Natural Witchery: Intuitive, Personal & Practical Magick (Ellen Dugan's Garden Witchery, 3)

I had really high hopes for this text based on reviews, but it just wasn't the book for me for a few reasons. Namely...The Author's European Pagan influence (old and new formats alike) is clear in this and other texts she has written, but this book starts of with appropriation of Southeast Asian tradition and teaching (chakras) without really being clear about it. I am always leery when someone takes from another culture and isn't accountable for it or doesn't acknowledge it. The very specific 7-chakra system shared extensively in this book is neither universal nor European in nature - and the word 'Chakra' itself is Sanskrit and outside the realm of what could be listed as Proto-Indo-European content. I find that when an author appropriates content like this it becomes 'new age' and stops being Craft. There's nothing wrong in my opinion of learning from and adopting the practices of another culture, but there's way to do it with accountability and respect - something I didn't see happen in this text. No mention was made of any Indian teacher who handed this information to the author with permission to share, nor was any homage paid to the culture itself. It was simply presented as though it was second nature and property of the author. Using the term 'energy centers' (which is a universal/global teaching we see in many cultural traditions in various manifestations) and adding some fresh or novel information about the energy center systems would have made all the difference.This text draws from a variety of traditions and ideas from Hindu to Hedgecraft (of the misnomer kitchen Witch variety), so it's probably best suited for people who thrive in eclectic environments.For me, this book was just a reminder to get back to basics which is always valuable in a world where bigger, faster, and shinier always seems to translate to 'more valuable'. The gist of the text was good, and I think that any newer seeker who isn't feeling the grandiose pomp and circumstance of common ritual would really benefit from this text and find great permission and inspiration within its pages. I feel like it could have been shorter with less of what felt like 'filler rituals', but some people may really enjoy the chance to stop and light a candle here and there for some enfleshing work.

I cannot believe it has taken me this long to read this book. But now that I have, I will be buying copies of this author's other works as well. Perhaps it's just the fact that she hails from the same "neck of the woods" as I do, but I identify with her style of writing as well as the information she presents. Many times I pick up a book that pretends to be about the natural side of the craft, only to find that it's crammed full of the same boring, impossible to memorize rituals and insistence that I really MUST have this or that expensive tool. There are hundreds, if not thousands of "beginner Wicca" books out there, and they all say the exact....same....things. So boring! That's not the way magick is supposed to be! It's intuitive and personal, and all the things that are described in this book!Among the best information presented in this book is a section about starting up a Circle, for those who are solitary practitioners, but feel the need for camaraderie. This chapter I feel is something that anyone who is a solitary would benefit from reading.There is also a very good section on elemental energies, and how to recognize blockages in the different areas.Overall, an excellent book, with a lot of good information I haven't seen elsewhere. You definitely need this one! ;)

This is the first book by Ellen I read, I got this along with The Enchanted Cat because I needed a break from the more serious books about the Craft. Ellen has became one of, if not my favorite author about the subject.I am new to Witchcraft & Paganism, been studying for about 6 months, I have not really started "practicing" yet because it was very important to me from the beginning to find my own person way, really get my beliefs down & start working on the basics of meditation, grounding, chakras & forming a relationship with the Goddess/ God before hand, I don't want to do just whatever.Ellen's books, Scott Cunninghams books, & Positive Magic are the most important books to read I think, they have definitely helped me find my way. Cunningham's books are more of the structural side, and helped me to learn the basics, Ellen's books helped me realized that it's okay to not do everything one way just because other people do it & to trust yourself & to do things the right way for YOU.I'm looking forward to getting the rest of the Witchery books (I think I'll be "bad" & buy them with some of my extra fin aid money... shhh)

I can't imagine not owning any of Ellen's books. Her writing is down-to-earth, non-judgmental, inclusive, and always a joy. Unfortunately, a few readers will take one look at the word "witchery" in the title, snub their noses, and drop it like a hot potato. Their choice. Their loss.Everyone has personal abilities. They choose to realize them -- or not. Through Ellen, the relationship of earth elements, the qualities of the moon, their meanings, and explanations of the symbolism become so clear. I no longer take them for granted.I was happy to see a few of her spells included. They help to bring all the elements together according to their relationships. The book is still completely inclusive because every religion has it's own spells whether followers use their favorite synonyms (i.e., chants, hymns, prayers, etc.).By the end of the book, the reader understands the world around them and that there really is a little witch in all of us.

I have not read the whole book yet but what I have read so far is informative and interesting. This book is easy to read and understand.

Another great book by Ellen.These books are really easy to read.Would recomend to every one who likes easy books to read and understand.

Love Ellen`s down to earth writing.She really speek`s to you.

brilliant book

Insightful and delightful