Title: Knot Magic: A Handbook of Powerful Spells using Witches' Ladders and other Magical Knots
Author: Sarah Bartlett
Publisher: Quarto Publishing, plc
Copyright: 2019
Rating: 4/5
Run to your nearest tablet or computer and grab this cutie!
As many of my Instagram followers know, I've made it a mission not to spend a dime on any more occult books until I finish all the ones currently on my bookshelf. Well, I found a nice loophole to satiate my need for something new: free Kindle Unlimited books! Some cute, short texts for witches on the Kindle delve into more niche categories. You know, the topics that need more information for an entire book. Just like this little title on Knot Magic.
Stitch witchery is an ancient practice with very little written information. A bare perusal of Pinterest or Google will provide images on the witch's ladder, but that's it. I've rarely seen any more profound guidance. However, author Sarah Bartlett's book Knot Magic: A Handbook of Powerful Spells using Witches' Ladders and other Magical Knots fills a space desperately needed in my library. Not only is her book easy to read, but it also has illustrated images showing the reader how to make various knots. I also appreciate that she gives a lunar reference for the best time to perform each spell.
There are only two complaints I can say of Knot Magic. The first is her Wiccan phrase at the beginning of the book that she calls 'the Witch's Oath.' "I will only do what I do for the good of all." - Page 11. This quote is not a uniformly practiced belief among all witches. It is only a Wiccan saying. Wiccans created the three-fold law to make magic more palatable to the general public. It was to show people in power that they were practicing good magic versus the evil magic of other races. If you want more information on how this belief of black versus white magic has harmed BIPOC witches, read my blog post here.
The second issue I take with Knot Magic is that her book needs to have a bibliography or cited sources. Bartlett references some ancient spells but needs to say where they came from or how to access that information. In this age, people often recite words they hear from the internet with little to no knowledge of their authenticity. As a result, while I find her stories intriguing, I can't validate them.
Overall, this book is an excellent resource for any witches wanting to delve deeper into stitch witchery or those who wish to add more magic to their current spellwork. And you can't beat the price of free. Even with the above notes, this charming guide could easily be expounded upon.
About the Author
Sarah Bartlett's credentials include a Diploma in Psychological Astrology from the Faculty of Astrological Studies run by Liz Greene. She worked as an astrologer for Cosmopolitan Magazine (UK), Prima Magazine, SHE, Spirit & Destiny, and the London Evening Standard. The author also appeared on many UK radio shows and TV programs, including Steve Wright's Afternoon Show on BBC Radio 2.
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