Anatomy of a Witch: A Map to the Magical Body (Anatomy of a Witch, 1)

I read through the book and went back over it again to take notes on each chapter. This is a book that I wish I had during my early years on the path - I feel the same way about “Weave the Liminal.” However, that being said, this is a book that I feel would benefit anyone in their craft at any stage - whether just starting out or a seasoned/experienced witch.The form of the book in itself is very clever. The focus is on 5 aspects that make up the “symbolic essence” of a witch body: The witch lungs, witch heart, witch serpent, witch bones & witch weaver. Each chapter uses a tarot card from the major arcana as a symbolic archetype to express the intentions of working on each aspect of the witch body. This makes so much sense, especially if you have studied the tarot. But even if you haven’t, Laura explains it in a way that makes it easy to understand. Archetypes can serve as a metaphor and really help us pull focus into our workings. Each aspect of the body connects us with the deeper mysteries and the way in which we interact with our environment, our ancestors, spirits of place and ourselves. The elements also come into play with each aspect of the witch body.This book beautifully illustrates the importance of body positivity. There are exercises to help us connect the mind, body and spirit in ways that are both imaginative (sky bunny, wall kittens, floor ferrets) and practical. There are examples of ways in which to make mundane life more magical. One of the things I appreciate the most about this book is in its intention to show that the body itself is a temple. One does not need fancy tools or a showy space to perform rituals. You can use your own body to create magical space. And I absolutely love the incantation for summoning the sovereign self. This book really made me think internally - I asked myself questions such as: “why don’t I like this about myself”? Or “how can I change unhealthy thought patterns?” and “why don’t I like the sound of my voice out loud doing chants?” But I also thought things about myself as a witch “this is what I love about myself.”The chapter on Witch Lungs had me thinking a lot about my relationship to plants and spirit of place. How I communicate with plant spirits and feel their energies. The power of scent and how it helps transport us into a ritual state of mind. This aspect speaks to me on a personal level as a person whose small business focuses a lot on scent (I create roll-ons for Spiral Moon Herbcraft).I also wanted to mention that the chapter 9 discussion of reflecting on the witch body as a whole and the Hermit tarot card reminded me of a ritual I once did. The idea of the cave and reflecting inward. I will share my experience in brief summary: the ritual was performed solo and sky clad with just a blanket and a candle at night indoors. The idea is to create a dark space that is like a womb or cocoon or both. The candle is the only source of light. You spend time inside the blanket in that liminal space, keeping your mind clear in meditative space. I did have the song “Karuna” by Stellamara playing in the background, which helped induce the shift in consciousness through hypnotic rhythms. When I emerged from the blanket, the only light was the candle. I was symbolically reborn.I may be a bit biased when it comes to Laura’s work since discovering her through belly dance. Her artwork and books that she has written have provided me with much inspiration, hope and beauty. But the most important thing is the message and the connection. Each and every witch should own this book. Speaking as an herbalist, one thing I recognize about the path which spans across all professions is that it does not behoove us to pour from an empty cup. When we can recognize the potential in ourselves, we are better equipped to help the community and the earth. We can learn to empower ourselves with some guidance. It’s not easy but might be simpler than we think. Our minds can trick us, but we can use these tools to bring back the focus in a positive way. Many thanks to Laura for writing this book and for the honor of creating a scent to go along with it. ~ Lyra S.

In working through the explanations, journal prompts, and rituals I felt my physical self become vibrant. My musical self woke up as my awareness of my lungs and my heart became more conscious and self-assured. I began making up lyrics and melodies for myself (and my cats) and learning to play tunes much more easily. With my growing awareness of connection between physical self and the wider multi-dimensional world, the spiritual resonance of my projects and activities grew clearer and my choices made more sense. This is a wonderful book full of wisdom and insight.

I find myself very grateful to be alive at the same time as Laura Tempest Zakroff. It’s hard for me not to gush about her work, but she is indeed one of my favorite witchcraft authors of all time, and this book is another example of why. Anatomy of a Witch: A Map to the Magical Body explores the embodiment of the witch, both literally and figuratively, giving a symbolic anatomy for the reader to work with energetically and physically to connect deeper with themselves, their power, the mysteries of witchcraft, and more importantly, the Universe around them. Using meditations, energy exercises, rituals, sigils, journaling prompts, and tarot references, Tempest weaves a fantastic reality map to explore that doesn’t disappoint.While many religions and spiritual traditions aim to deny the body or view it as an obstacle of temptation to overcome, witchcraft tends to be a path that embraces the opposite. Tempest explores how the physical body and physical existence is not only a holy vessel for the witch but a map to spiritual aspects of ourselves and tools for connection with the greater metaphysical reality. Tempest writes with the insight and groundedness of a modern-day Doreen Valiente, the creativity and passion of a modern-day Rosaleen Norton, and the poetic language, artistic style, and wisdom that is uniquely her own. Anatomy of a Witch is a fantastic contribution to the field of witchcraft study regardless of which tradition, path, or eclectic style you embrace when using the word “Witch.” Like all of her work, I highly recommend this book for any witch of any experience level.

Amazon won't let me leave a review without words, but I have no words for how much this book has meant to me. This book has gone straight to the top of my most influential media list. If you're considering it, this is your sign. Get it. You're ready to stop feeling like an outsider in your own skin. It's one you'll want to take your time with. I bought it on Kindle and loved it, but I'm planning to buy a physical copy to keep and reference and have already given a copy as a gift.

I haven’t read it yet, but it looks good!

I found this book to be a foundational work to add to my library. It's fills in gaps I didn't necessarily know I had in my knowledge (I felt it explained the 'why' behind a lot of things). Very happy to have discovered this one.

I appreciate Laura Tempest Zakroff’s books so much. Weave The Liminal was a wonderful guide as I explored the magic within myself. Anatomy is another excellent invitation to recognizing one’s worth and power. The writing is direct and approachable. Nothing superfluous. You can tell Laura is creating to share not so self-aggrandize or show off. Thank you.

This is not only practical and full of useful exercises, it is, as with all of her books, a work of art as well. Highly recommed!

Another book I think everyone should read no matter what season of their life or practice they are in. Great follow up to Weave The Liminal. Laura always makes you think out side the box in the very best way and isn't afraid to speak to her modern audience in ways they will understand.

A little too beginner or basic. Seems written for any average person who is interested - not for an advanced witch ✌️