An appropriate time to read something like this, with that title, isn't it?
'Witch in Darkness: Magick for Tough Times, Bad Days and Moments of Total Catastrophe' is exactly what it says on the tin. It is a spiritual, therapeutic, sublime self-help witchy book by Kelly-Ann Maddox, and a follow up to her first book, 'Rebel Witch'. I devoured it in a week, when I could, absorbing as much as I could, and I think it helped me somewhat, in dealing with my own issues. I could relate to a lot of the subjects talked about, and it is always nice to feel I am not alone, in similar, toxic situations, troubles, and thought patterns. Dark, depressive, oppressive, anxious thought patterns.
Maddox consciously, carefully goes pretty deep, and gives sound life advice. The book is life-affirming, dark yet hopeful and comforting, friendly, and a very personal journey, without being too harrowing, scary and overwhelming. I felt for the author as well as myself whilst reading.
Us individual humans, each with unique, differing experiences, are not so different in certain human life experiences, after all.
'Witch in Darkness' should help someone through some deeply troubling, traumatic, shattering times and aspects of their lives, via psychological and spiritual takes, whether or not they are a witch, or whatever they like to call themselves in a likeminded mood and, well, spirit. On giving and receiving positive and caring vibes, in soul-searching and practicing witchcraft.
In slowly, surely beating depression, and healing from it.
The author of 'Witch in Darkness', as I said in my review of 'Rebel Witch', writes personally, comfortingly, and free-thinkingly, like a friend holding your hand along the way, and giving you the choice of what you want to do and how you want to go about it; what feels right to you. Like a true therapist. It's not coddling or cloying, it's helping you on your journey, your path to mental, emotional and spiritual recovery and wellbeing.
While, like with 'Rebel Witch', the advice can get repetitive and too simplified, it is overall never dull and it engaged me enough to keep reading and taking it to heart and psyche. 'Witch in Darkness' gives the readers space to think - think for themselves, as everyone needs to do - as every mind, every psychological issue is different.
It can be a lot to take in, but with all the issues it discusses, it is an easy, accessible guide, by a caring, thoughtful writer.
I love that Maddox is crystal-clearly an openminded and grounded individual, never coming across as judgemental, forceful, pressuring, or a know-it-all with the pretence of having all the answers. She doesn't. No one does.
We just have to keep trying. Keep going.
In my opinion, 'Witch in Darkness' is more strongly written than 'Rebel Witch', giving clear activities, ideas, spells, and notes, such as at the end of each chapter (note-taking and journaling are fundamentally essential on the road to being a witch and towards self-recovery. Also tarot card and oracle card reading).
Cool, dark illustrations are included. A further win for yours truly, witch-ily. Sorceress-ly.
Keep it simple. Do what feels right to you - a spell, a ritual, however you want to design your alter, etc. Take notes and journal your experiences, memories and observations. Recall you energy healthily. Practice selfcare as well as witchcraft. Whatever positive, loving energy and vibes you are sending into the world must come from within, and be truthful, authentic and effectual to yourself. To save the world, you have to save you first. Know yourself. Love yourself.
These are my personal takeaways from 'Witch in Darkness: Magick for Tough Times, Bad Days and Moments of Total Catastrophe'. Bless you, Kelly-Ann Maddox, you lovely, wonderful, patient teacher.
Now I don't mind calling magic "magick", when I was put off by that spelling (heh) before. It sounded more hokey than hocus-pocus to me, but I don't mind it as much anymore.
But, seriously, Ms Maddox, I will never use, nor mix, recreational drugs into anything I do, let alone in any kind of witchiness. Though in 'Witch in Darkness', it is written in more responsibly and in more detail than in 'Rebel Witch' (overcoming and conquering addiction is another chapter subject Maddox goes into).
Speaking of, here is my review of her debut, 'Rebel Witch', for more.
We can all find our way out of the darkness - in our minds, our hearts (from past heartbreaks and traumas), and the chaotic, divided world at large. We will get there. Together.
Love you all.
Final Score: 4/5
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