I’m an immigrant witch. I’m starting from scratch. I’m strapped for cash. And then I see a book about how to become a witch without spending all my hard-earned money? Yes, please. And absolutely. When I saw this book, I knew I had to ask for it, and it was worth the wait!
I will start this review with praise and say: Do yourself a favor and get a copy of Witchcraft on a budget: practicing the craft without breaking the bank, by Deborah Blake.
Cover of the 2024 edition of “Witchcraft on a Shoestring” by Deborah Blake (Crossed Crow)
- Editor: Crossed Crow Books
- Release date: March 5, 2024 (new edition)
- Print length: 180 pages
- Keywords: Budgeting, Spirituality, Witchcraft, Planning, Non-Fiction
Witchcraft on a budget takes the reader on a fun and exciting journey through magical practices that don’t require expensive tools or materials. Readers will have a magical time creating spells, divinations, and even recipes that cost little to nothing, reminding us that we don’t need fancy items to practice the craft; all we need is a little imagination!
Witchcraft without worries
We’ve always believed that witchcraft should be accessible to anyone brave enough to answer the call, and thankfully Deborah Blake has created a wonderful resource to harness the powers of the craft without excessive investment, making the craft accessible again. It includes instructions for making oils, runes, candles, amulets, and more using readily available materials, and presents over 50 methods of witchcraft that cost little to no money.
One of the things that constantly frustrates me about being a witch is that it so expensive sometimes. Don’t get me wrong – I know it’s a craft, an art, and we all want to support local artisans and businesses. I shop local whenever I can. But when it comes to witchcraft…sometimes my wallet screams like a banshee.
And don’t even get me started on magic books! The amount of herbs, colorful candles, incense, stones, etc. can be daunting for anyone. Some may prefer to make their own tools, but some of us are not naturally gifted with this form of artistic expression or talent.
This book comes at just the right time!
It is so full of ideas and alternatives that it really is a lifesaver when a witch is in a financial pinch. It helps to get rid of some ideas that only harm us in terms of our relationship with witchcraft. I admit that I have sometimes resented being a witch because it can get so expensive. In that sense, this was also a healing read because it shows the reader Plan B, C, etc.
Some of the methods Blake suggests didn’t convince me personally – for example, she suggests carving a set of runes, while I made mine out of coins from Venezuela instead. But that’s exactly the perspective of the book: finding alternatives and new ideas.
Blake also has absolute respect for all talented, gifted artists. It’s not about them not deserving of compensation for their hard work, but about finding a middle ground so that readers are responsible with their finances.
Deborah Blake has a clear, simple style that gets straight to the point, providing enough explanation when it’s needed, but also leaving room for readers to wonder and try new things. An earlier edition of this book was published by Llewellyn Books in 2010. I admit that I’m not familiar with the original version of this book, so I can’t compare how it has changed. However, I can and will say that this edition feels current and grounded in today’s world and people’s needs.
I can safely say that it is one of those reads that I will read again and again to refresh my knowledge, as it is a toolkit in written form. It reads like a conversation with a friend who knows what you are going through. Fresh and honest, it is a good addition to any witch’s library. Newcomers can breathe and take a break from shopping, and experienced practitioners will remember that simplicity is good too.
If I had to pick my favorite part, it would be the last section. It serves as a list of alternatives to the elaborate and complicated rituals, spells with so many materials, incantations with strange shapes and structures. I had a hard time considering some of the options as witchcraft, but then I realized that we shouldn’t take these things for granted or overlook them as unimportant.
It’s so easy to think about witchcraft in a restrictive, albeit incantatory, way. Witchcraft has no boundaries or limitations. It’s not something that can be contained in objects and supplies. They help, they put us in the right frame of mind, and it can be fun to include this and that. But you don’t have to spend a single penny to be a witch.
I needed this reminder, and I think many of us need it sometimes too. Being a witch is not about what you have or what you get. A witch is defined by her actions, her feelings, and her principles.
Many thanks to Crossed Crow Books for providing a review copy.
