Year of the Witch: Connecting with Nature's Seasons through Intuitive Magick

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!

I listened to the Audible version, and needed a hard copy for my library. Great for reference. The authoe gives choices, and explains many reasons why traditions exist. It is not a "do this" book, but more of "you could do this or create your own"

This is definitely one of my new favorite books about paganism and witchcraft. This book is truly unique and I loved each and every second of reading it.Alden begins this book with talking about earth based paganism and folk witchcraft. This is truly a breath of fresh air as she truly gives meaning to many of the practices and beliefs of her own practice specifically but these can easily be applied to paganism overall. She also talks about making eco conscious choices and budget witch tips. This really helps to set up this book nicely.Alden then gives a clear and concise history of the Wiccan wheel of the year and each Sabbat. She lets the reader know that, while some of the ideas of the Sabbats are rooted in ancient traditions, the wheel as we know it now is a modern invention. While the section about making your own year of the witch is short (about 15 pages), these themes are woven throughout the book and it is abundantly clear that this book is just the beginning for creating your own truly unique practice.This is a beginner must have book. Alden’s words are inspiring and it truly feels like you’re having a conversation with a friend. She beautifully weaves pagan beliefs, witchcraft practices, and her own story to create an amazing, cohesive book that is a must read. I cannot recommend this book enough.

Well written. Lots of old information but some wonderful content to add new or personalized touches to your practice. Well worth the read. I usually cannot read anything written on the wheel of the year because most of it just doesn’t resonate. This book touches on the basics we all know and then gives you ideas to make your wheel of the year more personal. As it should be. I’ve always opted for a more personal approach and it’s great to read about someone else’s practice who does the same. I move every few years so while one year I may experience warm tropical seasons, the next may be more traditional. I’ve learned to really cut out the fluff and only incorporate what absolutely moves me. I plan on settling in one spot over the next year and putting down roots. I’m quite anxious to finally start to construct my own wheel of the year and getting to connect on a deeper level with my region and it’s seasons and local lore. I will no doubt return to this book once I start my new journey. I would recommend this book if you are interested in constructing rituals and celebrations around your local seasons and reconnecting with the eb and flow of nature. This is not a book full of rituals, but rather the inspiration you might need to seek out what works for you personally.

As someone who has been a pagan for a long time and read a lot of pagan books this one was so refreshing to read. Finally a book that didn't insist that the Wheel of the Year had to be done a certain way or even mean a certain thing.For a witch living in Florida the traditional Wheel of the Year just didn't fit right with me. I always felt like I was just going through the motions as I performed rituals for the different seasons . For example the fall festivals were all about the harvest and decorating your altar with beautiful fall foliage and so on. Yet here in Florida we were still having temps in the low 90's and there wasn't a colorful leaf in site. I wanted to perform ritual that was meaningful to me, where I was, and still be able to celebrate the turning of the wheel.Temperence's book shows you that not only is it okay to change the Wheel to your specific needs but lets you know that it is best if you do. And she teaches you how to do just that. Great book, highly recommend.

The little book is packed with info on the importance of intuition and respect for your local environment in magical practices. Temperance Alden offers a fresh perspective to make witchcraft accessible to all, and she does a great job of explaining the origins and traditions of the Wheel of the Year to provide a basis of understanding for making it your own. This is a great reference book for any modern witch to have in their collection.

This book covers so much more than just creating a wheel of the year that is inline with your own personal geographical locations, weather and harvests. Alden teaches us some of the history and origins of the 8 'traditional' wheel of the year celebrations as well as other natural cycles of the year and much much more! I pop a page marker in books I'm reading when I want to look back at something, and this book is now filled with page markers. For me, that's a sign of a really great book.

I have been following Temperance on Instagram for some time now and absolutely love her wit and truth bombs. She has a grounded approach that is echoed throughout the tone of this book and focuses on helping you build your own personal practice rather than giving you strict rules to follow.

Good to start. Well written.

I love this book so much! I’ve been feeling stuck in my practice for a while and this is exactly what I needed to break me out of my lull. Whether your a beginner or a more experienced practitioner, this book will shed a whole new light on multiple topics. Definitely worth the read!