The Magickal Family: Pagan Living in Harmony with Nature

Being a Washintonian myself, I really wanted to love this book. I will start with the positives; I liked that this book was very personal, the author added stories of her own family/friends/coven which were sweet, and often humorous. The ritual and craft ideas themselves were short, sweet, and very doable for my own family, which I appreciated.However, the author used the term "vision quest" for a coming of age ritual for boys, which certainly feels like appropriation. Upper middle class white boys camping is not comparable to the vision quests that native youth participate(d) in. And, while she spoke in the beginning of how she believed in diversity, there weren't any ideas for coming of age rituals for trans, non-binary or GNC kiddos. Obviously she is pulling from experiences of her own children in celebrating menstruation for (cis) girls, and an outdoor activity for boys, but menstruation does not always signify "womanhood." Also, the tone of the book itself is definitely preachy in parts. For example, ordering the reader to cut up their credit cards, and not to use shopping sites like Amazon, which is ironic as her book is available ON Amazon lol. The author's casual use of the word "slave" in that same section was also a major turn off.This book just does not live up to the hype for me, and definitely could have been less culturally appropriative and more inclusive.

I came across this book a few months ago and felt called to buy it. Many of the witchy family books I like, but I tend to read through and then sit peacefully on my bookshelf, but The Magickal Family is so much more! Many of the rituals through out the book are similar to what we do now, but there's always something small or different that I just fell in love with. The interweaving of the authors personal stories resonate deeply with me. When I read about her children, I feel like I am being transported to their garden, playing fairies and helping weed. If you are raising a family in the way of the Goddess or any other pagan tradition definitely purchase this book.

If you like a warm, family story that resonates with images of strawberry moons and craggy mountain peaks, you are going to love The Magickal Family. It's filled with reminiscences of time shared under seasonal skies, and laced with excellent gardening tips, recipes for food, lip balm, soap, healing salves and many, witchy crafting ideas. You'll find comfort and amusement in the author's rich writing style as well as inspiration for how to revel in Nature's bounty with your family.

Well written, warm and engaging. It's nice to hear from other parents who are faced with similar challenges.

I'm not even finished with this book. But I want to tell Monica herself THANK YOU SO MUCH for this book. It's a home without a roof for me and I'm so thankful to the Goddess you were inspired to write this book. I'll definitely be looking into your other writings. Thank you thank you thank you. Blessed be. 🖤 Happy Beltane!!

I loved this book! There were some awesome projects in here my daughter and I were able to do together. She had been wanting to learn some pagan traditions or more about it and this was a great starter book.

I love this book! It's very helpful in raising a pagan family, plus I love the family stories.

Such a great read! Already thinking about how to incorporate some of her practices. It’s perfect for the witch mamma!! Highly recommend

Everytime I pick up this book I end up in fits of laughter. The writers voice is hilarious and I can just see these funny stories happening in my mind. Not what I was expecting from the title, is so much better. Buy, read, laugh

Absolutely love this book, I don’t know why I waited so long to buy it. If you and your family are following the “green path” then this is the book for you.