As the founder of Facing North, I've read a lot of introductory books over our 20 years and it is an absolute pleasure to come across one as excellent as Sara Mastros' Introduction to Witchcraft: Thirteen Lessons in the Practice of Magic.
Writing with the clarity and confidence of a long time teacher, Ms. Mastros discusses and describes foundational practices such as foundational concepts such as symbols, planets, divination, cleansing, protection, and more. Each topic incites note-taking, questioning, reflection, and application.
That latter point is one of Introductions strengths: witchcraft is not meant to be an intellectual exercise, but an ongoing practice in which you choose to manifest your will and enact the proper combination of elements to make that happen. It is an iterative process, as Mastros' personal experiences demonstrate.
Truly an excellent book for someone new to witchcraft, but also for those who may have created their practice in a bit of a hodgepodge. Introduction to Witchcraft will fill in any gaps and smooth out rough places between knowing and understanding.
An excellent way to begin the new year!
~review by Lisa McSherry
Author: Sara L. Mastros
Crossed Crow, 2025
pp. 362, 28.95
