Consorting with Spirits ranks among the top books I read in 2022. It does what every good book of its genre should do: it challenged my preconceived notions, expanded my thinking, and taught me new skills that I have been able to utilize in my practice. What more could you want in a book about magic?
I do want to note that as an animistic folk witch, there are definitely skills taught in this book that do not align with my practice or beliefs. Much of the source material referenced is very ceremonial in nature, and while I incorporate those kinds of rituals and practices very occasionally into my craft, I have no interest in forcibly controlling spirits in the manner described in old grimoires. This book also focuses heavily on working with demons and saints; as a pagan, neither are really part of my practice.
So why is this one of my favorite books of the year? Because it deepened my understanding of spirit work in a way I truly was not prepared for. It opened my mind to new ways of thinking about spirits, how they can present, and why certain methods of consorting with spirits are particularly effective while others are not.
With this deeper understanding, I am better equipped to take the practices from this book (or any other) and adapt them to my own beliefs and practices in a way that yields more effective rituals and magic — and that is such a valuable takeaway.
In short: I highly, highly, highly recommend this one.
Leave a Reply