Devin Hunter’s Crystal Magic for the Modern Witch is quite simply a stinkin’ gorgeous book. Debuting as the New #1 Release in Amazon’s Divination with Crystals category, its 270+ pages are packed with some of the most beautiful full-color images—composed and photographically captured by Hunter himself—of crystals, gemstones, and metals that I’ve seen in a good long while.
I want to linger a bit on the composition of these photographs. There’s an intrinsic rightness, a deeply nuanced balance to them that is a visual testament to the depth and breadth of Hunter’s knowledge of and respect for his subject. His deft use of light, shadow, and textural elements in each scene gives honor to the partnerships he has nurtured with the mineral kingdom. This is a book filled with professional portraits, not just camera-snaps. I am in awe.
If you can tear yourself away from the photos, you’ll discover that Hunter is also a wisdom-bearer when it comes to incorporating minerals in your witchcraft. Each entry includes not only definitions and geographical information about where a particular gemstone is mined, but also elemental, tarot, zodiac, botanical, and planetary correspondences, as well as physical, mental, and spiritual healing usages. Affirmations associated with each crystal are also included in each entry.
There are corresponding sigils, crystal grids, exercises, workings, and spellwork liberally sprinkled throughout the book. A particular aspect of the book that I appreciate is Hunter’s address of “the dark side of crystals and crystal magic”. He writes:
[…] there is no ethical way to mine for minerals, and humans have caused irreparable harm to themselves, the environment, and other species in the search for them. […] So where does that leave ethical people who also want to build a spiritual relationship with the mineral kingdom? […] [W]e need to get involved with the process of mining in whatever way we can and make conscious decisions to support organizations that help end the systemic problems related to mining. (p. 4)
Hunter suggests that those of us who want to learn more about organizations that work toward more ethical mining practices and who want to explore the ways we can be authentic partners to the mineral kingdom can visit his website. Kudos go to book designer Rebecca Zins and cover designer Shira Atakpu, whose elegant design work I’ve noted in other reviews. And while every gemstone on the planet is not included—how could they be?—Hunter has included over 100 of the most commonly seen varieties. Ever the wise teacher, he is quick to reassure readers that there is no one way to perform crystal magic. There is only your way.
I would say this book belongs on every witch’s shelf but, really, it belongs out on the coffee table or next to your reading chair, ready for you to leaf through its luxurious pages at will. Well done, Mr. Hunter. Well done!
You can hear more of The Corner Crone during her Moments For Meditation on KPPR Pure Pagan Radio on TuneIn or on YouTube. Follow her on Facebook and on Instagram.
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