Book Review- A Spell in the Forest: Tongues in Trees by Roselle Angwin

Published June 2021 by Moon Books

Print length: 288 pages

Non Fiction. Witchcraft/Pagan/Druid

A Spell in the Forest is an exploration of the forest, trees and the wisdom to be found there. The pages are filled with the beauty, necessity and power of trees. With an ecological bent and a poet’s insight, the book calls out to readers to love and protect the trees that are so vital to life on our planet.

The book is divided into three parts. The first section examines the forest as a concept and the way that forests have loomed in mythology, history and the human mind. The second section explores thirteen different trees, based on the author’s version of the Celtic Tree Calendar. Each tree is discussed in terms of the author’s personal experience, poetry dedicated to the tree, details of the way the parts of the tree have been used historically, the mythological presence of the tree and its symbolism and spiritual significance. The final section focuses on practical ways that readers can engage with and learn from the trees and the forest, with suggested activities and prompts for the thirteen trees discussed earlier.

 A Spell in the Forest is a beautiful book, focusing on the poetic, the mythic and the magical. The author’s background as a poet is undeniable, and many poems written by her and other people appear throughout the text. Angwin seeks truth through poetry and in doing so she acknowledges that while the work of Robert Graves and the Celtic Tree Calendar may not be historical fact, it doesn’t mean that they can’t be sources of great inspiration and insight. Angwin makes no claim to be an academic and instead presents a book of poetic truth and tree-lead inspiration. The purpose is connection, not facts. Spiritual insight, not historical data.

 A Spell in the Forest is above all else a devotional dedicated to trees and the forest. The passion and inspiration of Angwin shines through the pages. At times, reading the text felt like stepping into a meditative state. Lovers of poetry will find this a wonderful book. Perfect for those of a spiritual and poetic bent, and for those wishing to learn more about the thirteen trees of the Celtic Tree Calendar and the Celtic landscape.

For more information:

Author’s website: https://roselle-angwin.co.uk/

Publisher’s website: https://www.johnhuntpublishing.com/moon-books/our-books/spell-in-forest