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A Year of Mystical Thinking: Make Life Feel Magical Again
A witty and life-affirming account of a spiritual seeker’s year-long quest for enlightenment.'What if you could find inner peace right where you are? No one-way ticket to paradise required...'After a terrible year, feeling burned out and broken, Emma Howarth decided to go on a year-long mystical adventure - from the comfort of her own home.The result was a year that changed everything. A year that turned frantic chaos into life in the slow lane. A year of magic and moonlight and pink sky sunrises. A year fragranced with incense and burning herbs (that sometimes smelled suspiciously illegal).A Year of Mystical Thinking is Emma's witty and life-affirming account of the year that transformed her world. Each month she introduces a new spiritual practice, with practical, actionable tips - from how to create the perfect vision board to living by the phases of the moon. Join Emma on her journey as she connects with spirit guides in February, obsesses over astrology in August and learns about reiki in November.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2021
230 people are currently reading
641 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 8, 2022
Privileged Middle-Class Mysticism
This started out as an enjoyable read. I initially felt I could relate to Emma as a time-limited, busy, working parent of a similar age. That was the main selling point really for me to read this and figure out how to work my old favourite mystical pastimes into daily life incrementally on a month-by-month basis. I was initially enthused to look into a few practices I've not tried and was hopeful as Emma had pointed out that many can be done remotely via Zoom, and she even details how to perform self-Reiki.
There were positive parts where Emma highlights ethics around sourcing crystals (exploitation of miners in 3rd world countries) and cultural appropriation and environmental ethics in spiritual practices (white sage, palo santo, etc.).
Unfortunately, the book soured towards the end - was the anecdote about hexing Snow Patrol's Johnny McDaid really necessary? If so, it was a prime opportunity for a proper mention of the Wiccan rede given it was mentioned in the chapter on witchcraft, but that incident was brushed over as 'no real harm was done' and I felt that an important message had been lost there.
The manifestation aspects were unconvincing and seemed to be result of privilege - Emma paid for the Australia trip on her credit card and packed the kids off to her MIL, and her MIL paid for the whole family to go to Thailand at the end of the year.
Afterwards my opinion of the book changed further for the worse when I investigated some of the recommendations. My eyes watered at the cost of in-person sound baths, and almost as much at the price of remote online sessions. Reiki too, is expensive, and self-Reiki is ineffective and pointless if you're even the slightest bit sceptical. As a busy working parent in a single income household, the benefit of a credit card with a large enough credit limit to take me to Australia, and no wealthy MIL, I just don't have the funds available to spend on many of those recommendations. Additionally, the privileged (and albeist) view was also evident in the 'anyone can do yoga from home' mantra (no, not if they lack the space and privacy or have restrictive health conditions) and the frivolous buying anecdotes (Emma describes buying a lot of crystals and other paraphernalia as a hobby of an evening) and high-priced shopping recommendations at the end made me realise that this is more a guide on mystical thinking and living for the middle-class - literally for the reader demographic of the glossy mags Emma has written for and which she name drops throughout the book - not for me.
This started out as an enjoyable read. I initially felt I could relate to Emma as a time-limited, busy, working parent of a similar age. That was the main selling point really for me to read this and figure out how to work my old favourite mystical pastimes into daily life incrementally on a month-by-month basis. I was initially enthused to look into a few practices I've not tried and was hopeful as Emma had pointed out that many can be done remotely via Zoom, and she even details how to perform self-Reiki.
There were positive parts where Emma highlights ethics around sourcing crystals (exploitation of miners in 3rd world countries) and cultural appropriation and environmental ethics in spiritual practices (white sage, palo santo, etc.).
Unfortunately, the book soured towards the end - was the anecdote about hexing Snow Patrol's Johnny McDaid really necessary? If so, it was a prime opportunity for a proper mention of the Wiccan rede given it was mentioned in the chapter on witchcraft, but that incident was brushed over as 'no real harm was done' and I felt that an important message had been lost there.
The manifestation aspects were unconvincing and seemed to be result of privilege - Emma paid for the Australia trip on her credit card and packed the kids off to her MIL, and her MIL paid for the whole family to go to Thailand at the end of the year.
Afterwards my opinion of the book changed further for the worse when I investigated some of the recommendations. My eyes watered at the cost of in-person sound baths, and almost as much at the price of remote online sessions. Reiki too, is expensive, and self-Reiki is ineffective and pointless if you're even the slightest bit sceptical. As a busy working parent in a single income household, the benefit of a credit card with a large enough credit limit to take me to Australia, and no wealthy MIL, I just don't have the funds available to spend on many of those recommendations. Additionally, the privileged (and albeist) view was also evident in the 'anyone can do yoga from home' mantra (no, not if they lack the space and privacy or have restrictive health conditions) and the frivolous buying anecdotes (Emma describes buying a lot of crystals and other paraphernalia as a hobby of an evening) and high-priced shopping recommendations at the end made me realise that this is more a guide on mystical thinking and living for the middle-class - literally for the reader demographic of the glossy mags Emma has written for and which she name drops throughout the book - not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2022
Audiobook Review
4.5/5 stars
I think I’ve listened to maybe one audiobook over the past year. If you’d asked me before this, I would have said that audio books just weren’t my thing. Until I found the Hay House app. If you’re not familiar, Hay House is one of the leading publishers of self-help and spirituality books, with authors like Caroline Myss, Radleigh Valentine, Dr. Wayne Dyer, and so many more. I stumbled across the app and for less than buying five hardback novels, I can listen to ALL of their audiobooks for a year.
Did I subscribe? Heck, yes! A Year of Mystical Thinking was my first foray on the app, but trust me, I have at least six more books queued up to listen to.
As the title suggests, the book follows the author/narrator through 2018 – a year she entered frazzled and at her wit’s end, ready to try anything to make life easier and less stressful. She set out to try at least one new mystical practice each month, preferably for little to no cost and done at home. From vision boards to crystals, from reiki and oracle cards to meeting her animal spirit guide, the book follows the author through each foray into daily magic.
Every chapter covers a month and gives the (pagan) holidays celebrated, as well as other correspondences. Honestly, it was a great reminder of how simple it is to weave the mystical into everyday life and covers just about everything, save perhaps kitchen witchery. Yes, I said witchery, because anyone who practices the craft probably already incorporates a lot of this into daily living (or you might even if you don’t consider yourself a witchcraft practitioner). In fact, I was surprised it took until November for the “w” word to emerge (complete with rituals). If you get the heebie-jeebies with calling anything witchcraft, well, continue to think of these practices as simply mystical or magical. It all amounts to the same thing – finding a way to live connected with the universe so you can slow down, find your purpose, and actually enjoy life.
For me, it served as a good reminder on practices I’ve let slide and introduced some that I hadn’t considered, like crystal healing bowls (from Spotify) when I need a bit of de-stressing. I did buy one book that was mentioned and finally did a guided meditation to meet my animal spirit guide. He’s a young elk named Marlyn if you’re curious. I was expecting a dragonfly.
I could have done without the tiny bit of political commentary but overall, this was a wonderful book. I’m also glad I listened to it while commuting over the course of a few weeks rather than sitting down and reading it all at once, since I tend to get overwhelmed with a ton of information presented at one time. This way, I was able to mull over the practices I’d heard that day and act on the ones that struck a chord.
Also, you’ll love her accent.
4.5/5 stars
I think I’ve listened to maybe one audiobook over the past year. If you’d asked me before this, I would have said that audio books just weren’t my thing. Until I found the Hay House app. If you’re not familiar, Hay House is one of the leading publishers of self-help and spirituality books, with authors like Caroline Myss, Radleigh Valentine, Dr. Wayne Dyer, and so many more. I stumbled across the app and for less than buying five hardback novels, I can listen to ALL of their audiobooks for a year.
Did I subscribe? Heck, yes! A Year of Mystical Thinking was my first foray on the app, but trust me, I have at least six more books queued up to listen to.
As the title suggests, the book follows the author/narrator through 2018 – a year she entered frazzled and at her wit’s end, ready to try anything to make life easier and less stressful. She set out to try at least one new mystical practice each month, preferably for little to no cost and done at home. From vision boards to crystals, from reiki and oracle cards to meeting her animal spirit guide, the book follows the author through each foray into daily magic.
Every chapter covers a month and gives the (pagan) holidays celebrated, as well as other correspondences. Honestly, it was a great reminder of how simple it is to weave the mystical into everyday life and covers just about everything, save perhaps kitchen witchery. Yes, I said witchery, because anyone who practices the craft probably already incorporates a lot of this into daily living (or you might even if you don’t consider yourself a witchcraft practitioner). In fact, I was surprised it took until November for the “w” word to emerge (complete with rituals). If you get the heebie-jeebies with calling anything witchcraft, well, continue to think of these practices as simply mystical or magical. It all amounts to the same thing – finding a way to live connected with the universe so you can slow down, find your purpose, and actually enjoy life.
For me, it served as a good reminder on practices I’ve let slide and introduced some that I hadn’t considered, like crystal healing bowls (from Spotify) when I need a bit of de-stressing. I did buy one book that was mentioned and finally did a guided meditation to meet my animal spirit guide. He’s a young elk named Marlyn if you’re curious. I was expecting a dragonfly.
I could have done without the tiny bit of political commentary but overall, this was a wonderful book. I’m also glad I listened to it while commuting over the course of a few weeks rather than sitting down and reading it all at once, since I tend to get overwhelmed with a ton of information presented at one time. This way, I was able to mull over the practices I’d heard that day and act on the ones that struck a chord.
Also, you’ll love her accent.
March 26, 2022
3.5 stars
She’s funny and down to earth. Honest about her needs, lacks, and foibles. The book is a wonderful reminder to reintegrate mystical tools and metaphysical practices if, like her, one has drifted because of the demands of daily life. I really related to that and appreciated that! I felt her heart is in the right place and loved how she showed transformation through employing things even in an imperfect manner.
She gives space and credence and awareness to ethical sourcing of crystals, women’s businesses in this realm, cultural sensitivity such as with Native or shamanic practices. But I still felt a lack of really “getting it” in the area of reaching a diverse audience economically, health-wise, privilege-wise. She’s a writer for Glamour, has a lifestyle with money and family support, etc. That is great…I personally tire of all these reviews for books where the author is slammed just because she has privilege, as if that’s her “fault.” But I think it is a part of why this book didn’t go deep for me.
The bigger part why is because it just seemed rather simple and surface-oriented. Yet for her, these simple things apparently did a lot. But for me, it wasn’t meaty enough to sink my teeth into exactly how I could have the same feelings or changes. Maybe that’s why she gives so many resources. Which is good, but once again made me feel like everyone she recommends is some Instagram star after she had kind of made fun of how that’s not where the real changes come from; that it’s simpler, more organic, more nature-based and mindful-moment based than that.
I did love that she addresses, and has good luck with, practices to deal with some of her genuine issues like anxiety and stress-related health conditions. Her honesty is refreshing and will help many.
A mixed bag but fun to read (her wit made me laugh out loud more than once) and a sweet, genuine effort.
She’s funny and down to earth. Honest about her needs, lacks, and foibles. The book is a wonderful reminder to reintegrate mystical tools and metaphysical practices if, like her, one has drifted because of the demands of daily life. I really related to that and appreciated that! I felt her heart is in the right place and loved how she showed transformation through employing things even in an imperfect manner.
She gives space and credence and awareness to ethical sourcing of crystals, women’s businesses in this realm, cultural sensitivity such as with Native or shamanic practices. But I still felt a lack of really “getting it” in the area of reaching a diverse audience economically, health-wise, privilege-wise. She’s a writer for Glamour, has a lifestyle with money and family support, etc. That is great…I personally tire of all these reviews for books where the author is slammed just because she has privilege, as if that’s her “fault.” But I think it is a part of why this book didn’t go deep for me.
The bigger part why is because it just seemed rather simple and surface-oriented. Yet for her, these simple things apparently did a lot. But for me, it wasn’t meaty enough to sink my teeth into exactly how I could have the same feelings or changes. Maybe that’s why she gives so many resources. Which is good, but once again made me feel like everyone she recommends is some Instagram star after she had kind of made fun of how that’s not where the real changes come from; that it’s simpler, more organic, more nature-based and mindful-moment based than that.
I did love that she addresses, and has good luck with, practices to deal with some of her genuine issues like anxiety and stress-related health conditions. Her honesty is refreshing and will help many.
A mixed bag but fun to read (her wit made me laugh out loud more than once) and a sweet, genuine effort.
January 14, 2022
Great if you read this as a memoir.. Interesting tid bits of Emma's adventures as she encourages you to explore the many facets of the metaphysical way
March 20, 2024
This was a sweet attempt. It really was. Nothing new but it gave me a little bit of a lift at a tough time in my life - and made me kind of see if there's magic after all, in life.
September 13, 2022
Emma Howarth's book is honest, heart-warming, and breathes sweet, sweet life back into your soul. I started my own journey (very slow progress) before stumbling onto this book (I do believe the Universe put this book in my path...thank you Universe!) because, somewhere between getting my driver's license at 18, and retiring my business at 55, I lost the magic. It was just gone. And I was having no luck finding where I left it. This book gave me the tools, guidance, and yes, permission, to take some time out for myself to discover why I lost the magic in the first place, and, more importantly, what steps I could take to get it back. This book can make your life magical again if you let it. It's a guide to rediscover yourself, your passions, and the magic that surrounds us each and every day. It might just be that the Universe put this book in your path too...you won't regret picking it up.
February 6, 2024
I loved this book! I would recommend it to anyone. I feel like it’s good for those who are looking to dip their toe into magical things and those who are already deep into spiritual practices. Anyone can learn from this book!
It covers yoga, meditation, spirit guides, crystals, reiki and paying attention to the seasons and pagan rituals.
But I feel like it’s done in such an accessible and funny way. It’s down to Earth and realistic and not all about the perfect, Instagrammable spiritual lifestyle.
It’s written in a kind of diary style with a different theme for each month and it documents the author’s experience bringing more magic into her own life and becoming happier and calmer.
It’s a really lovely book!
It covers yoga, meditation, spirit guides, crystals, reiki and paying attention to the seasons and pagan rituals.
But I feel like it’s done in such an accessible and funny way. It’s down to Earth and realistic and not all about the perfect, Instagrammable spiritual lifestyle.
It’s written in a kind of diary style with a different theme for each month and it documents the author’s experience bringing more magic into her own life and becoming happier and calmer.
It’s a really lovely book!
March 19, 2024
This book was cute, but I don't think I'm the target audience. There wasn't anything new for me here as far as the mystical bits were concerned.
I enjoyed it as a memoir, however: the author's own story grabbed me far more than the how-to side of things, and that was what kept me interested. If you're interested in a more spiritual and magical path but haven't set off on one yet, you might be the ideal reader for this book.
I enjoyed it as a memoir, however: the author's own story grabbed me far more than the how-to side of things, and that was what kept me interested. If you're interested in a more spiritual and magical path but haven't set off on one yet, you might be the ideal reader for this book.
April 12, 2022
Disappointed that the author did not explain more about her experiences and the WHY behind the benefits of each. Ok, it’s great you picked out some crystals that were “calling you” but why did those crystals help you?
October 21, 2022
A light-hearted look at different mystical practices to explore each month. I liked the author’s voice, as if we were having drinks together, chatting.
January 16, 2024
3.5 Stars
It only took me [almost] one full year to finish. Ack. (But it was good.)
It only took me [almost] one full year to finish. Ack. (But it was good.)
January 23, 2022
A mind-opening journey of one year and the spiritual experiences that are out there, unbeknownst to, I would guess, the majority of us. We follow Howarth's personal journey over a year of self-discovery. However, she doesn't stop at the "this meant this to me" or "I felt this." Howarth continues what is her life's mission to encourage the reader to explore, to experiment with various searches and techniques, and to learn more about the spiritual nature of one's own life and meaning. This is a book I will refer to again and again: I first experienced it as an audio book, but know I will want a hard copy by my side on my own journey. I recommend both to all!
May 31, 2023
I listened to this in 2 days because I put it at 1.5 speed, and it's very short. I just needed to get it over for my book club.
I felt like this was like reading somebody's random thoughts, which is what is it... no organization, no purpose (it's not self-help), it's not relatable, it's not inspirational, it has no moment of clarity, it has no advice or insight, etc.
And then an odd name-drop / place-drop / lifestyle moment here and there that wasn't very relatable, and seemed out of place (like, not focused on grief, but seeming to suddenly jump to the purpose of seeming rich and important).
I will say the sentences are well written, and that's the only thing it has, in my opinion.
I felt like this was like reading somebody's random thoughts, which is what is it... no organization, no purpose (it's not self-help), it's not relatable, it's not inspirational, it has no moment of clarity, it has no advice or insight, etc.
And then an odd name-drop / place-drop / lifestyle moment here and there that wasn't very relatable, and seemed out of place (like, not focused on grief, but seeming to suddenly jump to the purpose of seeming rich and important).
I will say the sentences are well written, and that's the only thing it has, in my opinion.
February 1, 2022
Loved this book and took copious notes. It's got a lovely story flow to it that keeps you reading, but can also serve as a reference guide for diving into mystical thinking (yoga, meditation, tarot, crystals, moon phases, astrology, etc). I can't wait to start exploring more from the recommendations provided too!
July 5, 2023
Where do I even begin with reviewing this book! It came up as a suggestion on Amazon for my next read so I downloaded it onto my trusty kindle and wow. It’s written in such a down to earth, realistic, genuine way you feel like you’re chatting with your best mate. The book is absolutely filled to the brim of easy little steps to bring more magic into your life, backed up with suggested resources to find out more as well. You really feel like you’re by the author’s side as she moves through the year trying out new things to add into her life that makes things feel more magical for her, and that makes it feel totally accessible to the reader as well.
It’s made the world feel like a more magical place again after having had (and still having) a horrendous time in my life, the little sparks of magic make everything feel that bit nicer.
I took my time reading this book, dipping in and out of it when I needed to and it is definitely one I will read again and again and will keep referring to. Only negative is that I neeeeeed this book in paperback, it’s a book that I need to fold down the corner of pages and underline sentences and add stars in the margins! 😁
It’s made the world feel like a more magical place again after having had (and still having) a horrendous time in my life, the little sparks of magic make everything feel that bit nicer.
I took my time reading this book, dipping in and out of it when I needed to and it is definitely one I will read again and again and will keep referring to. Only negative is that I neeeeeed this book in paperback, it’s a book that I need to fold down the corner of pages and underline sentences and add stars in the margins! 😁
October 29, 2024
This is a great representation of how we set intentions, and go after said expectations, and something gets thrown at us. Now we must mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually choose this new way of life we have discovered. The writing made me feel included in every task she was doing, every thought she was doing, and every interaction she had with her friends. This was a memoir and a guide and I honestly enjoyed realizing that. This can easily be seen as a woman with two children and a doctor husband going through trial and error but can be used as a mirror, for whatever we do, we will always want the best for our life, and the people around us. How eager we all are to find balance, happiness, and peace in everyday life without doing too much and "overachieving" said balance, peace, and happiness. I enjoyed this. Thank you, Ms. Howarth
May 29, 2023
Well I give the book 5 for writing. It is very well written and polished. But I give it 3 for me personally as I would have liked much more of the story rather than small bits and things to do etc. In some parts the author really gets into the story and that is what I was looking for. I think a lot of people would really like the way this book is written. Great ideas and inspiration. It is a real mystical journey just not with the depth that I would like.
I am looking forward to looking up some of the online pages, things to watch etc that the author has told us about.
I am looking forward to looking up some of the online pages, things to watch etc that the author has told us about.
April 14, 2022
dnf 21%
Annoying, appropriative while trying to justify it while not actually doing anything to justify it, elitist, etc. Just… not for me in some big ways.
It did make me stop and wonder why I’m looking for such basic external help on a deeply internal journey. The difficulty of the last few years for me has destroyed my foundational sense of self and I don’t think I’m going to find it again in a book like this. Maybe not in any book but my own journaling.
Annoying, appropriative while trying to justify it while not actually doing anything to justify it, elitist, etc. Just… not for me in some big ways.
It did make me stop and wonder why I’m looking for such basic external help on a deeply internal journey. The difficulty of the last few years for me has destroyed my foundational sense of self and I don’t think I’m going to find it again in a book like this. Maybe not in any book but my own journaling.
February 8, 2025
I'm not into Tarot cards and astrology, but I liked the premise of someone trying various ways to get back in touch with the magic in the world around them, and I do feel the power of nature and believe in being in tune with seasons of nature and of life. I actually got a lot out of this book. Most of the things she does are just different ways of focusing your energy, slowing down, listening to yourself, and trusting your instincts, and those are things I think every woman needs.
December 7, 2021
A good book, more for people who know a little about the mystical/occult, not for those who are well-versed in it. I did learn some stuff. I liked her stories about her life. I thought it was disjointed and confusing in places. She skips around in time some. Good overall message. We don't engage in mystical practices serve ourselves, but serve the bigger world as well.
September 27, 2021
- not my usual type
- made me want to be calm and try new things
- still not a believer in crystals and moons myself though
- feel this book would benefit from more pictures/images
- told like a story
- honest and funny at times
- made me want to be calm and try new things
- still not a believer in crystals and moons myself though
- feel this book would benefit from more pictures/images
- told like a story
- honest and funny at times
October 13, 2021
Thought provoking
I really enjoyed Emma’s book. Her thoughts make interesting reading. By the time I reached “July” chapter, it made so much sense and I was totally on board. A definite read when you feel a bit lost in life.
I really enjoyed Emma’s book. Her thoughts make interesting reading. By the time I reached “July” chapter, it made so much sense and I was totally on board. A definite read when you feel a bit lost in life.
October 14, 2021
Uplifting
Since reading this book I have purchased a new luck crystal, booked into a sound bath, booked a reiki session and taken time out to do my vision board.
Beautifully written, uplifting and just what we need right now. I've already ordered copies as Christmas presents
Since reading this book I have purchased a new luck crystal, booked into a sound bath, booked a reiki session and taken time out to do my vision board.
Beautifully written, uplifting and just what we need right now. I've already ordered copies as Christmas presents
October 22, 2021
Great Journey
Emma shows us how we need to get back to our interests we had as younger people. Her journey led us through the craziness of adulting to slowing down and enjoying our lives by adding wonderful mythical practices!
Emma shows us how we need to get back to our interests we had as younger people. Her journey led us through the craziness of adulting to slowing down and enjoying our lives by adding wonderful mythical practices!
October 27, 2021
Jam packed with spiritual inspitation
Absolutely loved this book and really resonated with my own spiritual journey and mystical adventures over the last 18 months. Jam packed with inspiration, I've booked my first sound bath and about to start a Reiki course!
Absolutely loved this book and really resonated with my own spiritual journey and mystical adventures over the last 18 months. Jam packed with inspiration, I've booked my first sound bath and about to start a Reiki course!
January 1, 2022
I liked it. It was incredibly human and messy and beautiful which was nice. The book acknowledged it's flaws and the author acknowledged her privileges and it was a realistic approach to spirituality and magic.
January 9, 2022
I LOVE this book. Howarth's way with words is so down to earth and real it is just a delight to read it. There are belly chuckle parts, profound moments and useful practical information throughout, all interspersed with genuine character and personality.
January 29, 2022
I was surprised by how my I enjoyed this book, actually. Entertaining, well-written, and interesting.
I like the way it was written. It has this air of, "Here's what I learnt. Do with it what you will, take what you need, use it how you wish."
And she's funny and cheeky on top of that!
I like the way it was written. It has this air of, "Here's what I learnt. Do with it what you will, take what you need, use it how you wish."
And she's funny and cheeky on top of that!
November 3, 2022
This started life as blog posts and it shows; it took me a while to get into it as the writing felt quite shallow in places. But it builds to something quite charming and by the end I was both won over and inspired to try to put a bit more magic into my own life. Might even dig out my tarot cards!
February 26, 2023
This book was good reading. We met Emma Howarth at our local WI. I missed most of the evening because unfortunately my friend took ill and we went home. But reading all about Emma's life in a year was very interesting. I'm glad I bought the book. Thank you Emma.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews