Practical Magic for Beginners

December 13, 2004
Williams accurately assesses a clear strength in this addition to Llewellyn's for Beginners series (Astrology
, Chakras
, Divination
, Healing Alternatives
, Magick
, etc.) by calling her book "short on theory and long on practice." Her other fortes in this sound primer are clarity, simplicity and open-ended spiritual affiliation. Her emphasis on innate powers and abilities could invite believers of many stripes who want specific exercises to enhance their personal awareness. From the first simple experiment of holding palms close to each other to create perception of the unseen, Williams devotes two-thirds of her useful book to offering such concrete explorations of the invisible through sight, sound, feeling, movement, objects, planets and timing. She also lists the most basic tools for performing magic rituals and prefers dedicated, mundane household objects (clean broom, blue bowl, etc.), underscoring her belief that "everyone can develop enough psychic skill to... do effective ritual magic." The final third lists specific rituals for life events: e.g., finding a home or a job, getting money or taking a trip. Williams's only shortcoming is a lack of emphasis to "harm none," frequently found in other primers. Easy to follow, this useful volume will aid anyone who wants to master the basics of practical magic.