This is one of the first magickal books that I ever purchased for myself, and I am just now getting around to writing my thoughts here!
The review has been available on the podcast for some time, and I have just uploaded a video form of this content to YouTube. My goal is to create a synchronicity between all the forms of content that I offer, so that you have it in all the different places you may need.
Starting off with some general information:
- Title: Moon Spells (How to Use the Phases of the Moon to Get What You Want)
- Author: Diane Ahlquist
- Soft Cover, 250 pages
- Published by Adams Media on July 1, 2002
- Has a rating of 4.03 with 1,895 ratings and 149 reviews
- Looking online, you can buy copies for around $8
The Breakdown of the Book
The pictures above show the breakdown of the book, and what kind of content you can expect to find. I find the layout of this book to be thought-out and mindful. The ease of charts and lists helped my beginner brain start to commit the knowledge to memory. Parts I and II have good background information that can help build your understanding up, so that when you step into your craft, each decision is intentional, symbolic, and meaningful to the specific work that you are trying to do.
The spells left much to be desired from me, and today I rarely reach for this book to do spellwork. The women and men-only sections were so limited, it was hard to believe that these parts made it past the edits. Also, if you have a stable career or love life, good portions of these spells will feel and be off the table. I was left wanting more from this section.
The Layout of the Spell
Because this is a book about doing spells that align with specific moon phases, seasons, and more, it can be helpful to see the layout of the spell. This is an area that I enjoyed of the book, even though I wasn’t particularly thrilled with the spells themselves. I appreciate the ease of bringing in specifics from the first two sections. This way, you can see where the preparation of a spell and the magickal tools are applied in real time.
Looking at a spell for continued good health, we see the magickal enhancements and tools that are needed. The information then shows the formation of the circle, the moon phases, day of the week, and more. I find this layout, and the building of the steps helpful. You learn in real time how to trust the ritual, but also make it yours. In time, these steps will be organic, and you won’t even have to think about doing them. The affirmation and “how-to” sections were helpful as well, but I also think over time you should play with these areas and see what works for you.
What I Liked in this Book
The best things in this book for me were Parts I and II. The background information and the ease of approach were incredibly helpful for me. I enjoyed the layering of information here. The author brought in tree magick, full moons name that come up each month, and much more. This area was where I felt the book shine the most, and the reason why I still have it.
As much as I like these parts, the way the author talked about some stuff, even here, was irritating to me. Mentioning things like not eating meat, needing to shower before a spell, and more felt silly. Honestly, I can’t believe we still try to abide by some of these things. If any of this feels right for you, that is not to say it’s wrong. It’s about finding what works for you. I have never showered before a spell, and I haven’t ever felt like I was doing something wrong by not showering.
What I Didn't Like in this Book
The things that bothered me the most in this book were the soft language and placating tone. I read the Introduction at the end of my reading through the material. I was so excited to get into the book, and when I went back and read the highlighted portion, I felt a little insulted. I felt this energy growing within me that was reclaiming a wild birthright within, and here, after all the work I did, was the author telling me it was a catchy phrase….
Also, if someone can’t handle the words “Moon Spells,” I have a suspicion that “sacred Moon rites” won’t fare much better. Softening the language of “Moon Spells” is understandable if you cannot be out of the broom closet or need to use euphemisms based on the limiting beliefs of others. However, if we are merely trying to soften the language to appease society, an entity that still holds limiting beliefs to these words and the archetype of the witch, then I have a problem with it.
Claiming this title today is still a powerful act that can bring judgment. Stepping into this work will push us to grow, take accountability, and build our wisdom. If we are doing all of this, it will naturally push us into some fringe or counter-culture spaces, no matter how popular this work is right now.
I never try to tone-police, but I will say this took the air out of my tires with this book. If you choose to read, purchase, or use this book in any way, I would simply be cautious of deflecting language or stick to the parts of the book that you need, and leave the rest out.
Final Thoughts
So, here are my final thoughts: as a book meant to be used for spells that align with different moon meanings, phases, or needs from the practitioner, I give this a 3 out of 5.
The best parts of this book were the background information, which helped me a lot when I was first learning. The layout of the spells was also helpful in creating layered steps for the rituals, helping a practitioner understand how each action deepens the practice.
What I didn’t like about this book was the softening of the language to make this work “palatable” to the masses. Witchcraft, spells, and moon magick is not supposed to be quick, easy, or people-pleasing. The very act of reclaiming the archetype of witch means that feathers are going to be ruffled.
There is still a taboo around the words “witchcraft” or “spell.” Softening the language takes the wild reclamation and real power out of the work. Don’t get me wrong, if someone NEEDS to stay in the broom closet, by all means, please do so! Your practice must suit your needs and your reality. I have a problem, however, when we try to take the power of the words out completely, just so others are placated.
I also didn’t love the spells either. The layout was great, but the individual spells and their focal points never inspired me or drew me to work with this book more often. It still looks brand-new, even though it’s one of my oldest witch books. I would say see if you can buy this book cheaply, or borrow it from your library. There is no need to buy this book brand new.
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Ashlie McDiarmid
Hello there! I hope you liked this blog post. As a tarot and oracle reader, my goal with my blogs is to offer you content, resources, and access to the tools that have transformed my life.
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Book Review: Moon Spells (How to Use the Phases of the Moon to Get What You Want) by Diane Ahlquist
This is one of the first magickal books that I ever purchased for myself, and I am just now getting around to writing my thoughts
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