Written by a long-term employee of the New York store, Enchantments is...not your typical "how-to" guide for any sort of witchcraft. There are no strict "you must do it this way" rules set down. Rather the whole book is a guide on how to make a practice that suits you, rather than trying to make yourself suit the practice. There is a bit of language, but nothing more than what you might overhear walking on the street. The attitude is very laid-back and encouraging, and frankly, I sort of like how I felt encouraged rather than inhibited. I will say - I wish I lived closer to the store, because after reading this, I'd love to go in!

This book sounded quite charming so I had to check it out. Sadly, I struggled to finish it. I feel like the book tries too hard to be cool.. It doesn’t feel like it’s flowing naturally, but instead feels like it wants to be different. Which is fine if it does feel natural, but when it feels like you’re TRYING, eh not so fun. That said, I didn’t totally hate it. Like I said there’s useful tips for those just starting out and curious about things like how to set up an altar (and it does specify this isn’t just a Pagan/Wiccan thing but anyone who needs their own peaceful space).

I can’t see myself ever reading this again, but I might look at certain chapters just for inspiration.

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!

I received this book as an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this book was great! The author has a clear writing style that is both funny and easy to understand often at the same time. She does a great job describing and explaining topics that are often difficult for readers new to this subject to grasp. I am well acquainted with Witchcraft, Wicca, Paganism, Dieties, Divination, etc. But I actually learned a few new things during this read. The way this book is written makes it a great recommendation for those who are new to witchcraft and need a primer. It's also a great recommendation to the curious. The information provided in this book is accurate, concentrated, and pleasantly modernized. This book is essentially the "Teen Witch by Silver Ravenwolf" of the younger generations, only it's much better!

My only dislike is that the section on planetary positions was a bit short for my taste. I would have liked to see just a bit more coverage as that subject can be a bit confusing for newcomers.

All in all, fantastic book for those that are curious about what being a witch really involves!

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!

Fun Read √
Well Written √
Very Informative √
Kept Me Engaged Through The Book √

Thank you for the chance to read an advanced copy of this book.

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.

ENCHANTMENTS is a fun read about an occult store in New York. Spalter draws the reader and presents the information so engagingly that I wanted to catch the next flight to New York and go directly from the airport to the store. Full of information about Wiccan and other mystical wisdom. 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.