Waking the Witch

Reflections on Women, Magic, and Power

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Waking the Witch

By: Pam Grossman

Narrated by: Pam Grossman

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About this listen

A whip-smart and illuminating exploration of the world’s fascination with witches from podcast host and practicing witch Pam Grossman (The Witch Wave), who delves deeply into why witches have intrigued us for centuries and why they’re more relevant now than ever.

When you think of a witch, what do you picture? Pointy black hat, maybe a broomstick. But witches in various guises have been with us for millennia. In Waking the Witch, Pam Grossman explores the cultural and historical impact of the world’s most magical icon. From the idea of the femme fatale in league with the devil in early modern Europe and Salem, to the bewitching pop culture archetypes in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Harry Potter; from the spooky ladies in fairy tales and horror films to the rise of feminist covens and contemporary witchcraft as a symbol of resistance, witches reflect the power and potential of women.

In this fascinating read that is part cultural analysis, part memoir, Pam opens up about her own journey on the path to witchcraft, and how her personal embrace of the witch helped her find strength, self-empowerment, and a deeper purpose through feminist spirituality.

A comprehensive meditation on one of the most mysterious and captivating figures of all time, Waking the Witch celebrates witches past, present, and future, and reveals the critical role they have played—and will continue to play—in shaping the world as we know it.

Gender Studies

Magic

Other Religions, Practices & Sacred Texts

Social Sciences

Magic Users

Witchcraft

Inspiring

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Critic reviews

"In her new audiobook, Pam Grossman converts her popular podcast, 'The Witch Wave,' into a guide for listeners to wake the witch inside them. As both writer and narrator, Grossman provides a history of witchcraft as well as a discussion of its connections to modern feminism, politics, and pop culture. Even those who are not interested in the topic will find that Grossman's narration casts a spell that draws them in. Her cheerful voice is friendly and helpful, much like that of a well-spoken professor with great enthusiasm for her course topic."

“Pam Grossman has written a flowing history that I scarfed down like an eclair. She reminds us that witches are not monsters so much as possibilities. The archetypal, swirling symbol of ‘Witch’ is a guide to remind us that we are allowed to act on our desires AND congratulate ourselves for choosing to. I hope this book makes everyone who reads it ask themselves ‘What do I deny myself and why?’ I started this book all in, but when I read the sentence ‘Show me your witches, and I’ll show you your feelings about women,’ I knew I was done for." (singer-songwriter Neko Case)

“Deftly illuminating the past while beckoning us towards the future, Waking the Witch has all the makings of a feminist classic. Wise, relatable and real, Pam Grossman is the witch we need for our times.” (Ami McKay)

“A masterful and moving meditation on female power and persecution, Waking the Witch deftly lifts the veil between fact and fiction, indulging joyfully and critically in the distortions and delectations that have surrounded magical women for millennia. Pam Grossman is a beacon in the world of contemporary witchcraft and neo-paganism, and this comprehensive work grounded in scholarship and cultural criticism is brought to life through intimate stories from her own life and spiritual practice. Waking the Witch is an artful gateway into a history that is both profoundly and painfully relevant today. Whether you’re intrigued by or deeply committed to the who, what, when, where, and why of the witch, this book is for you." (Kristen J. Sollée)

“The wonderful Pam Grossman takes us on a whirlwind tour of witches in history, literature, and the cinematic and visual arts, serving up much food for thought along the way. Her exploration of alchemical artists Leonora Carrington and Remedios Varo is no less than brilliant. But my own favorite parts of Waking the Witch are Pam’s generously-shared descriptions of her own personal journey to magic and power. Recommended!” (Judika Illes)

Most relevant

A totemic book. Waking the Witch is rich in wisdom, erudition and compassion - and boldly visionary. It combines the personal with the general in conveying the myriad manifestations of the witch in history and culture, tracking her shape-shifting transformations in places both recognised and unexpected.

As the book's journey reaches its conclusion, it dawns on your that Grossman has perhaps crafted her most powerful spell of all in its writing: the setting out of a path - one that can be personal, private, public, radically political, and creative in ways ordinary and divine - for the harnessing of female power for the greater good of humankind.

In its thoughtful and nuanced inclusiveness, here we find a truly egalitarian space, transcending hierarchy and gender, in its honouring of womankind - a sisterhood whose magic has been thwarted, warped, denounced and demonized; whose scars may more often be hidden in a fug of shame, but whose seat of power can not be obliterated despite the best attempts of patriarchy.

This spell-binding account speaks to this moment in time and its message is clear: We have always been here, even when we have been silenced and oppressed. Denial, brutality and pain have made us stronger, have honed our wisdom and determination. We walk among you, your mothers, sisters, aunts, nieces, friends, lovers, colleagues. And this is our time to magic-make, trouble-make and rise up in power as never before.

Thank you Pam Grossman for articulating so beautifully and with such lightness - and sureness - of touch the story of the woman's secret heart, her most guarded treasure, and for resurrecting its honoured place in divinity. Solstice blessings to you and yours.