How To Be A Wicked Witch: Good Spells, Charms, Potions and Notions for Bad Days (Paperback)

by Patricia Telesco (Author) "Being a witch isn't something that necessarily comes to folks naturally..." (more)
Key Phrases: wicked witchery, sensual cues, interpretive values, New Age, Rule Fifteen, Rule Five (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Despite its ominous title, How to Be a Wicked Witch is more like a bad girls' guide to being a good witch. Considering the primary tenet of witchcraft--"Harm no one, including yourself"--there's really not much leeway to be wicked, according to author Patricia Telesco. The trick, then, is not to attack your enemies, notes Telesco (author of Magick Made Easy). Rather, stay well defended and sharp in skills. This way, you can ward off attackers and remain wickedly happy with your dazzling strength and confident attitude. Telesco offers specific suggestions for boosting witch esteem and magical powers, such as "Living well is the best revenge" and "Own a decent broom" (to sweep out the dirt in life and sweep in good luck). She refuses to offer guidelines for enacting revenge or casting evil curses, since black magic will come back to "bite you in the butt." Other tips include casting spells for self-protection, learning fortunetelling skills, and creating magic potions. --Gail Hudson

From Publishers Weekly
In the same vein but less specific is Telesco's new book, which, despite its title, is a thorough (if brief) how-to guide to witchcraft rather than a primer for evildoers. Telesco includes lots of glossaries and correspondence lists, making this a handy reference for creative types looking to craft their own spells. She works through basic Wiccan ethics and practice in one quick chapter ("Rule Thirteen: Don't turn people into toads"); the rest of the book takes on divination, spells and curses, portable magic, and "food and beverage magic."

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Fireside (September 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 068486004X
• ISBN-13: 978-0684860046
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #591,879 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Little Wickedness is a Good Thing, October 14, 2001

By	Wendy A. B. Whipple (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have long been a fan of the no-nonsense writing style of Patricia Telesco. The title is what caught my eye, but the author is what made me buy it. I was NOT disappointed.

This book is a blend of practical approaches to modern witchery and older folk magic. She suggests easily-obtainable substitutes for the "budget-minded witch" and invites you to adapt spells to suit your individual purpose.

The title may be somewhat misleading to someone who doesn't bother to delve beyond it. It's not about curses and hexing, but about taking the phrase "wicked witch" and OWNING it; being proactive in your life, instead of letting things just happen to you. It's about turning an epithet into a badge of honor. (Women who take pride in being called a b**** will know exactly what I mean!)

I think this is a fabulous and very usable book, that belongs in every wicked witch's knapsack.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun, creative book., November 9, 2001

By	Cynthia M. Caton "minion" (Ireland) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

With one eye on the 'three-fold law,' this book lightheartedly illustrates ways of practicing gray magic. The workings are highly creative and range from divination, spells, charms & amulets, and kitchen witchery among others. With this book, every single act can be turned into a magical moment. What is 'wicked' about the book is its humor. The charm adapted from Albertus Magnus is a riot.

Rather than repeating detailed correspondence charts, the author references other magical books with more detailed entries. What makes this book special is the sheer inventiveness of what can be considered a magical tool. "The Wicked Witch's Rules" are also important to take into consideration as we walk in our pointy shoes. This is beautiful, pure, earth magic at its best.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clever and FUN!, April 28, 2002

By	Leslee "swirlygrrl3" (Cumberland, MD USA) - See all my reviews

This book isn't just for witches, anyone can learn that if they harm someone, they're bound to get it back! Its really a sweet approach to living with little lessons about how to treat others, to use your mind and rationalize the best route to go when dealing with difficulties and so on! The book is positive and upbeat, modern and informational too! Enjoy learning new spells or just gain insight. I would reccommend this book to someone who is wanting to begin practicing or to family and friends of witches everywhere for a better understanding of how human witchcraft really is.