The book of Practical Witchcraft by Pamela Ball is a comprehensive guide to understanding and practicing various aspects of witchcraft. It delves into the history, philosophy, and rituals associated with witchcraft, providing readers with practical advice and knowledge. One of the main focuses of the book is educating readers about the different branches and traditions of witchcraft, such as Wicca, Paganism, and Shamanism. The author explains their origins, beliefs, and practices, allowing readers to explore these paths and choose the one that resonates with them the most. In addition to discussing the theoretical aspects, the book also provides step-by-step instructions for performing spells, rituals, and divination techniques. It covers a wide range of topics, including spellcasting, creating altars and sacred spaces, working with crystals and herbs, and connecting with the natural world.
Serve with rice - and in this case broccoli and beansprouts.
As pancakes were something of a motif in this film I was going to choose that as my dish to make, but I didn t think it was particularly exciting at least, not the kind of breakfast pancakes they eat in the film and at the same time, there was another scene I couldn t get out of my head. But I found myself humming that line over and over and eventually decided to give up the idea of pancakes and instead make something where I could put the lime in the coconut.
It covers a wide range of topics, including spellcasting, creating altars and sacred spaces, working with crystals and herbs, and connecting with the natural world. What sets this book apart is its emphasis on the practical aspect of witchcraft. It encourages readers to not only study and understand the theory but also to actively engage in their own spiritual journey.
Caroline Makes.
I'm taking part in Food 'n' Flix, which encourages bloggers to watch the film chosen for that month and cook something inspired by the story, location or characters. This month the film is Practical Magic starring Sandra Bullock and Nicola Kidman; I'd seen it several years ago but decided to watch it again. The film centres around two sisters (Bullock and Kidman) brought up by their aunts (played by Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest), who are all witches. They also live a relatively bohemian lifestyle and are something of outcasts in the community. The sisters also believe there is a family curse - that the men they fall in love with suffer an untimely death. The curse appears to be true when Sally (Sandra Bullock) is widowed at a young age, and she is wary of falling in love again. However, this is a romantic comedy and does of course have a happy ending.
When Sally is a child she makes a wish or casts a spell to protect herself from falling in love (and therefore protect anyone who might love her from dying) and makes a list of qualities her husband must have, that she thinks are too far-fetched to come true - one quality being that he will have one green eye and one blue, and also that he will be able to toss pancakes. When the investigator Gary arrives to look into a mysterious death, Sally realises he does have one green eye one blue. Soon, he seems to be falling for Sally, and there's a moment when the viewer realises he must be 'the one' as he is tossing pancakes with her children.
As pancakes were something of a motif in this film I was going to choose that as my dish to make, but I didn't think it was particularly exciting (at least, not the kind of breakfast pancakes they eat in the film) and at the same time, there was another scene I couldn't get out of my head. The sisters and their aunts are drinking and getting merry on tequila and end up dancing around the kitchen singing a song called "Coconut", with a particularly catchy line that goes "put the lime in the coconut". I had to look the song up and discovered it was by a guy called Harry Nilsson in 1972, but that Dannii Minogue also recorded a cover version, which I can't quite imagine! But I found myself humming that line over and over and eventually decided to give up the idea of pancakes and instead make something where I could "put the lime in the coconut".
I found a Delia Smith recipe online for a lime and coconut chicken curry which looked perfect. It's also really easy to make, as it only uses a few ingredients.
Chop two chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Place in a bowl with the zest and juice of a lime. Leave for at least an hour to marinate.
Chop half a red chilli - Delia says to use a green chilli but I only had red.
Stir-fry the chicken, adding the marinade to the pan as well, until the chicken cooked and then add the chilli. Add half a tin of coconut milk and cook for a few minutes over a medium heat.
You're supposed to add spring onions but I didn't have any and my boyfriend doesn't like them anyway. I did add some chopped coriander just before serving.
Serve with rice - and in this case broccoli and beansprouts.
Food n Flix this month is hosted by Can't Believe We Ate and the main page can be found here.
The author provides exercises and activities for self-reflection, meditation, and energy work, empowering readers to develop their own unique style of witchcraft. The book also addresses common misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding witchcraft, aiming to dispel myths and promote a more accurate understanding of this ancient practice. It encourages readers to embrace their own intuition and creativity, emphasizing the importance of personal exploration and growth. Overall, The Book of Practical Witchcraft offers a comprehensive and accessible guide to witchcraft, blending theory with practical advice. Whether one is a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this book serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in witchcraft and its transformative power. **Its practical approach and emphasis on personal exploration make it an empowering and inspiring read for aspiring witches.**.
Reviews for "Casting Effective Spells: Lessons from "The Book of Practical Witchcraft" by Pamela Ball"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really excited to read "The Book of Practical Witchcraft" by Pamela Ball, but I was left disappointed. The book lacked depth and comprehensive information. It felt more like a simple introduction to witchcraft rather than a practical guide. The spells and techniques mentioned were too basic and lacked practicality. I was expecting more in-depth explanations and guidance, but I found myself still searching for more information after reading this book. Overall, I felt let down by the lack of substance and depth in this book.
2. Mark - 1/5 - As someone who has been interested in witchcraft for a while now, I was extremely disappointed with "The Book of Practical Witchcraft" by Pamela Ball. The book felt very amateur and shallow. The information provided was extremely basic, and it felt like the author didn't have a deep understanding of the subject matter. Additionally, the writing style was confusing and hard to follow at times. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive and practical guide to witchcraft.
3. Emma - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "The Book of Practical Witchcraft" by Pamela Ball, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The book lacked a clear structure and organization, making it difficult to navigate and find the information I was looking for. The spells and rituals mentioned were too simplistic and didn't provide enough guidance for beginners. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and lacking the depth I was hoping for. I would recommend looking for other resources if you're serious about learning practical witchcraft.