A perfect title for Samhain’s energies. Enjoy!

Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick & Manifestation by Mat Auryn

Llewellyn, 978-0738760841, 312 pp., 2019

Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick & Manifestation by Mat Auryn sets the tone for its intention with a beautiful dedication and quote in memory of Raven Grimassi

… “ If the art of Witchcraft can be reduced to one aspect, it would be the achieving of altered states of consciousness…On a deeper level, we can add trance (induced by whatever means) and psychic development. Such states of consciousness allow the Witch not only to perceive things behind their veneer but also to reshape reality in an experiential sense.”... Raven Grimassi, The Witch’s Craft: The Roots of Witchcraft & Magickal Transformation

The book is formatted into fifteen (15) Chapters, which may seem to be quite a lot, bt the subject matter alone and the very thorough way in which Mat Auryn approaches the subject matter warrants the number. Each chapter methodically takes the reader through the process of beginning to adjust perception, break down the limitations we place on ourselves and provide concrete instruction. There is a wonderful balance between solid research and magickal studies that give the information the right amount of scientific credit and mystical wonderment.

Each chapter is chockfull of practical application exercises and illustrations to fuel the visual, kinesthetic and theoretical. All of this is offered through the very articulate and relatable style that Mat brings to what is a massive amount of information.  The “Foreword” begins…

…Embracing your power and path as a psychic being can be the most rewarding experience a witch can have in their lifetime. When we finally suspend our disbelief long enough to hold close the simple truth that to be a witch is to be psychic incredible things start to happen…

In this very simple opening we have a sense that that we are part of the revealing of a truth that has been cloaked behind mystery for too long. And, that to acknowledge the validity of that statement also implies that there is work to be done.

Each of the exercises flow beautifully from chapter to chapter and each build upon the other, often using the simple ones given at the start as the basis for expanding upon. Exercise 23 in Chapter Four was one of my favorites, entitled: Spell to Awaken Psychic Abilities. This spell makes use of the moon’s energy, your personal receptivity, water as a conduit and breath and tuning in from previous exercises. I don’t want to give away the particulars, but the overlay of a runic spell coalesces and integrates the work being done with invitation to repeat monthly to “recharge” your battery.

Everything and anything you wish to know or have heard used regarding psychic abilities is to be found somewhere in Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick & Manifestation (no pun intended. LOL!) What makes this book unique however is that it is not simply an exercise in theoretical verbosity, leaving you as confused and unsatisfied as when you embarked on this journey. Mat has made the unusual, become usual business that can be accomplished by hard work and practice, but more importantly by understanding and clarity of the mechanics of psychic practice. 

There are several chapters devoted to the understanding and alignment of the triune nature of the s(Selves), subtly bringing home the importance of the statement “Know Thyself”, especially in magickal practice. Taking the time to explore our nature(s) brings us closer to revealing the gifts inherent in all parts of our being in all of the worlds.

… It’s my firm belief that magick can be utilized at almost any time if performed through one’s psychic faculties and willpower, as long as one has a firm understanding of the elements necessary… (chapter 15)

This statement that opens Chapter 15 sums up very nicely the intention of Psychic Witch:A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick & Manifestation. As a conclusion to a thorough read, the emphasis is that psychism, magick and the s(S)elf are not independent of one another. Rather, they are co-creators of a wholeness that is at the very heart of a witch’s practice, philosophies and work. If you do the work outlined in the book and if you embrace a power that is part of everyone’s ability (in varying degrees) you are well on your way to becoming not only a self-empowered with, but more wholly the person you are meant to be as a Divine Being having a manifest experience.

Would I recommend?

Whole-heartedly, YES! Mat’s style is readable, accessible and encourages you to be your best self. The formatting of studies has clarity and offers time to digest through exercise and contemplative work. I would recommend this title to both the novice(as example of what can be achieved on the Path) as well as the adept and experienced Witch (reaffirming and offering a deeper perspective to enhance the steps already achieved). The Bibliography is filled with resources that will make any practitioner of magickal studies and workings better informed and diverse in newfound perspective. 

From the Publisher’s Page:

Praise for Psychic Witch:

“A rare jewel that radiates clarity of spirit that is genuinely manifest therein.”—Maxine Sanders, co-founder of the Alexandrian Tradition of Witchcraft

“An ambitious work that stands at the crossroads where witchcraft, energy work, and psychic development intersect.”—Michelle Belanger, author of The Psychic Energy Codex

“Mat is magickally and energetically connected, well read, and well researched.”—Laurie Cabot, official witch of Salem and author of Power of the Witch

About Mat:

Mat Auryn (New England) is a witch, writer, psychic, and occult teacher. He is an initiate of Black Rose Witchcraft and a priest in the Sacred Fires Tradition of Witchcraft. He is also a devotee of the Covenant of Hekate founded by Sorita D’Este. Mat has been featured in various magazines, radio shows, books, and other periodicals, such as The Witch’s Almanac, DisInfo, The Wild Hunt, Raise the Horns podcast, and Magick magazine. He also writes a blog for Patheos Pagan called For Puck’s Sake.