The Witches' Almanac, Issue 36 Spring 2017 - 2018

Book excerpt: Founded in 1971 by Elizabeth Pepper, the art director of Gourmet magazine for many years, The Witches' Almanac is a witty, literate, and sophisticated publication that appeals to general readers as well as hard-core Wiccans. At one level, it is a pop reference that will fascinate anyone interested in folklore, mythology, and culture, but at another, it is the most sophisticated and wide-ranging annual guide available today for the mystic enthusiast. Modeled after the Old Farmers' Almanac, it includes information related to the annual Moon calendar (weather forecasts and horoscopes) as well as legends, rituals, herbal secrets, mystic incantations, interviews, and many a curious tale of good and evil. Although it is an annual publication, only about 15 percent of the content is specific to the date range of each issue. The Witches' Almanac features more than 140 pages of interesting and timeless articles about witchcraft, magic, herbalism, charms, spells, and related topics written by authors from the witchcraft and magical communities. The theme of Issue 36 (Spring 2017 5 - Spring 2018) is Water: Our Primal Source. Included are "The Coffin Ring," "A Beekeeper's Year," "The Margate Grotto," "Speaking in Tongues," "Poppets," and "Thomas the Rhymer."