Weave the Liminal: Living Modern Traditional Witchcraft by Laura Tempest Zakroff
What drives your practice? How does it feed you?
A book for beginner baby witches and folks who are new to magic. Those who are developing their brujx/Witch/Pagan practice, or for those who want to dive deeper into the "why" or "how" of their belief system.
So, initial thoughts upon finishing this book: I thought this was a good introductory book for baby witches and people new to magic. It is a book that I wish I would have had when I first claimed the word "bruja" and began to get serious in my practice. This book explores every "newbie" aspect of witchcraft that you might want to consider when establishing your practice or forming your belief system: such as "time" in relation to the seasons, the body, and the moon; deities and spirits; and spell casting.
The book begins by establishing an idea of "modern" versus "traditional" witchcraft and showing how the two can coexist within one practice. From there it moves into different ways someone might come to witchcraft while also sharing that there is no "right" way to come to the practice, but it should be approached with respect and curiosity. Even folks who consider themselves baby witches should take time to define what they seek from their practice, and what they’re willing to give in return.
What I most valued about this intro versus other introductions to witchcraft, was the exploration of the connotations of black and white magic and the ways in which that might be rooted in racism and may not be the best way to view magic. I especially valued the chapters on choosing deities and honoring ancestors. When it comes to ancestor veneration, I don't feel it's discussed as often in baby witch books or newbie circles when in fact, it is a very important aspect of a spiritual/witch practice.
This book does, however, also say that there is no one way to be a witch. Whether you believe in one god or multiple, or simply worship the Earth, they can all be correct ways to practice. But it is a good idea to try to come to terms with your own belief system by exploring why you worship what you do, or how you feel in your practice.
I originally read this book as part of a witchy book club, and I sped through it. I think there's useful information that can help witches discover what they might be missing in their path or what they feel strongly about. If you are looking for a book for a baby witch book club, or for those new to blending magic and spirituality, this is a great read.
I wouldn't really recommend this book to someone who is very established in their paths unless they really want to consider their own relationship to the word "Witch/Bruja/Pagan/Wiccan/etc." It might also be a good book for anyone who has felt pulled away from their spiritual practice as there are some great journaling prompts in this book that can help you recommit and reconnect.
Want to buy this book? Indiebound will locate the closest indie bookstore near you you might be able to order from, or you can purchase directly from the publisher at Llewelyn.com or feel free to buy directly from the author, Laura Tempest Zakroff.
