The Crone's Book of Charms and Spells

Traditionally, ceremonies and spells were often done in rhyme. If you remember that everything is made of energy, and that energy is vibratory in nature, then the making of spells in rhymes is quite logical. Rhymes set up patterns of sound which can resonate through our bodies and through the universe. Perhaps this is the basis for the use of power words or god names in ceremonial magick. Or maybe it is the source of the power behind mantra magick as used in India. But one thing is clear: it works. And with the rituals and techniques in this book, you can make it work for you.

The rituals for the year are beautiful. For example, in the ceremony for the Fall Equinox, at the moment when the Sun has set, you stand before your altar and say, Now the sun is overwhelmed, And we are left alone to die: With all the faded trees, the wasted flowers, Do we also fade and waste... The ceremony for the Dark of the Moon in November includes Even the night is dead, Now at the dark of the moon: Even the demons are dead, Now at the dark of the moon: All who once lived are dead, Now at the dark of the moon.

With over 60 talismans and a description of the magical powers of 60 herbs, this book is a gem. I know there are certain books you especially like and often refer to. This is going to be one of them.

Valerie Worth was a prolific writer whose work included numerous books of children's poetry and fiction for both young people and adults. In 1991, the National Council of Teachers of English honored her with their Poetry Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. Her Poems are vivid observations of the quiet rumblings of everyday objects. In all her writing, the careful attention to rhythm and sound and her striking images and metaphors make for engaging reading.

Valerie Worth was born in Philadelphia, and as a child she lived in Pennsylvania, Florida and India. She attended Swarthmore College and graduated in 1955. Afterwards, she settled in Clinton, New York, and continued he Writing. She had many other interests, including astronomy, gardening and meditation. Valerie Worth died in 1994. She is survived by her husband, George Bahlke, and three children.