Personal Magic by Marion Weinstein, Steven Hanes

A classic of practical magic that presents witchcraft as a life-affirming spiritual path—from one of the grand dames of witchcraft.

Marion Weinstein was one of the founders of modern-day witchcraft. Personal Magic is her book of shadows, what they used to call a grimoire or book of spells. It presents her personal approach to witchcraft, what she learned over her many decades of practicing magic:

• How to invoke the deities or spirit powers, the gods and goddesses that inhabit our world
• The pagan holidays—what they mean and how to honor them
• Working with moon power throughout its phases
• The witch’s toolkit of spells and rituals for contacting one’s ancestors, seeking protection from malevolent forces, and practicing advanced manifestation
• An exploration of the principles of self-realization through witchcraft

In the old days,” she writes, “a ‘Book of Shadows’ was kept for joyful reasons—to pass on the work to others. Every witch who could write had one.” During times of repression, these works were a way of preserving the religion. “Today, we are back to the original purpose of sharing the craft with others.” This book is Marion’s gift to you. It is also an invitation to start creating your own book of shadows.

Personal Magic is filled with how-tos and practical advice that shows readers how to unlock their psychic abilities to guide them in the creation of their own unique and personal magical work. Every technique is explained in detail, in keeping with Weinstein's proviso that one should never attempt to work any magic unless one understands it fully.