Book Review for Contemporary Witchcraft

The following review has recently been received from Tim Hartridge, facilitator of workshops and retreats for WitchesWorkshop and manager of the Alchemy Space in Sydney.

Sitting down in the State Library to write a few thoughts about Frances Billinghurst's new book, Contemporary Witchcraft: Foundation Practices for a Magical Life, I glanced up to read a quote: "In books lies the soul of the whole past time, the articulate audible voice of the past", Thomas Carlyle 1795–1881. I take this as a lead, a positive omen. Yes, Frances has written a significant book.

In 1875 on his 80th birthday Thomas Carlyle, the great Scottish historian of the Victorian age received tributes from more than 100 eminent fellow historians and philosophers. From the above quote, it would seem Carlyle agreed with the view that through a good book you hold the vision, sentiments and knowledge of the individual who wrote it.

In Contemporary Witchcraft: Foundation Practices for a Magical Life Frances Billinghurst offers us a concise study of modern Witchcraft practices and her substantial knowledge on the subject.

Her book is like studying a guide map written by an experienced traveller. The author offers us a well-trodden route and even anticipates what our next steps should be.

With so many diverse approaches available on modern Witchcraft practices, it's not surprising that those new to the study quickly become confused in this patchwork of what gets presented as Witchcraft. Fortunately, Frances' book Contemporary Witchcraft presents the student with an efficient guide to a deeper understanding and a planned approach to studying the Craft.

I've taught Witchcraft and Magick for over four decades, and I've often wished I had a primary textbook with which to teach students — I now have that book.

One doesn't have to agree with everything an author might say to respect their work. Frances' research is reliable and thorough. Refreshingly, other than a few cosmetic differences in approach, there was little with which I would disagree.

In 2019, I had an opportunity to participate in a workshop run by Frances. The workshop was "Encountering the Dark Goddess." I experienced what's like to work with a competent teacher of the Mysteries. Frances' teachings like her books are researched, and her night ritual connected people of varying levels of experience to the numinous. (There's a complimentary book to this workshop that is also very worthwhile having in your library.)

If there were a 'Lonely Planet' traveller's guide to Witchcraft, Frances Billinghurst's Contemporary Witchcraft: Foundation Practices for a Magical Life  is it.

I keep copies of both books for students at my workshops, but you can order them directly from the author here.