BOOK REVIEW - Llewellyn's 2008 Witches' Spell-A-Day Almanac

Llewellyn's 2008 Witches' Spell-A-Day Almanac © 2007 Llewellyn Worldwide
ISBN 0-7387-0559-4 264 pages Paperback $8.99 (U.S.) $9.95 (Canada)

The Witches Spell-A-Day Almanac (published annually since 2003) is, in
reality, my least favorite of the annuals brought out by Llewellyn. That
dislike is based on a personal dislike of the format they have used since
the very beginning. I like the "folksy" spells; the recipes offered; and
the notation of various (sometimes obscure) observances. The monthly
introductions are also enjoyable. The problem is the formatting.

Each page is comprised of two columns, giving four columns per two page
spread. Each column, potentially, contains one day's information plus an
inch or an inch and a half space for notes. So far so good, but that doesn'
t hold true on a consistent basis. Some days take a column and a half (or
more) of space, leading to some days starting in the middle of a column. I
would simply like to see each day start at the top of a column to make it
easier to find a date.

The list of astrological icons and spell icons appear at the end of the
book, along with a short glossary, a list of daily influences, and an
explanation of the lunar phases and the moon's influence in various signs.
I personally feel that the icons should be in the front of the book, but
that is personal preference.

Okay, enough kvetching about the format. Each entry provides the moon phase
and sign, including transition times, as well as a suggested color and
incense. There are also icons to identify spell types. There isn't a huge
amount of astrological data, except for the moon phases and signs, there isn
't any. But this annual is focused on spells, not astrological data.

Even though I am not fond of the formatting, I always enjoy the prospect of
learning something unexpected from this annual. With more than a dozen
writers contributing their unique perspectives, I am never disappointed.