The last magical memoir I read was the work of Lois Bourne titled Witch Amongst Us - The Autobiography of a Witch. I eagerly read it during my teenage years, having borrowed it from the local library, which had a really wonderful collection of occult books . Although witchcraft is now more openly discussed and practiced than ever before, I returned to this library many years later only to find very little in the way of classic occult literature, which left me feeling quite disappointed. However, I soon realised that the internet is probably the best and most convenient place to explore these subjects today, rather than relying on a physical library. Not something I am happy with I must add!

As a teenager, I had immersed myself in books on witchcraft, but Bourne’s book had a distinctly different effect on me. It felt as if a close friend was gently recounting her life experiences and insights—no condescension or judgment in sight. So, when I noticed Wild Once: A High Priestess’s Guide to Modern Spirituality by Vivianne Crowley on the shelf at Treadwell’s Books, I was curious. Furthermore, Dr. Christina Oakley-Harrington, the owner of the shop, enthusiastically mentioned to me that it was an excellent read! Sold!

Vivianne Crowley was a name I had seen mentioned for many years, but as someone who doesn’t necessarily practice Wicca or adhere to any single spiritual tradition, I never stumbled upon her work. In recent times, however, I find myself increasingly interested in the broader study of magic.

Wild Once is an excellent book. It is a beautifully told memoir that is not just a recounting of someone’s life but an inspirational text that deeply encourages you to find your own magic. Free of any dogma or rules – Crowley recounts her time as a child and her experience within the Wiccan community but what I keep coming back to (like Doreen Valiente) is that she has certainly created and forged her own path despite being connected to Wicca. This is not to say that Wicca is a bad thing, I have no problem with it but my point is that both of these women have found their OWN magic through any means possible and that is an inspirational thing for new practitioners and those of us who have been on the path for quite some time.

Crowley demonstrates that magical learning is not about obtaining all knowledge and becoming the enlightened one, but it is a journey. It moves and changes as we grow older and that is exciting! It is a book I wish I had read back in the 1990s when I started to find my feet as a magical teen but instead, 20-odd years later I am untangling the web of confusion that I cast upon myself after reading and devouring pointless content. Nevertheless, this was part of the journey. This is what Crowley consistently inspires you to do through her own rich and varied lived experiences – she offers you a key to unlocking your own unique magic. Her writing is incredibly accessible and this is a book that I shall undoubtedly cherish in my collection for many years to come.