Magic, Spells and Potions: 21st Century Approach to Traditional Witchcraft, Magic, Clairvoyance and Fortune Telling Paperback – 20 July 2009

My background is in experimental physics, and I am therefore a skeptic by nature, especially when it comes to magical effects. I came to magic via Donal Tysons Portable Magic, using the Tarot as a symbolic altar and circle, then through Druidry, using elemental symbolism in rituals.What struck me first about Magic, Spells and Potions is the down to earth practical approach that is devoid of any religious or moral undertones. Silvia Hartmann offers a set of symbols, teaches how to use them for magical purposes and that is it!The introduction manages nicely to relate where the symbols come from, and where they fall in besides the older symbolic systems, such as runes. Then section by section the reader is lead to using those symbols in magical workings, through spells, potions and other techniques. The approach is well explained, and (my scientific mind cries triumph) the reader is asked to empirically evaluate all outcomes to see if the magic worked. Because it either works or not, and if not, the workings need to be modified, no excuses.All this is explained in a non-pretentious and friendly manner.As the system is unique, and does not have a "history" or lineage, it is accessible for everyone, without the need to commit to anything else, but the use of the symbols, which was a very strong incentive for me to give it a try.Absolute must for everyone interested in magic.Dr Markus Schulte

This book is literally a breath of fresh air for all who love magic. Gone are the old fashioned horrors of hell fires & demons, and instead we have that wide eyed wonder, a childlike innocence as we get to explore our own magic for real - Finally! A wonderful, wonderful book, magic through and through.StarHawk

My 9 year old son wanted to know how to make magic spells and thought this was the book for him. He saved up his pocket money and bought it. When it arrived he was disappointed as it required an adult understanding of the ideas with no real instructions. We returned it so that he could have his money back only to find that they deducted the cost of the return postage, which was disappointing.