Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This book was exactly what I needed to take a step in my spiritual direction. Very informative and easy to read.

I’m always on the lookout for witchcraft guides that feel both practical and spiritually nourishing, and The Spiritual Witch by Maren Ashford ticks all the right boxes. Whether you’re just beginning your path or coming back to it with fresh eyes, this book offers a warm, welcoming entry into modern magical practice.
🌿 My Thoughts
This is a lovely, clear, and well-structured guide that covers all the foundational elements—from altar creation and spell craft to energy work and seasonal rituals. But what sets this one apart is its gentle emphasis on personal spirituality. It’s not just a how-to; it’s a thoughtful invitation to reconnect with yourself, your intuition, and the natural world. I particularly enjoyed the section on shadow work.
The tone is kind and grounded, perfect for readers who want to explore witchcraft in a way that feels meaningful without being overwhelming. I really appreciated the balance between explanation and encouragement; there’s space here for both structured learning and self-discovery.
It’s beautifully laid out too, with a flow that makes it easy to dip in and out of as you grow your practice.
✨ What I Loved
• Beginner-friendly without being basic—lots of depth for those just starting out
• Gentle spiritual focus that honours intuition and personal growth
• Covers a wide range of topics from moon phases to magical ethics
• A kind, encouraging voice that feels like a mentor rather than a teacher

Final Thoughts
The Spiritual Witch is a grounded, inspiring companion for anyone beginning their journey into modern witchcraft. Maren Ashford has created a beautiful space for learning and self-connection, filled with magic, heart, and gentle wisdom.

Something about this book felt so flat to me, something about the writing style couldn’t grab my attention?? It felt surface level, like the author was stating things they didn’t fully understand. That’s my personal opinion, but best of luck!

Insightful, informative and a wonderful step in any spiritual journey. It can be for beginners and non-beginners alike.

NetGalley review

Truth based, fact based, the delivery of the author is excellent, hard to find in this genre as of late, that I pause the author for this.
There was no lack of authenticity, the author themselves speaks of research and understanding vs pushing one belief.

I really appreciated the knowledge, advice, and teachings this book provided. I only wish I had found it sooner! I especially enjoyed the chapter on ethical practices and adapting practices for those who live in larger cities. This is a wonderful book I can see myself referring back to over and over.

I found The Spiritual Witch by Maren Ashford to be quite informative and insightful as I start back on my spiritual journey , and incorporating it back into my to my daily life. A knowledge of the history and some simple spells and ways to protect yourself which you can do on a daily basis, for the next few weeks while I get back into the swing of things I will be referencing back and using this book alongside my own personal journal. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to read and review this book , it has been extremely helpful and will be going on my forever spiritual bookshelf

Solid intro to modern witchcraft. Easily understood and practical. I was very happy to see a chapter on ‘Ethical Magic’ and an explanation on responsibility. Perfect for solo practitioners or anyone just wanting a better understanding.

This book is generated with A.I. and the author doesn't exist,

Thanks Netgalley for imposing this slop on me. I'll go find a sacred wise woman spring to scrub my eyes out, now, I guess.

I really enjoyed this book. And encompasses on sums up a lot of what I’ve already figured out and done on my own. If I’d come out or sooner, it would’ve been the book I go back to often. I’m feeling quite content and happy with my own practices after having read this book.

This is a confusing book. The author repeats things frequently and overall it reads like an academic paper written by a non-academic. Letting the readers know what they should be able to take away from reading the book and reinforcing those notes repeatedly can be an effective way to teach. But this isn't a textbook. It tells stories of her history, but not enough to be an autobiography.

The generalities make the "rituals", "blessings" and "spells", make it seem like all witchcraft is a DIY make it up by how you feel playground. And while that may be true to an extent, it is also a stark contrast to it also teaching that it is knowledge that is/was passed down.

This is evident early on when describe a blessing or ritual with her singing a song her grandmother taught her, but then not giving the the words to that music (which by the text up to that point SHOULD be shared), and instead putting in place a very generic set of ritual steps including saying things in your own words.

This isn't a book on how to be a witch, it could be a jumping off point for an absolute beginner, but for anyone else I would say you probably know more than what is in the book.

Ok, I thought this was really great. A really good and comprehensive beginners guide. It’s done in a way that is relatable and easily understood. I enjoyed this read and picked up some new tools. I look forward to to putting into practice.

Thank you to the author for sharing their knowledge and to the publisher for the ARC opportunity.

The Spiritual Witch by Maren Ashford is a short and accessible read, ideal for absolute beginners who are curious about modern witchcraft. The book touches on very basic concepts, offering a surface-level introduction to topics like energy work, spellcasting, and spiritual self-care.

The tone and content lean noticeably toward Wiccan practices, particularly with an emphasis on the Threefold Law and ethical guidelines commonly associated with that path. While this approach may resonate with some readers, others looking for a broader or more eclectic perspective might find the scope a bit narrow.

Overall, it's a decent starting point if you're just dipping your toes into spiritual witchcraft and don't mind a Wicca-influenced framework. However, more experienced practitioners or those seeking depth and diversity in their craft may want to explore more comprehensive titles.

The Spiritual Witch is an great book for those interested in or starting out on their spiritual path. I have been on my path for decades now, teach, run a witchy business and community but I am always on the look out for books I can recommend to people.
The author has done a wonderful job of creating a grounded place from which people can start to explore and build a foundation of understanding when it comes to what this path truly is.
It's not a spell book but spells and practices are weaved into each of chapters throughout. They are simple, use few ingredients and make starting out in active practice accessible to all.
You will find information on sacred sites, shadow work, ethics of practice, celtic pathworking, nature spirits and more. All tasters giving you a look into the varied workings and path of the Witch.
At times is a little repetitive with chapters repeating some of what's already been covered but this does not take away from the value of the information inside.
It also covers a good balance of old and modern, showing how we can work in a way that includes all the modern technology, ways of living etc we experience today.
I would absolutely recommend this book to a complete beginner who is just starting out on their path or those intrigued or with family on this path who would like a better understanding.

Good concise guide, a little repetitive in places. I would have liked to know more about the author's expertise and perhaps practice in community