Witchcraft Discovered: Magic, Ritual & Enchantment for Head, Hands & Heart

by Josephine Winter

Packed with exercises, this book is an accessible, comprehensive, and hands-on toolkit for getting started in witchcraft. Josephine Winter takes you by the hand, eases any fears, and shows you how to do the thing rather than just read about it. Each chapter shares journal prompts, activities to develop your skills, and suggestions for further reading.

Witchcraft Discovered shows you how to sink your hands into the soil (witchcraft of the hands), ask questions (witchcraft of the head), and dance to your own drumbeat (witchcraft of the heart). Presenting both witchcraft theory and practice, plus a few recipes, this book teaches you about:

Sabbats - The Elements - Witchy Tools - Divination - Plant Magic - Rituals - Deities and Spirit - Planetary Magic - Meditation - Energy Work - Altar Work - Sigils and Talismans - The Magic Circle - Hearth Magic - Community

Genres: Witchcraft, Audiobook

288 pages, Paperback

Published October 8, 2023

About the author

Josephine Winter has been a Pagan and witch for over two decades, beginning in Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education, literature, and the arts. For the last decade, she has been a regular volunteer and organizer at various Pagan events around Australia. Josephine is the founder of Lepus Lumen, a teaching collective of covens, outer courts, and solo practitioners. She lives in country Victoria, in Australia's leafy south-east.

Reviews

[Books Tea Magic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique approach! ✨🔮♥️ I read a lot of books on magic and witchy subjects. From the outset, Josephine Winter sets her book apart by inviting you to a rite of beginnings. A beautiful ritual that would seamlessly work in many occasions, but also serves as a magical door to step through and start this journey. Straightforward language, and well researched, Winter crafts an enjoyable and welcoming environment to learn and laugh, experiment and find your way with modern day eclectic witchcraft. Loved every minute of it!

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for beginners but also a book that can supply some new ideas or hints.
Well written and easy to follow
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Ishieta Chopra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!
The writing style, the information and the journal prompts - All are done so well.
Practical information that gets you started with your own practice and i really like that she makes it sound all so easy and joyful.
She also gives an introduction and background to so many of the concepts and ideas in witchcraft - so i found this to be a good reference book to understand the different terms and they exactly are.
I recommend this to a beginner and even a more experienced reader - I wish this was one of my first books i'd read when getting interested in this subject.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it. I got it as an ARC and it took me a while
to get to it. I liked how she sectioned each chapter into sections, marrying them all together. I’m not a Wiccan or a Practicing Witch however I found everything that she included so informative. I’m actually going to read it again soon because I feel like I want to make sure I got every piece of information that I could, and I’m going to actually buy the book to annotate the parts I found most informative, that maybe I had questions about, and that I just in general really liked.

[Diana Pereira · Rating 4 out of 5]

EN: I am pleased to share my thoughts on "Witchcraft Discovered," a book that delves into the intriguing world of witchcraft, with a particular focus on the perspective of Wicca, as the author is part of traditional Wicca.

This book has several positive aspects, especially for those taking their first steps:

Pros:
- I was impressed by the abundance of practical exercises it offers, making it ideal for beginners. These exercises gradually empower the practitioner, promoting their independence.
- The inclusion of numerous examples for each topic was an aspect I greatly appreciated. This made the content more accessible, as I often found I could identify with at least one of the examples.
- The comprehensiveness of this book is notable. It covers a wide range of topics and includes useful lists of correspondences and meanings, making it a valuable reference tool.

However, there are some less positive aspects to consider:

Cons:
- The book may create some confusion when addressing the concepts of being a witch, Wiccan, pagan, and druid. The mixing of the meanings of these concepts can confuse and mislead those seeking clarity.
- It is important to emphasize once again that this book is more geared towards beginners. More experienced readers may not find significant value in it.

In summary, I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Witchcraft Discovered." I identified with the author's personality and informal writing style. However, I would recommend this book primarily to those who are just beginning their journey into the world of witchcraft and Wicca. It is a useful tool for those looking to start their journey in these topics but may not meet the needs of more experienced practitioners.

I want to express my gratitude to Llewellyn Publications and the NetGalley website for providing this eBook. The opportunity was truly appreciated.



PT: Tenho o prazer de partilhar a minha opinião sobre "Witchcraft Discovered", um livro que mergulha no intrigante mundo da bruxaria, com um enfoque particular na perspetiva da Wicca, já que a autora faz parte da Wicca tradicional.

Este livro tem vários pontos positivos, especialmente para quem está a dar os primeiros passos:

Prós:
- Fiquei impressionada com a quantidade de exercícios práticos que oferece, tornando-o ideal para iniciantes. - Esses exercícios gradualmente capacitam o praticante, promovendo a sua independência.
- A inclusão de inúmeros exemplos para cada tópico foi um aspecto que valorizei muito. Isso tornou o conteúdo mais acessível, já que muitas vezes pude identificar-me com pelo menos um dos exemplos.
- A abrangência deste livro é notável. Ele cobre uma ampla gama de temas e inclui listas úteis de correspondências e significados, tornando-o uma ferramenta valiosa para consulta.

Contudo, há algumas menos positivas a ter em conta:

Contras:
- O livro pode gerar alguma confusão ao abordar os conceitos de ser bruxo, wiccano, pagão e druida. A mistura do significado desses conceitos podem baralhar e induzir em erro quem procura clareza.
- É importante salientar mais uma vez que este livro é mais direcionado para iniciantes. Leitores mais experientes podem não encontrar um valor significativo nele.

Resumindo, gostei bastante da leitura de "Witchcraft Discovered". Identifiquei-me com a personalidade e a escrita informal da autora. No entanto, gostaria de recomendar este livro principalmente a quem está a dar os primeiros passos no mundo da bruxaria e da Wicca. É uma ferramenta útil para quem deseja iniciar a sua jornada nesses temas, mas pode não atender às necessidades de praticantes mais experientes.
Quero expressar a minha gratidão à Llewellyn Publications e ao site NetGalley por disponibilizarem este eBook. A oportunidade foi verdadeiramente apreciada.

[Shirley Andrade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book of Information

The author discusses various practices of witchcraft, expanding upon the fact that she was initiated into Alexandrian Wicca, which has specific rites and practices that are done within the context of a coven.

Josephine Winter points out the difference between operative versus ritual witchcraft by stating that some of today’s witches and pagans tend to do both of these types of witchcraft in different amounts. She states that operative witchcraft refers to rituals and workings done with the intention of altering the external universe in some way using :
• Spells and Charms
• Self-Work or Self-Care
• Curses and Banishing
• Blessings
• Divination

On the other hand, she states that ritual witchcraft refers to the rituals and workings done to bring us closer to deity, to benefit deity, or to alter the relationship between human and deity (or spirits) in some way through:
• Prayers and Devotionals
• Rituals and Celebrations
• Meditation and Pathworking

The author discusses the traditions and practices of various types of witchcraft. She provides practical exercises and basic skill entries to get you actually doing the thing rather than just reading about. Additionally, she has included journal prompts as suggestions to get you writing and reflecting on your thinking about witchcraft, your research, and your practice.

She discusses many aspects of the moon, the sun, and the planets in great detail as they relate to Wicca and witchcraft.

She provides exercises for self-awareness, self-enrichment, and for spiritual enhancement purposes. To top it out, she includes several recipes, examples of amulets and talismans, and information on basically mant aspects of witchcraft. This is a very indepth book containing information for not only beginners, but as well for advance practitioners. Great library addition. Highly recommend.

[JennyGirlReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an E-Book Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.

Witchcraft Discovered is great for anyone wanting to learn more about practicing Witchcraft in the 21st Century. As someone that read Witchy how-to's and beginner style books more than 20 years ago, I appreciated that this book was an introduction to the Craft that reflects the values of 2023. The author didn't attempt to reinvent the wheel, but this book offers advice that beginners will find useful. Winters gives an in-depth history as well as defining what Witchcraft is. Each chapter offers additional book suggestions to the reader for deeper dives. There are also journal prompts scattered throughout to help the reader in formulating what their own practice will be and what it will mean for them. The author conveys that all of this is to be taken as advice and that each practitioner is free to create their own practice as they see fit.

The hands on approach and exercises in this how-to manual really help a new practitioner in learning how to work their craft with their head, hands and heart. It covers everything a new practitioner would want to learn about getting started on their journey from the Sabbats/Esbats, Tools of the Craft, different Divination practices, Deities and much more. This book is a very good starting place which can lead to continued learning.

While I do not believe experienced Witches will find anything new from a practical aspect, the recipes and spells are something I will revisit in my own practice as it is always changing and evolving.

[Cortney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have received an this arc from netgalley and publisher in an exchange for an honest review.

I have always been drawn to witchcraft and magic from when I was a little girl. I am a beginner and wanted to learn what all it entailed. This author shows you different practices of witchcraft and the definitions of what they mean.

I found this book very helpful with the exercises and questions she asked before the chapters and answered them at the end. I struggle with focusing and keeping my mind calm and this book showed what measures it takes to relax.

I found this book informative of all the different kinds of practices and everyone chooses their own path and what works for you. This book you can keep by your side and look back to find the answers you are looking for. She doesn't get into everything in full detail, but she recommends books and authors to read more about what intrigues you.

Overall, this book got my foot in the door of learning the basics of witchcraft.

[petalpineink · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to have more of an extended glossary/short encyclopedia feel to it, which was not exactly what I was personally hoping for. I am new to delving into witchcraft topics, so I tend to like my beginner books a bit more digestible - which is a reflection of my preference and level. I found that this read touched on to many topics too quickly or for too short amount of space to help me organize my thoughts around a topic well. I think this read could be great for a beginner that is trying to learn about many different topics and then choose which to further research.

Thank NetGalley for the ARC of this read.

[jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is absolutely perfect for beginners! It goes through all the important, beginner friendly topics, not too briefly, and if a certain thing interests you, the author gives suggested reading on each element discussed.
Even though the author herself is Wiccan, she emphasizes that witchcraft is not a religion, and that everyone's path is different so you should do what feels right to you.
I appreciate that topics important in today's world, such as closed practices and cultural appropriation are brought up and discussed as well.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I added it to my NetGalley requests, procrastinated reading it, and then was truly blown away and impressed. As an avid reader and practitioner of the craft, it's always a delight to stumble upon a book that not only informs but empowers. "Witchcraft Discovered" by Josephine Winter is one such gem, a brand-new title fresh from Llewellyn that I had the privilege of exploring through a NetGalley ARC. I have added it to my top five recommendations for new witches. This is a solid text for new practitioners.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow! There is so much information in this book! This is the kind of book you buy and it stays by your side for years. The book you keep referencing back to over and over again. I feel like I know a decent amount about witchcraft and yet I learned so much from this book. But at the same time this book would be a great start for someone who was completely new to witchcraft. There is definitely something for everyone!

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED reading this book and have added it to my list of recommended books when people ask me about getting started on their own path. With everything from exercises, to tolls to Sabbats, you’ll find so much good information in here!

Don’t let the first few steps overwhelm you. Grab a copy of this book and begin your journey, one page, one day, one spell, and one Sabbat at a time!

[JadersCorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

NetGalley Review

a well worth the purchase. I valued the honest and transparency of the author. Great for those wanting to learn a lot of honest history, and the author sites and also recommended books to further research if that topic sparked interest.

Not a personal favorite but worth the purchase

[Yanira Goycoechea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me gustó mucho que te hace preguntas capciosas al final de ciertos capítulos o lecturas. No AMO el tema de las runas pero eso es a sentido personal, me gustó más cuando habló del tarot y que te aconseja aprenderte primero los árcanos menores… esp no lo había pensado y me ayudo muchisimo. Me gustó el libro y lo disfruté.

[Arden le Fey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a delightfully refreshing take on beginners friendly witchcraft. It doesn't hurt that several of my friends are referenced in this book, but I can definitely see this becoming a must-read for anyone beginning their witchcraft journey. Absolutely delightful.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! I enjoyed this book immensely. I also learned new terms and new things about Witchcraft. I give this book a thumbs up! I voluntarily read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Jamie Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the witchcraft book I needed when I was a child of the 90s trying to do little spells while I hung out in abandoned park garages with my homeless punk friends.
This is concise and real. It is beautiful. I will likely buy it for my niece.

[Mellissa Bushby · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something for everyone in this informative and rather fun book. Lots of exercises and little 'projects' to do that will certainly appeal to the beginner, and practical theory for witches, pagans, and Wiccans.

Thanks to NetGalley for my review copy.

3 and a half stars, rounded up.

[Jenna Deaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witchcraft Discovered by Josephine Winter is an excellent resource for Witches or witchcraft curious individuals looking for a book that includes a lot of practical try it yourself style exercises. Fans of Psychic Witch and witchcraft theory and Practice may also enjoy this title.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book with lots of helpful tips on mindfulness, history and general practice ideas. I really enjoyed all of the information given in this book and found it to be very helpful.

[kortni.readsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book and very informative. Grateful to have in my collection.

Thanks to NG and the publisher for allowing me access to this book.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

WITCHCRAFT DISCOVERED is a reference book about the recent history of witchcraft, paganism, and Wicca. The book is a glossary of sorts covering different types of witches, and practices. As well as the meanings of tarot cards, the moon, and the wheel of the year. While I don't agree with everything in the book, I feel this would be a helpful resource for those interested in learning more about witchcraft.