy spells. That's not to say there's no work involved because, as most magical practitioners know, there always is.

Aidan writes as if he's in conversation with you, which I really like. A caveat: if you don't like it when people use some profanity in their conversation, you're not going to like this type of writing.

While no book is the be-all-and-end-all of a magical approach, there's more to keep in this one than discard because it doesn't fit.

One note: I found the font used for the body of the text disconcerting. It used ligatures between 's' and 't' (for example) that really detracted from the reading process. But that's just me - it may not bother you at all.

[Gianmichael Salvato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six Ways: Approaches & Entries for Practical Magic by Aidan Wachter is another of those books that can easily be overlooked, but surprises with a simple, straightforward handbook for magickal practitioners. With topical focus on folk-magick, animism, chaos magick, witchcraft and occultism, Wachter explores more than just the ritual itself. He explores the relationships we cultivate in the seen and unseen realms, through discovering new pathways to Otherworlds.

I said it could be deceivingly easy to dismiss a book that is "only" 168 pages; however, what the reader will find is a densely-packed volume of so much wisdom, presented in a way that is accessible by the novice practitioner and lifelong witch alike.

The book is well-sourced, practical, and even entertaining. Highly recommended reading, and a valued book to have handy.