There's one name that I always recommend when the topic of sigils comes up in any conversation, one witch that got me started in this path with a book so useful it remains one of my favorites. Sigil Witchery has remained a big influence in my sigilcraft process, so it only made sense to get the sequel and go deeper: Visual Alchemy: A Witch's Guide to Sigils, Art & Magic, by Laura Tempest Zakroff. Thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy!
- Print Length: 240 pages.
- Publisher: Llewellyn Publications (October 8, 2022)
- Publication Date: October 8, 2022.
- Topics: Art, History, Mythology, Sigil, Witchcraft.
- Rating: 5 / 5 stars.
A follow-up to the bestseller Sigil Witchery, Visual Alchemy takes a deeper look at the extraordinary connection between art and magic. Laura Tempest Zakroff expands on her signature sigil witchery method, an accessible and intuitive approach to crafting effective sigils. She covers numerous topics, including how to connect to the artist within, draw inspiration to you, and easily incorporate art into your ritual practice. Visual Alchemy presents art magic in two parts: create and collaborate. You'll start with techniques for optimizing your creativity, such as crafting a personal symbolic language and solving problems with design concepts. You'll then explore magic that connects you with others, from sharing sigils to making public art. Featuring more than fifty shared magic sigils, this book empowers you to put aside fear and unleash the full potential of your imagination.
I admit that, at first, I had my doubts about this books. Sigil Witchery felt too complete and whole, and the idea of a follow-up wasn't that charming at the beginning. However, this a good complementary reading to know the details of how art and belief/religion/spirituality intertwine, understand the art-making process, and get a plenty of ideas on how to experiment, develop your own style.
As always, Tempest has a simple, clear style that does not neglect the details or descriptions. She goes straight to the point, making sure she's clear enough for any reader, and provides several examples of what she means or how her point can be applied in different ways. I found particularly useful, and it was almost a need because of the times we're living in right now, the section on ethics and that mention of the #BlackLivesMatters movement.
While it's true that it's mostly a theory book, I wasn't expecting a lot of exercises and prompts. Sigil Witchery has enough practice material for both, after all! That being said, there are some that are quite interesting, such as the drawing music exercise, my personal favorite, along with a few rituals regarding inspiration and creativity.
For me, anyone interested in sigils, maybe also the relationship between art and spirituality, will find this as an interesting book. There's a lot to talk about, a lot to consider, and while sigil crafting is a process as simple or as complex as one wants it to be, Visual Alchemy gives you the information to decide on your own.
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