About The Wheel by Jennifer Lane
The Wheel is the story of a modern Witch and her quest to reconnect to both herself, and the spiritual world. It is a story about getting back to nature, and finding a place within a magickal community. It is the story of a crisis of mind, body and spirit; and the resulting path a Witch takes to move away from the effects of toxic work environments.
The author looks at daily grind and repetition, and how the resulting broken spiritual connection will have consequences to health and well-being. She examines how to bring back a sense of equilibrium, relating this to the seasons and the natural world around her, a theme which will run throughout the course of the book as she attempts to reconnect.
The book begins with an opening at Samhain, which is visually stunning. Lane creates vivid pictures in the mind’s eye that leave the reader feeling as if they are there beside her every step of the way. The book starts at Yule and moves through the year to finish once more at Samhain.
The author shares her personal experiences and celebrations. As a seasoned nature writer she explains clearly what is happening in the natural worl;, helping us to connect more deeply to hers, and to our own. Most generously, the author allows us to witness the Yule ritual that kick-starts her journey back to connection, and unavoidably, the reader finds themselves reflecting on their own life, ambitions, achievements, and their magickal practice, which is precisely the point of the book.
“We can all use the Wheel of the Year to tap into the Earth’s cycles - to feel her swell and grow into summer then let the cloak of winter fall over her body once more. But the Wheel represents more than the shifting seasons - it is our ever-changing lives where we feel joy, excitement and sometimes a deep wintry sadness; it is our map to finding our place within the world.” - The Wheel
The reader travels through each festival, with Lane sharing her deepest and most intimate insights and feelings. We accompany her on her hikes and birdwatching trips, we go on family holidays, we take part in her rituals and observances. We encounter her shamanic journeys, and the joyful times she finds connection and magick. We also stand by her at her saddest and heaviest moments. We feel the disconnect and sorrow that starts her on the road back to connection; wishing we could help in some way, whilst simultaneously promising to ourselves that we will make changes and do better.
Alongside all of this, we explore the world of Witchcraft. From deities of the Celtic pantheon, to the Pendle witches, Cottingley Fairies, maypole dancing, power animals and shamanism; we reflect on the environment, social prescribing, and the state of our own lives. The author highlights our relationship with the Moon; the impact on us as human beings, the tides, Her energy, and more. She discusses being Pagan and what that means, and we listen as the author reminds us that Paganism is a wholly positive path; there to enrich our lives, and to help us look ahead.
The Book’s Strengths
The way the author weaves her mundane and magickal experiences while discussing Witchcraft topics and the natural world, usually through the medium of birds, is a masterpiece. Her words are poetic, conjuring up strong pictures in the mind, and deep emotions in the heart. In this way, it is an intimate and immersive experience; beautifully tender and soothing.
The amusing recollections at the beginning of the book where the author describes those little things that often happen during a ritual - making it feel slightly less than magickal - are highly relatable, and instantly put the reader at ease. Many a witch will recognise the thoughts and situations the author finds herself in, and it is this honesty that makes the book so enjoyable. Her reflections and views will have many readers nodding in agreement.
A special thanks must go to the author for speaking so candidly about her physical and mental health; subjects that many of us shy away from. Throughout the book we track her progress and witness the changes she makes, both magickal and ordinary, to create a better life for herself. It leaves the reader feeling empowered, emboldened and ready to do the same; extremely valuable in today’s world.
As well as being a book about personal experience, there is a plethora of history and information contained in its pages. The descriptions of rituals and magickal practice will be hugely beneficial to beginner witches. The book has an intersectional approach; there is something here for everyone. It is a book for those who are struggling with their physical or mental health, for those who wish to read about the experiences of one modern witch, for the nature-loving witches, and for new Witches finding their feet.
What You Can Learn...
Homely and comforting, this is the perfect book to curl up with on a wet winter’s day; you will feel connected to nature just by reading Lane’s lovely words. You will think about the privileged lives we lead today, compared to the terrifying times of the Pendle Witches, and you’ll learn how small, simple acts can help us reconnect to our magickal path.
You’ll find this book littered with information that will both entertain you and make you examine your own place in the world. It’ll make you reflect on the ways you can make your life happier, healthier, and a little witchier. You’ll be inclined to get uncomfortable and explore the difficulties you face, to pick up healthy habits, and to enquire about the mental health of the people you care for.
You’ll be educated on the natural world and folklore, history and herb lore. You’ll learn about birds and deer and all the special things that make life magickal. You’ll yearn for natural experiences and to deepen your magickal practice, but most of all, you’ll be inspired to write.
NEXT - Review: A Spell In The Wild: A Year (& Six Centuries) Of Magic by Alice Tarbuck
