Blessed be to Netgalley and Crossed Crow Books. I enjoyed access to this ARC! I find that it can sometimes be hard to find the common pillars of witchcraft laid out for beginners, there's never enough detail or charts showing the information in a concise way. This title was the complete opposite! Tons of lists and easy to understand tables of information. A great foundational tool for beginners or solitary witches. I feel like this title did not include some of the more sensationalized thoughts around witchcraft, ie the rule of threes, which I think is the proper way to introduce the craft to new people. So much of witchcraft is dependent on your own connections and pulls, some of these polarized concepts are too broad for beginners. Nice reference title even for experienced persons.

Mastering the art of Witchcraft by Frater Barrabbas is a wonderfully written and researched instructional text for witches aspiring to create a deep personal path outside of the more popular Wiccan structures and experiences.

I will definitely be recommending this text to my coven and grabbing a copy for my personal collection.

#NetGalley #MasteringtheArtofWitchcraft

I like to thank both NetGalley and the publishers for letting me read this book. This book is resourceful for people who are beginners or interested in practicing witchcraft. It's a easy beginner's guide compared to other beginners books I've read.

Very informative and interesting book. I highly write recommend it. Very educational. Very enjoyable

If you are looking for a traditional look at witchcraft then this book is fir you. It describes beautifully the basics that you would need to know to practice old school. If you are looking for a more organic or simple practice you might not find this book appealing. Either way itis well written

Frater Barrabbas demonstrates a lifelong passion for the art of witchcraft. He writes with confidence and his experience comes through.

However, while Barrabbas has clearly dedicated his life to witchcraft, he and his editors have neglected this book that in no way should have been published. The chapters and material covered were poorly organized and challenging to follow. The formatting is a mess. Paragraphs occur in the middle of sentences sometimes, headings are not set apart clearly, words lack spaces between them and so much more. Minor mistakes can be found in many published books and are expected in uncorrected proofs but the formatting mistakes in this book are constant. It looks as though it was formatted by a program automatically and no one took the time to look it over after.

To the editing team on this book: you really need to take another look at this before you move ahead with publication.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s move on to the material covered. As a practicing witch of 27 years, I have read many books on the Craft. This is by far the worst book on witchcraft I have ever read.

To begin with the book has no clear audience. It is marketed as a book for beginners but almost none of the terms or practices mentioned are explained for new practitioners. For example, he writes about the need to cleanse and consecrate objects used in ritual but never describes how. He also uses terms like widdershins and pantheon without providing definitions. He does detail parts of the ritual such as drawing a circle and calling the corners but his descriptions are lacking. He will walk through the actions and the words but not the visualizations or the meaning behind the actions. This is crucial for beginning witches.

While there is no one set way to practice witchcraft there are a few fundamentals that most witches agree on. One of the biggest is the rule of three which is never mentioned in the book. This is part of the Wiccan Rede, which the author does mention part of. He only mentions the “an ye harm none, do as ye will” part to explain that he does not agree with it. Again, that’s fine. Many witches are put in positions where they must bind or banish a person (causing harm) to protect themselves. The key here is that they are doing so knowing and accepting that anything they put out in the universe will come back to them times three.

He also makes the Craft seem more about the robes in your wardrobe and the trinkets on your altar than about belief. He insists that beginners purchase a wealth of expensive items including a wand, athame, robes, and so much more before practicing magick (which he spells with a c even though witches spell it with a c to distinguish between ritual magic and stage magic). Tools of the trade are nice to have but they can almost always be substituted with objects that people already have in their home or that they can find in nature.

I picked under the false assumption that it could be applied to solitary Wiccans like myself. If anything this is a book for Satanists. Satanic witchcraft is more closely tied to Christianity than Wicca as Lucifer is a Christian concept. The author’s primary stance is that practitioners of witchcraft must develop a cult (his poor choice of words, not mine) of deities to worship. His two primary deities that he worships are Diana and Lucifer so Lucifer is mentioned throughout the book.

There are a lot of problems with the author’s take here. Namely, the beauty of solitary practice is that it is eclectic, we get to find our own path. For some witches that includes worshiping a pantheon of deities but that is by no means a rule. Personally, I do not believe in any deities. I believe in nature, spirit, and energy. Deities in my practice are a way of visualizing and working with energy. Needless to say, this book was not for me.

Even the author’s approach to worship: promising fealty to deities in the sky in exchange for power feels very Christian to me. For me, witchcraft is about being aware of my own energy and power and using that to make change in the world. It’s empowering. I didn’t get that from this book.

Many of the practices detailed in this book are also dangerous (and completely unnecessary). For example, if you have to warn your reader that ingesting wormwood or making themselves hyperventilate could cause them to end up in the hospital, you probably shouldn’t be suggesting that in your book for beginners (or anyone else for that matter). There are sprinklings of good advice in here like when he writes about meditation but not enough for me to recommend this book to anyone.

This book is meant for someone who is very interested in magic and witchcraft or for someone who is looking to add more ceremonial ritual and/or processes into their practice. It is easy to read and the ultimate messages come across well, but it is packed with information.

A well-written beginner's book on witchcraft, if perhaps Wicca leaning in many ways. The only thing I would outright disagree with was his view of deity, like you have to have gods involved. I consider that point entirely optional.

Easy to read and has some good guidance for newbie witchlings.

Mastering the Art of Witchcraft" by Frater Barrabbas, slated for publication on July 16, 2024, is a valuable resource for individuals looking to deepen their understanding and practice of the craft. As someone with limited knowledge in the field, I found this book exceptionally informative and accessible, making it an essential read for those eager to expand their expertise in witchcraft.

One of the book's most notable strengths is its inclusive approach, catering to solitary practitioners and those within covens. Barrabbas expertly guides readers through the intricacies of witchcraft, encouraging them to develop a personalised practice that aligns with their beliefs and preferences.

A significant aspect Barrabbas emphasises is the importance of dedicating oneself to a deity, elucidating the profound connection that can be fostered through ritualistic practices. This insight adds depth to the reader's understanding of the spiritual dimensions of witchcraft and provides valuable guidance for those seeking to deepen their spiritual connections.

"Mastering the Art of Witchcraft" is particularly well-suited for beginners. It offers a comprehensive overview of essential topics such as rituals, magical objects, altars, etc. While the book caters to a broad audience, it may resonate most strongly with individuals already familiar with the craft's basics and eager to delve deeper into its rituals and traditions.

Additionally, Barrabbas provides a wealth of spells and further explanations on various paths within witchcraft, making this book a valuable addition to any practitioner's home library. Whether one is drawn to the communal aspects of group practice or prefers solitary rituals, this comprehensive guide has something for everyone.

In conclusion, "Mastering the Art of Witchcraft" offers a wealth of knowledge and practical guidance for practitioners at all levels. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of witchcraft and enhance their magical practice. My gratitude goes to NetGalley and Crossed Crow Books for providing me with an e-book ARC in exchange for my honest review.

First I would love to thank Crossed Crow Books and Netgalley for allowing me to read this.

If you’re like me, Frater Barrabbas is a familiar name. The other books that they have written have been staples within my spiritual journey. So when I saw that they were writing a book for beginners, I was extremely curious. And just like their other works, Thai was extremely informative.

If you are beginning to find your path, this book is a fantastic starting point. It was very detailed and user friendly. It is packed with information and was to practice.

I would definitely add this to a basket of goodies for any newcomer!!

Frater Barrabbas presents a concise yet thorough guide in "Mastering the Art of Witchcraft," catering to newer practitioners. As a newcomer to the craft, I was intrigued by the title amidst the abundance of beginner resources available. To my delight, I discovered a well-organized exploration that shed light on aspects I hadn't previously considered. The author's extensive background, highlighted at the book's outset, solidified his authority on the subject matter. With numerous works targeting experienced practitioners, Barabbas adeptly identifies and addresses common gaps in knowledge commonly faced by newcomers. In doing so, this also ensures accessibility to his books for more experienced practitioners.

The book's format encourages readers to forge a personalized practice that resonates with them, whether practicing solo or within a coven. Inclusivity is paramount, as "Mastering the Art of Witchcraft" covers a broad spectrum of topics essential for beginners. One such aspect illuminated by Barabbas is the significance of dedicating oneself to a deity, fostering a deeper connection through ritualistic practices.

While the book's comprehensiveness is commendable, I was surprised by its brevity. As a visual learner, I yearned for more illustrations, particularly in sections discussing sacred space and associated rituals. Additional visuals would enhance understanding, especially for beginners lacking supplemental resources.

Nevertheless, the breadth of topics covered is impressive. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those embarking on their own journey, seeking to bridge knowledge gaps, or simply curious about the craft. "Mastering the Art of Witchcraft" is a meticulously crafted tool, offering an expansive exploration into the foundational realms of witchcraft.

I really enjoy this author’s books. I read quite a few more advanced topics from him but when I saw this introductory book, I thought I’d give it a read. He does such a great job in explaining things and helping people along their path. If you’re looking to get started, this is a great book to begin with. You’ve got an excellent guide along for the journey.

Another good beginners guide to the craft, for those more into ritual, magical objects, and alters and such. I think beginners already exposed to the craft and more into groups will get more out of this book, than solitary witches. Has some nice spells in it and more explanation of the gods and backgrounds of different paths we may follow. On the whole, an interesting read and gives lots of food for thought, even to us old pagans. It's a book I'll purchase for my own collection.

Thank you, Crossed Crow Books, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own: The author, renowned for his advanced works in witchcraft, breaks down complex concepts into clear and direct explanations, making the book an ideal starting point for novices. The inclusion of helpful graphics further enhances the reader's understanding, ensuring that the material is approachable and digestible. Frater Barrabbas's expertise, clarity of communication, and direct approach to each topic make this guide an invaluable resource. It seamlessly bridges the gap between theory and practice, empowering beginners to construct their own magical legacy. I like this book! Highly recommended.

Español: El autor, conocido por sus trabajos avanzados en brujería, descompone conceptos complejos en explicaciones claras y directas, lo que convierte al libro en un punto de partida ideal para principiantes. La inclusión de gráficos útiles mejora aún más la comprensión del lector, asegurando que el material sea accesible y digerible. La experiencia de Frater Barrabbas, la claridad de comunicación y el enfoque directo de cada tema hacen de esta guía un recurso invaluable. Cierra a la perfección la brecha entre la teoría y la práctica, permitiendo a los principiantes construir su propio legado mágico. ¡Me gusta este libro! Muy recomendable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crossed Crow Books for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I liked this book but it felt harder for a beginner to read than some of the other witchcraft books I've read. I really liked how deep the author went and how much knowledge was covered in the book. I definitely want to buy this book to have in my collection because this is the kind of book you want to reread!

Overall I would recommend this to any witch but I would recommend beginner witches like me going and deeply read and possibly reread just so some of the information and knowledge

I admit that I’m not a witchy person myself but when I saw this for download on Netgalley as an advanced readers copy I was curious so I downloaded it. I’ve read a variety of books on the subject because it’s an area of interest for me and I wanted to see how this compared.

I have to say this book was quite good. It goes over a variety of beginner topics and introduces people to the very beginning of a magical practice from making a space for your practice, getting and consecrating tools, creating your own individual pantheon, and the beginning of worship for them and magical practices. All of the information is gone into in great depth while remaining very easy to read and helpful. The book is a wonderful guiding hand to starting your own individual practice. I also like that there is a list of resources toward the end of the book to help you research and learn even more.

I was hoping I would like this book but I ended up loving it. I highly recommend for anyone looking to step into witchcraft practices for the first time, people already involved that want to learn more, or people that are just curious about the topic in general.

**Thank you for the ARC!! All opinions are completely my own.** 4 stars. Wonderful for any beginner. My one comment is that the formatting feels a bit cramped.

—Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is great for beginners as it covers all the basics. It is also a great refresher.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me the ARC to review!

Mastering the Art of Witchcraft is a great tool for beginner to intermediate witches alike. As someone who has studied magick for 15 years, it’s not really the best book for me as I didn’t really learn anything new. The tone the author takes is very informative and not too wordy as a lot of witchcraft books can be. The way the book is laid out to chronologically makes it flow from one chapter into the next based on what you would want to know next.

Again I’m not the intended audience, but this was a great refresher for basics and an excellent book for any beginner witches out there.

Frater Barrabbas has written an eye opening manual for the aspiring practioner. What is refreshing is the amount of real information and not fluff or wishful thinking IMO. The concepts are clearly explained and the things that other authors omit or just dont know are explained. The section on Deity and obligations is an eye opener and is rarely discussed elsewhere. This book will start you off with a solid base and practices that are not all that difficult to master nor are exotic materials needed. Excellent and honest.