Weave the Liminal: Living Modern Traditional Witchcraft (Weave the Liminal, 1)

I really wanted to like this book more than I did. But the author's tone throughout, as well as the somewhat un-organized nature of the book itself, left me with mixed feelings. The first twenty pages of Chapter 1 are all about the author and her creation of Modern Traditional Witchcraft. Then she takes the time to define both modern AND traditional and how she's wedged them together. On page 21 she talks about the three keys to the witch's path (know thyself, maintain balance, and accept responsibility) and I rather liked this bit, so I started to feel better about the book, until it devolved into a rambling pseudo-history of witchcraft in Chapter 2 (including, of course, obligatory mentions of the witch trials and the Malleus Maleficarum) alongside the usual tired criticisms of Christianity.That particular bit segues into a bizarre, nonsensical and rambling segment about how some people (apparently?) believe that "witch blood" has angelic origins, specifically the Nephilim, who appear in the Old Testament and were the product of fallen angels seducing human women. Now, I've read John Dee and Edward KelIey (who she also mentions), but I must not be reading the same newer books as this author, because while I've certainly heard of the Nephilim, I've never read in any *modern* occult book that witches are the descendants of this pairing. To hear Zakroff tell it, though, "nearly every book I pick up on Witchcraft nowadays talks about either the angelic origins of the Witch or the concept of "Witch blood."" (page 29). Personally, I think she just wanted to use the phrase "angel penis", which she does. Twice.She manages to somehow connect this (not really) to the fact that the higher classes of society were able to escape persecution for practicing magic because they were supposedly blessed by God, because having this "Nephilim blood" AND wealth made them very special. But after ALL that, she says, "I find Watcher history and lore fascinating, but it doesn't really resonate with me or seem all that relevant to my actual practice." (page 32). So then why did you devote three whole pages to talking about it when a mere sentences-long reference could have sufficed? Not that even a brief reference would have meant anything, though -- while she cites sources for the information about the Nephilim, she never cites a source (modern or otherwise) that actually connects them to witch-blood or witchcraft at all, so I found the entire section to be a disorganized waste of time.She then delves a bit into 'natural-born' witch versus 'made' witch, then spends another three pages talking about herself and what witchcraft means for her. But because she doesn't follow the usual ideas or definitions, this renders her information useful only if you plan on attempting to copy her style of the Craft. I've got absolutely nothing against being an eclectic witch (I would certainly place myself under that umbrella) but if that's what you're going for in a book that's supposed to be helping other people, you don't need to muddy the waters by giving vague, arbitrary "definitions" that will be meaningless (at best) for experienced practitioners, and (at worst) confusing for newbies who, if they only read up to this point, will be left with no real idea of what they want their witchcraft to be. I wouldn't mind so much if this section didn't come right at the beginning of the book, where it can potentially turn people off of the path, but it takes up a big chunk of Chapter 2. Luckily, by page 42 she starts to tie things together with some journal exercises, and dispels some common misconceptions about witchcraft.Chapter 3, beginning on page 47, is where (for me) most of the book's meat lies, and is the reason for my giving the book three stars instead of two. The chapter is titled 'A Path of Your Own Making' and lays out the RITES acronym, which stands for Roots, Inspiration, Time, Environment, and Star. It's an incredibly useful guide to finding your true inner witch, and defining for yourself just what you want your Craft to be. In the Roots section, she recommends exploring your family ancestry to help find which paths might call to you (being an ancestry nerd, I loved this bit, even if it's not exactly new advice). Inspiration delves into what aspects of witchcraft speak to you personally (and why), and Time addresses the issues that often arise when trying to fit your Craft life into your mundane life, and being realistic about what you're able to do in your present situation. This section includes everything from tuning into the lunar cycle, to your sleep schedule and how it affects you (and your work), to creating your own personal Wheel of the Year.The Environment section is all about taking into account where you physically live (desert, city, mountains, forest, etc.) and the role location plays in which types of rituals will be easier (or harder) and how different the local flora and fauna are from place to place, which is something that can (and will) certainly affect your Craft life. For example, I live in a major city within a desert landscape, so certain plants are unavailable unless I order them online, and for me there are no readily available forests or bodies of water, which can limit things sometimes. A lot of other modern witchcraft books don't really address this, and many authors unfortunately assume that everyone can just traipse off to a remote wooded area whenever they please, so I appreciated that she addressed this. Finally, the Star section is a little bit more vague, but basically examines what your own personal code of ethics should be, as dictated by YOUR intuition and what you want to accomplish, and not relying on anyone else's perspective.Following this section, she includes A Witch's Manifesto, which is pretty good and I don't think there are many witches out there who would argue with any of her points. Next up is a brief section on tools, which she emphasizes do NOT have to be fancy or formal (gilded athame versus kitchen knife, for example) and after that she goes over the pros and cons of group work versus solitary, when (and whether) a formal teacher is necessary, initiation/dedication, the role of mythology, and she ends the chapter by addressing age and experience levels and the role they play for everyone, and the pressure often felt by beginners to follow the paths of others as the only 'right' way. It's a good, long (about 40 pages) solid chapter and for me, feels like the heart of the book. Things kinda head back downhill for me after that, though.Chapter 4 is called The Witch's Craft, and while it provides some useful (common sense) strategies for honing perception skills, it's mostly a lot more of the author talking about herself and her experiences. The subsection 'The Secrets of the Uncommon Witch' involves word pairings and how to live them (observe/obscure, listen/speak, and change/rest). It's not worthless information, it's just not particularly new, or phrased any more clearly than in books by other authors. There's a bit about black/white magic (terms she hates), and from there there's more discussion about ethics, and a tedious comparison of witchcraft to surfing.Then she delves into spellcraft, and makes sure we know that she's not really interested in it and has only included this section because she expects that we want to read about it. Then a list of types of spellcraft follows, each including a definition, along with a basic rubric for creating and casting a spell. She then reminds us again how disinterested she is in spells, but that she's really good at it anyway: "It is perhaps ironic that for as much as I dislike talking about spells, I'm really good at magick" (page 116). Her spells always work, too: "When discussing spellcraft, two questions inevitably pop up: What if your spell doesn't work, and What if your spell works a little too well? I haven't had much experience personally with the former category, but I definitely had a taste of the latter when I was first starting out" (page 119). I really didn't like the tone of this section,, but she follows up her not-so-humble brags with some good information segments -- Magick follows the path of least resistance, Mind the Fates, and Words Have Power. The rest of the chapter is a mixed bag on grimoires, altars, timing rites with the lunar cycle, a brief rubric for planning a good ritual, altars/sacred spaces, and divination.Chapter 5 addresses the liminal and exactly what it is, ancestral spirits, the gods, dreams and what we can learn from them, the sacred feminine, how to connect with deity (sort of), and loads more about her experiences and personal practices. It's a well-rounded chapter and I really didn't have any beefs with anything, though by this point the book started to feel really, really long. Chapter 6 comes back around to living as a witch in modern society, and how to find witchy peers within your own city -- here she includes a couple of links to pagan sites. She mentions how to support local pagans (if possible) and then there's a hearty section for how NOT to be a jerk about your Craft (which includes a bit on humility, which gave me a chuckle), and also how to protect yourself from various nefarious forces (human and otherwise) that tend to be attracted to the pagan scene. Following that is a list of references for further reading, and I found myself amused that she included three of her own books, but I suppose a little self-promotion isn't that bad.So, I didn't hate the book. There's some good information here that will help me on my personal path, but there were also many things that left me wrinkling my nose and/or shaking my head. I'm pretty surprised by all the 5-star reviews, but I haven't read them and can only assume that perhaps other readers are more willing to overlook the book's weaknesses in light of the strengths. I don't want to necessarily turn anyone off with my review -- there is a LOT of information packed into this little book (it's only 214 pages) and a lot of it is useful. If you can wade through the mud of all the weird segues, personal brags and concept repetition, you'll find some gems buried. As for me? I'll keep it on the shelf, but probably closer to the middle, rather than the top.

To be fair, I am not quite finished with the book. However, this is the book I was looking for as a teen. I am entering crone now. My children are grown and out of school. I wanted so much for my daughter to read this book. She is still at an age where if I say I like something, there is a 100% chance she won't. I was worried when the author stressed the work involved in developing skills. I passed the gift of healing to my girls and they have yet to remember they have it and practice. My oldest daughter is most gifted with crystals, and she has not studied any stones unless she has a problem and is choosing a new one. I bought her a neglected encyclopedia set of crystals. I was worried when the author pointed out all the work and study that goes into Witchery. I thought, "My girls will run at the mention work!" Then, I asked myself how much of my childhood was spent reading and studying and praying and meditating and so and so forth. While it comes easy to my girls, they have a long way to go before they are my equals.I bought this book thinking of others and I think I shall get the most out of it. I am a Christian but I have always had an interest in witchcraft and Hoodoo. I never found the right thing, it was a little of this and a little of that and finding what worked for me. Pendulums lie to me on yes no questions oh so often I am becoming good at tarot reading. Pendulums will however always tell me the truth about how I am balancing a chakra and what is going on with those. My sister is a secular witch. She did not believe in chakras and can't really work a pendulum at all. I have shown what happens when I drop a pendulum in a chakra, see a problem, send in healing energy, drop the pendulum back in to measure my progress. My point is what works for one does not necessarily work the same for another. This book allows for that and encourages one to find their own way.The author tactfully does not mention it so far, but young girls seeking teachers are vulnerable to many unsavory types. I do prefer my daughters take a do it yourself approach, or come to me. Put this book in their hands before someone convinces them they have the secrets of the universe and only they can reveal them and will but only if...... Go your own way, encourage others to do the do same. I am carving out my path and it works too. There is no guru who can replace the practice and study and inner work required. This has been a wonderful book, I really enjoyed it.

I enjoyed the audio of this book much, I also bought a physical copy so I could make notes throughout then pass it on to my sister. I'm enjoying my way through it now. Packed with information, encouragement. I am so pleased to have this AMAZING book in my witch collection! First time I've read this author, I will read more.

This book has been a delight to read from beginning to end; I would safely suggest it to anyone as a first book on witchcraft, yet it will add a lot to the already initiated, too. I believe, however, it should be everyone's first read because it goes way beyond the obvious: this book will help you think and define your own path with confidence, ethic and a real understanding of what you are doing, and why.Plus, Laura Tempest Zacroff is a REAL writer: she uses mature, elaborate, delightful language - she understands that being an apprentice doesn't mean we are also language newbies. She is sensitive yet rational, poetic yet crystal clear, knowledgeable yet not reluctant to share her vulnerabilities and the difficulties she faced in her own path.If you are beginner, do look for a good 101 witchcraft book - or books. You are not going to find that kind of information in "Weave the Liminal". But pray do not skip Laura's book: this is about your mental, emotional and philosophical preparation, and I am yet to find such valuable reflections and advice elsewhere - though I read extensively on the subject. This book has its place on my night stand, and I reach for it often to re-read passages I have marked. On these occasions I end up reading entire chapters again, for I cannot put it down: there is not one bit of it that I did not fully enjoy.

I really enjoyed this book. No nonsense clear writing that was easy to read. Lots of information and diversity. Not a checklist of what one must do but more like an open letter to explore, evaluate, and see what works for you personally. I enjoyed the open minded and inclusive, non elitist viewpoint of the author, Laura Tempest Zakoff, refreshing and worth re reading.

Wow. I actually got welled up reading the first chapter. I kept sayi g to myself this is me! I can relate to what she's saying. It was beautiful. Highly recommend this book. Very powerful.

Esse livro foi muito bem recomendado por todos os amigos e digital influencers que eu consultei e pedi dicas sobre bons livros sobre bruxaria numa linha mais tradicional e menos wiccana, e ele atendeu e superou todas as minhas expectativas. Além disso, fiquei muito feliz em descobrir que esse caminho tortuoso da minha própria prática bruxa tem nome: Bruxaria Moderna Tradicional! Vale muito a pena a leitura tanto pra quem está começando quanto pra quem, como eu, já está nesse caminho a um certo tempo, mas ainda não cansou de aprender.