Elements of Magic: Reclaiming Earth, Air, Fire, Water & Spirit

The Reclaiming witchcraft community was birthed in the 60s, Starhawk being one of its original iconic members, and the unique tradition of spiritual practice and magic that Reclaiming has developed over the last 60 years have typically only been available to the lucky few who lived in the same city as an active Reclaiming community who were offering any one of the Reclaiming community's established 4-8 week classes (and also be lucky enough to catch the class when it was being offered and able to make each class at the assigned date and time). For the first time in the 40-50 year lifespan (at the date of this book's publication), the teachings of Reclaiming's first, most important and most foundational class (The Elements of Magic) is being offered somewhere outside of the rooms of these private classes. In the Reclaiming witchcraft tradition, Elements of Magic teaches the most fundamental, most IMPORTANT skills of magic (and more particularly, the skills required for the special kind of magic that is performed in Reclaiming witchcraft rituals). This is where someone begins to learn HOW to do witchcraft. There is no "initiation" in Reclaiming. There is no private tutoring for over a year with someone who hopefully decides that they like you and that you don't set off any of their personal biases and have agreed to take you on as as student. There is no waiting for months or years to become a witch. In Reclaiming, the moment you become a witch is ultimately up to you to decide, but the vibe I've always felt from Reclaiming was--- if you at these rituals and performing this magic, you are doing witchcraft, and therefore you are a witch. (Because that's ultimately what a witch is, right? Someone who practices witchcraft.) Now, studying the lessons in this book and performing the exercises on your own or even with a friend may never be equal to the profound personal and spiritual experiences that you will experience in the circle in-person, but this book offers those of you who are not fortunate enough to be able to catch Elements of Magic in-person. This book is valuable to witches of all skill levels though. These are foundational skills that should regularly be revisited-- we use them in every ritual. I personally am just overjoyed to own a copy of a text with this much lore and ritual from the Reclaiming community, because I understand that these lessons come down from half a century of ecstatic, communal practice and contributions, and before that, the Feri tradition (the traditional witchcraft tradition of Victor and Cora Anderson). So this is also a book that is a must-have for all collectors of witchcraft lore and history.

So many detailed exercises alongside essays that help the reader understand the elements. With all of the voices, it's a great resource for personal and group practice. I recommend it to everyone who wants a book to start with.

This book is a wonderful resource and collection. Great for a group or individual to work through to dive into a whole set of practices to improve your craft. Highly recommended!

This is a great book for those exploring magic for the first time and also for folks experienced in working with magic who would like to learn some new tools.

I wasn't expecting a book promoting a religious philosophy, but it is so well written and thought provoking I can't put it down. It is giving me a lot to ponder in my own religious persuit.

This book is wonderful. Jane Meredith has assembled a lovely collaboration of works by Reclaiming Traditions past.. present and hopefully future dynamic witches. The brief workings are doable and easy to follow for an introduction to Reclaiming Tradition. There are also new workings for for those of us who have been around for a bit. highly recommended!

I just received this book today. It came very quickly. I look forward to reading this book. I started my path about 4 years ago. I still consider myself very new. I havnt done much with spell work. I am just taking in all the info I can and as I feel it’s needed and if I am comfortable with it then I will do a spell. I do however meditate a lot. And Iv been working on learning more about the elements in detail. This book seemed perfect. I will give a deeper update after I have started reading. Also the book is in great condition and I feel like the price was absolutely amazing for such a book 💜

I recommend this book SO OFTEN. It is such a diverse and potent collection of essays and practices about the most fundamental magical teachings in the Reclaiming Witchcraft Tradition. This book is useful for both those curious about developing magical practice and those very seasoned. It features so many different authors, tools, practices, and insights.

An anthology of essays and practical exercises from a diversity of voices from the Reclaiming Tradition of Witchcraft beautifully collected by the editors - Jane Meredith and (Fio) Gede Parmer. Many neo-pagans work with the elements as part of ritual, and creating sacred space, but few offer an in depth exploration of the elements themselves - which is why this book is so valuable. If you're new to paganism this offers so much information and answers, if you're looking to deepen your practice and relationship with the elements, this is also a great place to start.

Arrived damaged so I sent it back for a refund.

I was really excited about this book, but couldn’t get past the dreadful writing style and poor editing. If grammar and good sentence structure are important to you, stay away.

Excellent read for studying the elements