Esoteric Empathy

October 10, 2016
Digitalis (Shadow Magick Compendium), a Freemason and neopagan Priest, consolidates lessons on the powers of empathy to improve oneself and help others in this balanced handbook for fellow empaths—those who “experience others’ emotions as if they were their own.” Intended for readers who already identify as empaths, the book covers how to strengthen personal and spiritual boundaries, ground oneself in overwhelming situations, offer loving kindness to difficult people who are in emotional distress, and practice “empathic transmutation” to catalyze a shift in other people or entities from negative to positive. Digitalis has a playful voice and a flair for the theatrical, encouraging readers to experiment with costumes and makeup to see what kind of emotional response they will receive from strangers. The rigid format suggested in the table of contents belies the book’s more meandering structure. Ideas are often repeated within the themed chapters, making for the occasional topic that doesn’t quite fit its context (as when ethical pet food is discussed in a chapter on preventing emotional burnout). Still, the book meets its mark in terms of exploring the many aspects of empathy and guiding “sensitive folk” to move through the world with more confidence.