Healing Magic Review!
DogMod’s Review of Healing Magic: A Green Witch Guidebook to Conscious Living 10th Anniversary Edition
By: Robin Rose Bennett with forward by Susan S. Weed
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Publication Date: 2004, 2014
CONTENT WARNINGS: Gore (references to blood and menstrual cycles), Death (in the harmonics of the life/death/rebirth cycle), Rape/Sexual Assault (in recovering from and coping with), Sexism (by acknowledging the take-over of patriarchy and how to reclaim power).
Power. Connection. Optimism. I call on all who need reminded that they are enough, to pick up a copy of Robin Rose Bennet’s (R.R.B) Healing Magic: A Green Witch Guidebook to Conscious Living and devour it; the soul needs nourishment, and what better to feed it then a tome that screams “YOU ARE WORTHY”.
Although seeing the “Sabrina” reboot or the Wicked Witch of the West may be some of the only witchy-representation that many of you have had, I ask that you suspend your held beliefs. Darkness and Light are not the only shades that a witch may be represented by as R.R.B lays out; there are Emerald-hued ones as well.
Green Witches are those who acknowledge that they are beings of the Earth, of the Universe, of All-There-Is. They practice with love and intentional life-style choices that bring balance and well-being with a focus on utilizing natural products such as herbs, plants, and trees.
The beauty of this book is that it reminds you of your own agency. Healing Magic is a DIY, no way is wrong, book of empowerment, thoughtfulness, and well, healing. R.R.B gives you some guidelines, like how to make a moon-bag, (a bag of women’s knowledge) but only if it resonates with you.
Rituals and mindsets in this book come from a diverse background of religious practices, making it accessible and possible to merge Green Witchery and your established spiritual beliefs without compromising either. For example, R.R.B and her family wanted to perform a Jewish rite of unveiling to mark the anniversary of her mother’s death, called a Yahrzeit. By merging that ceremony with witchy rituals, they created a meaningful experience for all involved. Buddhists and Christians will find references and wisdom from their religions in Healing Magic. Seneca Indians and other Indigenous Peoples from across the world are respected and given credit to their ways of connecting to the Earth, as well.
Healing Magic is told in a seven part journey: “Reconnecting with the Earth”, “Engaging Mystery”, “Moon Magic and Women’s Wisdom”, “Herbal Magic”, “The Medicine Wheel of Magic”, “ Spells”, and “Rituals”. Within these chapters are songs, recipes, spells (or, “spelling out what you want”), diagrams, and rituals that you can perform with anecdotes woven throughout. The knowledge in these pages covers a wide range of esoteric fields such as chakras, metaphysical energies of stones, essential oils, herbalism, speaking with plants and animals, and more. Remember, there is no right way and the book reassures you to trust yourself.
There are times when Healing Magic delves into heavier topics. Dealing with fear, loss, and trauma, allowing oneself to feel these emotions and releasing them as part of the healing process can help many, however, magic can only go so far. R.R.B recommends seeing a therapist if there are situations or feelings that are going on in your life that are too overwhelming.
Personally, I have read this book cover to cover twice and have referenced it countless times. It was a gift to me from a mentor and friend, and I too have passed it on to another, just as wisdom has always been passed from one person to another spanning from the beginning of time. I have created my own moon-bag, the red one in the photo of this book, and been reminded to be grateful in my daily life.
This book is a rare and satisfying treat, truly a 5/5 Tasty. I would recommend this book to anyone, so break out of your comfort zone and try something exotic- you won’t regret it!
(Teeth Biting Tongue Icon by Vectors Point from the Noun Project)
