The Dabbler's Guide to Witchcraft: Seeking an Intentional Magical Path

This book is an absolute joy from start to finish. Whilst not a traditional intro to the craft, it’s a brotherly voice of support as you make your way along the path. It is the book I wish I had when taking my first baby steps, confused by complex information and desperately trying not to get it wrong.This book is all about the WHY, not the WHAT, which makes it pretty unique in its field.Fire Lute’s vast knowledge is delivered gently and kindly, managing magical expectations and reminding the reader that we all burn our eyelashes at some point.Most importantly, this is the first book I have ever read that addresses the fact that magical working can sometimes feel silly. But it’s also great fun!I loved this book so much, I kind of missed it when I finished reading it - a clear sign of a great bit of writing.

I'm only 15% in, but can already tell Dabbler's Guide will be *The Book* I suggest for new witches. F.L. presents the practicality of years of experience in a light hearted, fun, & accessible way, starting by building reasonable expectations. He adds 'buyer beware' advice missing from almost all beginner books. I've been forever looking for a book to recommend to people wanting to get started in witchcraft. I think even experienced practitioners will love it.

Seriously, everyone should read this book. He teaches critical thinking, a skill that is increasingly becoming more and more unused. And he applies it to so many topics that are important these days (and probably always have been), and also applies it to being a cognizant, well-informed practitioner of witchcraft, whether you've been doing it for ages, or you're a 'baby witch'.Most of all, I LOVE how the spell section isn't a how-to and "do it my way even though my way is just regurgitated lore from all the books that came before and info you can find online'...he really wants you to stop and think about what you want, how to achieve it and how to personalize it. Without spending a fortune! And it's fun! I can't recommend this book enough for all humans.

Like my headline says this teaches you to learn for yourself. It’s teaching you how to ask the why questions and what that really means, and most importantly WHY you ask the why questions.

Such a well thought out and logical approach to the magic around us everyday. A very friendly, easy to read and follow guide to thinking through the why's and what's of witchcraft/paganism/spiritualism/magics. Made for the curious, to encourage even more curiosity.

Curious? New to witchcraft? Frustrated by how some of us use social media? Been involved with a magical community for decades but rarely interact with those under 40? This is a book you should explore.My copy was purchased after falling for Fire Lyte’s humor and sociological perspective of topics that I care about. We share some commonalities — academic interests, work histories, and the occasional reference to public health. He had me at Listeria. (Don’t fret if you aren’t a disease detective. He merely mentions Listeria once - at least by the midway point. He also produced a balanced podcast episode about the pandemic, which I appreciated.)Why post a review midway through? Nearly from the start, I had decided to send a copy to a young millennial family member who has started a thoughtful exploration. That is still my plan. But this morning — quiet house, good coffee, book open — I hit a section that I needed to read. Well worth the price of admission!You may chuckle at how often Fire Lyte uses the word ‘parse’ but you’ll get over it. Don’t you have a go to word? It actually feels like a crystal in your pocket after 100 pages or so.This book addresses big and important topics. Informational needs are met with sass and reasonableness. It is a guide for engaging ethically and safely. The author is well-rounded and sticks to his scope of knowledge.