Magickal entities are a fundamental aspect of Wicca. In Wiccan belief, these entities are seen as spiritual beings or forces that can be invoked or summoned to assist in magical workings. The concept of magickal entities is central to Wiccan rituals and spells, as they are believed to possess specific powers and abilities that can be harnessed for various purposes. One of the most commonly recognized magickal entities in Wicca is the deity. Wiccans worship a variety of deities, often representing different aspects of nature and the divine. These could include gods and goddesses associated with the elements, seasons, or specific domains such as fertility or healing.
The set-up and plot is all that the blurb promises it to be. It’s about an accidental conjuring of a holiday spirit and the comical and heart moving results of it at a family Christmas holiday. However, that’s not all the book is about. The book has layers of emotions, mystery, lots of characters that you somehow grow to love, a sunshine and grump trope between the protagonists, comical lies and their even more comical consequences and most importantly: humour and love. Also a dollop of emotion that will guarantee tears during the last twenty percent of the book.
It s a strange happening where the reader is caught up in the protagonist s emotional mind space; so when she s happy you re happy when she s sad, you re crying, when the things around her are in a flurry you re flustered and when she stops to look at the sky, you breathe the quiet air right with her. Bettie soon finds Hall s holiday spirit to be less annoying over time and she eventually grows to appreciate Hall, her family, and the holidays much more.
These could include gods and goddesses associated with the elements, seasons, or specific domains such as fertility or healing. Deities are seen as powerful and wise beings who can be called upon for guidance, protection, and assistance in spellwork. **They are believed to be present during rituals and can bless or empower the practitioner's magical intentions.
Review: Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle
When I’d read Sarah Hogle’s debut novel You Deserve Each Other, I fell hard and fast for her work. Her writing managed to both tickle my funny bone and track a good bucket full of tears down my cheeks. After reading the synopsis for Just Like Magic, I was intrigued by the nature and premise of the story that the book promised.
When the book begins, you find your heart heavy and your emotions tangled, unsure how to feel for the protagonist and her situation. You feel sorry for her… but you don’t particularly like her. For a good thirty percent of the book, Hogle quietly sets a stage that we don’t see the beauty of until the very end.
My biggest advice for any reader who picks up Just Like Magic is: trust the author and stick to the book. The author’s writing is what makes this whole book work. The concept of the book is bizarre, but Hogle’s words make it wonderfully so. As the pages turn you start to see deeper meaning, painful wounds and a search for love and acceptance. And who can’t relate to that? Hogle’s writing is certainly what sets her apart and can elevate any normal story to something special.
The set-up and plot is all that the blurb promises it to be. It’s about an accidental conjuring of a holiday spirit and the comical and heart moving results of it at a family Christmas holiday. However, that’s not all the book is about. The book has layers of emotions, mystery, lots of characters that you somehow grow to love, a sunshine and grump trope between the protagonists, comical lies and their even more comical consequences and most importantly: humour and love. Also a dollop of emotion that will guarantee tears during the last twenty percent of the book.
The characters in the book are aplenty, to the point that sometimes some names blur. However, Hogle intends it that way, adding humour to it and making us laugh about the confusion. She has a certain trick that she uses in her books. She writes her characters initially by shining light on all their faults—be it the protagonists or the secondary characters. Then somehow (even the reader isn’t sure when) the characters showcase parts of themselves that endear us to them. Suddenly you know everyone’s name, their favourite colour, how they take their tea and you see their vulnerabilities and their kindness. She does this with the protagonist and she does this with every single person you may have had a problem connecting with in the story.
The book never particularly felt off in its pace but post 30% it certainly feels like more. More lovely, more warm, more funny, more endearing, just more. It’s a strange happening where the reader is caught up in the protagonist’s emotional mind space; so when she’s happy you’re happy when she’s sad, you’re crying, when the things around her are in a flurry you’re flustered and when she stops to look at the sky, you breathe the quiet air right with her. I stand by my statement: Hogle’s writing is her greatest most precious asset.
In fact Just Like Magic was so beautiful to me that for the first time in my life, I wasn’t even looking for a “perfect ending”. Wherever the heroine was at that very moment felt perfect to me. That’s a great feat to achieve for me as a reader who’s constantly looking to read a typical HEA.
Additionally it’s hard to write a book that’s a cross between contemporary and a somewhat fantasy trope without the latter overtaking the former. As readers we categorise books that have even a little bit of not-real elements in them, as a fantasy book in our minds. However, at some point while I was reading, I realised Just Like Magic didn’t feel like an impossible book… it felt real. Like it could happen to you. It was like a watching a Hallmark movie! A big ten on ten from me!
Just Like Magic is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
Will you be picking up Just Like Magic? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
See alsoReview: Bring Me Their Hearts by Sara Wolf
Bettie Hughes once knew the comfort of luxury, flaunting a ridiculous collection of designer shoes and a stealthy addiction to CBD oils. That is, until her parents snipped her purse strings. Long obsessed with her public image, Bettie boasts an extravagant lifestyle on social media. But the reality is: Bettie is broke and squatting in Colorado, and her family has no idea.
Christmas, with its pressure to meet familial expectations, is looming when a drunk Bettie plays a vinyl record of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” backwards and accidentally conjures Hall, an unexpectedly charming Holiday Spirit in the form of a man. Once the shock wears off, Bettie knows she’s stumbled upon the greatest gift: a chance to make all her holiday wishes come true, plus a ready-made fiancé.
But as the wiles of magic lose their charm, Bettie finds herself set off-kilter by Hall’s sweet gestures. Suddenly, Bettie is finding her heart merry and light. But the happier she gets, the shorter Hall’s time on earth grows. Can Bettie channel the Christmas spirit and learn to live with goodwill toward all men? Or will her selfish ways come back as soon as the holidays are over?
From the author of Twice Shy comes a sprightly Christmas novel, a rollicking romp through the absurdity of family holidays and the hope of new love.
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Like Loading. Tags Share IndiaAhana started reading while she was in the womb. Or so she claims. Outside of talking about herself in third person, binge watching Asian Drama and plotting to get everyone she knows addicted to it, Ahana is an avid reader and a passionate blogger. She used to be quiet, but then she started talking about books and now she can’t stop. If you ever see someone animatedly waving their hands in the air and talking about dragons, fated-lovers and magic, that’s probably Ahana. You may not want to walk up to her, because she’ll talk your ear off about her favourite read. You can find Ahana on Goodreads.
** Another type of magickal entity in Wicca is the elemental. Wiccans typically work with the four classical elements - earth, air, fire, and water - and view them as spiritual energies that can be accessed and channeled for magical purposes. Elemental entities are often seen as intelligent beings that embody the qualities and characteristics of their respective element. For example, an earth elemental may be associated with stability, grounding, and abundance, whereas an air elemental may represent communication, intellect, and creativity. **Wiccans may call upon these entities to gain the elemental powers and qualities they possess, or to harmonize and balance the elemental forces within themselves or their environment.** In addition to deities and elementals, Wiccans also recognize other types of magickal entities, such as spirit guides, ancestors, and guardians. Spirit guides are seen as benevolent beings or energies that provide spiritual guidance and support to individuals on their spiritual path. They may be seen as personal companions or mentors who can offer wisdom, protection, and inspiration. Ancestors are believed to be deceased loved ones who continue to watch over and guide their living descendants. They can also be called upon for ancestral wisdom, healing, and connection to one's roots. Guardians, on the other hand, are protective entities that are often associated with specific places or objects. They are invoked to safeguard an individual, their home, or a sacred space from negative or harmful energies. Overall, magickal entities play a vital role in Wiccan practice. They are seen as supportive and empowering forces that can enhance the effectiveness of rituals, spells, and spiritual work. Whether it's invoking deities for their divine blessings, working with elementals to harness elemental powers, or seeking guidance from spirit guides and ancestors, Wiccans believe that these magickal entities can bring forth the energy and assistance needed for a successful and impactful magical practice..
Reviews for "Exploring the Enchanting World of Magickal Entities in Wicca"
- Jane - 2 stars - I was really excited to learn about magickal entities in Wicca, but this book just fell flat for me. The author didn't provide any real evidence or personal experiences to back up their claims, and it felt more like a collection of vague theories than anything substantial. I was also disappointed with the lack of practical guidance or exercises to connect with these entities. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book if you're looking for an in-depth exploration of magickal entities in Wicca.
- Mark - 1 star - I couldn't get past the author's writing style in this book. It was filled with confusing jargon and convoluted sentences that made it difficult to understand the main points. I felt like I needed a dictionary and a degree in metaphysics just to make sense of it all. Additionally, the lack of organization made it hard to follow along and retain any valuable information. I wouldn't waste my time with this book if you're a beginner or looking for clear explanations.
- Sarah - 2 stars - As someone who has been practicing Wicca for a few years, I found this book to be a letdown. The author seemed more interested in name-dropping obscure entities and discussing theoretical concepts than providing practical advice or useful insights. It felt like a lot of fluff without any substance. If you're looking for a more comprehensive guide to magickal entities in Wicca, I would recommend looking elsewhere.