Wiccan Circles Near Me If you are interested in exploring Wicca or are already a practitioner looking for a community, finding Wiccan circles near you can be a great way to connect with fellow witches and enhance your spiritual journey. Wiccan circles, also known as covens, are gatherings of Wiccan practitioners who come together to celebrate, perform rituals, and share their knowledge and experiences. **The main idea is to find Wiccan circles near you to enhance your spiritual journey.** Wicca is a modern pagan, witchcraft religion that revolves around the worship of nature and the practice of magic. It embraces the belief in the divine presence within nature and utilizes rituals, spells, and ceremonies to connect with this divine energy. While Wicca can be practiced on an individual level, joining a Wiccan circle allows for a deeper sense of community and shared experiences.
To enchant items, you must use the experience orbs leveling system. This means you must be at least level 1.
The main character is Anna Marshall, a middle-aged music instructor and small-time opera singer who is magically transported from Ames, Iowa to Erde, a fantastical world where songs have a magical power, and where she has the capability to become one of the most powerful sorceresses in the world. It s not purple, but it is very descriptive, and Saft comes up with beautiful similes and metaphors, with images that perfectly evoke the very specific vibe she s going for in a given sentence.
While Wicca can be practiced on an individual level, joining a Wiccan circle allows for a deeper sense of community and shared experiences. **The main idea is that Wicca is a modern pagan, witchcraft religion that embraces the belief in the divine presence within nature and utilizes rituals to connect with this energy.** Finding Wiccan circles near you can be done through various avenues.
Enchanting Indeed: A Far Wilder Magic by Alison Saft
When Margaret Welty spots the legendary hala, the last living mythical creature, she knows the Halfmoon Hunt will soon follow. Whoever is able to kill the hala will earn fame and riches, and unlock an ancient magical secret. If Margaret wins the hunt, it may finally bring her mother home. While Margaret is the best sharpshooter in town, only teams of two can register, and she needs an alchemist.
Weston Winters isn’t an alchemist--yet. Fired from every apprenticeship he's landed, his last chance hinges on Master Welty taking him in. But when Wes arrives at Welty Manor, he finds only Margaret and her bloodhound Trouble. Margaret begrudgingly allows him to stay, but on one condition: he must join the hunt with her.
Although they make an unlikely team, Wes is in awe of the girl who has endured alone on the outskirts of a town that doesn’t want her, in this creaking house of ghosts and sorrow. And even though Wes disrupts every aspect of her life, Margaret is drawn to him. He, too, knows what it's like to be an outsider. As the hunt looms closer and tensions rise, Margaret and Wes uncover dark magic that could be the key to winning the hunt - if they survive that long.
In A Far Wilder Magic, Allison Saft has written an achingly tender love story set against a deadly hunt in an atmospheric, rich fantasy world that will sweep you away.
I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Highlights
~alchemy > electricity
~a woman who can shoot is a woman to treasure
~the quest for a magic bullet
~Feels that will make you ache
~Trouble is anything but
It’s funny, I came very close to DNF-ing this book. As a general rule of thumb, if I don’t care about how a book’s going to end by the 20-25% mark, I put it down – there are so many books to read, I just don’t have time to waste on ones I’m not invested in.
And it’s true that at 25%, I really didn’t care very much about where the story was going – even though it’s around that point that the real action starts, aka the hunt for the hala. I liked the characters, but I wasn’t interested in them. And I wasn’t super enthusiastic to read about what is functionally a fox hunt, because I’m that person who thinks hunting that isn’t for food is despicable.
I wasn’t sure about DNF-ing A Far Wilder Magic. I hesitated. I told myself, ‘I’ll just read one more page, to make sure.’ Which turned into ‘Just one more chapter.’ And then ‘…just another chapter, for real this time.’
Reader, I did not DNF this book.
And the primary reason for that is that the prose is so beautiful. I did eventually become very invested in the story and the characters, but the prose held me hypnotised long enough for that to happen. It’s not purple, but it is very descriptive, and Saft comes up with beautiful similes and metaphors, with images that perfectly evoke the very specific vibe she’s going for in a given sentence. It’s gorgeous and hypnotic and more than occasionally breathtaking.
Every now and again, a white-capped wave rears up, snarling, and breaks on the rocks–just enough bite to prove it’s not a tamed creature.
In the world Saft has created, alchemy is very real and very respectable – even if it is as much magic as science. In fact, it’s so respectable that only alchemists can become politicians. I’ll admit I never understood that detail, but humans arrange a lot of things in ways that don’t make sense in the real world, too, so I was willing to accept it and move on. Besides, what’s more important is that it means that Wes, one of our main characters, must become an accredited alchemist if he wants to become the kind of politician who does real good with real change – something that’s incredibly important, and urgent, given the way his family and their fellow Banvish immigrants, followers of the Sumic faith, are treated in the country of New Albion. But due to what reads like learning difficulties – I think in our world Wes might be diagnosed with something like ADHD? – he’s never managed to complete an apprentiship. His last chance is to convince Master Welty to take him on.
Margaret Welty, on the other hand, is no alchemist, despite being the daughter of a very famous one. The only thing she’s interested in is a quiet life, and somehow earning the approval or even just the attention of her famous, but emotionally neglectful, mother. Margaret is an impressive sharpshooter, skilled hunter, and has taught herself to need no one but her dog Trouble and her horse Shimmer. The last thing she wants is Wes turning up on her doorstep – especially while her mother’s away.
They’re the same height, nearly nose to nose. Wes decides this means she is tall rather than the alternative.
Saft has pulled various bits of worldbuilding from our world’s history, but with extreme precision: New Albion can easily be read as a stand-in for late-1800s/early-1900s America; the Banvish are very obviously inspired by the Irish immigrants from that time period; the Sumic faith is incredibly similar to Catholicism in its practices; Yu’adir are clearly Jews. Although all three of the religions we see in this book are concerned with a single Creator and differing views on the creatures known as demiurges, the prejudices and stereotypes thrown at Sumics are identical to those that were thrown at Catholics, as the ones about the Yu’adir are interchangeable for the awfulness still said about Jews and Judaism. For example, idiots claim that the Banvish will never be loyal to New Albion because their loyalty belongs to their far-off Pope; this is exactly the crap that was spewed about the Irish immigrants who made it to the States. Similarly, many new Albians believe the Yu’adir secretly run and manipulate the world’s finances via some elaborate conspiracy – where have we heard that before?
“Western Winters, huh? You’re sure you didn’t find him in a children’s book?”
On a more positive note, Saft’s world is a queernorm one – although neither Margaret nor Wes express any queer feelings themselves, queer characters are casually included, and it’s clear no one bats an eye. Men and women also seem to be societal equals, which was a surprise and a delight – it feels like I’ve read very few gender-equal stories recently.
This is all important – the religious conflicts are the main reasons people turn on Margaret and Wes when the two of them join the hunt – but I never felt overwhelmed by it. Saft doesn’t believe in info-dumps or lecturing her readers. It feels like you absorb the worldbuilding almost by osmosis, just by holding the book; that’s how deftly the information is imparted, how well it’s woven into the story.
Now that is the first thing he’s said that makes sense. All dogs deserve veneration, maybe even canonization.
And it’s a hugely, massively character-driven story. The hunt for the hala is not really what this story is about – although even Margaret and Wes think it is! But really, A Far Wilder Magic is a love story – and yet I wouldn’t call it a capital-R Romance either. Romance can be deep and intricate too, but it’s fundamentally escapist – it’s not a real Romance if it doesn’t have a happy ending – and A Far Wilder Magic doesn’t feel quite like escapism. It’s polished to perfection – but it feels raw. It’s gentle, even tender – then feral and painful. It’s about so many kinds of hurt and unfairness and prejudice – religious and racial, and to a lesser extent classist and…whatever it’s called when you look down on those who struggle with academics.
Her hair tumbles from beneath her cloche hat in curls, as rich and round as chestnuts, and pearls drip from her ears like raindrops from the lip of a petal.
I really don’t know how to describe this book. Wes and Margaret both undergo huge character development between the start of the book and its end, which I adored, and thought was done extremely well. They both have their own baggage. They both have sharp edges – even if Wes’ glitter – and yet, they find a way to fit together. Without ever intending it.
she watched him fall in love with her at the end of a gun.
And I really can’t talk about it much without spoilers, but I loved how Margaret, who is tough and prickly and needs no one…how the narrative allowed her to be soft, in the end. That she didn’t have to want to change the world. The quiet message that less dramatic, quieter dreams and desires are just as valuable as big loud world-changing ones. That it’s okay to not want to be a leader, a pioneer, a trailblazer. I don’t think we get that in SFF very often. SFF is so concerned with big, dramatic stories that we lose the quieter ones, sometimes, and Saft has…brought that back. That thread of something quiet and warm.
I hope we can hold onto it.
A Far Wilder Magic is a book about hurts, and it’s a book about healing. It’s about letting no one else define who you are. It’s about family, and what that’s supposed to look like and be like. And A Far Wilder Magic is all of this, threaded through with surprising humour, written in poetry, and soft even when it’s sharp.
It’s an absolute knock-out, and you really need to read it.
So make sure it’s on your 2022 list!
Thank you for any thoughts. I dug through past similar-ish Asks and have been making notes, although nothing pinged exactly (thus this question.)
One way is to conduct an online search, using keywords such as "Wiccan circles near me" or "Wiccan covens in my area." This can lead you to websites, forums, and directories that list Wiccan circles and their locations. These online resources often provide contact information, meeting schedules, and any specific requirements for joining. **The main idea is that finding Wiccan circles near you can be done through online searches and resources that provide contact information and meeting schedules.** Another way to find Wiccan circles near you is to attend pagan or metaphysical events in your area. These events often feature workshops, classes, and spiritual gatherings that cater to various pagan and witchcraft traditions, including Wicca. Networking and getting to know other participants can lead to learning about nearby Wiccan circles and potential invitations to join. **The main idea is that attending pagan or metaphysical events in your area can provide opportunities to network and learn about nearby Wiccan circles.** Additionally, joining online communities and forums dedicated to Wicca and pagan spirituality can help you connect with practitioners in your area. These communities often have specific sections or threads for locating or discussing local Wiccan circles. By actively participating and engaging with community members, you can find valuable information and make connections that may lead to joining a Wiccan circle. **The main idea is that online communities and forums dedicated to Wicca can provide valuable information and connections to local Wiccan circles.** In conclusion, if you are interested in Wicca and want to enhance your spiritual journey, joining a Wiccan circle near you can be beneficial. Whether through online searches, pagan events, or online communities, there are various ways to find and connect with fellow witches, share experiences, and deepen your understanding of Wiccan practices. Embrace the opportunity to be part of a supportive community and explore the magical path of Wicca. **The main idea is to embrace the opportunity to join a Wiccan circle near you and explore the magical path of Wicca with a supportive community.**.
Reviews for "Wiccan Circles and the Divine Feminine: Honoring Goddess Energies in Ritual and Practice"
1. John - 2 stars - As someone who was curious about exploring Wiccan practices, I was disappointed with the Wiccan circle near me. First of all, the location was difficult to find, and there were no clear signs or directions provided. Secondly, the lack of organization was evident throughout the gathering. It felt chaotic and disorganized, with no clear structure or purpose. Additionally, the atmosphere was not very welcoming. I felt like an outsider and was not made to feel included or part of the circle. Overall, my experience at this Wiccan circle did not live up to my expectations and it left me feeling discouraged from further exploring Wiccan practices.
2. Sarah - 1 star - The Wiccan circle near me was a complete disappointment. From the moment I entered, I felt a negative energy not conducive to a spiritual and uplifting experience. The leader of the circle seemed uninterested and unengaged, making the whole gathering feel lackluster. Furthermore, there was a lack of diversity within the group, which made it feel exclusive and unwelcoming to those who were different. The rituals and practices that were conducted felt more like a show rather than genuine spiritual experiences. All in all, I left the Wiccan circle feeling unsatisfied and disheartened.
3. Emily - 2 stars - Attending the Wiccan circle near me was a letdown. The lack of organization and planning was evident from the start. It was disorienting and confusing, as there was no clear structure or flow to the gathering. The attendees seemed disinterested and unengaged, which affected the overall energy of the circle. Additionally, there was a lack of guidance and explanation of the rituals, making it difficult for newcomers like myself to fully understand and appreciate the practices. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and uninspired by my experience at this Wiccan circle.