Year of the Witch by Temperance Alden

I haven’t been reading as much lately, and I didn’t know why. Reading, for a brief time this year, felt like a chore. However, this weekend, I picked up Temperance Alden’s Year of the Witch – the right book at the right time.

It’s no secret I love magic and enjoy reading fantasy as much as the history and cultural implications of magic and witchcraft. Because of this, I love to read books aimed at present-day witches, which encompasses Wiccans, Paganism, Voodoo, Hoodoo (yes, that’s a thing), Santeria, Heathenry, and other practices throughout the world. It meshes nicely with reading about Greek and Roman mythology, too.

In my reading, I’ve learned and read about the Wheel of the Year in paganism/Wicca (references to this in classic fantasy books like The Wheel of Time). Alden takes the Wheel of the Year and encourages her readers to adopt their version of the Wheel. She asks interesting questions like, “how do you celebrate the winter solstice when you live in the tropics?”

Alden also breaks down what it means to gatekeep, closed vs. open practices, and witchcraft vs. light-working – all of these were interesting and eye-opening. Other “traditional” books on witchcraft in the community make the practice feel restrictive and full of rules, deities, and covens. Alden’s Year of the Witch opens up folk witchcraft to all and encourages people to practice how they feel is right.

While I am no authority on witchcraft or books on witchcraft, I enjoyed Temperance Alden’s Year of the Witch. It’s approachable, easy to digest, practical, and helpful. I encourage anyone wishing to learn about the craft or those identifying as witches to read this book!