Nottingham Pagan Book Club Reads Revolutionary Witchcraft: a Guide to Magical Activism by Sarah Lyons

Five Leaves hosts the Nottingham Pagan Book Club, a reading group for those interested in Pagan literature, both modern and classical. The group is open to anyone who would like to discuss books from a pagan perspective, be they long-time pagans or just curious about exploring pagan spirituality.

After a few historically centred books we’re pivoting to a very modern take on paganism and witchcraft. This is a slim little book on how to use modern witchcraft practices for social activism, and to connect and engage with the world we live in today in a conscious and ethical way. It’s written to be friendly to beginners but there’s still a lot in that’s inspiring for long-term pagan folks as well.

I should mention, the author is American, so there are a few pages on US politics in there- feel free to gloss over those bits if you don’t find them relevant to you, the book works just fine without them.

As ever it’s available from Five Leaves Bookshop for 15% off but feel free to get it elsewhere if you’d prefer. To access the discount, email your order to bookshop@fiveleaves.co.uk or pop by the shop.

More about the book from the publisher:
A fiery, intersectional guide for activists and witches alike, Revolutionary Witchcraft is an empowered introduction to the history and practice of politically motivated magic. From the politically charged origins of the word “witch” to the present-day magical resistance, this bold handbook explores the role of witchcraft in our modern world. Author, activist, and practising witch Sarah Lyons takes readers on a journey through a leftist history of magic — from the witch hunts of early modern England, through the Salem Witch Trials, and up to our present moment.

Pairing mystical acts, including sigil magic and soul flight, with core organizing tactics, like power mapping and protests, Revolutionary Witchcraft offers a blueprint for building a politically grounded magical praxis. From social justice to environmental activism, this radical re-imagining of political activism addresses today’s most pressing problems with empowering, inclusive rituals and magical actions. Each chapter introduces a key concept, like dreaming big, experiencing magical initiation, and joining the revolution, supported by a surprising historical case study on the power of mystical action.