Customer Reviews

Hex and the City: Sophisticated Spells for the Urban Witch

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is so cute with its modish drawings of 20-somethings, like a scene out of that TV series Friends, that I almost bought it. Me. An experienced witch in her 40's.

I sat in a bookstore and looked through it at length. It's almost like a high-fashion comic book, what with all the drawings. But what I couldn't figure out was, who is this aimed at?

It seems to be aimed at the postadolescent, just out of college and moving to the big city for her first apartment, roommate, job, etc. (I guess this is where the teen witch is supposed to go when she graduates from Silver Ravenwolf-land? I always wondered about that, anyway.)

BUT...

Most postadolescents I know are rather uncreative in terms or religion (if indeed witchcraft is viewed as a religion, which is a matter of personal choice). They tend to either ignore it or go along with what they were taught as children. Many of the more committed act on beliefs formed during college or high school (which is probably a good explanation for all that "teen witch" marketing). Generally, however, it seems like early 20's are so busy trying to set up their lives that they don't have time to think about it. Either that, or they were raised in the Craft. For someone in this last category, this book will probably be of no use or interest.

If you're a non-witch, don't expect to learn anything about witchcraft from this book (except a tiny bit of window dressing about how a spell is constructed), and don't expect the spells to work unless you're really lucky or specially talented. Just look at the pictures and enjoy them. The illustrator who worked on this book is hugely gifted.

Other than that, I really can't tell who the audience for this book might be. Perhaps it might make a good gag gift on the birthday of that friend who has everything.

This book is deceptively simple, it's truely a grimoire for the modern age. If you don't know about witchcraft or magick already, this book is no place to start. You won't get much of an introduction to the Craft. But it is just packed with modern spells that I've found actually work. The spells appeal to a modern woman's sensibilities. If you are looking backwards to connect with the past, this book is not for you. If you are looking forwards for delightful modern interpretations, this book gives a starting point to play with.

Love this book, everything that you need for a spell is right on the page and it's easy to understand. I really love the little cute and fun pictures that come with the spells, plus I can tell you that the spells truly works.