By Alan U. Dalul
Published September 13, 2026
Main Facts
During a period of enforced hiatus from writing for The Wild Hunt due to ongoing immigration limitations, contributor Alan U. Dalul turned his focus inward, immersing himself in intensive reading, magical practice, and personal introspection. Among the literature that sustained him through this transitional phase is a notable new release from Llewellyn Worldwide: A Witch Is: 13 Keys to Witchcraft by author Raechel Henderson.
Rather than serving as a traditional grimoire filled with spells, rituals, and incantations, Henderson’s work operates fundamentally as a guide to shadow work, internal healing, and self-actualization. Structured around thirteen foundational traits—including kindness, patience, intuition, self-awareness, knowledge, purposefulness, honesty, respect, and curiosity—the book aims to help practitioners forge a personal, highly individualized definition of what it means to practice witchcraft.
Rather than dictating who belongs to the Craft or policing the boundaries of identity, Henderson focuses on cultivating internal values. Each chapter is dedicated to a single core trait, paired with practical exercises, personal anecdotes, and guidance on building essential magical skills, such as creating personalized correspondences, establishing ancestor altars, and vetting external resources.
Chronology
The trajectory leading to the release and evaluation of A Witch Is: 13 Keys to Witchcraft spans several phases of modern magical publishing and personal growth:
- Pre-2026: Author Raechel Henderson accumulates decades of hands-on practice, refining her pedagogical approach to modern witchcraft and collecting hard-won lessons regarding magical ethics, resource management, and self-reliance.
- August 2026: The Wild Hunt columnist Alan U. Dalul addresses his temporary absence from public writing, detailing how he navigated administrative and immigration constraints by leaning heavily into personal magical studies and literary exploration.
- September 13, 2026: Dalul returns to publication pages with an extensive review of Henderson’s work, published via The Wild Hunt’s Arts & Culture / Book Reviews vertical.
- Fall 2026: A Witch Is gains traction within contemporary Pagan and witchcraft circles as readers and reviewers evaluate its unique focus on character-building over rote spellcasting.
Supporting Data
To contextualize the framework of A Witch Is, it is helpful to examine the core components and structural elements featured in Llewellyn Worldwide’s publication:
- The Thirteen Keys: The book is systematically divided into 13 distinct traits or chapters, ensuring that readers can digest complex psychological and magical concepts one value at a time.
- Thematic Focus: The work deliberately avoids becoming a standard spellbook. Instead, its contents center on:
- Shadow work and emotional introspection.
- Developing personalized magical correspondences rather than blindly relying on pre-printed tables.
- Ethical frameworks, including guidance on complex topics such as hexing and magical self-defense.
- Historical adaptation—emphasizing that historical practitioners utilized whatever materials were immediately accessible to survive and practice.
- Audience Accessibility: The text is designed to serve both novice practitioners seeking a solid foundation and seasoned witches looking to refine their inner practices and root out stagnant habits.
- Publication Details: Published by Llewellyn Worldwide, a major publisher in the body, mind, and spirit genre, known for its extensive catalog of contemporary Pagan and esoteric titles.
Official Responses and Perspectives
While trade reviews and literary critiques continue to assess the book’s impact, commentary from both the author and the reviewing critic highlights a unified philosophy regarding autonomy within the global witchcraft community.
Alan U. Dalul notes a vital distinction in how contemporary magical literature approaches community standards:
"While it’s true that, generally speaking, we should stay well away from whoever tries to tell us who is a Witch and who is not, we can and should stay close to those who say ‘if you are a Witch, it would be good to keep this in mind.’ Such is the case of today’s author, Raechel Henderson. She doesn’t aim to exclude anyone from Witchcraft, but she does encourage everyone in the Witch-sphere to cultivate certain values."
Dalul further emphasizes that Henderson acts as a facilitator rather than a gatekeeper, encouraging active participation over passive compliance:
"One of the first things I learned as a Witch is that if you are an active participant in the works you do, instead of just following someone else’s instructions, you will have more success. Experience has proven this to be true. Correspondences exist for a reason, but we also need to remind ourselves that historically Witches didn’t always have everything at hand. Whatever they did have at hand, they made work. They adapted so they could survive."
Llewellyn Worldwide, in promotional materials provided to reviewers, highlights the innovative perspective of the text:
"This innovative book presents a new perspective on witchcraft, one that will help you make richer and more meaningful magic. Sharing thirteen hallmark traits, Raechel Henderson guides you in creating your personal vision of what it means to be a witch."
Implications for the Modern Craft
The release and reception of A Witch Is: 13 Keys to Witchcraft carry several significant implications for the contemporary Pagan, Wiccan, and secular witchcraft communities.
1. A Shift from Consumerism to Internal Autonomy
For decades, the modern magical marketplace has been saturated with "cookbook-style" spellbooks that offer quick fixes and pre-packaged rituals. Books like Henderson’s signal a counter-trend: a growing demand for literature that prioritizes psychological health, critical thinking, and spiritual self-reliance. By focusing on traits like curiosity, self-awareness, and patience, the book challenges practitioners to build their magic from the inside out rather than purchasing external authority.
2. Redefining Magical Authenticity
In an era where social media platforms frequently host debates over lineage, initiation, and digital "gatekeeping," Henderson’s approach offers a refreshing alternative. By defining a witch through character traits rather than dogmatic rules or specific pantheons, the text promotes an inclusive yet rigorous standard of practice. It suggests that authenticity in witchcraft is derived from integrity, resilience, and resourcefulness.
3. The Integration of Shadow Work in Esoteric Education
The mainstream acceptance and popularity of shadow work within modern witchcraft mark a maturation of the subculture. Books that successfully merge therapeutic introspection with magical theory help bridge the gap between mental health awareness and esoteric traditions. Readers are increasingly expected to confront their own biases, emotional blocks, and personal histories as a prerequisite for effective magical operation.
4. Practical Resilience in a Changing World
As Dalul notes from his own experiences navigating immigration hurdles and creative roadblocks, external circumstances can frequently disrupt formal ritual practices. Books that teach adaptability—showing practitioners how to work with what is immediately available rather than lamenting missing ingredients or altars—provide vital tools for maintaining a spiritual life during times of crisis.
The Wild Hunt thanks Llewellyn Worldwide for providing a review copy of A Witch Is: 13 Keys to Witchcraft.
