By Siobhan Claire
Publication Date: March 8, 2023
197 Pages
Ask three different self-identified witches what it means to be a witch, and you’ll get three different answers. None of them would be incorrect and could range from a self-empowered woman to a more literal someone who practices witchcraft. If your definition is the latter and that is what you’re looking for, you won’t find it in this book. There’s no spells or rituals, but a strong focus on connecting with Source (the Universe, God/Goddess, etc.) and personal empowerment; of being the woman we are at our core, and not the woman society expects us to be.
The author is an Olympian and gives the reader an honest look at her upbringing, which focused more on striving toward a goal and pleasing her mentors rather than doing what may have been best for herself. That’s a strong theme in the author’s life and even though we may not have gone through the same rigorous lessons, I think most women fall into the category of putting others’ needs and desires before their own. While this is not an astrology book, the author credits her life falling apart as part of her Saturn Return (the time when Saturn returns to a person’s natal position. It happens about every 29.5 years and is when reality hits you squarely in the face.) Her answer was to develop her psychic and intuitive abilities and start on her spiritual path.
While we don’t all have the resources that the author had, and I’m going to admit that I always roll my eyes when an author says they decided to take a last minute vacation to Bali (that’s just not my life), each chapter gives the reader the ability to journal and reflect on the material, to see how it might apply to their life and bring it down to a relatable level.
I found the author’s life and life lessons fascinating but the overall concepts a little vague. (In fairness, it’s a short book and anything of this nature is dependent on the reader’s location on their own spiritual path.) However, there were some gems that I took away that were helpful. The section explaining the claires – methods of receiving intuitive and spiritual guidance – reminded me that I really ought to get back into practicing psychometry and I liked all of her practice suggestions for each type of claire. I also really liked her idea of writing out a personal manifesto. That’s something I might explore for myself.
Final words – this reminded me of a much gentler Lisa Lister so if you’re drawn to that message but Lisa was a bit much for you, give this one a go.
4.25/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐+
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, the Girl Friday Productions for providing the ARC ebook. I’ve left my review honestly and voluntarily.
Until next time, thank you for visiting.
Ann Dudzinski 