I shall start this enthusiastic book review by saying that “Witchcraft…Into the Wilds,” by Rachel Patterson, was a delight to read. This is one of those books that I will read again when the occasion arises, and when time is right, because it seems to be one of those that surprise you each time you grab it; it is filled with so many surprises. Patterson clearly explains how she started working by her own rules, the results, and encourages the reader to do the same, but always making it clear that any system the practitioner feels comfortable with is fine as long as they understand the logic behind it. The writing style is easy to follow most of the time, not as serious as other books I’ve seen, and with a healthy dose of personal experiences that blend perfectly with the more academic content of the book. The author has given me a very comfortable reading! About the actual content, it would be way too pretentious to say that everything is covered in here, but I feel that hardly anything else could have been added to Witchcraft…Into the Wilds since it is a complete approach to a topic of general interest and a good starting point for many who may seem a little lost about where to begin with in terms of paganism, religion and belief. One of the things I liked the most is that we’re not left only on the theory, for there are also tools to practice what is explained. Each of the chapters serve as an introduction to the topic it will explore, and almost each of them come with two or more meditations and journal prompts in order to have not only a reading but a whole experience while navigating this book. Additionally, I would recommend that readers have a notebook near because of the large amount of topics this books has included. It could seem to be confusing at time, I certainly had a hard time following the content because of what I thought was a lack of connection, but that perception changes pretty quickly when you get used to Patterson’s style. Rachel Patterson isn’t afraid of including her own point of view on certain topics or show her personal meaning for something when the need arises, but she also gives enough room for the reader to create their own opinion, not forcing her standards on other but using them as a trustworthy reference to take into consideration. Well done and, perhaps, one of my favorite aspects about this book. However, I did have problems with the structure of some exercises, with many of them having the very same starting point and following a similar procedure. I’m not to fond on repetition if not in incantations, but given the fact that this is an introduction to the topic, or that’s how I perceived it, it will be of use for many to have those who are curious; it just didn’t work that well on my case. This is a perfect choice for whoever wants to deepen in terms of nature and reinforcing the connection we have with it, a book that defies standards in a simple way in order to clearly know what is happening with the energy and our magic when we work with a certain system, and that also makes the reader interested in new topics or acquire a broader vision about others. I’m certainly waiting for a next book on this topic! ~ Lightwork Review

Witty well written witchy book! I love this as it is heartfelt, practical, and magical in all the right ways. ~ H J Rowland, Amazon

Another top book from this author. I couldn`t put this one down and found it a great refresher. Anyone new to the craft would find this book an easy read. ~ Spongebob, Amazon

I read this in 2 days it was wonderful love the whole ethos of the book ~ Wendy Turner, Amazon

This book feels very “real” to me. It’s never been in my personality to follow any rituals, because too much structure takes the fun out of things sometimes. I just kind of move where the wind pushes me, and this book seems to embrace that mentality. No pressure, just lighthearted fun with plenty of solid knowledge. ~ MG, Amazon

A wonderful book great for the novice and one who's trod the path for a while. Jam packed with info, journal prompts and guided meditations which are perfect if you are a spoonie like myself and are unable to do some of the more practical activities. ~ H D Reads, Amazon

I really enjoyed reading this book. The author has a light touch and sense of humour. Full of good ideas, encouragement and lovely meditations. Rachel Patterson teaches us that we only need to look to nature to bring magic into our lives. ~ Blackthorn_Winter, Amazon

This is a fascinating read that will not only instruct a budding witch or pagan but inspire a curiosity about the world around us. Even the Muggles amongst us. ~ Shay Hannah, Bluewolf reviews

I’ve read all of Rachel’s books and this one is my favourite so far! It is packed full of ways to work a more natural kind of Witchcraft, working with the seasons and using natural items provided by Mother Nature. I found this book to be inspiring and totally engrossing, I couldn’t put it down and recommend it to anyone interested in natural earth magic ~ Kindle Customer, Amazon

I love this book. I started reading it the other night and time just ran away with me, it's hard to put down... ~ Latayvia, Amazon

This book is easy reading and has so many wonderful witchy tips. A definite need to read !!! ~ Bonnie J Moser, Amazon

This book is dense with info so deep and meditative reading is required. Don't expect that you find practical step by step guide, this is more like presenation of ideas, seeds and advices from where one will use her/his intuition and in that way complete spells and rituals presented in this book. Book reminds me on Cunningham's books about natural magic and elements, but "dark" side is also explored! Nice book with many lucid ideas. ~ 108, Amazon

I love this book which is wonderfully written & I especially loved the hints & tips that can be written in a journal to help oneself with connecting with the natural elements of the path. I highly recommend this book! ~ Miss M. Panayi, Amazon

Yet another fabulous book by Rachel, this really takes you back to working with nature, very down to earth and showing you just how easy it is, you dont need to buy fancy things, as mother nature provides these things, i loved the journal prompt too, documenting what you do is a brilliant way to look back and advance you work if your new too this path. Lots of very practical advice, these books just get better and better. ~ CosmicDancer, Amazon

I love Rachel Patterson's books and this one didn't disappoint. This is a back-to-nature look at witchcraft and explores ways of incorporating and connecting directly with natural elements in your practice, even if you live in the city. Patterson writes in an engaging and friendly voice. Much underlining and dog-earing of pages! ~ Rebecca, Amazon Aus

This is a fabulous book, what a fantastic insight into the natural side of witchcraft. If you truly want to be/work closer with nature, please buy this book. ~ Lesley Creigan, Amazon

Highly Recommended. Wonderful, down to earth book about incorporating Witchcraft into your life, using what nature provides, together with what you already have to hand. Easy to read as written in the authors usual friendly and humorous style. It is great that the reader is given regular journaling prompts, to encourage those of us who are forgetful about keeping notes, to aid reflection and development. ~ Heather Dewhurst, Amazon

If you want to know which magical book I have read recently that totally resonated with me - Witchcraft...Into the Wilds is it. The book is by Rachel Patterson, who is most famous for her books on kitchen witchcraft. Now, while I think her earlier books are great, my personal sense of tapping into magic comes more from experiencing nature than from stirring up witchy brews. Nature is all around us, whether we are out in unspoilt wilderness, sitting in a park or even just observing the wild flowers growing in the verges beside a pavement. As Rachel says: "You can tap into the energy from any place and each area or location will have its own unique energy. Forests, ponds, parks, streets, seashores and even city centres will all have that magical energy – it is just a case of plugging yourself into the source." Witchcraft...Into the Wilds is perfect for solitary practitioners, especially those who are either new to the craft or who are moving away from a very formal witchcraft tradition or coven. Rachel starts by recommending keeping a journal. That's something I heartily agree with. This very blog was started by me both as a record of my craft as a witch and an incentive to keep going. The book covers a huge range of practical magic including working with the energy of the seasons, ethical wildcrafting, using found objects, understanding symbols in nature, working with the weather and elements, and natural divination. There are spells you can try, rituals you can perform and even a guide to hedge riding (the witchy term for shamanic journeying). ~ Lucya Starza, Bad Witch's Blog

Whether you are experienced in the ways of the Craft, new, or somewhere in between, Rachel Patterson’s Witchcraft into the Wilds is for you! If you are a regular reader of Patterson’s works, you know that her style is very personable, presenting her ideas in a very conversational, approachable manner, and this volume is no exception. She does not take a prescriptive approach to sharing her knowledge, but instead presents her suggestions in a way that encourages the reader to trust in her or his own intuition. This book is packed full of wonderful, practical information, ideas, and suggestions that will help the reader make stronger connections to all that nature has to offer the practicing Pagan. Another feature of this book that I truly appreciate is that Patterson has made it interactive with the reader, offering journal prompts throughout the chapters that encourage the reader to explore her or his thoughts about information in the book while reading it, but also to continue the journaling throughout their personal journey with the Craft. If you are drawn to working more with nature, or you are interested in learning more about nature’s role in magic, this is a must-have book for your collection. ~ Paul Chamness Miller

Praise for Rachel Patterson's previous title 'Pagan Portals: Animal Magic': Informative, insightful and eye opening. A must-read! ~ Rubina Bashir