Wild Witchcraft: A Guide to Natural, Enchanting and Whimsical Magic by Rebecca Beyer is a book that delves into the world of witchcraft and magic. The author explores the timeless practice of witchcraft but offers a fresh and modern approach that embraces nature, simplicity, and individuality. Throughout the book, Beyer emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature and finding magic in the everyday. She encourages readers to step away from the constraints of traditional witchcraft and instead explore their own unique path. Beyer believes that everyone has the ability to practice witchcraft, and she provides a multitude of practical exercises and rituals to guide readers along their journey. One of the main themes in this book is the power of intention and belief.
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Furthermore, Beyer includes so much folklore and medicinal history, folklore not even I have heard, all of which is well-sourced and documented at the end of the book. Disclosure Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
One of the main themes in this book is the power of intention and belief. Beyer emphasizes the importance of setting clear intentions and truly believing in the magic we create. She reminds readers that magic is not solely about casting spells or performing rituals but about aligning our intentions and desires with the natural forces of the universe.
Wild witchcraft rebecca beyer pdf
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
I've been doing a lot more reading lately, especially compared to last year, but I have been focusing on books I want to read instead of just books I've been asked to review. Still, I always find time to read new and upcoming occult books so I can let you know if they are worth the purchase or not. Today I come to share the upcoming book Wild Witchcraft: Folk Herbalism, Garden Magic, and Foraging for Spells, Rituals, and Remedies by Rebecca Beyer.
First and foremost it should be noted that Beyer is an expert in her field. Not only is she a skilled witch, herbalist, and forager who routinely teaches classes on such topics, but she also holds a B.S. in Plant and Soil Science as well as a Masters in Appalachian Studies and Sustainability. This is a woman after my own heart and means that she is one of the most qualified witches out there to teach sustainable folk herbalism, garden magic, and foraging. Furthermore, she teaches with respect to indigenous cultures, taking a decolonized approach to sustainability and land management. This is so uncommon in both the occult and environmentalism worlds that seeing it show up in a book about both was a breath of fresh air in a room full of stagnation.
Wild Witchcraft is divided up into four sections. The first section covers a brief history of witchcraft and foraging, particularly in the United States, followed by sections on sustainable gardening and foraging, plant folklore, and herbal remedies and spells using the Wheel of the Year. Beyer, who lives and works just outside of Asheville, North Carolina in the Appalachian Mountains, takes a very local approach to her craft, as she should since she is teaching witches to practice sustainably. Practicing local witchcraft is also much more powerful than trying to import ingredients from thousands of miles away and much more environmentally friendly. This means that many of the plants and fungi mentioned in the book are found in the South East. Of course, as someone residing in Georgia in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, this spoke to my soul. These are plants that grow in my backyard, which is not something I often find extensively talked about in many herbal books. Many of the plants discussed in other books are based on more traditional European and Northern climates, meaning that not all of them are accessible to me. While this may put some readers off, the information offered by Beyer is still valuable. Many of the plants mentioned in the book extend far north or have similar counterparts in other regions. Furthermore, Beyer includes so much folklore and medicinal history, folklore not even I have heard, all of which is well-sourced and documented at the end of the book. The bibliography for this book is extensive and one I will be referring back to while doing research of my own. For obvious reasons, the plant folklore was my favorite part of the book.
As mentioned earlier, Beyer takes a very decolonized approach to land management, foraging, and sustainable gardening. Many of her techniques are modeled after indigenous practices, thus showing respect to the land and the people who came before us. She is sure to call out cultural appropriation when necessary and offers alternative practices, plants, and spells to use instead. I am excited to implement some of the strategies for foraging and gardening outlined in her book in my own garden. Honestly, it convinced me to go ahead and order seeds and start looking at some new raised bed and composting options. My goal is to continue to grow my little farm to eventually sustain me and my family, thereby shrinking my ecological footprint.
The book ends with a dive into the Wheel of the Year, with spells and herbal remedies for each. Some of the spells are relatively common with a distinct Appalachian flare. It was the remedies and teas I liked best and look forward to trying in my own home. This section is a beautiful guide to living more in sync with the Earth's natural cycles. This book combines incredibly well with Seasons of a Magical Life by H. Byron Ballad, who is also from Asheville, NC. The South behaves so differently from more northern climates, that it's nice to have two books discussing these differences.
I highly recommend Wild Witchcraft: Folk Herbalism, Garden Magic, and Foraging for Spells, Rituals, and Remedies by Rebecca Beyer and know it's a book many of you will want to add to your shelf, even if you are not from the South East. Wild Witchcraft is available for pre-order now and will be released May 10, 2022. If you are interested in learning more about Beyer, signing up for one of her classes, or interested in her other works, visit her at Blood and Spicebush.
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Another key aspect of Wild Witchcraft is its emphasis on simplicity and mindfulness. Beyer encourages readers to simplify their practice, clearing away the clutter and focusing on the essentials. She reminds us that often, the most powerful magic comes from the simplest acts, such as spending time in nature or engaging in mindful meditation. Throughout the book, Beyer also explores various tools and practices commonly associated with witchcraft, such as crystals, herbs, and divination. However, she emphasizes that these tools are not necessary for practicing witchcraft; rather, they can be used as aids to help enhance our magic. Overall, Wild Witchcraft by Rebecca Beyer offers a refreshing and modern take on witchcraft. The book emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature, setting clear intentions, and embracing simplicity. It encourages readers to explore their own unique path and find magic in the everyday. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this book provides valuable insights and practical guidance for anyone interested in the world of witchcraft and magic..
Reviews for "The Power of Connection: Exploring the Role of Nature in Wild Witchcraft through Rebecca Beyer's PDF"
1. James - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed with "Wild Witchcraft" by Rebecca Beyer. The book promised all sorts of exciting and powerful spells, but it fell short on delivering any practical information. The author spent too much time rambling about her personal experiences without providing clear instructions or guidance for beginners. Overall, I found the book to be poorly organized and lacking in substance. I would not recommend it to anyone serious about learning witchcraft.
2. Emma - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Wild Witchcraft" by Rebecca Beyer, but unfortunately, it did not meet my expectations. The book seemed more focused on presenting the author's personal beliefs and experiences rather than providing useful information for practicing witchcraft. The spells and rituals mentioned were vague and lacked proper instructions, leaving me confused and frustrated. Additionally, the writing style was not engaging, making it difficult to stay interested. Overall, I found it to be a disappointing read.
3. Sarah - 1 star - "Wild Witchcraft" by Rebecca Beyer was a complete waste of my time and money. The book lacked any real substance and felt more like a collection of random thoughts rather than a comprehensive guide to witchcraft. The author's personal anecdotes were largely irrelevant and did not contribute to the educational value of the book. Moreover, the spells and rituals mentioned were basic and easily found in any other beginner's guide. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking to learn about witchcraft. Save your money and find a more informative resource.
4. Matthew - 2 stars - I found "Wild Witchcraft" by Rebecca Beyer to be rather underwhelming. The book lacked depth and failed to provide detailed instructions for performing the spells and rituals mentioned. The author seemed more focused on promoting her personal brand than genuinely helping readers understand witchcraft. While there were a few interesting ideas mentioned, it felt like they were just brushed upon without any substantial exploration. Overall, not a book I would recommend to anyone serious about learning the craft.
5. Emily - 1 star - "Wild Witchcraft" by Rebecca Beyer was a huge disappointment for me. The book promised to provide a fresh and unique perspective on witchcraft, but it only ended up being a collection of generic spells and rituals that can be found in any other beginner's guide. The writing style was difficult to follow, and the author's constant use of jargon made it even more confusing for someone new to the subject. I expected more insightful information and guidance, but unfortunately, this book didn't deliver. I would not recommend wasting your time or money on it.