For the novice witch, the New Ager or the merely experimental, Horne (Witch: A Magical Journey) conjures up a charming seven-day guide to creating "an enchanted sense of self." Don't expect bubbling cauldrons and powdered bat wings: directions and inspirations (printed in purple, the color of "wisdom and insight") encourage readers to embrace their inner Wiccan by burning special incense, bathing in particular essential oils, reciting different affirmations and focusing on transforming themselves into "potent and powerful being[s]." In other words, Horne offers tips on a kind of practical magic, which focuses on the self rather than the spell. Her instructions are practical, too: if mace, cedar and nutmeg are hard to come by, burn lavender incense; if chanting "skyclad" (read: naked) doesn't appeal, wear a white flowing robe. This simplicity and pragmatism is especially important in light of Horne's personal theology, which with its elements of Hinduism, Greek mythology, astrology, Native American ritual and Hazelden self-help books is extremely ecumenical. Readers eager to explore the latest developments in self-improvement trends might find helpful mantras within and will likely be delighted by Horne's enthusiasm for her subject. It would take some real magic to convince the skeptics, however; but if anyone can do that, it's this mediagenic author. (Oct.)
