Pixie Book Review: Beneath the Moon – Witchcraft and Moon Magic for a Deeper Practice by Rachel Patterson

Pixie Book Review: Beneath the Moon – Witchcraft and Moon Magic for a Deeper Practice by Rachel Patterson 

Published by Moon Books Feb. 1, 2022 | $51.95 | ISBN 9781785355790 

Hey there, Peeps! I’m slowly whittling down the massive pile of books I have to read & review. Life keeps throwing me curveballs, so they’re coming later than I’d like (I mean, today’s book was released in February for crying out loud.). No worries though, I’ll get to them. 

Anywhoodles, let’s get to it!  

Why Did I Choose Beneath the Moon – Witchcraft and Moon Magic for a Deeper Practice by Rachel Patterson? 

The first reason this book was chosen was that it was written by Rachel Patterson. Yes, I’ve known her for years and I love to help my friends whenever possible. However, I truly enjoy reading her books. Her writing speaks my language, which makes the material much easier for my brain to absorb. 

Secondly, the people at Moon Books kindly sent me a digital copy for my perusal.

Which brings me to the final reason I chose this book: The material! As a moon child myself, I’ve always had an affinity for anything to do with that giant shiny orb in our night sky. 

What’s Inside Beneath the Moon – Witchcraft and Moon Magic for a Deeper Practice by Rachel Patterson? 

Let me put it this way: I can’t think of anything that this book doesn’t cover. 

This enormous 808-page tome covers everything you need to know in order to incorporate the Moon into your magical practice.  

We’re talking working with the Moon by phase, by month, or by which zodiac sign it’s passing through. We’re given info on deities, herbs, plants, crystals, and food correspondences for all of these methods of including the Moon in our magical workings. 

Then Rachel gives us info on the “Special Moons” as well (Blue, Sidhe, Black, Super, Eclipses, etc....). 

As if that’s not enough for a book already, there’s also chapters on the meaning of our Moon Sign (and how to find out what it is), an invitation (and the means) for us to embark on a Monthly Moon Challenge, Rachel's own version of Drawing Down the Moon, tips for Cooking with the Moon Cycles, as well as many pages devoted to divination & spell craft.  

Things I’ll put into practice and/or adapt from the book: 

There’s a chapter that deals with Gardening by the Moon, and I really think that’s something I can get behind in my practice. 

I also plan on trying Rachel’s Drawing Down the Moon, because just reading it gave me chills (Rachel, if you read this: it’s beautiful!!). 

I may also take a stab at the Moon Challenge (let’s be honest, though, I will just choose days to participate out of the blue – but, I still think there’s value in just doing that). 

Final Thoughts on Beneath the Moon – Witchcraft and Moon Magic for a Deeper Practice by Rachel Patterson: 

This will now be my go-to reference when I’m trying to craft a ritual. If I need anything regarding the Moon, I’m picking this sucker up and I know the answer I’m looking for will be found in its pages. 

This had to have been a mammoth undertaking on Rachel’s part, but her hard work has paid off. It can be read cover to cover (which is what I actually did... 😵) but, it can also be used like a Moon Magic Encyclopedia. If you’re simply looking for herbs, crystals, plants, deities, or animals, just flip to those sections. If you’re looking for working with the Moon by phase/month/zodiac sign, just flip to the page in those sections, and all correspondences are found in that section as well. 

All in all, I’d say this is a book that could be useful to any witch, no matter how long they’ve been practicing. I will be getting a paperback copy of this as well. That's how often I think I'll be using it.

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If you’re in the United States, and you'd like to buy the book, You Can Support Your Local Book Sellers by purchasing online via The Pixilated Bookshop (An affiliate of bookshop.org). 

Beneath the Moon – Witchcraft and Moon Magic for a Deeper Practice by Rachel Patterson is also available via: 

Moon Books 

(Be sure to check your local book shops as well!) 

Until Next Time, Pixilators! 

Wishing You Peace, Love, & Pixie Dust