Drawing from her years as an Appalachian village witch, H. Byron Ballard presents a hands-on, back-to-basics guide to building a magical practice. She answers vital questions about what magic is, why it matters, and how to do it, offering no-nonsense techniques that practitioners of any skill level or tradition can use.
Written as if you're having face-to-face lessons with the author, this guide teaches you how to engage daily with the energy around you. Ballard encourages you to experience magic with fresh eyes—whether you're a beginner or need to regain a beginner's mind. This book provides grounding and breathing exercises, shielding and warding methods, and other foundational skills. You'll also learn the ins and outs of witchcraft tools, healing magic, working with others, and more.
"Ballard lays out so much information pertaining to many things we have read about and never got the real lowdown on how to actually do those things."—Tish Owen, author of Spell It Correctly
"Ballard has given us what we've craved for decades: a down to earth, easy to read instruction manual filled with practical magical solutions all of which can be performed with items you already have on hand."—Dorothy Morrison, author of Everyday Magic
"What you'll find within these pages is common-sense folk wisdom, remedies, and practices...and a welcome perspective that the magical world all around is not only accessible to us, it is part of us."—Miles Batty, author of Teaching Witchcraft
"Each chapter is filled with truth, common sense, practicality, and uncomplicated lessons in the learning and unlearning of being magical beings."—Angie Buchanan, senior minister of Earth Traditions and founder of The Death Midwife
"Byron challenges us to recognize and harness the power of simplicity and small magics....She cuts to the chase regarding the misconceptions and history of witches and magic, and offers real world practical steps."—Patricia Ballentine, Temple of the CreativeFlame
"With a look at the ways traditional spiritual activities can be blended with modern tools and techniques, Small Magics takes readers on a journey through farmsteads and mill towns, hedgerows and hollers, and everything in between."—Patti Wigington, author of Badass Ancestors
"It has the no fluff, to the point, do the work kind of stuff that you will want to refer back to time and time again. It is absolutely chock full of those nuggets of wisdom practice."—Sam 'Bo' Thompson, author of Metal Never Lies
"Byron has a beautiful, non-judgmental cadence to her writing that helps the reader understand concepts that many in our work complicate with esoteric high witchcraft language. Byron brings truth to the table."—Tanja Bara, teacher at Tanja's Natural Magick?
"A practical, how-to manual...that will guide you step by step through the basics of spell work....Ballard gifts the reader with useful magic, sound ethics, and timeless psychological advice."—Ellen Evert Hopman, author of The Sacred Herbs of Samhain
"Ballard writes about magics in a clear and kind voice....Byron's work gives you options, a place to start, and ways to think about your practice that are invaluable."—Christine Cunningham Ashworth, USA Today bestselling author
"Ballard guides the readers through the enchanted world of earth and spirit. She encourages us to notice and appreciate the primal energy sources that are everywhere in nature and in ourselves."—Denise Alvarado, author of Witch Queens, Voodoo Spirits, and Hoodoo Saints
"With her customary wit, warmth, and candor, Ballard...deftly lays out a clear and central witchcraft practice without pretense that anyone from any region may find a home in."—Tara-Love Maguire, coauthor of Besom, Stang, and Sword
"An indispensable opportunity to walk alongside the village witch herself as she shows us what it takes for us to run."—Christopher Orapello, coauthor of Besom, Stang, and Sword
"Simple Magics lays out the essentials of magic....Ballard also points to the future of magic, encouraging us to take our enchantments out into our communities."—Diotima Mantineia, author of Kiss the Earth, Touch the Sky
"Small Magics is that tool you've longed for since you first heard the word magic....Held within these pages is a wealth of simple and straightforward suggestions for both beginner and adept."—Arlene Bailey, creator of The Sacred Wild, Re-Membering the Wild Soul Woman
"Whether you are new to witchcraft or just want to see things from the perspective of a folk magic witch, this will be a great addition to your witchy bookshelves."—Roxanne Rhoads, author of Haunted Flint, Council Chair for the Michigan Black Hat Society, High Council Member of the National Black Hat Society
ISBN-13: | 9780738773704 |
Imprint: | Llewellyn |
Pub Date: | September 2023 |
Product Type: | Trade Paperback |
Page Count: | 240 pages |
Size: | 5 x 8 IN |
Case Quantity: | 48 |