Review: Outside the Charmed Circle by Misha Magdalene

Last year, we decided to record an episode about gender and sexuality in the Pagan community. As a result, our family came to know Misha Magdalene and their work. So, when offered the chance to review their book, Outside The Charmed Circle: Exploring Gender & Sexuality in Magical Practice, how could we resist?

Outside The Charmed Circle: 

Outside the Charmed Circle: Exploring Gender & Sexuality in Magical Practice  is “a guide to negotiating gender identity and sexuality within Pagan and magical religious communities.” In the book, Misha Magdalene offers meaningful definitions, journal prompts, hands-on meditations and magickal workings to guide the reader into a greater understanding of inclusiveness in life and spiritual practice.

This book allows the reader to explore important issues such as self-esteem, body negativity, ability and disability. Chapters include “Consent-Based Magical Praxis”, “Negotiating Consent with Gods”, “Queering Your Praxis”, as well as Misha’s thoughtful commentary on politics, power and community. There are also helpful appendix’s offering lists of recommended reading, podcasts, queer magical groups and events.

Everyone Needs Misha Magdalene’s Book

If you listen to our review of Misha’s book on our podcast, we fairly gush about Outside the Charmed Circle. The book has a well-researched, academic foundation while maintaining an informal tone, making the material accessible to all readers.

Well-written, structured and comprehensive, Ode describes the material as  shadow work for Queer and Transgendered Pagans. However, this book is valuable for people of all genders, sexual identities and magickal/spiritual paths. In fact, we recommend it as required reading for everyone, to better understand relationships and inclusivity within the Pagan community.

3 Pagans and a Cat gives  Outside The Charmed Circle: Exploring Gender & Sexuality in Magical Practice by Misha Magdalene a heart-felt 5 stars.