The Old Girl's Book of Spells: The Real Meaning of Menopause, Sex, Car Keys, and Other Importanat Stuff about Magic

How surprised I was when I saw this one jumping off the shelf. So rare it seems a work is written for Wiccan folks that is geared toward the crone in all of us. That being said, it should also be said I am not Wiccan but have studied this philosophy in depth. I am a student of many occult arts and practises. Within this book are elements rarely found in other "new age" Wiccan works. This woman is not only poetic and deep, but thorough. Within the rites she has incorporated planetary correspondences, herbals, days, times, runes - you name it. She simply has done all of the research of a much more complicated rite and put it all in the simplest of forms. This is mighty handy for the 3Ms in all of us as too often life forbids us the time to put such research into our own works. This work is not just for the crone, but for any woman, young or old seeking to learn the process of putting together in-depth knowledge and research in a simple form. While the young among you may have to adjust your way of thinking to see what is written from a crone point of view, it is worth the effort. I would still recommend examining the formulas of her spells for those new to Wicca or any other occult study, if for nothing else to understand that from which they are formed. This writer has studied more than Wicca which is clearly seen in her work. I recommend this work highly to those new and old to Wicca. It is a handy-dandy little addition and one written from what is for many, a tomorrows point of view...

I appreciate crones' wisdom, and relate a lot better to them than women my own age (26). You see, I have very little interest in man-catching, child-bearing, looking 'sexy', or using my body to get what I want. I'm not saying all women my age do ONLY these things, but it seems like many--even Wiccans and Pagans--at least care about one (or more) of these things some of the time. Which I don't. For this reason, I find many Wiccan authors' romanticism of the maiden phase (they wish they were maiden age again?) and obsession with the mother phase (most people who DO have kids think EVERYONE should have kids, a view I find dogmatic and awful) VERY tiresome, ESPECIALLY when they approach the crone phase with this almost abstract shudder. Kind of like, "Crones are wise and wonderful. Okay, let's talk more about Mother goddesses..." So, when I saw this book, I knew I had to buy it despite my age. And, was I ever impressed. The author is witty without being condescending. The book is truly for everyone on the Wiccan path, from the novice to the more experienced Wiccan. The former will not be confused or bogged down, the latter will not feel like 75% of the book is about quarter calls, circlecasting, and correspondence lists, like so many other books that are billed as about spellcasting but really are just another Wicca 101 rehash. And also, unlike many silly spellbooks on the market, which use ingredients that are more suitable to playgroup art hour (sorry, but that's the way I feel...I like to have fun with ritual, but it must be related to my own aesthetics, and I'm just not the 'glitter 'n' fingerpaint' type), Ms. Garrison's ingredients are MUCH more practical--candles, specific oils and herbs, incense, poppets, taglocks, planetary time-frames, etc. In other words, real spellwork based on correctly corresponding energies, not cutesy [stuff]. I also love how she does prescribe what gender we should be using these spells on (so many other spells for, for example'putting the spice back in a relationship' in books on the market act like EVERY female witch dates men and only men). So, five stars, and more evidence that women 'of a certain age', as she puts it, rock.

By the time you reach Crone-hood, you are supposed to have accumulated lots of life experiences that include wisdom, knowledge and your own book of spells.Cal Garrison has her collection of spells in this book. There are lots of little gems here that make this a book worth reading, even if you don't need the spells.Her approach to menopause and her whole approach to dealing with Croning and magic is a refreshing break from the standard "serious" dealings with this change in life. Her spells are common sense approaches to what we deal with at this time in our lives.A good solid beginning to this book with plain talk about Croning and the Wiccan path continues with some much needed reviews of what we need to do to prepare ourselves for spellwork. While this appears to be basic working knowledge, how often do we either pass by a step because we are in a hurry or we just forgot? Basic reviews are good.The spells are geared towards the crone, with titles such as "special charm for a sweet grandchild" or "spells to help you find your glasses, car keys, wallet and anything else that's missing". There are also spells to rekindle that love flame in your relationship, and spells to help you get and/or keep your job in a time when age could play a factor in you losing a job. There are also spells for selling or finding a new home, blessing and cleansing your home, spells for better relationships with your children and your relationship, and just plain spells to help you feel better about yourself. And of course, money and love spells.A nicely put together book especially for those who are working on their Croning years, this is a nice addition to any library.

I've been into metaphysics, spirituality, and shamanism for years. I got turned on to The Old Girls' Book of Spells by a friend who gave it to me for my birthday. At first I was like, "So what?" because the Wicca thing has gotten so trendy lately I don't take it seriously anymore. One night I was bored and started reading the first chapter and was pleasantly surprised by both the humor and the depth in this book. I was also intrigued by the author's description of her connection to the Wiccan path. She's been a witch since day one. The spells themselves are out of the ordinary and anyone who reads this will be able to use ALL of them. I've already tried a couple and they work! There's something to be said for getting it straight from the horse's mouth. It's good to know somebody out there is living their truth and supporting the cause of the Elder Female. All you crones should treat your selves to a copy of The Old Girls' Book of Spells.

If you've been involved with Wicca for any length of time you know that most of the books written on the subject are either very shallow or too damned "Catholic". This book is very down to earth and real. Anyone who's practiced spell craft for a while will get a lot of good ideas because the spells in this book are NOT your run of the mill stuff. For those of you who know absolutely nothing about the subject The Old Girls Book of Spells gives clear insight into what a down home witch is all about. The author seems to be a natural born witch. And her writing style is so funny and honest you'll find your self laughing all the way through it. As hilarious as the book is, the spells themselves are very deep and moving. It's obvious that Cal Garrison is very connected to herself spiritually. The other thing I like about this book is that it addresses the issues and concerns of older women. Most of the books out on Wicca are geared to the typical teen witch and they leave anyone over the age of 35 out in the cold. Thank God someone has finally realized that women of a certain age still have blood running through their veins! And her take on what happens to you as you pass through menopause is completely different and totally refreshing. Go out and buy this book. Buy 2 or 3 because you'll want to have extra copies to give away to your favorite crones.