The Old Black Cat: A Witch’s Pocket Guide to Superstitious Magic by Roger J. Horne
The Old Black Cat: A Witch’s Pocket Guide to Superstitious Magic by Roger J. Horne is a wonderful little pocketbook—small in stature but rich in content. It is a true gem - a handy companion to slip into your bag or your pocket when you are out and about, and makes a wonderful addition to any practitioner’s bookshelf. I believe those amongst us who practice marginalia will certainly have their pencils at the ready.
The book covers superstitions and charms through the ages - spanning over 400 British and American superstitions. From love and relationships to plants and spirits to the human body and so much more – it really is an expansive and well-researched piece of work. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just a curious reader – you will lose yourself and expand your understanding of the tales behind certain rituals and stories that we have all heard about.
The book is beautifully set out and aesthetically speaking, the font and illustrations compliment the writing. Horne’s approach to writing this book, like his other work, is accessible, informative and has a deep authenticity that is hard to find in a world full of magical books, blogs and Instagram accounts. It is a guidebook, a storybook, a spell book and an index to the wonderful world of superstitious magic.
Reading through the chapters is an enjoyable way to uncover many old superstitions. Some will be new to the reader, while others may still feel familiar today, from black cats and lucky rabbit’s feet to broken mirrors and spilled salt. Others may seem downright ridiculous and rather funny but ultimately, they are offering a glimpse into the past through the eyes of our ancestors. This connection to their beliefs feels central to the book, showing how the modern world still carries these stories within it—even when we do not realise it. they continue to live on, whether we are folk witches, practitioners, or simply curious readers.
It is an interesting journey through time that bridges the old and new.
Roger J. Horne is an author, folk witch, and modern animist. His work is inspired by his ancestral currents of Scottish cunning craft and Appalachian herb-doctoring. He is the author of The Charmer’s Root, A Broom at Midnight, Folk Witchcraft, and other books. He is also the artist behind two card decks: The Age of Witchery Tarot and The Age of Witchery Playing Cards.
