I would not recommend this book. Please read my thoughts below.

Enchantments: A Modern's Witches Guide to Self-Possession is a knowledgeable, energetic, and enthusiastic book. This book is a mix of how-to and knowledge with explanations and advice thrown into it. It's all about adding magic in a modern sense to your life with the correct past knowledge. The conflict is mostly about people and their misconceptions about magic.

I learn about the influence of ancient Roman, Greek and Egyptian cultures on magic but also their gods and the use of colours. This particular work supported its advice but having suggested readings and past knowledge, some of the author's examples. The most interesting aspect was how to create a candle, specific for your purpose. Something I didn't know before reading this was how the balance of elements are in every aspect of magic. 

I chose this book because I have always had an interested in magic and in modern times. Those who wouldn't enjoy this book are readers who don't believe in magic or have beliefs against it. Those who would enjoy it are those who want explanations and links of past and present. Also, those who enjoy historical information based information.

I love all things witches so this was super fun to look through!! I do not know much about wicca so this was super informative and had made me get into more research on the topic.

This was such a fun read! Mya Spalter isn't new to the witchy scene, and she uses her years of knowledge and experience to teach those reading the basics (and some not-so-basics) of magic. I loved her voice, and thought it was really easy to understand and relate to throughout reading. From setting up a home altar to buying the items to stock it, Mya offers advice on almost everything you can think of. This is definitely a useful resource for anyone practicing, or just for anyone interested in general.

I asked for this book because it sounded like a hoot to read and wow it certainly is. Mya Spalter's combination of belief, respect, and ridicule makes for a book that is instructive (if you want to be instructed) while also providing a reference for those who have no truck with this nonsense but who know people who do. Novelists might find it useful for suggesting some details to weave into the setting.

Sections on color magic, stones, herbs, oils, tarot, and other accoutrements of the modern witch are interspersed with asides on why this stuff, while helpful for maintaining focus, isn't actually required. It is the intention itself that matters. There are funny stories too, and asides about some of the nutters who wander into Enchantments, the magic shop where Ms Spalter works. (They don't sell swords any more after being robbed at swordpoint.)

So who will enjoy this book? Novelists, as mentioned above. Otherwise, it is a useful introduction to modern witchcraft that pays particular attention to artifacts of practice.

What a fun book! Mya Spalter writes like she's chatting with you. This is an engaging romp through the world of witchcraft. It had easy to understand and recreate your own alters, how to choose herbs, colors of candles and their meanings and a good overview of horoscope. Fun read!

This was a cool and informative book on how to begin to use spells and magic in a clear and informative manner. Definitely recommend!

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. This book is about recognizing and making the most of the magic in your life. The author works at a magic store, not the trick kind, in New York. Mya, gives you everyday ways to make magic happen in your life and to recognize it and make it more powerful. This is an interesting read and if you are into magic, and good read.

#Enchantments #NetGalley

In a mix of entertainment and holistic education, Mya teaches the modern witchcraft. The approach is fresh and genuine and focused on self-care and connection with the universe conscience. I liked the way the author uses easy to find ingredients to create the recipes.

Enchantments is a really refreshing take on witchcraft. Mya Spalter uses approachable, modern language and symbolism to explain things. It makes it so much easier to absorb the information and relate it to my own life, rather than trying to parse meaning from the many Neopagan/witchy books that rely on old-fashioned language and iconography in an attempt to sound more "spiritual" or "occulty," but just end up coming across as outdated and inaccessible. I also appreciate that she shies away from outdated ways of viewing the world (read: gender binaries, sexist & ableist forms, etc.), while still acknowledging that other books may still rely on those ways of thinking. Overall I found that Spalter's writing style made the book extremely readable and easy to absorb, and it made me much more interested in trying out some of the magickal techniques.

The approach to spellcraft is refreshing. She gives you ideas for how things might be done, how to choose substitute ingredients, etc., all in a very low key manner. She never says "you must do it this way or it won't work." I was also pleasantly surprised that this book taught me about new techniques for spells, like uncrossing work - this is basically one way of removing blockages from your path - as well as new ways of looking at/using techniques I'm already familiar with.

In one chapter, she explores how different items on your altar can have meaning, and how to find that meaning for yourself. I really appreciate that she keeps reminding you "Don't burn the house down!" when talking about burning candles and such.

I really liked her chapter on candle magick, and all the tricks you can use to get your magkical juju flowing when using candles, like using sigils and incense smoke, and different ways you can dress candles to fit your purposes (including with glitter! Be still my witchy heart). I actually ended up using some of these techniques to dress and burn a candle for a spell and it worked really well. Her suggestions for charging the candle by playing music that fits your intention also really jived with me.

I found the chapter on divination very interesting and it renewed my interest in trying out palmistry, and was a good reminder that tarot is a skill that needs practice because there are so many dang cards. But the chapter on astrology reminded me why I just don't believe in astrology and never will.

Overall, this is a must read for modern witches!

Mya Spalter's "Enchantments" is a wonderful primer for anyone interested in the mystical. Within this book she covers all the bases of modern witchcraft from basic spell casting, to tarot, to astrology and everything in between. The use of quirky illustrations sprinkled throughout helps show details and give a visual, such as how to create a sigil or enchant a candle. I love her relaxed approach of making do with what one has, at the end of the day it is our intent that matters the most and everything else is used to magnify our intent. "Enchantments" is an excellent guide to get you started on your mystical journey and direct you on to the spiritual path that most interests you. 5 Stars, highly recommended.

Well-written, informative. The author seems very together and informed. Awesome concepts! Overall a good Read.

As a thank you to Netgalley for supplying me with the advanced readers copy of “ Enchantments: A Modern Witch’s Guide to Self-Possession” I am providing my thoughts and an honest review of this text. Coming into this text I figured it would be but another new age book giving information on palmistry, astrology, and more. I was wrong. Sure it offered all those things but did them what I feel was a personal way. Mya Spalters experience shows throughout its pages and is one that feels more of a conversation than a text you are reading. Her language was easy going and added to the atmosphere of the text which for me was relaxing and at times magical. The beauty in this book is that Spalters uses everyday items you may find around your home or are possibly accessible to you. The language featured is easy to follow and understand while she uses profanity I feel it adds to the character Mya Spalter must be. As I mentioned it offered information on interests common within Witchcraft and gave the reader information where they may build depending on their level of interest. This appeared in offering additional reading material related to that subject. The black and white drawings by artist Caroline Paquita were whimsical and added a modern twist on sacred imagery. Overall I gave this book five out of five stars and recommend it to those whose interests are in witchcraft, occult issues and more. I shall recommend it to those I know would appreciate it and shall buy a copy when it is released.

This book started out strong. The author is very personable and informative. However, I found the subject intriguing but I did not finish this book.

Looking for help with your occult practice this book will help you find your way. Fun, informative and funny.

I thought this was a nice book for anyone looking to get into a more holistic lifestyle. As someone who was deeply interested in Wicca in high school, this book caught my attention. As I've moved on with my life, I still find myself turning to inner guidance and methods for healing. For me, at this point in my life, this book touches a bit too much on "magic" and less on holistic healing (crystals, incense, meditation, cleansing, chakras, etc.) But I like what the author is putting out there, the idea that channeling ones intentions, whether through colors, crystals, or scents, can enchant your life.

This book is magical (pun intended) for beginners. I think it gives them great oversight with a great over all tone. It really does suit the modern witch, as to what our foremothers had. Will buy.

I found it okay. I did not any new information from it but others may. It is not formal, more personal conversation.

This book is essentially basic magic for dabblers. Written in a fun tongue in cheek manner it is an easy read. It isery elementary although some decent resources are provided. It covers the basics from altars, to astrology to spells. The author has a free wheleing approach and incorporates many traditions. Purists may objecdt to both but this is more about boosting empowerment thaan it is about dherence to rules. The author's own story is engaging and it is a fun book obout addingzing to living.

This is a wonderful guide to everything pagan. It shows you how to set up altars and cast spells. It is great for the beginner and those more experienced.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

Mya Spalter created an entertaining and budget-friendly look on modern witchcraft. She also laid things bare about working at Enchantments, the oldest witch shop in New York City. She talked about some creepy customers; and was totally honest about why the staff might come off as cold or moody on certain days. Her advice is none other than practical.

This doesn’t mean that only newbies to the craft should read Enchantments. I thoroughly loved every page of this book and I’ve been a practicing witch (basically since I was a kid, but hid it) openly since for over 20 years. I’ve studied with the best like staff at Mystickal Tymes in New Hope, PA and Laurie Cabot from Salem, MA.

What I loved about Spalter was that the reading experience felt like a conversation where we were friends hanging out. By the end, I truly wished we were. She's a dynamo. I have so many passages of Enchantments highlighted.

She presents ideas for spells and the background of complex studies at an introductory level. When it comes to subjects like astrology, I’ve never been one to excel. I still need the basics. I appreciate that she went into the science of all this! Spalter admits that despite her scholarly basis, sometimes there still aren’t concrete ways to talk about the how’s and why’s of witchcraft. She periodically refers to “vibes” and plainly explains that’s the best way she knows how to describe that thing. Plus, I love a woman that still acknowledges Pluto as a planetary body:

“Each of the nine planets (witches still fux with Pluto), plus the moon and the sun, has a certain personality.”

Why now?
Spalter answered the question, why you should respect feminism and witchcraft:

“Because at a moment when the rights of women and gender-nonconforming people are under increased and constant attack from institutions of power, a non-hierarchical, goddess-centered style of spirituality has a markedly increased appeal. Because we’re in a moment in which a lot of people are feeling a greater urgency toward practices that can offer some way toward meaning, peace, and self-possession.”

Frugality/Thrifty Witching
Spalter presents inexpensive options for finding tools and supplies. Hit up yard sales, dollar stores, and simply work with what is already in your possession. Recycle, upcycle, repurpose. She gives several reminders about fire safety which I can appreciate as a witch with cats who just love to knock things over.

“You’ve heard this from me before, but the first step in any uncrossing spell is to clean your filthy apartment.”

Cross-cultural
Spalter’s approach is refreshing because here’s this author and longtime witch to the community (through retail) who gives you permission to use an à la carte approach. She tried to come up a label for her style of witchcraft and I love it. I love that there’s no one singular way that anyone should feel pressured into following. “Wicca-ria-pop-magic-Jewish-Hoodoo,” is what she calls her religion.

Yoga and chakras are brought up a few times. Spalter is an avid yogi which she says is a grounding ritual for her.

From Hoodoo to Vodou to Voodoo to Christianity; Samhain to Día de los Muertos; to the myths of flying — Spalter’s overview has a lot of illuminating nuggets of information.

“Ancestor worship is a powerful sort of magic. It’s a gratitude practice, not a transaction; it involves no wishing or willing because all of that already happened.”

Spalter does not shy away from the 2016-2018 political climate in the United States. There’s a brief reference to the #BindTrump or mass hexing that goes on around the world. For this, Spalter does not believe in manipulating anyone else’s free will (same with love spells); instead she comes up with creative solutions to using reversing spells.

“If you use the ‘wrong’ color candle during the ‘wrong’ phase of the moon, nothing bad will happen to you. Bad things happen because you’re a mortal human on Earth, like the rest of us, and such is the shit of life.”


What Spalter means by “self-possession” in the full title of the book is the multiple connotations of the term “possession.” She mostly means for the reader/practitioner to embrace their own inner power; although, there is a brief lesson on respecting the religions who do allow living human bodies to be possessed by spirits.

Pop Culture
Grant Morrison, comics and occult author, was Spalter’s primary influence for writing her story about Enchantments. Personally, I find Morrison’s non-comic side way more appealing. He’s intelligent and gifted; I just don’t get into his takes on superheroes from what I’ve read of them. Spalter recommends his essay “Pop Magic!” for learning about sigils.

Morrison isn’t the only pop culture figure mentioned. Beyoncé and her brilliant representation of Yemaja get distinguished props.

The illustrations by Caroline Paquita add the flavor of folk art and creation/creative energy bringing the chapters to life. To summarize, if you have any interest at all in how witches today practice, read this book.