In recent years, there has been a growing interest and recognition of the power and significance of women. This has led to the rise of movements such as feminism and the #MeToo movement, which seek to challenge and dismantle patriarchy and support the empowerment of women. In this context, the concept of the witch has emerged as a symbol of female power and resistance. The "Year of the Witch" signifies a time when women are reclaiming and embracing their power, both as individuals and as a collective. Historically, witches were often persecuted and vilified, accused of using supernatural powers to harm others. However, in contemporary culture, the witch has been reimagined as a figure of strength, wisdom, and independence.
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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. 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.
However, in contemporary culture, the witch has been reimagined as a figure of strength, wisdom, and independence. The year of the witch is a call to acknowledge and celebrate women's inherent power and to recognize the unique strengths and abilities they possess. It is a time to reject societal expectations and restrictions placed on women and to embrace their authentic selves.
Year of rhe witch
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As we are settling down into colder weather in Georgia, I am happily devouring the books on my shelf. I fell behind in the Fall months due to work, but I am working diligently to catch up. Teaching in the time of COVID is no easy feat, and has resulted in much of my life being put on the backburner. But hey! Thank you to those of you who stuck around through the lack of posts the past several months. I appreciate it.
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!
Alden covers a variety of topics, not just the Wheel of the Year. She discusses creating a more sustainable, local practice, something I quite enjoyed and fully support. As an environmental science teacher and witch who advocates for local witchcraft, I was extremely appreciative of these chapters. 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. Alden supports working with no supplies when possible because the magic comes from within you, not from the objects you are using. These only enhance your spell work, not do the work for you. She also offers expert advice on how to create your own correspondences for your magical objects found in your area, allowing you to build a deeper relationship with and respect for the world around you. 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.
What I loved most, however, was that she used science and history from actual scientific and historical sources to support her claims. All of these sources are cited in the back of the book for reference. As someone who loves peer-reviewed journals, I always appreciate when another witch uses such sources to support their claims. This makes the book authentic and "real." I have found that in books talking about the sabbats, that some of their information has since been debunked, but yet this inaccurate information is still floating around. This is always a sign to me that the author has not kept up with current research and I find that to be a shame. Because of the research and time put into the book, I thoroughly enjoyed the chapters on each sabbat. The rituals were simple yet effective, their intention explained, and the recipes were to die for. I can't wait to veganize her bread recipe! It was actually one of these rituals to help you banish the dust and form a new habit that solidified my adoration for Alden. She states in the spells introduction that she finds herself becoming 'lazy' and depressed in the Spring. Girl. that spoke to my soul. Spring and Summer are NOT my seasons either, and like Alden, I much prefer Fall and Winter. I am the most productive and happiest during the Fall and Winter months, especially Winter! Finally, Alden encourages her readers to adapt the Wheel of the Year to fit their needs. These holidays were created during a vastly different time in a very specific location. Many of the practices and themes of the sabbats no longer hold true in modern times or for those that live outside of Europe. Alden encourages her readers to adapt the Wheel and create your own, individualized practice, which I love!
However, as with all books, there were a couple of things I didn't like. First, Alden suggests that birth control somehow disconnects you from the natural world, as implied when she discusses how much closer to the cycles of the natural world she got when she quit taking hers. This completely disregards individuals like myself that must take birth control for health reasons. I am no less in tune with nature than I was before the pill, and this idea that man-made medicines somehow decrease your magical ability has got to stop. It's false and don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. There was also a point I felt like she was dismissing anthropogenic climate change by using the Milankovitch cycle as evidence. Yes, the Milankovitch cycle accounts for some long-term climate change, but the difference between natural and anthropogenic climate change is the rate at which it is occurring. However, I think Alden simply didn't communicate well in this section, because her later stances on sustainability suggest she does recognize anthropogenic climate change is an issue. Finally, Alden uses a ritual that calls upon Lilith, who is not a goddess open to all to use. Lilith belongs to the Jewish faith and Judaism is a closed religion. You must be born into it or convert to it. Spirit Roots has an amazing article on Lilith and why her use in non-Jewish witchcraft is inappropriate.
Overall, however, I was delighted with Year of the Witch. It's current, relatable, sustainable, local, and empowering, for new and old witches alike. I especially encourage older witches to check this book out so you can relearn some of the history of our holidays. It's always a good idea to remain current, and if something is not longer serving you or us as a community, why not create something else that's better? You can order Year of the Witch: Connecting Nature's Seasons through Intuitive Magick by Temperance Alden now.
**There is a date error in her date section. Alden lists Summer Solstice on June 6th. This is widely incorrect. It's usually around June 21st.**
Overall, however, I was delighted with Year of the Witch. It's current, relatable, sustainable, local, and empowering, for new and old witches alike. I especially encourage older witches to check this book out so you can relearn some of the history of our holidays. It's always a good idea to remain current, and if something is not longer serving you or us as a community, why not create something else that's better? You can order Year of the Witch: Connecting Nature's Seasons through Intuitive Magick by Temperance Alden now.
The witch represents a woman who is unafraid to express her desires, embrace her sexuality, and challenge traditional gender roles. The witch is a symbol of transformation and self-discovery, as she is often depicted as a figure who harnesses her own power to create change in her life and the world around her. It is a reminder for women to trust their intuition, connect with their own magic, and use their power to make a positive impact. The year of the witch also involves a reclamation of history and the recognition of the contributions women have made throughout time. Many women who were labeled as witches were actually healers, midwives, or herbalists, with knowledge and skills that were seen as threatening to the male-dominated medical establishment. By embracing the label of witch, women are honoring their ancestors and reclaiming their rightful place in history. In conclusion, the year of the witch is a symbolic representation of the power and strength of women. It is a time for women to step into their authentic selves, embrace their unique abilities, and challenge societal expectations. By reclaiming the label of witch and celebrating their inherent power, women are forging a new path and creating a world where female empowerment is the norm..
Reviews for "Exploring Different Witchcraft Traditions: From Wicca to Hoodoo"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I wanted to love "Year of the Witch" as I'm a big fan of historical fiction, but I was left disappointed. The story felt disjointed and rushed, with shallow character development. The main character lacked depth and I couldn't connect with her journey. The historical backdrop was also underwhelming, as it seemed like an afterthought rather than an integral part of the plot. Overall, I felt let down by this book.
2. Adam - 1 star - "Year of the Witch" was a complete waste of time. The writing was mediocre at best, with cliched dialogue and predictable plot twists. The author failed to create a compelling and believable world for the story to unfold in. The pacing was off, with dull moments that dragged on and lacked any real suspense. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-crafted historical fiction novel.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Year of the Witch" but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The plot was convoluted and poorly executed, making it difficult to follow and stay engaged. The characters were two-dimensional and lacked any real development. The author seemed more focused on shock value than delivering a cohesive and satisfying story. Overall, it was a disappointing read that I wouldn't recommend.
4. Jonathan - 1 star - "Year of the Witch" was a frustrating read. The writing style was overly descriptive, to the point where it felt like a chore to get through each page. The pacing was slow and the story lacked any real excitement or intrigue. The historical aspects were poorly researched and inaccurately portrayed, which was a letdown for someone who enjoys the genre. I couldn't wait for this book to end and wouldn't recommend it to anyone.