Ann Moura’s Green Witchcraft: Folk Magic, Fairy Lore & Herb Craft is a rich, personal, and deeply insightful introduction to green witchcraft, blending folk magic, herbalism, and spiritual practice. Unlike books that focus solely on Wiccan ritual structure, Green Witchcraft presents an earth-centered, intuitive approach, making it ideal for solitary practitioners, hedge witches, and those drawn to nature-based spirituality.
While Moura acknowledges her Wiccan background, this book moves beyond traditional Wicca, incorporating folk magic, fairy lore, and ancestral practices. It serves as a bridge between Wiccan witchcraft and older European folk traditions, making it a unique and valuable resource for those who want a more organic, nature-based practice.
Overview of the Book
This book explores the philosophy, techniques, and spiritual aspects of green witchcraft, structured around personal connection with nature, energy work, and magical folk practices.
1. What is Green Witchcraft?
Moura begins by defining green witchcraft as a nature-based magical tradition that:
✅ Honors the Earth as a living, sacred entity
✅ Draws on folk magic, fairy lore, and ancestral wisdom
✅ Works with herbs, natural elements, and spirits of the land
✅ Focuses on intuitive, self-guided spiritual growth
She states:
“Green Witchcraft is the practice of living in harmony with the natural world, embracing magic as a part of everyday life.”
Unlike formal Wiccan traditions, Moura’s green witchcraft is fluid, personal, and free from rigid rules.
2. Spiritual Philosophy and the Goddess Connection
Moura presents a deeply spiritual approach to witchcraft, blending:
- The reverence of nature as divine
- Personal connection with the Goddess and God
- A belief in reincarnation and ancestral guidance
She emphasizes that green witchcraft is about balance, writing:
“Magic flows from our connection to nature, not from ceremonial tools or complex rituals.”
This section is more mystical than academic, appealing to those who want a spiritual, rather than just practical, path to witchcraft.
3. Working with Fairy Lore and Spirits of Nature
A standout feature of this book is its discussion of fairies (the Fae) and nature spirits. Moura explores:
✅ How to respectfully interact with fairies and elementals
✅ The role of spirits in folk magic traditions
✅ Using offerings and altars to build relationships with nature beings
She warns that:
“Fairies are neither good nor evil—they are powerful, ancient beings deserving of respect.”
This section adds a magical and mythical depth that many witchcraft books overlook.
4. Herbal Magic and Folk Healing
Since herbal magic is central to green witchcraft, Moura dedicates a large section to:
- Growing, harvesting, and using herbs in spells
- Making herbal charms, teas, and tinctures
- Using plants for protection, healing, and divination
One of her simple yet effective herbal charms includes:
“Tie a sprig of rosemary and thyme together with red thread and hang it above your door for protection.”
Her emphasis on hands-on herbalism makes this book invaluable for green witches and herbalists alike.
5. Rituals and Spellcraft in Green Witchcraft
Unlike traditional Wiccan books that emphasize structured rituals, Moura’s green witchcraft encourages a more personal and intuitive approach. She covers:
✅ How to craft spells without rigid rules
✅ Simple nature-based rituals for the Sabbats and Moon phases
✅ Using the four elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) in magic
She encourages:
“Create rituals that feel natural to you—magic should flow, not be forced.”
This makes Green Witchcraft perfect for those who prefer a flexible, organic approach to spellwork.
6. Ancestral Magic and the Role of Tradition
A fascinating section of the book explores:
- Honoring ancestors through offerings and spirit work
- The role of past lives and reincarnation in green witchcraft
- Integrating family traditions into personal practice
Moura shares her own ancestral influences, making this section deeply personal and insightful.
7. Ethical Magic and the Witches’ Pyramid
While Moura is influenced by Wiccan ethics, she does not strictly follow the Wiccan Rede. Instead, she promotes a personal moral code based on wisdom, responsibility, and respect for nature.
She discusses:
✅ The Witches’ Pyramid: To Know, To Dare, To Will, To Be Silent
✅ The balance between free will and magical influence
✅ Understanding the consequences of spellwork
She reminds practitioners:
“Magic is a force of nature—respect it, and it will respect you.”
Strengths of the Book
1. A Perfect Blend of Wicca, Folk Magic, and Spirituality
Unlike books that focus exclusively on Wicca or folk magic, Green Witchcraft bridges the gap between both traditions. It provides:
✅ A strong spiritual foundation
✅ A practical, intuitive approach to magic
✅ Deep respect for nature and ancestral wisdom
A reader commented:
“This book feels like a conversation with a wise, old-world witch who understands both tradition and personal spirituality.”
2. Encourages Intuition and Personalization
Moura does not dictate rigid rules—instead, she encourages readers to:
✅ Follow their instincts
✅ Develop personal relationships with plants, spirits, and the divine
✅ Trust their own experiences over external authority
This makes the book ideal for solitary and eclectic practitioners.
3. One of the Best Introductions to Green Witchcraft
For those interested in plant magic, earth spirituality, and folk traditions, this book provides:
✅ Herbal correspondences and uses
✅ Spellcraft based on natural elements
✅ A deep, reverent approach to working with the land
A reviewer noted:
“This book helped me connect with nature in a magical way—I now see the world as alive and filled with energy.”
4. Provides a Refreshing Alternative to Traditional Wicca
While Moura acknowledges Wicca, her version of green witchcraft is far more organic and fluid. She removes:
❌ Overly structured rituals
❌ Hierarchical coven traditions
❌ The need for formal initiation
This makes it perfect for those who feel drawn to Wicca but want a more nature-focused, non-dogmatic path.
Weaknesses of the Book
1. Lacks Historical Context on Green Witchcraft
While Moura provides a great introduction to green witchcraft, she does not deeply explore its historical roots in folk traditions.
A critical reviewer noted:
“I love the spiritual insights, but I wish there was more history on how green witchcraft developed over time.”
2. Not for Those Looking for Structured Rituals
Traditional Wiccans or ceremonial magicians may find the book too loose and intuitive. It lacks:
❌ Step-by-step formal rituals
❌ A structured Book of Shadows approach
One reader remarked:
“If you’re looking for formal ritual structures, this book won’t provide that—it’s more about intuition and natural magic.”
3. Some Concepts May Feel Too Mystical for Practical Witches
Moura’s discussion of fairies, past lives, and ancestral spirits may not resonate with those who prefer a more grounded approach to witchcraft.
A reviewer mentioned:
“I loved the herbalism sections, but the fairy lore felt a little too fantastical for my personal practice.”
Personal Experience and Perspective
When I first read Green Witchcraft, I was seeking a path that blended Wicca with folk magic and herbalism—and this book provided exactly that.
I especially loved:
✅ Her emphasis on intuitive spellcraft
✅ The deep connection to plants, spirits, and nature
✅ Her focus on creating personal, meaningful rituals
While I later expanded my studies with more historical resources, this book remains one of my favorites for its spiritual depth and earthy wisdom.
Conclusion: A Beautiful Guide to Nature-Based Witchcraft
Green Witchcraft is a deeply personal, intuitive, and spiritual approach to witchcraft, perfect for solitary practitioners and nature-focused witches.
Recommended for:
✅ Green witches, hedge witches, and folk practitioners
✅ Solitary witches seeking a spiritual connection to nature
✅ Those who prefer intuition over structured ritual
Not ideal for:
❌ Traditional Wiccans looking for structured rituals
❌ Those seeking a purely practical, non-spiritual book