Silver RavenWolf’s To Ride a Silver Broomstick: New Generation Witchcraft is one of the most well-known and controversial books on modern witchcraft, particularly for beginners and younger practitioners. Originally published in the 1990s, this book was widely read by new witches in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, offering a bold, conversational, and somewhat rebellious take on Wicca and modern witchcraft.
While many readers found it inspirational and empowering, others criticized its historical inaccuracies, strong opinions, and condescending tone. Despite its flaws, this book remains a significant part of the Wiccan and witchcraft literary landscape, particularly for those who encountered it early in their journey.
Overview of the Book
This book is part autobiography, part witchcraft guide, and part personal manifesto, offering an introduction to Wicca, magic, and modern witchcraft. The book is strongly geared toward young, solitary practitioners, with a New Age and pop-culture-influenced approach to witchcraft.
1. What is Witchcraft?
RavenWolf starts by defining witchcraft as a spiritual path that combines magic, personal empowerment, and a deep connection to nature. She dispels common misconceptions about witches, writing:
“Witches do not worship Satan. We are not evil. We are people who honor the Earth and seek wisdom.”
She introduces the basic tenets of Wicca, including:
- The Wiccan Rede (“An it harm none, do what ye will.”)
- The Threefold Law (“Whatever energy you send out returns to you threefold.”)
- Working with the God and Goddess
2. Setting Up a Magical Practice
This section covers the basics of getting started as a witch, including:
- Tools of the Craft (Athame, wand, chalice, pentacle)
- Creating sacred space and altars
- How to write a personal Book of Shadows
One of RavenWolf’s most well-known (and controversial) statements is:
“A witch who cannot hex cannot heal.”
This phrase, suggesting that witches must understand all aspects of magic—including baneful magic—has been widely debated. Some believe it challenges the idea of purely positive witchcraft, while others argue it contradicts the harm-none philosophy she promotes elsewhere.
3. Rituals, Spells, and Magic
The book introduces basic spellcasting principles, covering:
- Candle magic
- Herbal magic and correspondences
- Moon phases and planetary influences
- Protection spells and psychic self-defense
RavenWolf encourages experimentation and personal adaptation, writing:
“Magic is not about reciting words—it’s about understanding energy and working with it.”
4. Wiccan Beliefs and Practices
She discusses initiation, dedication rituals, and the Wheel of the Year, but her approach to Wicca is highly modernized and eclectic, often straying from traditional Gardnerian or Alexandrian teachings.
She also promotes the idea of “New Generation Witchcraft”, a youth-focused, rebellious approach to Wicca that resonated with many teenage readers.
5. The Witch’s Life
The final sections focus on how to live as a witch every day, covering:
- Divination techniques (tarot, runes, pendulums)
- How to incorporate Wicca into daily life
- Dealing with secrecy and “coming out” as a witch
RavenWolf encourages confidence and independence, stating:
“You are the creator of your own spiritual path. No one can tell you what your magic should look like.”
Strengths of the Book
1. Accessible and Engaging for Beginners
RavenWolf’s casual, conversational tone makes this book fun and easy to read, especially for young witches. Unlike dense academic books, this one feels like a personal conversation with a mentor.
A reader commented:
“This book was my introduction to witchcraft, and it made everything feel so exciting and empowering!”
2. Encouraging and Empowering
RavenWolf’s strong-willed, independent attitude encourages self-confidence and personal power. She tells readers that anyone can be a witch, and that no one needs to seek validation from a coven or authority figure.
This message resonated with many, as one reviewer wrote:
“Silver RavenWolf made me feel like I could take control of my own spiritual path without needing permission.”
3. Covers a Wide Range of Topics
This book provides a broad introduction to Wicca and magic, including:
✅ Spellwork and rituals
✅ Tools and correspondences
✅ The Wheel of the Year
✅ Divination and psychic abilities
While not deeply detailed, it serves as a good starting point for those who want a general overview before diving into more specialized books.
4. Emphasizes Modern, Solitary Witchcraft
Unlike older books that focus on traditional, coven-based Wicca, To Ride a Silver Broomstick is geared toward solitary practitioners, particularly those who:
- Are young and new to Wicca
- Want a non-structured, eclectic approach
- Prefer a modern, feminist, and independent perspective
Weaknesses of the Book
1. Historical Inaccuracies and Misleading Information
One of the biggest criticisms of RavenWolf’s work is that she presents myths as facts. For example, she repeats the widely debunked claim that “nine million witches were burned during the Burning Times,” when in reality, the actual number was much lower.
A critical reviewer noted:
“This book is full of historical inaccuracies, which is frustrating because new witches might believe them.”
2. Condescending and Dismissive Tone
RavenWolf’s writing can be dismissive toward traditional Wiccan practices, particularly coven-based traditions. She also criticizes Christianity harshly, which some readers found unnecessary and divisive.
One reader remarked:
“I appreciate modern witchcraft, but RavenWolf’s tone can be elitist and judgmental toward other spiritual paths.”
3. Overemphasis on “New Generation” Witches
While many younger readers loved the youth-focused, rebellious energy of the book, some older practitioners felt alienated by the “New Generation” branding. The book often implies that previous generations of witches were outdated or overly strict, which some found disrespectful to Wiccan elders.
4. Inconsistent Ethical Messaging
The book contradicts itself at times—on one hand, it promotes the Wiccan Rede and Threefold Law, yet it also suggests that witches must understand hexing and baneful magic. This confused many readers, leading to criticism of RavenWolf’s ethical stance.
A reader pointed out:
“She says ‘harm none,’ but also says ‘a witch who cannot hex cannot heal’—which one is it?”
Personal Experience and Perspective
When I first read To Ride a Silver Broomstick, I found it engaging and fun, but over time, I realized its flaws in accuracy and tone. It helped me feel confident in my solitary practice, but I later sought out more balanced, historically accurate books like Scott Cunningham’s Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner.
The book’s strongest points are its modern, empowering message and its broad introduction to many topics. However, its historical errors and condescending tone make it less reliable as a long-term reference.
Conclusion: A Controversial Yet Influential Beginner’s Book
To Ride a Silver Broomstick is a lively, accessible, and empowering introduction to modern Wicca and witchcraft, but it is also flawed in its historical accuracy and tone.
Recommended for:
✅ Teen and young adult witches looking for an engaging introduction
✅ Solitary practitioners who prefer a modern, eclectic approach
✅ Readers who enjoy a strong, independent voice in their witchcraft books
Not ideal for:
❌ Those looking for historical accuracy and balanced information
❌ Traditional Wiccans who prefer coven-based teachings
❌ Readers who dislike a casual or rebellious writing style