Study and work with the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water and learn many different forms of real magick, including crystal, herb, stone, color, and candle magick. It might not be as flashy as the movies make it seem, but real Witches work magick every day-the magick of the natural world, the magick of the Craft, and especially the magick of the heart and mind. Grade 8 Up-An introductory overview for those interested in making a connection between the natural world and the world of witchcraft. Readers are led through a study of the four elements-earth, air, fire, and water-and will learn many different forms of real magick, including crystal, herb, stone, color, and candle magick. Dugan sets the record straight about the Hollywood-hype and actual witchcraft. She cautions readers that it is not the gothic, mysterious experience of an episode of Charmed, but an age-old religion that requires disciplined study and hard work. Her wise-woman tone and gentle guidance will help nurture budding natural witches, and her well-written text will guide novices in their discoveries as well. The chapter "Lessons Learned in Living a Magick Life" is particularly interesting. Although the appeal is limited, this is a well-done book that discusses witchcraft in the context of day-to-day living. Elaine Baran Black, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. Gr. 8-12. "Hello, Teen Witch," begins this enthusiastic, in-depth guide to witchcraft. The author, a practicing witch and a Master Gardener, emphasizes spells based on the earth's elements and plants, and includes general information, such as an overview of major dates in a "magickal year," as well as a chapter giving practical advice about choosing a wand, and so on. Teens looking for a juicy revenge or romance spells will be disappointed; Dugan has a full chapter on ethics in which she states that it's unethical to perform a love spell on another person. In the section "Dabbling--Don't Go There," she warns: "Effective spell casting hinges on . . . knowing the difference between right and wrong and harming no one." As one of the more comprehensive, teen-friendly guides available, this will have great appeal among readers with esoteric interests, particularly the fantasy crowd. Nervous adults may be relieved by Dugan's cautions: Don't cast any ill-intended spells and "be a wise teen witch . . . work safely with the dragons and candle magick." Gillian Engberg Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved "As one of the more comprehensive, teen-friendly guides available, this will have great appeal among teens with esoteric interests, particularly the fantasy crowd."― Booklist "Interested teens will enjoy this primer, and involved parents should feel at ease with the overall tone and treatment."― Publishers Weekly "[Dugan's] wise-woman tone and gentle guidance will help nurture budding natural witches, and her well-written text will guide novices in their discoveries as well."― School Library Journal "Better than most tomes of this genre, Elements of Witchcraft has an excellent basic outline: 1) The nature of magick, 2) The elements of nature, 3) Looking deeper into natural magick, and 4) Walking the path of natural magick. Just as she did with Garden Witchery , Dugan shows that someone who knows the territory does a much better job with the subject."―Lori Collner, The Blessed Bee Ellen Dugan, the "Garden Witch," is an award-winning author, a psychic-clairvoyant and a regular contributor to Llewellyn's almanacs, datebooks, and calendars. A practicing Witch for over twenty-nine years, she is also a certified Master Gardener. Ellen has written several books, including Garden Witchery, Elements of Witchcraft:Natural Magick for Teens, 7 Days of Magic, Cottage Witchery, Autumn Equinox, The Enchanted Cat, Herb Magic for Beginners, Natural Witchery, How to Enchant a Man , Garden Witch's Herbal , Book of Witchery, Practical Protection Magick, Seasons of Witchery, and Witches Tarot. When not keeping up with her family, Ellen unwinds by working in her perennial gardens at home with her husband. She wholeheartedly encourages everyone to personalize their green spellcraft by getting their hands dirty, discovering the wonder and magic of the natural world, and connecting with the spiritual side of nature. To find out more, visit her website at ellendugan.com or check out her blog at ellendugan.blogspot.com I am sure there is Magic in everything. ―Frances Hodgson Burnett Hello, Teen Witch. So, you've decided you want to learn about Witchcraft and natural magick? Perhaps you've searched the Internet and looked through a book or two on the topic of Witchcraft, and you're curious. I bet that you have lots of questions. What is magick, anyway? you may be thinking. Will a book really help me understand how magick works? More importantly, can I actually become a Witch all by myself? The mere t