The Words of the Witch

Ember Grant is a full time English professor and teaches writing, poetry, and literature. She has been writing for Llewellyn for more than twenty years and is the author of numerous articles and four books: Mythology for a Magical Life, The Book of Crystal Spells, The Second Book of Crystal Spells, and Magical Candle Crafting. Follow her on Instagram: @poetofthewoods

Contents

Exercises and Projects List—xiii

Introduction—1

Part 1: Historical Background
Chapter 1—Spoken Magic: A Brief History—9
Chapter 2—Written Magic: A Brief History—15
Chapter 3—Amulets and Talismans: Popular Magic—23

Part 2: The Practice of Spoken Magic
Chapter 4—Purpose and Style: What and How—33
Chapter 5—Chanting, Part 1: Rhyme—45
Chapter 6—Chanting, Part 2: Rhythm—53
Chapter 7—The Act and Art of Speaking: Sacred Sound—63
Chapter 8—Which Word: Diction and Tone—71
Chapter 9—Creative Language and Composition: Pretty and Practical—81
Chapter 10—Other Ways of Speaking: More Than Words—91

Part 3: The Practice of Written Magic
Chapter 11—Making Your Mark: What to Write With and What to Write On—107
Chapter 12—The Basics: Pencil, Pen, and Ink—113
Chapter 13—Paper: There's Nothing Plain about It—123
Chapter 14—Beyond Paper: Other Surfaces and Substances—135
Chapter 15—Making It Personal: Body and Home—153
Chapter 16—Names: Words and Identity—165
Chapter 17—Words and Numbers: Numerology—171
Chapter 18—Abracadabra and More: Magic Words, Codes, and Arrangements of Letters—179
Chapter 19—Formal Poetic Verse: Guidelines for Structure—189
Chapter 20—The Elements: Essential Correspondences—207
Chapter 21—Practical Stuff: Checklists for Creating—213

Conclusion: Choose (and Use) Your Words Wisely—217

Appendix: Magical Alphabets—221

Bibliography—225

Index—235