The Dabbler's Guide to Witchcraft: Seeking an Intentional Magical Path

by Fire Lyte

Challenge your assumptions about witchcraft, Paganism, and spiritual seeking and learn how to craft your own magical path with this timely and entertaining exploration of what it means to practice witchcraft from the host of the Inciting A Riot podcast .

If you’ve ever wanted to burn your ex’s old stuff in a trash can while drinking wine with your friends and reading tarot cards under the light of the full moon, you already know that magic is an essential part of our human existence. But what is magic, anyway? And are witches real? Where do I start if I want to build a deeper, more personal magical practice? (I mean…can I just make sh*t up?)

Perfect for anyone who has wanted to get a little witchy but not known where to start, The Dabbler ’ s Guide to Witchcraft provides everything you need to discover more about modern witchcraft while forging your own magical path in a responsible and informed way. Fire Lyte takes us on a thoughtful, compulsively readable, and provocative journey, addressing topics such
-Pop culture and witchcraft
-The intersection of science and spirituality
-Gatekeeping and inclusivity in the magical community
-“Good” vs “bad” magic (spoiler there’s no such thing!)
-Why a coffee pot or Dutch oven is just as effective as a cauldron

He also provides eleven spell canvasses, perfect for beginners and practicing witches alike to expand their spell-casting repertoire.

Whether you’re just starting on your spiritual journey or recent events have inspired you to reexamine your current magical path, this humorous, practical, and insightful book provides a roadmap for anyone curious about enriching their practice.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Witches, Magic, Audiobook, Religion

272 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2021

About the author

For more than ten years, Fire Lyte has interviewed self-identified witches, fairy experts, goblin hunters, paranormal investigators, and even a werewolf on his podcast Inciting A Riot. His thousands of listeners worldwide tune in as he examines magic, witchcraft, Paganism, and spiritual seekership through a diverse, inclusive lens with a balance of modern science, critical thought, and pop culture. He lives in the Chicago suburbs with his husband and vast array of fur children.

Reviews

[Ross Blocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to read an advanced copy, and may follow up with more details once it's published, but I'll say for now:

This may be witchcraft for the dabbler, but there's plenty here for the alternative religionist, spiritual seeker and skeptic as well. Fire Lyte's playful and thoughtful guided tour conveys the range of Pagan belief while leaving plenty of room for personal expression. It's an engaging window into timely (and timeless) discussions around magic, science, evidence, appropriation, economics and inclusion as they influence daily practice. This answered a lot of questions for me about the history of witchcraft and the range of beliefs within the larger community, as well as how someone who values science, logic and evidence can navigate through an admitted abundance of pseudoscience to find a spot for the broomstick and cauldron (or perhaps a more affordable crock-pot) in their life.

[Paperback Pagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got the audio book from a online platform and then immediately went to the bookstore to buy a copy. I plan to get a second copy to give to my adult daughter, This is the introduction to witchcraft I want for my child.

This might be the best book for beginners I have ever read. At the same time it is a great read for everyone in the witchcraft community, whether you've been at it 2 weeks or 20 years you will probably get something out of this.

It avoids big glamorous claims and stays honest and informative.

The book addresses the things you would want someone new to witchcraft to know and it is a very validating book to everyone who is not a beginner but has struggled with the moral dilemmas and cognitive dissonance you run into in the witching world.

While the author is pagan, The book is very friendly to every religious ideology and is pretty secular. It focuses instead on witchcraft as a practice that anyone can take up.

The spell templates at the end of the book are fun and playful and they even address accessibility.

This book is Skeptical, Atheist/Agnostic, and Science Seeking friendly!

[Serena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did something with this book that I rarely have done in my life. I didn't finish it. I got 125 pages in and wondered why I was still going. When I picked up this book and looked at the summary, it sounded good. I wanted to explore some beginnings of magic and how to maybe start on a specific magical path, which it sounded just like what this book would provide to me. Instead, what I ended up reading in these 125 pages rarely talked about actual magic. There were many tangents, including discussing cultural appropriation, how minorities aren't monoliths, gatekeeping, Legally Blonde, and other non-magical topics - I should state that I didn't necessarily disagree with a lot of what was written in these tangents, but they were not what I was looking for with this book. The author tried to tie them together with magic, but it was a pretty far stretch (e.g., magic takes perseverance, just like Elle Woods had).

When I first picked up the book, I had flipped through nonchalantly and noticed at the end, there appeared to be spells. Upon closer inspection, they were really just science projects. For example, one was titled "Make it Rain", which then included how to make rain in a vase/bowl using temperature changes (hot water and ice).

It was at this point that I decided to just put this book down and not finish it, which again, is super rare for me. If you really want to explore any level of witchcraft, find a different book than this. The title is a bit deceiving, so really skim through it before picking up to read to see if it's what you really want.

[Ty · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t usually leave long reviews but I literally hated this book. this is a book for someone who has never heard of witchcraft before and wants to waste their time. it talked about “doing your research” before getting into different aspects of witchcraft and on the same page refers to the Stranger Things character Eleven as “seven”. Idk just a bad book all around and I learned nothing. Im not one to DNF books but I’m not finishing this one. I dragged my feet through 70% and I can’t put myself through any more. i don’t even care about witch craft i just thought it would be a fun read to learn about something idk a lot about and it was just terrible, cringy, and a waste of my time.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Dabbler's Guide to Witchcraft.

I don't listen to podcasts so I'm not familiar with the author but I did enjoy his book!

I imagine his podcast is similar to his writing style and tone; kind, funny but not snide, inclusive and empathetic.

I've always been interested in witchcraft, the history, the origins and this is a great book for beginners.

The author dispels many myths, notably there is no such thing as bad magic. I'm shocked!

I think the most important points of his book is that, like everything else in life, witchcraft is a matter of balance.

Just like we need to take care of the planet and our bodies, witchcraft and spells are a manifestation of our thoughts, desires and intent.

Yet, before you take that first step on a spiritual journey, you need to read and educate yourself about witchcraft and the community; to be aware that your thoughts and ideas are your own, not to be foisted on others and to be respectful of any community you wish to be a part of.

The author also includes spells you can refine and easily adjust to your specifications and needs, which is awesome.

I think I'll check out his podcast now after reading this.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a seeker - trying to find where I fit in and what it all means to me. I've read other books about magic, but they all seemed so...firm. This way is the "right" way. This one was a completely different thing - use what you have. Science and magic go hand in hand. Find what feels good to you. Keep an eye open for "traditions" that may have been appropriated - and then don't use them. Above all - there is no "right" way.

This book is EASILY the most accessible and relatable books about magic I've read. It will become a staple on my shelf, and has gone far further than any other to show me what I see in my head - what I want for me - is doable and OK.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh.

A couple years ago I declared to myself and my partners, I'm going to be a witch! I went out, bought lots of crystals and cards and cute little altar decorations. and then.... fizzled out. I hadn't touched my tarot cards in a year (and was feeling quite guilty about it) by the time I picked up this book.

my concerns were assuaged by this book. other witchcraft 101 books seem to be lists of spells, plants, and crystals. basically recipe books. but I've been craving more understanding of WHY witches do certain things, and this was the answer. There's practical advice on how to approach the practice with a critical eye and not just aesthetic, as well as lots of warnings that I really appreciate. (don't ingest rocks unless you know how they will react chemically with your body.)

I appreciate the list of resources so that I can continue researching from a list of authors I seem to align with more. yay!

[Jacqueline Scifres · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how down to earth and humorous this book is even when dealing with tough subjects. This is THE book I wish I had when I began on my path. Thank you so much for writing this for the new seekers. The Dabbler’s Guide to Witchcraft is NOT “just another beginners book” there is so much important information shared here about the community, ethics and making your path your own. There’s something to learn for every stage and I highly recommend anyone who is dabbling or established in witchcraft to read it. I really appreciated the resources section so I could continue my learning and discover new authors.

[Verónica Fleitas Solich · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good.
The most realistic, sincere and applicable book on initiation into witchcraft that I have ever read.
In truth, despite having read many other books, I think that this is undoubtedly the most accurate and concrete of all.
I highly recommend it.
It was truly a wonderful and enlightening experience to read it.

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“True learning is an uncomfortable process that requires you to break down your preconceived notions, your implicit biases, and move away from your comfort zone.”

I picked this book up because the title caught my attention. I was extremely interested in seeing what this book was about since it discusses dabbling and seeking an intentional path. Well this book may not have been what I was expecting but it was what I needed to read. What everyone on a magical path should read.

This book may be geared for people starting their spiritual journey but I really think anyone who is on a magical path would benefit from this book. Fire Lyte takes you on a very informative journey through magic by discussing magic and witches in pop culture, harmful stereotypes created from those portrayals, the history of magic, gatekeeping and inclusivity in the magical community, science and spirituality, and good vs bad magic. While Lyte cover’s a lot of topics, I really appreciated how much time he spent on discussing harmful things in magic that as a beginner you might not realize.

A chapter that really spoke to me was the discussion of political witches and how witches have always been influencing political events. While I have known that recent events have spurred a lot of political magic books and protests, I never realized how often witches have appeared throughout history influencing events. I now want to know more about political witchcraft and the history behind it.

The last part of this book focuses on spell canvases, which are rituals that can be adapted to use in multiple different ways. All of the rituals were simple, easy to follow, and involved relatively cheap items or stuff you should already have in your home. I personally really loved the idea of spell canvases because it teaches you how you can adapt spells to fit your needs.

Overall, this was an extremely well rounded book that covers many topics that challenges your way of thinking and teaches you how to research, recognize warning signs, and curate knowledge into a sustainable and meaningful magical practice. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking a spiritual path, even if you have been doing it for years.

[Thaydra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. More than I expected to. Those who practice, are considering practicing, or are just interested in magic would get something from this book.

Now, if you are looking for a(nother) witchy book that is just going to gloss over real-life and give you a bunch of spells that you can find anywhere- this book isn't going to be for you. There really aren't any "actual" spells here, although there are some templates in the back. Fire Lyte discusses the "whys" and "whats" of magic. I think this is important for anyone who seriously wants to practice long-term. Reading and contemplating the different areas and subjects he navigates helps to begin to build a solid foundation of "why" and "what". He is helping teach you how to think, not just react or mimic.

100% recommend to anyone with any sort of interest- that realize they aren't getting someone else's grimoire -they're going to have to actually read and think.

[Chrystopher’s Archive · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was lovely.

I wish I’d had this book ten years ago, but I found it useful at this stage in my paganhood too, and I think it could be a great read for anyone at any point on their spiritual journey.

Fire Lyte writes in a comfortable, cozy kind of way, and I sort of had the feeling I was being allowed to tag along with a really cool cousin to a gathering I was a slight outsider to.

I LOVED how in-depth the sections on navigating the landscape of “””borrowed””” beliefs was, and how willing the text was to acknowledge discomfort as part of the process not only of recognizing flaws in the community but coming to terms with how we can try to mitigate them.

The spell section was also really cute and fun! It took a much more self-aware, playful, crafty (haha) approach than I’ve seen in a lot of other witchy books.

Highly recommended; I want my own physical copy.

[Colleen Vanderlinden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire Lyte's "The Dabbler's Guide to Witchcraft" is the book I wish I'd had when I first started exploring the possibility of living a more magical life. The combination of encouragement, straightforward advice, and humor made this book not only a pleasure to read, but it also had me thinking more deeply about my own practice, examining not just what I want out of it, but how I can be a good member of the witchcraft community.
Not every topic in this book is comfortable to read; Fire Lyte encourages us to examine our privilege and to question things. Magic isn't just wand-waving and chanting -- the core of it is self-knowledge and growth, both in the mundane and magical aspects of our lives.
His advice to question things, to research, to delve deeper, to recognize when you've made a mistake and learn from it are all so needed at this point in time, not just in the witchy community, but in the world at large.
"The Dabbler's Guide to Witchcraft" is like having a knowledgable friend (one who's encouraging, but expects you to deal with your own BS and recognize the BS others are trying to sell...) guiding you through what it means to be a witch. Add a dash of humor, lots of practical advice, and the occasional "Legally Blond" reference, and you've got a book that I'd highly recommend to anyone who wants to know more about the witch life.
I only wish I could give it more than five stars!

[Ciara “North” Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great introductory book for those who have feel lost when trying to find out what spiritual practice to follow like myself. I’ve always wanted to get into witchcraft and be a more spiritual person but found myself lost in where to begin. Even if you’re not planning on going into Witchcraft(or those associated with various names), this book takes the time to breakdown the history of the Witch, what it means to be an ethical participant, and how to add a little more magic to life. As always, I wanted more structure, like how to write a grimoire, but that’s not what Fire Lyte is talking about. There is no right way of doing magic. He’s giving us permission to do magic as we please and hope that we are critical about it. Fire Lyte’s loving, conversational style of writing makes you feel like you two discussing over some homemade teas, venturing into something he’s so passionate about and can’t wait to see what you do with it.

[La _Dame_aux _chats · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on witchcraft I've ever read. Love Fire Lyte's sense of humour too. A must read! 5+ stars.

[Rebecca Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this!

[Leah Hester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really LOVED this book. While definitely beginner oriented, I think many a modern witch can learn something from this. The book is well researched, hilariously well written, and takes a straightforward and tactful approach to some of those topics we don't always want to talk about. The resources and further reading material are pretty solid, and those I haven't checked out before now I will definitely look to now. This book has reminded me to look back, dive again into the "why" of my practice, and not be afraid to question. Highly recommend!

[Bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I appreciated this book’s level-headed discussion about what magic is and isn’t, I was underwhelmed overall. I would consider myself to be someone who knows almost nothing about witchcraft or paganism, but even I found the book to be mind-numbingly basic and, frankly, kind of patronizing.

[Garrett Kilgore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I largely enjoyed the majority of the book. True to the author’s word, it is a book for beginners and dabblers and those trying to get some answers and thoughts on Witchcraft.

That being said, I think that I am a little farther along on my journey than this book was aimed at.

I am no expert and there were many chapters/sections that I learned a lot from. The first part, particularly his frank and honest comments about how magic works and why it doesn’t work sometimes was wonderful. I also appreciated the time devoted to not breaking your budget and that reading is a key element.

However, there were times I wanted to say “Well, duh, that’s obvious” about certain topics. However, and this is something that we all struggle with, those parts weren’t meant for me specifically. I am well aware that research is always welcome when determining if something is cultural appropriation. But I am not everyone. I have a pretty good BS detector, so I found the chapter on fraudsters a bit unnecessary…but I am not everyone.

Fire Lyte has a terrific voice and a wonderful way of writing, so while some areas weren’t all that pertinent to my journey and where I am in it, it was still an enjoyable read.

And that brings me to my final thought, one that Lyte himself brings up: Not every book will be perfect for you. No book will. It’s ok to take what you need from each book and move on from the parts that don’t. I have no interest in crystals, so I skipped that section. As long as you are doing it in an ethical and socially responsible and respectful fashion, you can’t go wrong.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was thoughtful and enlightening. It did an excellent job at covering the basics of witchcraft and presenting hard truths and questions about it all. I appreciated that the author was honest about the problems of appropriation. The author challenged his readers to be thoughtful about their practice and to do no harm.

It was written in a fun and easy to read way and I loved that the author read the audio book. I definitely recommend the audio book.
I also really loved that the acknowledgments were included in the audio book as well as a PDF of other resources. I really hate it when audio books don’t include these things!

This book was encouraging, empowering and thoughtful. And even challenging at times. I recommend it to anyone curious about witchcraft or anyone who has been doing it for years. Because going back to the basics is always good and helpful

I highly recommend this book and the audio book

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I got this book (am I a dabbler? is this book for me?), but I have to say that I was thoroughly delighted. I love it when I read a nonfiction book and it feels like I am having a conversation with a friend in a cozy spot with good drinks. Fire Lyte’s voice was clear from the very first sentence, and I am totally here for it! It was refreshing to read a witchcraft book that opens with such a self-aware, “here we are right now in this pandemic together” attitude. Like, I get that maybe this pandemic won’t last forever, but it is happening right now and this book was such a welcome conversation. My approach to magic aligns very nicely with Fire Lyte’s, both on how/why it works and when/why it doesn’t work. I enjoyed all of the examples from the author’s own life and experience, as well as the many examples of how things could apply to my own life. I adore this book and Fire Lyte is now on my list of favorite witchy authors!

[Elhoim Leafar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An immediate classic! I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the book for reviews, but I liked it so much that I ordered two extra copies during the presale for my Coven !, We need more books like this that invite you to ask questions and question what you are doing, why you're doing it, and why you think it's the right thing to do.

[Megan Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions written in this review are mine alone.

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Fire Lyte’s new book, The Dabbler’s Guide to Witchcraft published by Simon and Schuster, is one of the better books on witchcraft that I have read in a very long time. In his book, Fire Lyte promises to deliver practical knowledge to help you build a better foundation in witchcraft whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been doing it for a while. In a book targeted at the average person with an interest in witchcraft, Fire Lyte manages to dispel many myths and misconceptions about witchcraft while offering different perspectives and food for thought.

This book is everything I wish I had when I was a new seeker in witchcraft. It probably would have helped me understand certain topics and concerns way earlier and saved me a lot of headaches and unlearning. I’ve been practicing witchcraft for a while now and I found myself nodding in agreement, stopping to reflect on my own practice, and jotting down notes for things to look into further. I find that if a book can make me stop and think, then it is definitely a book I want to keep on my shelf. Fire Lyte delves headfirst into topics such as spotting spiritual frauds, developing a filter, and cultural appropriation. He also touches on finding your reasons for witchcraft, whatever they are.

If you’re not familiar with Fire Lyte’s voice and style, then you’re definitely in for a pleasant surprise. Fire Lyte has a way with words that is humorous without being sarcastic, honest without being blunt, and inspiring without being unrealistic. The book is written with his own personal flair, making the reading experience pleasurable and like sitting down for coffee with a friend. When difficult subjects come up, he isn’t chastising but rather gives you the tools you might need to question what you experience and encounter. This definitely sets everyone up for success in terms of developing your own thoughts and opinions.

Fire Lyte was able to bring the magick and mundane together, blending seamlessly into a cohesive example for others. This is perfect, in my opinion, because he leaves room to question! I often find that books on witchcraft give spells and recipes but nothing else. There is no “why” included, and that’s my favorite question! He does a wonderful job engaging the reader, giving space for questions and room for reflection. The encouragement for the reader to seek out these answers for themselves is a breath of fresh air in a world that likes to tell us what to do and what to think.

I also very much appreciated the entirety of Fire Lyte’s chapter that included the discussion of cultural appropriation. As a white cis-woman and someone who has been in the general community for a while, I try to be aware of my privilege and how my actions can affect BIPOC communities. As a young witch, though, this wasn’t the case. I didn’t really understand what cultural appropriation was or how it harms BIPOC communities until I got involved in the online occult space. I bought white sage. I told myself I was “smudging”. I never would have known better without the resources and hard work of those who educate online. This entire section is so important to the wider occult community and I like the way he approached it without centering himself in the conversation. Instead, he encourages the reader to seek out information from those communities and listen to them directly.

On that note, there is an entire section at the back of the book with recommended resources. This includes reading lists, podcasts, articles, notes, and citations. Fire Lyte mentions that the list of further reading and online media is not an exhaustive list but one that he thought went well with the book.

Out of the entire book, there is only one little part that I disagreed with and that is a section in one of the spells. In this spell, he says a piece of paper with glue and other bits can be folded into a boat and sent down a river or stream to keep an unwanted person away. I am all for leaving the earth better than it was before, and I know Fire Lyte is too because he mentioned it elsewhere in the book. I would suggest something other than letting paper flow down a river or stream. Other than that, the entire section of spells is wonderful. He calls them canvasses rather than spells, and for good reason. Within these spells, there are frameworks for customization as well as different questions and situations to think about. It allows the reader to think for themselves and know the reasoning behind the spell and subsequent actions.

Overall, I definitely enjoyed this book. The ARC I received was a digital version and I had already preordered a copy anyway. I can’t wait to get it and go back through it. It is definitely a book that’s going to stay on my bookshelf. I highly recommend it to anyone else that’s interested in reading it!

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This review is cross-posted from my blog (www.roundthecauldron.com)

[Melissa Rochelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who "does the research", I appreciated this book and the many times it told me to go do more research. I've been doing the research for a few years now, but my focus has largely been on learning more about matriarchal societies which always seems to lead back to witches (and yes, I know why, I'm not complaining). This also means that a lot of what I'm reading that's accessible isn't necessarily the most "academic" (and while I know 3 million people weren't murdered during the European witch trials, the author seemed dismissive of the fact that the people that were tried were overwhelmingly female).

One of the books recommended is Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America which I read in 2023, I'm pretty sure I even considered reading The Dabbler's Guide back then, but wasn't interested in reading about witchcraft from a dude around that time. Of all the witchy books I've purchased, this is one of the few that I've completed (I've been stalled a quarter of the way through The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great Goddess since 2023).

Most of this book is about how magic and the mundane can go hand-in-hand and advising readers to be cautious of anyone selling you something. I appreciated all of that. More than anything this book confirmed that my slow-weaving path is perfectly fine and there is no one right way or even organized entity (thank goodness, I hate organizations) to tell a curious seeker where to go or what to do. The last section includes "spells" with some fun ideas that I plan to try with my kiddo.

[Sarah-Jayne - · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I begin, I need to clarify that I am already a huge fan of Don and his work. Funny, intelligent, kind and beautiful, he would be loathesome if he wasn’t so damn lovely.

But I am also a grump, easily annoyed at the constant push of 101 witchcraft books that act as ‘THE’ guide to all pagan paths yet rarely mention anything actually useful. Things such as baneful working, ethical sourcing of equipment and the peril of fraudsters just don’t seem to get a look in amongst the love light and peace publications.

This book however is an absolute joy from start to finish. Whilst not a traditional intro to the craft, it’s a brotherly voice of support as you make your way along the path. It is the book I wish I had when taking my first baby steps, confused by complex information and desperately trying not to get sucked in to heated online debates (trust me - the pagan message boards of the early noughties were BRUTAL).

This book is all about the WHY, not the WHAT, which makes it pretty unique in its field.

It tackles big issues such as cultural appropriation, gate keeping and human rights but keeps it light with plenty of 90s TV witchy references that have seen me lost down a you tube rabbit hole.

The author’s vast knowledge is delivered gently and kindly, managing magical expectations and reminding the reader that we all burn our eyelashes at some point. And to never, EVER have sex with rocks (we are talking to you, Gwynnie).

Most importantly, this is the first book I have ever read that addresses the fact that magical working can sometimes feel silly. I cannot underestimate the impact this section of the book had on me. As someone who regularly squirmed their way through solo snd group rituals, questioned her own authenticity in the path and eventually moved away from the more practical elements altogether, this felt like validation.

I loved this book so much, I kind of missed it when I finished reading it - a clear sign of a great bit of writing.

[Zach Ferrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was nothing like what I expected, and I absolutely loved it.

I follow the author on Instagram because I enjoy his social commentary and have thought about buying some of his published works for a while. He has a new book coming out later this year - a YA fiction novel - that I've heard him talk about several times, and I've heard him talk about this one, A Dabbler's Guide to Witchcraft, as well. Either because I just haven't actually been paying to what he says in his posts/reels, he hasn't talked about this book as much since I've followed him, a combination of that, or who knows why else, I thought that Dabbler's was also a piece of YA fiction, probably about someone who discovers witchcraft for the first time and goes on some kind of journey. Lo and behold, this book is NOT YA fiction.

A Dabbler's Guide to Witchcraft is exactly what the title says - an actual guide to actual witchcraft. Like, in real life. But it's not a spellbook or how-to. It goes into what witchcraft is and isn't, if it's real or not, political and historical significance, meaning, and usage of all sorts of terms relating to witches and witchcraft, and more. Yes, there are how-to parts and recommendations by the author, but those aren't the meat of the book or its main intent.

The crux of the work, for me, is about looking for truth and answers to, in, and about the world and how magic can be part of that. It frames magic and its use as something ordinary people use as part of their everyday lives, rather than solely something mysterious that happens at midnight during a full moon on the spring equinox (but also leaves plenty of room for that side of magic as well). It's a fascinating dip into some of the basics of magic and what truth is and means for the magic practitioner.

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

TLDR: Overall I think you would have to be at the very beginning of your spiritual seeking to get much from this book; any other strong held beliefs (religious or scientific) will probably win out in your rational mind over what the author presents.

I picked up this book as someone who wasn't likely to get into witchcraft but was more interested in learning about people who practice it. That being said, I consider myself open to adding new elements to my own religious path, especially elements of nature worship, herbalism, etc. I enjoyed the witty style of the book for a while, and I think the author sounds like he has a very solid analytical head on his shoulders, but the immense number of parenthetical asides made me weary after a while and I ended up returning it to the library unfinished.

I'm not sure how to comment on the content; I think for my interests, a book focusing more on history would have been more informative. I think if you come into it as a true seeker of some new spirituality, it would encourage you, especially if you feel like a spiritual person but roll your eyes at some popular ideas of witchcraft. That being said, I generally felt like the author hedged himself out of every strong argument that witchcraft is worth practicing over some other, more traditional religion, or over doing nothing or practicing mindfulness. On one hand, I suppose that really is all there is to religion - we each pick the deity or energy we want to trust and go from there, and he's offering a different path. On the other, the arguments to take that path read as extremely milquetoast to me.

[Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not quite finished reading this one yet, but I love it so far. This is the best witchcraft book I've read to date. I highly recommend this to anyone getting started in witchcraft, and experienced practitioners who feel like they're a little disconnected from science and the mundane. Fire Lyte does a really good job of not telling you what to do or believe (with some exceptions when it comes to safety) but instead giving you the tools to make your choices more meaningful and ethical. As someone who believes that magic is, as Lunapparel put it so well, "spicy psychology," I didn't feel like I was being encouraged to believe in anything I didn't. Despite his claims that he's "as woo-woo as the next witch" (p. 98), I really didn't get a lot of that from this book, which is extremely refreshing. It's also not focused on one particular tradition (a witchcraft book that's not just aimed at Wiccans?!) and leaves the door open to applying these ideas to any kind of practice or faith.
I actually picked this up without reading any reviews or the blurbs on the back, and was pleasantly surprised to see that Ross Blocher gave it a blurb, and that Fire Lyte recommends Oh No, Ross and Carrie! in his resources section. Those are immediate points in this book's favour, and I totally agree with Ross' assessment as an ONRAC superfan and a witch. It also gives me more faith in the other resources Fire Lyte recommends. I haven't listened to his podcast yet (Head On Fire, formerly Inciting a Riot) but I'm planning to check it out.
Really, my only critique is that I feel like some of the pop culture references will be horribly outdated in a few years. At least there's not too many of them.

[Helen Blake · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh, where do I start with The Dabbler's Guide to Witchcraft? I was super excited to dive into this book, especially after hearing some buzz about Fire Lyte’s work. But honestly, it was a major letdown. The writing style felt downright arrogant, like the author didn’t really get or believe in actual magick. Instead of inspiring me to craft my own magical path, it was more like reading a bunch of science fair projects that have zero soul or real magic to them.

The so-called spells and rituals were rigid and felt more like checklist items than anything enchanting. It seriously seemed like a soulless cash grab from someone who’s not genuinely interested in witchcraft or magick. I tried to stay open-minded, but every page just reinforced how disconnected the author is from the true essence of modern witchcraft.

After slogging through the book, I decided to look up Fire Lyte on social media to see if there was any truth to my growing frustration. What I found confirmed all my suspicions—his online presence was just as off as the book. No passion, no real connection to magick, just a bunch of superficial stuff that left me feeling more confused and annoyed than empowered.

If you’re looking for a heartfelt and authentic guide to witchcraft, steer clear of this one. The Dabbler's Guide to Witchcraft just isn’t worth your time or money. Trust me, there are plenty of other books out there that truly embrace and celebrate the magic we hold dear. Skip this and find something that actually resonates with your magical journey!

[Sylvia Moore · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a letdown from start to finish. The Dabbler's Guide to Witchcraft seems like it's trying to be playful and accessible, but instead comes off as condescending and dismissive. Fire Lyte writes as though he’s above it all, talking down to the reader as if he doesn’t believe in witchcraft or magick himself. It's hard to take the guidance seriously when the author seems to treat the whole subject with skepticism, like he’s too cool for it.

The spells themselves are underwhelming, feeling more like elementary science experiments than actual magical workings. They’re bland and uninspired, with zero depth or real intent behind them. If you’re looking for spells with any substance, this isn’t the book for you. It felt like he threw these in as an afterthought, as if saying, “Here, play with this,” without any actual belief or respect for the practice.

And there’s a strong vibe of self-importance running throughout. Lyte spends a lot of time challenging what he calls "gatekeeping," but in a way that just ends up sounding narcissistic and ironically he gatekeeps throughout it. It’s like he sees himself as a kind of “enlightened” guide for those of us who just don’t get it yet, and that tone got old fast.

All in all, The Dabbler's Guide to Witchcraft feels like a cash grab—a book created to ride the wave of witchcraft's popularity without any real passion or investment in the craft. If you’re serious about magick and looking for authentic insight, there are far better resources out there.