By Jaya Saxena and Jess Zimmerman

Quirk Books, out now

In Basic Witches, the idea of witchcraft is neither satanic nor even particularly spiritual: it seems more about the freedom to be the self you want to be with confidence in a world where people constantly feel pressured to cram themselves into boxes and paper their chests with labels.

It also teaches the innate power of femininity (though the book isn’t only aimed at those who identify as female) and how that has affected the women condemned as witches throughout the years.

The chapters of Basic Witches show the reader how to enhance an aspect of their life (be it their appearance, emotions or social life) with “witchcraft”. Take make up, for example – Chapter 2: Glamours teaches acolytes how colours were traditionally used to influence emotion, and how to replicate that with eyeshadows and lipsticks, including recipes to cook up their own all-natural products. As well as such ways to make your daily life a little bit witchy, each chapter also offers “spells”. Instead of summoning a demon to do your bidding, these spells are more symbolic, using items like candles, tarot cards and mirrors to build confidence, soothe pain (physical and non-) and even to “Name Your Heart’s Desire”.

The experiences and personal stories of the authors woven into the book, together with the historical and cultural fact files on witchcraft, add charm and texture to the magical (yet sometimes repetitive) lifestyle guide.

Verdict: Basic Witches is a fascinating insight into a way of life that preaches self-confidence and self-fulfilment in a warm, welcoming yet wickedly rebellious way. 8/10

Sophie Simpson

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