Year of the Witch Book is a captivating and thought-provoking novel written by Alexis Henderson. Set in the fictional village of Bethel, this dark fantasy explores the themes of power, belief, and the struggle of women in a patriarchal society. The story revolves around Immanuelle Moore, a young woman who is an outcast in her village due to her mother's scandalous past. Immanuelle discovers a dark secret that threatens not only her life but also the entire community. She unravels the dark history of her village, which is plagued by the curse of the Darkwood and the mysterious presence of witches. As Immanuelle becomes entangled in the web of magic and wickedness, she learns about her own inner strength and the power that lies within her.
Today I have another book review for you, dear readers; a popular one at that. Year of the Witch: Connecting Nature's Seasons through Intuitive Magick by Temperance Alden has been popping up everywhere in the witch community. It's probably one of the hottest books on the market at the moment, and I was thrilled when Weiser reached out and asked if I would like to review this book. I actually had it on my Amazon wishlist, especially because I follow Alden on Instagram and love her budget-friendly witch tips. This book didn't disappoint!
Furthermore, her recipes, spells, and rituals also support sustainable, local practices, encouraging the reader to use local, in-season produce, local ingredients, and she is mindful of how spell ingredients should be disposed of. Her method is very similar to my own, so I can vouch that it works, and I second her proposal that all witches be familiar with how to create their own correspondences.
As Immanuelle becomes entangled in the web of magic and wickedness, she learns about her own inner strength and the power that lies within her. Alongside the powerful frenemy, Ezra, a member of the ruling elite, she embarks on a journey to vanquish the witches and break free from the chains that bind her. Throughout the book, the author skillfully explores the deep-rooted misogyny that exists within the society and how women are often objectified and silenced.
Year of the Witch - by Temperance Alden (Paperback)
"When we think of the 'wheel of the year,' it is the Wiccan wheel-with its celebrations of the Yule, Beltane, Mabon, Samhain, etc.-that comes to mind. But what about a 'wheel of the year' for the rest of us pagans and witches? This book will help readers create their own intuitive practices, in harmony with the climate, culture, and local spirits where they live"
Book Synopsis
"In her much-needed and brilliant Year of the Witch, Temperance Alden guides readers to observe their own land, celestial cycles, seasonal cycles, and even their own biological cycles to inform their magickal year."-- Mat Auryn, author of Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick, and Manifestation
When we think of the wheel of the year, the Wiccan wheel with its celebrations of the Yule, Beltane, Mabon, and Samhain come to mind. But what about a wheel of the year for the rest of us pagans and witches? As a witch living in sunny South Florida, longtime hereditary witch Temperance Alden has often felt at odds gearing up to celebrate Yule, for example, when it is 76 degrees and sunny outside.
- The origins of the neo-pagan wheel of the year and why it is still so relevant today
- Culture, historical facts, and traditions associated with the major ceremonies
- Basic principles of land-based magick
- How to intuitively connect to the nature below your feet and the local gods
- Being a custodian to the land and its impact on our spiritual practice
Review Quotes
"Year of The Witch surpasses all other wheel-of-the-year books on my shelves as a perfect mix of traditional practices and modern application. . . . An absolute 'must-have' if you're looking to incorporate the wheel into your life without the pressure of ideas about what you 'should do' and only build instead upon what is authentic to you." --Olivia Graves, "The Witch of Wonderlust"
"Not only is Year of the Witch an engaging, thoughtful, and truly fun read, but it is also packed with wisdom and insight that comes only from the living the path. Temperance's words are so generous and supportive, and her perspective offers so much depth for new and practiced witches alike. Whether you're a city witch or swamp witch, whether you've been celebrating the wheel of the year for a decade or are new to it, this book has something to offer through the many practices, advice, prompts, and invitations that help readers reconnect with the cycles of the earth and those within themselves. This book is so encouraging of the fact that there's no one way to be a witch, without watering down the potency or power of the craft; a true act of magick." --Gabriela Herstik, author of Inner Witch
"Temperance Alden has written a book about the wheel of the year that can finally serve all witches and magickal practitioners living anywhere in the world in any climate. The authenticity in Alden's prose enables her to effectively teach how to develop intuition and work with elements leading to a more profound understanding of the power of life's cycles. Delightful recipes and engaging rituals and spells help readers to create a wheel of the year unique to their own experiences. Year of the Witch is a direct conduit to Mother Earth and all Her power, and Alden has unveiled secrets even experienced witches will want to know." --Lawren Leo, author of Horse Magick
"Temperance Alden is at the fore of a new generation of witches, and they are smart, fearless, and ready to overthrow paradigms that many of us have taken for granted. Year of the Witch invites readers to challenge the assumption that the wheel of the year needs to uphold Arcadian agricultural ideals that just don't apply to how we actually live and practice our Crafts. Temperance is here to remind us that we don't know as much as we think we do, and thank goodness for that." --Thorn Mooney, author of Traditional Wicca
"The key to the heart of witchery lies in authentic connection. But many witches feel disconnected from the traditional wheel of the year due to either its religious tones or because the seasonal celebrations are based upon the European climates of the wheel's origins. Temperance Alden remedies this in her much-needed and brilliant Year of the Witch, where she guides the readers to observe their own land, celestial cycles, seasonal cycles, and even their own biological cycles to inform their magickal year. Drawing on folklore, mythology, and religious customs surrounding the wheel of the year, Alden provides a well-researched overview of the themes of the Sabbats, while urging the reader to intuitively tap into themselves to learn how to authentically connect with the high holy holidays of the witch to extract power and wisdom from them, regardless of their path or religious leanings." --Mat Auryn, author of Psychic Witch
About the Author
Temperance Alden is a hereditary folk witch with over eighteen years of practice devoted to witchcraft and paganism. She is the founder of Wild Woman Witchcraft.
“The key to the heart of witchery lies in authentic connection. But many witches feel disconnected from the traditional wheel of the year due to either its religious tones or because the seasonal celebrations are based upon the European climates of the wheel’s origins. Temperance Alden remedies this in her much-needed and brilliant Year of the Witch , where she guides the readers to observe their own land, celestial cycles, seasonal cycles, and even their own biological cycles to inform their magickal year. Drawing on folklore, mythology, and religious customs surrounding the wheel of the year, Alden provides a well-researched overview of the themes of the Sabbats, while urging the reader to intuitively tap into themselves to learn how to authentically connect with the high holy holidays of the witch to extract power and wisdom from them, regardless of their path or religious leanings.” — Mat Auryn , author of Psychic Witch “Not only is Year of the Witch an engaging, thoughtful, and truly fun read , but it is also packed with wisdom and insight that comes only from the living the path . Temperance’s words are so generous and supportive, and her perspective offers so much depth for new and practiced witches alike. Whether you’re a city witch or swamp witch, whether you’ve been celebrating the wheel of the year for a decade or are new to it, this book has something to offer through the many practices, advice, prompts, and invitations that help readers reconnect with the cycles of the earth and those within themselves. This book is so encouraging of the fact that there’s no one way to be a witch, without watering down the potency or power of the craft; a true act of magick.” — Gabriela Herstik , author of Inner Witch “ Year of The Witch surpasses all other wheel-of-the-year books on my shelves as a perfect mix of traditional practices and modern application. . . . An absolute ‘must-have’ if you’re looking to incorporate the wheel into your life without the pressure of ideas about what you ‘should do’ and only build instead upon what is authentic to you.” — Olivia Graves , “The Witch of Wonderlust” “Temperance Alden is at the fore of a new generation of witches, and they are smart, fearless, and ready to overthrow paradigms that many of us have taken for granted. Year of the Witch invites readers to challenge the assumption that the wheel of the year needs to uphold Arcadian agricultural ideals that just don’t apply to how we actually live and practice our Crafts. Temperance is here to remind us that we don’t know as much as we think we do, and thank goodness for that.” — Thorn Mooney , author of Traditional Wicca “Temperance Alden has written a book about the wheel of the year that can finally serve all witches and magickal practitioners living anywhere in the world in any climate . The authenticity in Alden’s prose enables her to effectively teach how to develop intuition and work with elements leading to a more profound understanding of the power of life’s cycles. Delightful recipes and engaging rituals and spells help readers to create a wheel of the year unique to their own experiences. Year of the Witch is a direct conduit to Mother Earth and all Her power, and Alden has unveiled secrets even experienced witches will want to know .” — Lawren Leo , author of Horse Magick
Henderson highlights the oppression faced by women and the ways in which they navigate their power in a world that fears and suppresses them. The Year of the Witch Book delves into the complexities of religion and belief systems. It challenges the notions of good and evil, blurring the lines between them. The author beautifully intertwines folklore and mythology with modern-day struggles, creating a rich and immersive world. What sets this book apart is the author's exquisite prose and vivid descriptions. The atmospheric setting creates a sense of unease and mystery, adding to the overall tension of the narrative. In conclusion, Year of the Witch Book is a spellbinding tale that explores the themes of power, belief, and resilience. With its strong female protagonist and intricate world-building, it is a must-read for lovers of dark fantasy and those interested in the portrayal of women's struggles in society. Alexis Henderson's debut novel showcases her talent as a compelling storyteller and leaves readers eagerly awaiting her future works..
Reviews for "Rediscovering Ancient Wisdom: Reflections on Year of the Witch Book"
1. John - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Year of the Witch" as a fan of witchcraft and history, but I was left disappointed. The book lacked depth and failed to provide any new or insightful information about witches or their practices. The writing style was dry and repetitive, making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to explore a fascinating subject.
2. Emily - 1 star - I found "Year of the Witch" to be incredibly boring and uninformative. The author seemed more interested in sharing personal anecdotes and opinions rather than providing well-researched facts. The book lacked structure and coherence, jumping from one topic to another without any clear direction. I was hoping to learn something new about witchcraft, but instead, I was left feeling frustrated and unsatisfied.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - As someone with a keen interest in witchcraft, I was excited to delve into "Year of the Witch." However, I was let down by the shallow exploration of the subject. The book failed to offer any in-depth analysis or historical context, leaving me with more questions than answers. The writing style was convoluted and lacked clarity, making it difficult to follow the author's train of thought. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone genuinely interested in learning about witchcraft.
4. Michael - 3 stars - "Year of the Witch" had its moments, but it ultimately fell short of my expectations. While I appreciated some of the historical references and personal stories shared by the author, the overall structure of the book felt disjointed. The pacing was uneven, with certain chapters dragging on while others rushed through important topics. I also found the tone to be condescending at times, as if the author were talking down to the readers. Overall, it had some redeeming qualities, but I wouldn't consider it a must-read in the genre.