I wasn't expecting this to be what it was; it was a lot more than that. I went in expecting a basic tutorial for knot/weaving magic. It turned out to be a history of cord magic and a crash course in color and numerology magic. Unfortunately, the information bombing made it a bit boring in certain sections. I can understand where Williams was going but it was a lot of block info. On the other hand I also enjoyed the history put into it. There were further readings given and facts were always sourced. I can appreciate that in the section about materials the environmental and ethical points were giving along with the facts about said material. Over all I did enjoy reading this and will be choosing to use some of the things it taught me in my craft.

This book is full of everything you want to know about Cord Magic and then some. While the colors are explained, along with intentions, you can begin to make cords from yourself, friends and family quickly.

The one thing I don’t care for that this is a wee bit long in some areas. For example, the author covers different types of fibers for thread, then says the material doesn’t really matter so much as the color. I get that, but there is quite a bit written on the various materials that could have been condensed a bit if it’s not that important. I was also taught spells along with making cords so I see a similarity to the way I was taught, but not quite the same. That mans I got to learn a little more about how others approach cord magic and that’s what I really love about reading how others practice.

A good book for the novice or someone looking to expand their areas of practice.

[Rating: 4.5/5 stars}

[First Glance]
I’ve been in a mood for simple magics, so I requested this book on a whim. I’m not much of a yarncraft person, as I can barely crochet and never really caught onto knitting as a leftie. With string, I’ve done some mundane cross-stitch and considered whether I enjoyed it enough to add into my magical practice… and never did. It’s one of those topics I wanted to connect to badly, but it never seemed to resonate.

[Positive Bits]
This book is extremely approachable! From page one, I found myself drawn in by the author’s story of how and why she felt the need to write this book. I connected to her story myself, having practiced various forms of magic for a couple of decades now. The examples of cord magic in action were all familiar situations and reasonable solutions… that just happened to involve magic! From story to finish, the author manages to treat the reader as both novice and equal as we’re guided through various activities involving cord magic.

As a deep lover of simple magic, cord magic speaks to me in the same way that candle magic and color magic both have. There’s beauty in the accessibility of cord magic as a whole, compared to something like crystal magic or the use of Tarot. Anyone can pick up a string or yarn and twist it just so! That said, I connected deeply to the idea of capturing energies in cords for later use. With various levels of mobility and mental health issues in my household, it can be a feat of master engineering to get us all involved in celebrating a full moon or solstice together. The integration of cord magic in our workings could mitigate this, as I can capture the full moon for my wife on her bad days and visa versa. It opens up a universe of magic that felt inaccessible due to health limitations, and that means the world to me.

I found myself imagining ways to use the exercises and examples with items I have in my own home, and that’s kind of the point, isn’t it? While I don’t know that the author was aiming for this, her detailed description of capturing various energies (and a staggering list of examples I might not have thought up) had me considering the utility of cord magic in the time of something like this pandemic. Imagine gathering lengths of thread to weave into cords individually, knowing you’re spinning the same energies into being with your witchy kinfolk (safe at home, of course). It takes the idea of a friendship bracelet to higher levels! I’ve done similar work with candles to capture energies, but cords would be so much more practical from a cost and storage standpoint.

[Less Enjoyable Bits]
It’s a small thing, but I was very interested in the idea of a charging cord. It’s mentioned as something you can create, up to and including the creation of cords with the energies of certain times, seasons, and weather trapped within their threads. However, I felt like we missed instructions on what to do with a charging cord. Do I wrap it around a candle to charge the candle? If there’s a knot I want to undo to release energies into a candle, do I hold it over the unlit wick? Or do I light it and untie the knot to the side? I have ideas of my own to work with these captured energies, but my point is that the book could’ve explored the use of those particular cords in more detail with us.

There’s a lot of info dumping to cover side topics, which I think could’ve benefitted from either more or less information being provided. The book dives into some basics on planetary associations, zodiac signs, numerology, and color magic. All of those topics can apply to cord magic in some way, but I feel like dabbling in their magics doesn’t do justice to the breadth and depth of each type of energy. I’m more of an all-or-none person, so I’d prefer either a simple list of standard associations or a detailed chapter on each type of additional magic being referenced in this book. Considering this is a book about a specific type of magic in the first place, I think the former option would’ve been a better fit.

I had hoped for some interesting friendship bracelet patterns, for lack of a better description. Or at least a four stranded braid instructional. Instead, this book gave us a couple of cord crafting methods to lean on and three knots to work into the mix. On one hand, this makes cord magic feel more accessible and is a boon. On the other hand, it also left me wanting more. Cord Magic 2, anyone?

Is it worth the coin? Yes – the ideas presented in some of the exercises were enough to justify purchasing this book, but they’re also packaged in an informative and approachable package.

A unique take on a lesser-known kind of magic. I appreciate the novel approach to charming and imparting magic onto something that seems so mundane, yet has the potential to become so much more than just thread. The book covers quite a lot of information, offering a wealth of knowledge to the reader.

I am not really a "cord magic" type of person - knitting, crocheting, etc. but loved this book. The simplicity of it is really beneficial and I learned more about color theory, numerology, and the history of fiber arts than I really did about magic, but the knowledge is there. I talked to one of my friends who does more "cord magic" and it was definitely more up her ally as she does more fiber arts. Overall, if this isn't your niche interest, it probably won't speak to you the same way it does to others, and that's fine. But for those who love fiber art and magick, get this book.

Thanks to the publishers and #NetGalley for the ARC of #CordMagic

“Cord Magic” is a very useful and thorough book for anyone who wants to use cords in their practice. I enjoyed how much information there was within the book regarding correspondences and cords for specific uses. I also like that the book was about a topic that I haven’t seen covered in many other books before. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to take a hands-on, crafts-based approach to their spiritual practice.

* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to NetGalley and Llewellyn.

As a lover of knitting, sewing, weaving and crocheting, all little bits of magic themselves, this book piqued my interest as an offshoot of that work. What I found was a fascinating read that combines well researched history of fibers, threads and yarn production. Everything from how threads are constructed to how they are colored and back to the materials used was covered in depth. As just a quick history of fiber arts, this book holds its own. Add on to that a collection of accessible spells, spell component reference materials and workbook style instructions to create your own cords for spell use? This book is a seven star read!

I requested this book out of curiosity and was pleasantly surprised it grabbed me from the start. Cord Magic is packed with information on culture, religion, tradition, choice of materials, color interpretation and craftmanship. There's a wonderful balance between the practical and the magical, written in a joyful voice, entertaining and educating.
After a highly appreciated word on ethical considerations and recommended reading throughout, the second half of the book puts creativity into practice. Setting intentions and making cords for all occasions, seasons, cycles and elements. Worksheets and knotting techniques are included as well.
What a pleasure to be in this very special world for a while, what a totally captivating read!

Thank you Netgalley and Llewellyn for the ARC.

Brandy Williams has put together a wealth of information for anyone interested in combining cords into talismans using systems such as numerology, color magic and spell work. I received an ARC of "Cord Magic" just as I was readying to design a necklace out of silk cord and pearls combined with knots. Talk about divine timing! As I worked on the necklace, I utilized methods I learned while reading Cord Magic and couldn't be happier with the finished piece and the intention infused throughout it.

Relationship, prosperity, health and protection are only a few areas the author has covered in this DIY book designed for those of us that like to take action in producing desired outcomes in our lives and assist others with theirs. She describes how to tie a knot to make something happen, or alternatively to prevent something from happening. An example of this is explained in the history of knot magic going back to sailors' who would tie knots in their ropes to capture winds and then release them to allow those winds to blow. Interesting stuff, right? This book is peppered with good stuff like that and gains the attention of the reader right form the start gate when Brandy Williams describes helping a frantic friend whose daughter is missing by knotting a cord of attachment for them.

Throughout Cord Magic the reader will find charts where the author has left blanks so that they can be personalized for our own preferences and associations. I loved that! In fact, I really enjoyed making my way through this book and look forward to revisiting sections time and time again when the particulars of certain situations require it. Many thanks to Llewellyn Worldwide, Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review "Cord Magic". All of the thoughts expressed in this review are authentically mine.