Staff Pick
This is a gorgeously written memoir about initiations of all kinds. It follows Garcia's moving and personal journey through "the underworld": her sexual trauma, poverty, mental illness, and struggle to find magic and power within patriarchy and other systems of oppression. As a hereditary witch, Garcia's magic was passed down to her, but she teaches us how the real initiations can happen for all of us when we are able to confront and travel through the shadow sides of our lives. Moving and incredibly inspiring, this book is a gift, not only because of the wisdom it imparts, but because of the immense skill with which it is written. I will return to this one again and again, highlighting new sections every time. Recommended By Ariel K., Powells.com
Amanda Yates Garcia’s memoir of fostering power in a hostile world is an intimate look at having to forge one’s own journey, even down a path blazed by countless marginalized ancestors. Initiated sits at the crossroads of personal memoir and Wiccan empowerment guide, elucidating both her personal traumas and how her understanding of the hidden forces of the universe gave her the perspective and strength needed to heal. Recommended By Keith M., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes meets Women Who Run With The Wolves in this "gorgeously written, fierce, political, personal, and deeply inspiring" (Michelle Tea) memoir about finding meaning, beauty, and power through a life in witchcraft.
An initiation signals a beginning: a door opens and you step through. Traditional Wiccan initiates are usually brought into the craft through a ceremony with a High Priestess. But even though Amanda Yates Garcia's mother, a practicing witch herself, initiated her into the earth-centered practice of witchcraft when she was 13 years old, Amanda's real life as a witch only began when she underwent a series of spontaneous initiations of her own.
Descending into the underworlds of poverty, sex work, and misogyny, Initiated describes Amanda's journey to return to her body, harness her power, and create the magical world she longed for through witchcraft. Hailed by crows, seduced by magicians, and haunted by ancestors broken beneath the wheels of patriarchy, Amanda's quest for self-discovery and empowerment is a deep exploration of a modern witch's trials - healing ancient wounds, chafing against cultural expectations, creating intimacy - all while on a mission to re-enchant the world. Peppered with mythology, tales of the goddesses and magical women throughout history, Initiated stands squarely at the intersection of witchcraft and feminism. With generosity and heart, this book speaks to the question: is it possible to live a life of beauty and integrity in a world that feels like it's dying?
Declaring oneself a witch and practicing magic has everything to do with claiming authority and power for oneself, of taking back our planet in the name of Love. Initiated is both memoir and manifesto calling the magical people of the world to take up their wands: stand up, be brave, describe the world they want, then create it like a witch.
Review
"In a world desperately in need of re-enchantment, Initiated provides more than its fair share. It is a battle cry, a blueprint, and most of all, a love letter to the traditions of witchcraft, the benefits of co-creation and interdependence, and our innate ability to manifest our collective power as women and humans."
Leah Dieterich, author of The Vanishing Twins
Review
"Raw, lyrically enchanting, and brimming with feminine power, this is the book of shadows and light our imperiled world desperately needs right now." Michael M. Hughes, author of Magic for the Resistance: Rituals and Spells for Change
Review
"[Initiated] embraces fierce feminine energy that crackles with the transformative excitement of giving birth to one's self, standing in our own power and releasing old narratives that have held us back, individually and culturally. Initiated is a fierce and radical call to action." Nikki Darling, author of Fade Into You
Review
"Garcia has writing chops and a clear devotion to social justice. She's also extremely well-read in the history of myths, witchcraft, and folklore from many parts of the world, and effectively draws connections between all of these stories." Buzzfeed
About the Author
Amanda Yates Garcia is a writer, artist, professional witch, and the Oracle of Los Angeles. Her work has been featured in The Millions, The LA Times, Time Out, LA Weekly, GOOP, Glamour, The London Times, CNN, Salon, as well as a viral appearance on Tucker Carlson Tonight. She has led classes and workshops on magic and witchcraft at UCLA, UC Irvine, MOCA Los Angeles, The Hammer Museum, LACMA, The Getty and many other venues. Co-host of the popular Strange Magic podcast, Initiated is her first book