How To Be A Wicked Witch: Good Spells, Charms, Potions and Notions for Bad Days

Despite its ominous title, How to Be a Wicked Witch is more like a bad girls' guide to being a good witch. Considering the primary tenet of witchcraft--"Harm no one, including yourself"--there's really not much leeway to be wicked, according to author Patricia Telesco. The trick, then, is not to attack your enemies, notes Telesco (author of Magick Made Easy). Rather, stay well defended and sharp in skills. This way, you can ward off attackers and remain wickedly happy with your dazzling strength and confident attitude. Telesco offers specific suggestions for boosting witch esteem and magical powers, such as "Living well is the best revenge" and "Own a decent broom" (to sweep out the dirt in life and sweep in good luck). She refuses to offer guidelines for enacting revenge or casting evil curses, since black magic will come back to "bite you in the butt." Other tips include casting spells for self-protection, learning fortunetelling skills, and creating magic potions. --Gail Hudson