Phenomena Encountered: The Magazine Pilot Issue | Page 13

Devin Hunter is a teacher at The Black Rose School of Witchcraft, podcast host of The Modern Witch, and a third degree imitate in the North Star Tradition/Dianic Traditions. Now, Devin can now add author to his list of accomplishment. In his debut book The Witch's Book of Power published by Llewellyn; Mr. Hunter's book is beautifully written and is thought provoking for those whom are new and experienced in The Craft. Mr. Hunter goes into great detail on his take of Personal and Magickal Power. Not just defining Power but sharing with his readers on how to embrace, control, and use Power for spiritual and ritualistic growth. Mr. Hunter shares with us that being a Powerful Witch is not something to be avoided or played down. No, it is something to be proud of. Also, have you ever wondered how witches came into being on this Earthly plane? Mr. Hunter has the answer and gives a fascinating history lesson on where witches came from. I will admit that in my eleven years of magickal studies I never really gave much thought about where or how witches came to Earth. I suppose that I just took it for granted that we have been always been and never looked much further than that.

Devin continues on through the pages teaching readers about balancing every day life and how personal power can help a person with some everyday struggles. Though there are affirming chants shared to use in some situations where balancing or self collecting is needed; do not look to this book for recipes for spell work. Though wisdom regarding spell work is shared no full out ritual recipes are present. Which bring me to me to my next point regarding what Devin has to share with us is the Allies of the Witches; beings that seek out witches and assist in magickal endeavors. He shares why a magickal being such as an angel, fae, demon, or the dead seek out to assist witches in their practices. Devin speaks of our allies with honor and respect. He lets it be known that they are not our servants and have their own needs and wishes. Devin shares with us how we can continue to honor their and give thanks for their help and presence. Be mindful that if you are seeking spell recipes and step by step instructions this is not a book for that. Mr. Hunter does share chants and small rituals to do during or going into a situation in life to help aide you through it; this is a book that excels at sharing wisdom and knowledge.

I truly feel that I and my practice have benefited from completing The Witch’s Book of Power. Mr. Hunter’s writing style is clear and easy to follow. His words are strong and uplifting. He made me stop and think about my own magickal practice and how I viewed my own personal power. It turns out I never really gave my personal power much thought into how it was a part of my magickal abilities. I have written lesson’s that I have learned from Devin in my own Book of Shadows to keep them with me always. I have already sent the book off in the mail to a friend of mine as I know that she will find it an excellent read as well. The energy I received while reading this book is not that my magickal work and personal path are weak or wrong in any way. I sensed that Devin wrote with book with loving intend and he truly is here to help everyone's magickal path and wants everyone to be as powerful, beautiful, and unique as The Craft itself.

A special thank you to Kat Sanborn of Llewellyn for sharing the book with me.

Read and reviewed by Katrina Gamse

Katrina's Reviews:

Book review of The Witch's Book of Power by Devin Hunter