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Are Modern Witchcraft Books Failing Witches? A VR response to Ivy the Occultist
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- čas přidán 16. 08. 2024
- Ivy the Occultist’s original video
• Are Modern Witchcraft ...
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It’s been about 15 years since I read any witchcraft books, and to me even then it seemed like they all said the same things. 🤷🏻♀️
Agreed. Most books say the same thing. I find I really have to dig through to find something different.
Same so thought I'd take a peek. Nope. Nothing new. Just different packaging.
I enjoyed listening to your commentary, it was like reliving the past. So much harder to learn about witchcraft back then; I started in 1984. I remember spending hours in the library and tons of dimes in the copier to take the info home when I reached my max to borrow LOL So much easier to find 'your' path these days. I started from Wicca as well. I think that was definately more prevalent then also. Hollywood forces the trends in Witchcraft LOL, seems that way anyway, so funny. Also have you watched the Sancutary series, I found it on A+E, so good. Makes witches think. Great video 🖤
I will check out the Sanctuary series. Thanks for letting me know about it!
It was so interesting and it felt so good listening to you going through the decades and how we found books etc. Absolutely agree woth you on the AI thing... I am scarred and curious at the same time.
Sending love and light ✨
Thank you Chris!
To be honest, i find reading a real chore. Most are wiccan, and I'm not.
It's like taking a sleeping pill for me, i get almost a chapter in, and it's😴zzZZZZ lol
This is a fair comment. Not everyone enjoys reading. Are you more of a podcast or video person?
@LouValcourt Yes, definitely a video or audio person.
Great vid by the way🗝🖤🗝
I honestly think it’s such a wonderful time to be in this space. In the 90s the best we could hope for was half a shelf and today people have so many more options.
You’re absolutely right about trends; we’ve seen so many and the pendulum swings back and forth. Today it feels like so many books are pure “DIY everything, throw out all traditions, do whatever you feel like” and in a few years maybe books will be specific again.
It would be nice to see more specific type instructive books again. I agree that it is nice there are more choices now.
Yup, this is more so an issue about Ethics, rather than any boring, repetitive or shallow content. A lot of the western witchcraft books I've read don't cover the foundations such as "what exactly is a correspondence (and how correspondences can differ for each person) ; or how to identify your energy's personality & work with it so it is at its strongest. Rather they're more into providing lists and pre-made spells, many of which may not even serve the practitioner (leave alone the question of the emotional & energetic workings that go behind these spells). In a way that sometimes makes me feel that AI is the lesser problem compared to human authors who want to show their "expertise" through the books they write. And it feels like despite how far we've come, witchcraft books are still so cis-het normative.
But there is also another perspective, which makes this question of "are witchcraft books failing witches" so much more complicated to answer. As someone coming from a BIPOC culture, finding books about my indigenous magical practices has become so difficult - because most are either lost or destroyed or consumed by mainstream religion or some are shunned because they are considered left-hand - that at this point, I feel any book is better than no book. When that happens, I am more willing to buy a book by a mediocre writer with weak credentials and limited craft experience, purely because I want a book on a practice that resonates with me.
Good points. I’ve noticed that there seems to be more diversity in authors backgrounds now so I’m hoping this will help improve things.
I do think there are more "bad" books out there just because there are more witchcraft books in general being published. I started about the same time as you and there just weren't that many books coming out each year back then, so I think the few being published were held to a relatively higher standard. Now there are just more publishing houses looking to produce a much higher number of books so they're willing to make deals with ghostwriters and those with less skill. They'll give deals to those with large social media followings but maybe they have one or two years experience. They'll also fill up pages with pretty art or use massive font with big margins to hide that there's not much content. It's a shame but that's business. But today's new witches also have access to decades of good books that may be a bit dated but still have loads of helpful content. That didn't exist 30-40 years ago. I think people need to stop telling themselves a witchcraft book must be modern to be useful.
I really wish there were better ways for beginners to find those really good books that are 30 or 40 years old. There's 100 repetitive, fluffy bunny, no-real-content books for every good resource available.
@@CricketsBay You can check out people like Thorn Mooney who happily give book recommendations in multiple videos. There are elders who would give recommendations but just because the book might be dated in parts, people ignore you or even try to slander you.
The early 90s were crazy. There was serious stuff like The Spiral Dance, and Cabot's books. Frost Wicca stuff that someone should have been arrested for. And then goofy edgy things that were the best of all, like, "Crystal Sex Candle Vampire Dirty Magic" by Dark Lord Constanitus born Raymond McDurdle who'd be glaring on the back cover in leather pants.
OMG, that weirdo in black leather pants! I think I just came here from his CZcams channel. He commented on Ivy's video about new books failing newbies, so I clicked his icon to look at his content, not knowing those guys are still around. He's probably related to Mari Silva.
I really enjoyed the Spiral Dance when I was starting out in the 90s and Laurie Cabot’s books too.
@@LouValcourt I liked Laurie Cabot's books. I never actually read The Spiral Dance. I couldn't find it.
Modern witchcraft books are done for profit. They teach very little. Back in the day, there were few books and if you didn't learn from someone, you wouldn't get far. That of course has it's own problems, but today we have baby witches (ugh!) And cutesy books designed not to scare the average teen witch witless, but it looks great on Instagram with Starbucks latte and a muffin. Magic is a practice. I love books, but you don't run a marathon by reading a book on it. You get out there and do it.
I love this point about how you can’t run a marathon by reading about it, you have to do it.
Witchcraft books sold in mainstream bookstores are usually of poor quality. I find the more interesting and in depth books can be purchased from independent publishers or specialty shops, usually overseas for me so they are not cheap once postage is factored in.
Excellent point - independent publishers are a great source of more in depth books
I still have my old books from the1990’s. I also keep multiple copies of Cunningham’s books handy to give to younger witches to read.
I agree with your take. I am a fairly new practitioner and the beginner books are generally frustrating because they assume either that you are young or don't want to think deeply. Just because I am new to a spiritual practice or to magical work doesn't mean I can only read at a 4th grade reading level or not able to recognize certain things. I have a graduate degree so that's part of it, but it caused me to go looking for the intermediate to advanced books straight away and then work my way backwards.
I find that the writing level has lowered too. It’s like they used to write at a high school level on average and now it’s middle school level. It’s a good point that just because someone is new doesn’t mean that they don’t want depth.
Except for the topic of Tarot, I'm commenting as an outsider.
You commented on how whenever an industry expands, it becomes a big cash grab. Something that is worse is specifically with a religion. When a religion gains more practitioners, their communities gain more corruption. I've definitely seen problematic people within Paganism, but I also have seen so many wonderful Pagans being quick to call them out.
I definitely agree with the two of you about AI. Also, I love how the writers you gave shoutouts to are Kelly-Ann Maddox and Benebell Wen. Kelly-Ann was a favorite vlogger of mine when I started my channel, and her Tarot Trainee Course is the one that I predominantly used when starting out. Her Tarot Trainee Course is what I'd recommend to a beginner wanting to learn Tarot. I bought Holistic Tarot by Benebell Wen and listened to an interview with her, and so it was nice seeing her mentioned. She's definitely one to do her research. I found out in an interview that she's also a lawyer, so it makes sense that she's one to write books that are so researched and in depth.
the craft went from a lot of set ways to practice to disregard everything that it was taught in the pass.
I am sixty years old. I’ve been practicing witchcraft for 35 years. I say that only because I have been reading books for that many years. I’ve become way more selective over the years. So, what books you read will be determined by what you are interested in and I myself still think about a lot of the older authors. If you are interested in Wicca, Gerald Gardner and Scott Cunningham are still tops in my experience. Although I do enjoy Dorothy Morrison and Christopher Penzak. If you are interested in Cabbalistic Magic, Israel Regardie is the most understandable out of the older Cabbalistic magicians. If you are interested in more traditional witchcraft, then I am talking working with spirits. That is how I separate them in my own thoughts, Wicca relies more on the witch themselves, has more of a religious tone, and some Cabbalistic magic, traditional relies more on spirits and the land, working with them, developing a relationship with them and you would be exploring authors such as Robin Artisson, Rodger J. Horne, Jason Miller, Nigel Pennick and R. J. Stewart. The last two authors, I never hear anyone talk about on CZcams. Each author has something different to offer and none of them are cookie cutter. Now remember, I’m not up on the newer more modern witchcraft authors or trends and I don’t bother reading Wicca 101 books anymore, so don’t jump on me. I’m just saying there is really good information when you are starting out if you know where to look. Amazon carries all the authors I mentioned. Mat Auryn’s books are great for developing your skills. Finally, there are two books I really enjoy and even go back to from time to time. A Deed Without A Name by Lee Morgan and Craft of the Untamed by Nicholaj De Mattos Frisvold. Maybe someone here will be interested. Check them out! And lastly, your best book is your own Book of Shadows where you write down your own practices and experiences.
Thank you so much for sharing these authors!! And yes your BOS is the best book of all.
I never knew of your channel until this video popped up. Definitely subscribed now, thanks for the lovely chat on this current topic.
Thank you!
One pattern that seems consistent is the low quality of books written by authors with made-up names. Silver Ravenwolf, for example. Obviously, not everyone with a name made of cheese writes bad books. But it is a pattern.
I remember being bullied by Wiccans in the 90s in AOL chat rooms for “following trends”. 😂
The only thing I'm personally grateful to the wiccans for is the founder Gerald Gardner, for making it public that witchcraft is no longer illegal and also encouraging witches to come out of the broom closet.
Other than that, i find their denial of a devil in witchcraft laughable.
A witch once said that they want to play the devils game but don't want to take his name. To me, this is accurate. Who do they think the father of witchcraft is 😂
I totally agree with you, it has always been like this. Since witchcraft became more popular tons of beginner books were published and there are always lots of writers who are just jumping in to make some money, but there are also many good books to be found. Only the AI "written" books is new, and it is scary because it's clear that too many people do not practice critical thinking and will believe anything.
I agree about one of the reasons AI is scary is because there seems to be a lack of critical thinking so people will believe anything.
@@LouValcourt Good point. But also (and I think Thorn Mooney did a great video on this, czcams.com/video/w3aEYl2u5lw/video.html) when it comes to "critical thinking" it assumes that people have the same access to learning these skills. I'm a university-educated person who's studying for a degree in communication science and English literature, so reading books critically is kind of my bread and butter, it's something I do every day. But not everybody does. Not everybody learns by reading books, for a variety of reasons. And not everybody learns how to approach books critically because they weren't taught this in school. Very interesting topic to think about and not easy to untangle.
@@badwolftina8716 This is a good point. I also have a university degree and was taught critical thinking and not everyone has had that opportunity. Also you are right that not everyone learns by reading. I think it’s great that there are so many other forms now like podcasts, videos etc
@@LouValcourtI know, it's great that other formats are available now! As someone who first got introduced to pagan and witchcraft related topics in the very early 2000s, I must admit I'm a bit jealous of those who start their foray into witchcraft now. 😅 I think my first contact with other witches was through a Glasgow university pagan Yahoo group, either ScotWitch or Pagan Federation Scotland, can't remember now.
I stopped reading the books after I learned the basics. Everything seems repetitive and I have not really seen anything that goes in depth. I have gained more knowledge from talking to others.
Good point about books not being the only source of knowledge.
Enjoyed watching and listening. TBH, found your more calm response better than the original video, which I also watched (her pace was a bit frenetic for me but still interesting). Been thinking there is a similar thing with Tarot and cartomancy books, and yea, the topic comes up every so often. I probably notice since I read for my craft as well as for reviewing and some for library acquisition.
I have Auryn's books on the TBR. I appreciated you giving good book examples.
(This librarian has thoughts on AI, but will refrain to not rant in comments.)
Paz y amor.
I’m sure as a librarian you have some opinions about AI authors. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I've been practicing witch for 30 years and have seen interesting things happening in the community
@Lou Valcourt, I know the book you are talking about and I wasn't impressed at all with it.
Another Book from a different CZcamsr who has a decent following, had their channel up for a year, already got a Witchy award and a Book on Witchcraft for Change...again I flipped through that book in the book store and it was a generic beginners book, and wasn't impress at all. Again these two books were getting recognition by the same people in the social media who are friends and being Bias.
The Folk Practice which I think is a good subject, I feel are a bit passive aggressive on ceremonial practioners and especially the Wiccan Community and the Authors at the time.
I witness a content creator, bashing/side comment a Wiccan Author and saying how his stuff is just things he just made up....and this content creator went from a 4.9 subscribers to 2.3 subs within 48 hours!!!!!!
There are some good beginner books out, like Mat Aryn's two books are good, and he's coming out with a new one either later this year to early early 2025, it's about Tarot. Am glad we are seeing having deep meanings but there is a line of pushing that too much and it's okay to just do the work and do the spells and just don't have to have this big deep indepth in your practice.
I enjoyed your take on this Lou, 💜
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I didn’t know Nat Auryn has a tarot book coming out in 2025. I really like his other two books, so will have to check it out. Thanks for letting me know.
There is indeed a dearth of well-written books on the practice of witchcraft. People need information on the occult arts served up with good, scintillating writing.
I’d love to see more occult books too on topics beyond witchcraft.
What a great and sensible response to Ivy the Occultist's video! Much appreciated.
I've found worthwhile book advice from you and also on CZcams Channels like Kelly-Ann Maddox, Thorn Mooney, Ivy the Occultist, Chaotic Witch Aunt, Foolish Fish, HearthWitch, The Truth in Story, Aquamarine 18 Tarot & Books, Mary-Grace Fahrun, Tom Benjamin, Kelly Bear, Jackson Crawford, Tylluan Penry, Benebell Wen, and others.
And obviously this does not mean I like everything they like, or share all their priorities and enthusiasms. Sometimes I disagree with them, and I don't share all the same views or practices with any of them. But they are consistently VERY worthwhile sources of information about many books that I could potentially be interested in, and so I wanted to list them in case anyone else is looking for other such channels.
Thank you. Also thanks for the list, there’s a few people I haven’t heard of so I’ll check them out.
Matt Auryn did an interesting thing on Witch Vintages, that you also might want to comment upon.
I've been around just finding my feet with New Media. I guess you inherited me from Wonder Lust love
Well I'm a fan of Olivia, aka Wonder Lust by with my odd history I love you too
So as the Guy from Rev Zombies I say it since Olivia backed off?
Yes a lot of ugly books out there but also some good, unfortunately these are the less. For example I liked the series of books of the witches tool series Wich really opened my mind to options, but a book that is kinda unnatural in my humble opinion is the city witch, I respect other peoples practices but a city based practice kinda feels artificial to me
I think that’s fair. We all have our own ways of practicing and not everything is going to resonate with us.