Basic Witches

A magical lifestyle guide for everything from powering up a stylish crystal to banishing terrible Tinder dates

Want to feel terrifyingly beautiful? Wear the right color of eye shadow to project otherworldly glamour. Need to exorcise a toxic friendship? Repeat the proper incantation and make it disappear. Want to increase your energy? Whip up a tasty herbal “potion” to rev up your stamina. DIY projects, rituals, and spells—along with fun historical sidebars—summon the best trends of the modern witchy lifestyle and the time-trusted traditions of the hell-raising women of the past. With humor, heart, and a hip sensibility, Jaya Saxena and Jess Zimmerman dispense witchy wisdom for the curious, the cynical, and anyone who could use a magical boost.

Selected Table of Contents:

CHAPTER 1 - Self-Initiation: An Induction into Basic Witchery

What We Mean by “Witchcraft”

Our Favorite Pop Culture Witches

CHAPTER 2 - Glamours: The Power to Change How You Look

How to Clothe Yourself in Literal Darkness

The Dark Magic of Unfeminine Haircuts

A Spell for Self-Care

CHAPTER 3 - Healing: The Power to Care for Yourself

A Spell to Make Peace with Your Body

Magical Exercise

A Ritual for a Relaxing Netflix Binge

CHAPTER 4 - Summoning: The Power to Care for Others (and Have Them Care for You)

The Transformative Power of Vulnerability

A Collaborative Ritual to Deepen Friendship

CHAPTER 5 - Enchantment: The Power to Make Choices about Love and Sex

Conjuring Your Perfect Mate

The Magic Circle of Consent

A Spell for Talking about Sex

CHAPTER 6 - Banishment: The Power to Avoid What Brings You Down

Expelling Social Toxicity

The Different Types of Personal Demons

A Spell to Counter Impostor Syndrome

CHAPTER 7 - Divination: The Power to Decide Your Destiny

A Spell to Name Your Heart’s Desire

How to Read Tea Leaves