Spellwork & Magic

Composing Magic: How to Create Magical Spells, Rituals, Blessings, Chants and Prayers

Composing Magic:  
How to Create Magical Spells, Rituals, Blessings, Chants and Prayers  
by Elizabeth Barrette
New Page, 2007

 

Whether you’ve just begun to write rituals, or have lots of experience, Composing Magic is a must-read that will provide you with a wealth of insight about the writing process and how connected it is to the magical practices you pursue. Even better, this book is a good primer on how to improve your writing skills in general.

Ms. Barrette does an excellent job of presenting the essentials for the writing process and the tools of the trade. She also provides a great deal of sample writing, each sample showing how the principles are applied. I particularly liked some of the sample rough drafts and edits, which show the editing and revision process that all good writers do.

What I liked best were the exercises the author provided in each chapter of the book. Each of the exercises is designed to help the reader start writing and sharing his or her work with other people. They are also good for stimulating thought on why the reader is going to write a spell, a prayer, or other form of writing related to magic. Some of the exercises also get the reader focused on recognizing the magic that goes into writing to make the writing an effective act of magic.

Composing Magic is a breath of fresh air in Pagan publishing. It should improve the magical practice (and writing) of novice and expert alike.

TAYLOR ELLWOOD.

RATING: 4½ Broomsticks


» Originally appeared in newWitch #17

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