The Witches' Almanac: Issue 33, Spring 2014-Spring 2015: Mystic Earth Paperback – August 1, 2013

I have purchased, consulted, and collected "The Witches' Almanac" since it debuted in the early 70's (with the exception of those few years when it mysteriously disappeared from publication). In fact, I still have my copies of the original spine-stapled, faux-woodblocked, "pamphlets".The informative content, intriguing format, and atmospheric line-art lend a truly "magical" feel that is unequaled. Between the covers, little has changed over the decades. In this high-tech world of constant change, for that I am very grateful.Issue 33 (Spring 2014-2015) continues the tradition with another year of the usual almanac offerings with an occult focus, including: mystical poem & prose, folklore, astrology, moon signs, planetary positions, herbal knowledge, spellwork, weather outlook, the mantic arts, historical perspectives, and much more-- from the mundane to the magical.In addition to the traditional, annual offerings, there are articles with subject matter new to each issue.----- ----- -----My only complaint is purely a cosmetic one.Over the last few years "The Witches'Almanac" cover has grown incressingly mainstream and commercial. While understandable, from a financial-survival viewpoint... aesthestically, I find it displeasing.With Issue 33, this commercialism has reached new, unsatisfactory heights.*Gone are any traces of the signature woodblock art which has been a "Witches' Almanac" standby.*The delightful, attention-grabbing, mysterious introductory "Being a compendium..." paragraph has been unceremoniously relegated to the back cover.*The once-prominent colophon and the trademark "ever a keepsake" motto have been pushed-off to the far left... and for all intents, "hidden" by placing it against a banner in a color that blends with the cover art.When I received my copy today from Amazon.com, I was shocked by these changes. I turned the book over a few times to verify the title and publisher... I thought I was sent a Llewellyn mass-publication by mistake!While I'm sure Mr. Theitic (executive editor) means well, I can't help but wonder if the "The Witches' Almanac" founder, Elizabeth Pepper, as well as other longtime readers also find this new "appeal-to-the-New Age-masses" look as UNappealing and disturbing as I do?----- ----- -----Otherwise, simply THE best almanac in publication (to borrow the words of Ms. Pepper) for the "adept, occultist, witch and mortal alike..."-C.C. Amazon Prime Member-ReviewerNB: As for the question posed in the Preface re: the meaning of the colophon as drawn by Elizabeth Pepper.... it is my opinion that it is simply a stylized "W.A." ...the initials of the publication's title. So, what do YOU see?

I got my first Witches Almanac in the mid nineties! To me it is the definitive guide to lunar harmony! Lets you know the moon sign on any day, all the holidays are included and interesting historical facts about the date are often contained. Fun workings and crafts are also included, mythology, history and interesting facts are all found here. The Witches Almanac is your 'complete guide to lunar harmony', 'Being a compendium of ancient lore and legend - the indispensable guide and delightful companion for adept, occultist, witch and mortal alike... shows at a glance the phases of the Moon, notes the aspects of the planets and shows their influence on the sun sign in the year to come.... contains herbal secrets, advice about animals, mystic incantations, sacred rituals and many a curious tale of good and evil.' Elizabeth Pepper. This is the only magical almanac I buy!

This book is for the coming year. It isn't potions and spells and halloween stories. It IS astrology, weather, astronomy, folklore, herbs, info on stones and how to help you deal with your life. This is a first time buy for me but all back issues are available and Iam in the process of ordering some. There is so much valuable info that I underline and keep the book by my chair as a reference. Iam really enjoying this book. You don't have to read anything in order. It is a random search and a fun read.

I have been buying this almanac since1994.A must buy if you need spiritual reference, of ancient lore and legend.From yester-year, or today.Intuitive to those who live a Pagan life or not. Learn from the best out their, who took thetime to research the information, and put it in one book for that year.Fantastic reading.

I have these books going back for YEARS...they say on the cover "always a keepsake" - and they certainly are. The articles are very interesting - yes, there are articles, not just the moon calendar. The New Age store in my area always orders a ton of these - and they are gone within hours of arriving at the store. If you forget to pre-order there (which I did this time around) there was nothing left when I got there. Prices here on Amazon were actually a little bit less, so I may skip the whole pre-order thing going forward for these books...

This issue is more useful than the previous as it starts with the calendar year and includes the moon calendar for the full Zodiac year as well. The additional info is more useful than the fluff often published in other works of this kind. I have 2 copies, one for home and one for my small business office.

I have been buying this book every year for many years. I have always enjoyed it. I also buy another almanac, but I also get this one, too, because I love it so much. It is full of interesting information, including all the information that naturally comes with an almanac of this sort. It is definitely a keepsake, as the cover states. I keep all of mine. There are spells and stories that one could use years, later. No matter what year in which the almanac was written.

Have always loved this Almanac. The combination of articles and dates are updated but have the old world feel of " The Farmers Almanac " I Do wish that they would include an easy to read Sabbot Calender.

There were intersting articles and the moon and planetary information was good. Better than the LLewllyn's I had last year.

Interesting and varied collection of lore, poetry, stories and advice on the moon and zodiac, planting a garden, talismans and charms, trees, druid wands, and herbs. A good starting point for someone interested in learning about Old Religion and Craft practices.I recommend this book. It was delivered on time and in new condition. Satisfied with the seller.

This year it is twice the size as it was previous years. There were several useful articles. There was a fascinating piece about some fixed stars. I also enjoyed an article about second sleep. I have been slowly absorbing this book and look forward to digesting it thoroughly in the New Year.

Love these books. I get them each year. I miss the older versions of the covers though, but regardless will continue to purchase each year.

Always good but great this yearStories excellent and daily information is always inspiring and informativeMystical but never "dark"