If you are interested in witchcraft, there are many excellent books available that can help you deepen your knowledge and understanding of this ancient practice. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced practitioner seeking new insights, there is surely a book out there for you. One highly recommended book on witchcraft is "The Spiral Dance" by Starhawk. This influential book explores the practice of witchcraft from a feminist perspective and offers practical advice for incorporating witchcraft into everyday life. Another great choice for those interested in witchcraft is "Witchcraft Today" by Gerald Gardner. This classic book is considered one of the foundational texts of modern witchcraft and provides a comprehensive overview of its history, beliefs, and practices.
And we all say:
Oh! Well I never! Was there ever
A cat so clever as magical Mr. Mistoffelees!
After Macavity has been fought off by the tribe, they are left in the dark and without their leader, Old Deuteronomy, who had been kidnapped earlier. For the final repeated chorus, the audience is usually invited to join in the jubilant celebration, with the cast leaving the stage to interact and sing along with them.
This classic book is considered one of the foundational texts of modern witchcraft and provides a comprehensive overview of its history, beliefs, and practices. For those seeking a more hands-on approach to witchcraft, "The Witch's Book of Shadows" by Phyllis Curott is an excellent resource. This practical guide offers step-by-step instructions for various spells, rituals, and divination techniques, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to deepen their magical practice.
Mr. Mistoffelees
You ought to know Mr. Mistoffelees!
The Original Conjuring Cat—
(There can be no doubt about that).
Please listen to me and don’t scoff. All his
Inventions are off his own bat.
There’s no such Cat in the metropolis;
He holds all the patent monopolies
For performing surprising illusions
And creating eccentric confusions.
At prestidigitation
And at legerdemain
He’ll defy examination
And deceive you again.
The greatest magicians have something to learn
From Mr. Mistoffelees’ Conjuring Turn.
Presto!
Away we go!
And we all say: OH!
Well I never!
Was there ever
A Cat so clever
As Magical Mr. Mistoffelees!
He is quiet and small, he is black
From his ears to the tip of his tail;
He can creep through the tiniest crack
He can walk on the narrowest rail.
He can pick any card from a pack,
He is equally cunning with dice;
He is always deceiving you into believing
That he’s only hunting for mice.
He can play any trick with a cork
Or a spoon and a bit of fish-paste;
If you look for a knife or a fork
And you think it is merely misplaced—
You have seen it one moment, and then it is gawn!
But you’ll find it next week lying out on the lawn.
And we all say: OH!
Well I never!
Was there ever
A Cat so clever
As Magical Mr. Mistoffelees!
His manner is vague and aloof,
You would think there was nobody shyer—
But his voice has been heard on the roof
When he was curled up the fire.
And he’s sometimes been heard by the fire
When he was about on the roof—
(At least we all heard somebody who purred)
Which is incontestable proof
Of his singular magical powers:
And I have known the family to call
Him in from the garden for hours,
While he was asleep in the hall.
And not long ago this phenomenal Cat
Produced seven kittens right out of a hat!
And we all say: OH!
Well I never!
Was there ever
A Cat so clever
As Magical Mr. Mistoffelees!
From Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. Copyright © 1939 by T. S. Eliot, renewed © 1967 by Esme Valerie Eliot. Used with the permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
The lyrics for "Mr. Mistoffelees" are taken from the T S Eliot poem of the same name from Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats (1939). The song is usually sung by Tugger as a solo, with Mistoffelees' dance break taking place in between the first and second verses. However in some Broadway-based productions, Mistoffelees sings the second verse, either by himself or as a back-and-forth with Tugger. In these productions, the dance break occurs after the second verse instead. The 1998 film uses the version sung only by Tugger, but cuts out some parts of the song including the Conjuring Turn.
If you are interested in the history of witchcraft, "The Witch: A History of Fear, from Ancient Times to the Present" by Ronald Hutton is a must-read. This thoroughly researched book explores how the concept of witchcraft has evolved throughout history and offers a fascinating look into the social and cultural context behind the witch trials. Lastly, "To Ride a Silver Broomstick" by Silver RavenWolf is a great choice for beginners. This introductory guide covers the basics of witchcraft, including spellcasting, meditation, and working with energy, in a simple and accessible way. Overall, the recommended books on witchcraft offer a wide range of perspectives and approaches to the practice. Whether you are looking for a practical guide, a historical exploration, or a feminist interpretation, there is certainly something out there to suit your interests and needs..
Reviews for "Witchcraft and Self-Care: Recommended Books for Wellness and Magic"
- John - 2/5 - I was looking for a comprehensive and well-researched book on witchcraft, but this recommendation fell short. The content lacked depth and seemed to be more of a summary rather than an in-depth exploration of the topic. I was also disappointed by the lack of credible sources and references. Overall, not a book I would recommend for those looking to truly dive into the world of witchcraft.
- Sarah - 3/5 - I had high hopes for this book as it came highly recommended, but I found it to be quite basic and repetitive. It covered the same information that can be easily found on the internet or in other introductory books on witchcraft. I was expecting more in terms of original insights, practical applications, and lesser-known rituals or practices. It's a decent starting point for beginners, but for those already familiar with the subject, it may not offer much new or valuable information.
- Michael - 2/5 - This book was nothing more than a compilation of generic information about witchcraft. There were no unique perspectives or valuable insights shared. It felt like a quick and shallow overview, lacking in substance and depth. The writing style was average at best and failed to engage me as a reader. If you are seeking a more profound exploration of this topic, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
- Emily - 2/5 - I found this book to be quite disappointing. The title suggested that it would provide recommended readings on witchcraft, but it primarily consisted of summaries and brief descriptions of books without much context or analysis. I was expecting a well-curated list of books with detailed reviews and recommendations by the author, but that was not the case. It felt like a missed opportunity to create a valuable resource for avid readers and practitioners of witchcraft.