Basic Witches

Starred review from July 10, 2017
Saxena (Dad Magazine) and Zimmerman, editor at Establishment, encourage women to reject the pressure to be feminine, clear away hopelessness, and feel sexy in their own bodies in this compact collection of feel-good spells, rituals, and talismans. They speak to powerful, defiant women who want to “dismantle the cultural conditioning that trains women to be weak and small.” In cheerful, humorous, and sometimes gossipy prose, they offer women magical “witchspiration” for navigating mental obstacles and encourage readers to strive beyond societal “shoulds” to be happier. The easy-to-assemble, user-friendly spells—such as writing and thought exercises, mantras, and “incantations” that normally involve candles and perfume—help readers feel in control, affirm intentions, adopt ambitious attitudes, and rebel a little. Chapters cover appearance, healing, companionship, romance, dispelling adversity, and divination. Saxena and Zimmerman promise to teach readers how to strengthen friendships with hot chocolate, braid colored string to remember lost loved ones, and replace ancient runes with hip emojis. “Witch History” sidebars discuss old attitudes and beliefs about witches and witchcraft. Making use of mundane but helpful exercises, this is a handy guide to boosting self-confidence and reaching positive outcomes.