Non-Fiction Book Review - 'Rebel Witch: Carve the Craft that's Yours Alone' by Kelly-Ann Maddox

'Rebel Witch' - a newish nonfiction how-to-witch book, that doesn't really contain much about witchcraft, or at least any set rules in any areas of witchcraft developed over time. It doesn't give specific info or instructions on any spells, though it mentions rituals, props, sacred spaces, cleansing, consecrating, seasons, the Wheel of the Year, traditions, occasions, lunar moon cycles, etc. Basically, there are no rules - you make your own. Be creative in your witchcraft! Be experimental! Be flexible! You do you, that's the only rule of being a rebel witch. Nothing stifling and rigid, and no limitations and binaries. Let no one tell you no, that's not right.

It is more a spirituality, self-taught, get-creative, do-what-feels-like-you, be-the-witch-you-wanna-be modern witchy book. At times it gets rather childlike, wishy-washy, airy-fairy, and vague, with the naïve and somewhat dubious mindset of do-whatever, make-believe, make-it-up, pretend-rituals-to-try-to-feel-good-about-yourself.

However, it does not read like a chaotic, lazy, anti-intellect and anti-research scam. The writing and tone are very comforting, supportive, encouraging, reassuring, nurturing, and sincere and earnest. 'Rebel Witch' is an inspirited breeze to read. It's like Kelly-Ann Maddox is a friend who is guiding you by hand through your individual, try-it-and-see-the-results witchy path, which makes sense since she is a spiritual guidance counsellor as well as a long-practicing witch.

'Rebel Witch: Carve the Craft that's Yours Alone' is charming, funny, inspiring, and enlightening towards finding your inner witch/child and sense of wonder and magic. It is likewise down-to-earth, constructive and practical when it needs to be, at its most sensible, serious parts. It gives sensible advice. It offers alternate solutions to various problems in life that aren't "witchy", like seeking professional therapy and counselling. And it is therapeutic, committing, convincing, dedicated, compassionate, and passionate.

It is a real, authentic, expressive, and personal passion project and self-help book by Kelly-Ann Maddox; that's a witch's truth.

The author certainly makes sure you know that being a witch, or other similar word for a similar identifier and purpose, is a lifelong path and commitment. It's to be taken seriously, not lightly and half-heartedly, and you should approach the spiritual, wicked trail with enthusiastic dedication. You do have to do things, and make plans and goals, that suit you and your tastes - whatever they may be, and however you may want to go about them - as a badass witchy-witch. Being a rebel witch doesn't mean being lazy and indecisive. It is about making your own choices, which are subject to change, due to life experiences. Write down your thoughts, feelings, activities, and experiences, and perform some rituals, if not outright spells, that feel good and right for you, etc.

Above all, don't forget to have fun being a witch! If you feel that's your calling - calling to you! It's a positive you identity and power, and a way to help regain control over your life.

It's a way to believe in yourself, to build yourself up, and be kind to yourself.

Female power and support forever.

'Rebel Witch: Carve the Craft that's Yours Alone' - recommended for practicing witches, and for a different kind of, and approach to, spirituality and feel-good, inspiring, life-changing-and-affirming vibes. The author seems so nice, genuine and human - a friend. Plus I am always openminded about new, modern ways of spiritual practices and enlightenment, and never limiting your creativity and inventory.

One last mark against the book, a caveat I must give, however, is:

 I wish Maddox, when she talks about recreational drugs, could have gone more into the negative ramifications of using them, and performing witchcraft while under the influence. Such as anything about addiction, on top of its other dangers. Like when she made a full comprehensive list of the consequences of doing spells to harm people for whatever reason, however you feel towards the dark, toxic issue and whatever your ethics, Maddox needed to take further serious responsibility when writing about drugs in her book - potentially dangerous, easily misused drugs - and implement more facts about them.

Practice selfcare as well as witchcraft, everyone.

Final Score: 3.5/5