Review: Grimoire for the Green Witch: A Complete Book of Shadows by Ann Moura

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Grimoire for the Green Witch: A Complete Book of Shadows by Ann Moura is an extensive, detailed, and well-organized guide to green witchcraft, designed as a comprehensive reference for serious practitioners. Unlike casual introductions to witchcraft, this book functions as a full-fledged grimoire, containing rituals, spells, correspondences, Sabbat celebrations, divination methods, and magical theory.

Moura, who has a background in Wicca and folk magic, presents a highly structured yet flexible approach to green witchcraft, making it an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced witches. While the book is rooted in Wiccan traditions, it also incorporates folk magic, herbalism, and spirit work, making it one of the most complete green witchcraft books available.


Overview of the Book

This book serves as a formal Book of Shadows, covering the foundations, rituals, and magical workings of green witchcraft. Unlike Moura’s earlier book, Green Witchcraft: Folk Magic, Fairy Lore & Herb Craft, which was more philosophical and intuitive, this book is highly structured, practical, and reference-focused.

1. The Foundations of Green Witchcraft

Moura begins by defining the core beliefs and practices of green witchcraft, emphasizing that:

  • Green witchcraft is deeply connected to nature, spirits, and the elements
  • Magic is a practical tool for self-growth and spiritual balance
  • Honoring ancestors and nature spirits is a key part of the practice

She describes green witchcraft as:
“A practice that blends Wiccan structure with folk traditions, allowing witches to work with nature rather than against it.”

Unlike traditional Wicca, green witchcraft places less emphasis on strict ritual structure and more on personal intuition and energy work.

2. Creating a Sacred Space and Altar Work

Moura provides a step-by-step guide to setting up a sacred space, covering:
✅ How to consecrate and charge magical tools
✅ The use of herbs, crystals, and natural elements in ritual work
✅ How to create a personal altar for daily devotion and seasonal magic

One of her key teachings is:
“Your altar is a reflection of your inner world—treat it with reverence and let it evolve as you grow.”

This practical yet spiritual approach makes the book perfect for those who want a structured practice without unnecessary complexity.

3. Rituals, Sabbats, and Esbats

A major section of the book is devoted to Wiccan Sabbats, lunar rituals, and seasonal celebrations, including:
Step-by-step rituals for all eight Sabbats (Yule, Ostara, Beltane, etc.)
How to perform Esbat rituals under different moon phases
Ways to personalize seasonal celebrations for solitary practice

Her rituals are detailed yet adaptable, making them suitable for both solitary and group practitioners.

For example, her simple yet meaningful Samhain ritual involves:
“Lighting a black candle, offering cider or wine to ancestors, and meditating on messages from the spirit world.”

Unlike more rigid Wiccan books, Moura encourages flexibility, allowing practitioners to modify rituals based on personal intuition and available resources.

4. Spells, Magic, and Energy Work

This section is one of the most valuable parts of the book, featuring:
Protection, healing, prosperity, and love spells
How to craft sigils, charms, and magical sachets
Techniques for raising and directing energy

One of the standout spells is a home protection charm, which involves:
“Hanging a bundle of rosemary, sage, and lavender above the front door while chanting a protective blessing.”

Her spellwork is practical, easy to follow, and deeply rooted in natural magic, making it ideal for green witches who prefer herbal and earth-based methods.

5. Herbal Magic and Correspondences

Moura includes a detailed section on herbal magic, featuring:
Correspondences for over 100 herbs, flowers, and trees
How to use herbs in teas, baths, incense, and spellwork
Creating herbal talismans and healing mixtures

She emphasizes:
“Every plant has a spirit and a purpose—working with herbs is about forming a relationship with the natural world.”

Unlike some books that offer only surface-level herbal magic, this section is rich in detail, making it a fantastic resource for those serious about green witchcraft.

6. Divination, Spirit Work, and Astral Travel

Moura also explores mystical practices beyond spellwork, including:
Tarot reading, runes, and pendulum divination
How to connect with spirit guides and ancestors
Techniques for astral projection and dream magic

She advises:
“Divination is a way of listening to the universe—trust your intuition and let the symbols speak to you.”

These sections add depth to the book, making it more than just a spellbook—it’s a guide to developing psychic and spiritual awareness.


Strengths of the Book

1. One of the Most Comprehensive Green Witchcraft Books

Unlike books that only cover basic spells or philosophy, Grimoire for the Green Witch:
Provides structured rituals and spellwork
Includes extensive herbal correspondences
Covers divination, spirit work, and magical theory

A reader commented:
“This book is like having a personal Book of Shadows handed down from a wise witch—it has everything you need to develop a strong practice.”

2. Perfect Balance Between Structure and Flexibility

Moura’s approach is organized and structured, making it great for those who want guidance, but she also encourages personal intuition, which appeals to eclectic witches.

She reminds readers:
“Use this grimoire as a foundation, but always trust your instincts in magical work.”

3. Deep Focus on Herbal and Earth-Based Magic

For green witches, this book is an absolute treasure, as it:
Teaches how to work with plants and nature spirits
Explains the magical properties of herbs in detail
Emphasizes the role of nature in spiritual practice

A reviewer noted:
“If you want a structured green witchcraft path, this is the best book available—it’s both magical and practical.”


Weaknesses of the Book

1. More Wiccan Than Purely Green Witchcraft

While Moura calls this a green witchcraft book, it contains a strong Wiccan influence, including:
Goddess and God worship
Formal Sabbat rituals and Esbat rites
Traditional Wiccan magical ethics

A reader mentioned:
“I expected a book on folk magic and hedge witchcraft, but it leans more toward Wiccan structure than traditional green witchcraft.”

2. Some Sections Feel Overly Formal

For witches who prefer freeform magic, some of Moura’s ritual structures may feel too formal.
Highly detailed rituals with scripted invocations
A strong emphasis on altar setup and ceremonial magic

A reviewer wrote:
“I love the book, but some of the rituals feel too structured for my personal practice—I prefer a more intuitive approach.”

3. Lacks Personal Storytelling or Folk Tradition Origins

Unlike Green Witchcraft: Folk Magic, Fairy Lore & Herb Craft, which included personal experiences and folk traditions, this book is more of a reference manual.

One reader noted:
“I wish she included more personal insights or historical background rather than just lists of spells and correspondences.”


Personal Experience and Perspective

When I first picked up Grimoire for the Green Witch, I was looking for a structured guide to green witchcraft, and this book delivered exactly that.

What I loved most:
The depth of herbal correspondences
The balance of Wiccan structure with folk magic elements
The detailed spells, rituals, and divination techniques

However, I found myself skipping some of the more rigid ceremonial rituals in favor of more intuitive, nature-based practices.


Conclusion: A Must-Have for Green Witches Seeking Structure

Grimoire for the Green Witch is one of the most complete books on structured green witchcraft, perfect for those who want a detailed, all-in-one reference.

Witches who want a structured Book of Shadows
Green witches interested in herbalism and folk magic
Wiccans looking for a nature-based grimoire

Not ideal for:

Those seeking a purely intuitive, unstructured practice
Traditional hedge witches or folk magic practitioners

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