Brina the witch is a story about a young girl named Brina who discovers she has magical powers. The main idea of the story is that Brina learns to embrace her unique abilities and use them for good. Brina is an ordinary girl living in a small village. One day, she stumbles upon an old book in her attic that reveals her family's secret: they are witches. At first, Brina is confused and scared by this revelation. She had always felt different from other children, but she never imagined that she possessed magical powers.

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, reviewed by a real witch

She had always felt different from other children, but she never imagined that she possessed magical powers. As Brina begins to learn more about her abilities, she is faced with a choice. She can either hide her powers and try to live a normal life, or she can embrace her newfound skills and use them to help others.

Netflix’s latest teen TV series borrows from across the occult world, but how true to life is it, or should it be?

After a tantalisingly long lead-up, Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (CAOS) is finally available to binge. And like the rest of this autumn’s spellbound shows – CW’s Charmed reboot, Sky’s A Discovery of Witches – the producers on CAOS (which boasts a practicing witch, Joshua Conkel, on its staff), have clearly worked to represent today’s generation of magic folk with fidelity.

The cast that orbit season one is pleasingly diverse, with a good mix of queer and gender non-conforming characters and actors of colour in supporting roles; as besties (Lachlan Watson’s Susie Putnam, Jaz Sinclair’s Roz Walker), family members and confidants (Chance Padermo’s Ambrose Spellman) and frenemies (Tati Gabrielle’s Prudence Night). And while our protagonist – Mad Men’s Kiernan Shipka – might replicate the white blonde of her ‘90s predecessor, 2018 ‘Brina is decidedly woke.

Shipka’s heroine is plucky, smart and overtly feminist, a half-witch half-mortal in a Red Riding Hood pea coat, committed to righting the wrongs that take place in small-town Greendale. She’s there for her mortal and magical friends alike, hexing the Baxter High jocks who terrorise her Susie for being gender-non-conforming, and putting an end to the ‘harrowing’ (ghostly hazing) tradition that takes place at the magic academy she attends on weekends, the Academy of Unseen Arts. When Roz clashes with Hawthorne, their spineless school principal, over a ban on radical literature, Sabrina supports her by setting up a women’s support group (aka a coven) dubbed Women’s Intersectional Cultural and Creative Association (WICCA).

But while the mortal world Sabrina inhabits is sweetly familiar, CAOS’s magical community is all but unrecognisable to modern mages. The witches of Greendale – male and female alike – aren’t autonomous, magical beings, but rather subjects of Satan, signing their agency away in return for infernal powers gifted to them during ‘dark baptisms’.

As a central conceit, the whole witches-as-handmaids-to-the-Devil thing is a major bummer on two counts.

Firstly, as any IRL witch worth her salt will tell you, there’s no Devil in the Craft. Our practice is nature-based, polytheistic and matrifocal. We bow to no man, cloven-footed or otherwise, so it’s disappointing to see this fallacy – an old and persistent association that various big-in-the-game witches have worked hard to dispel over the decades – played out in full colour on CAOS. Satanists are also pissed about this – so much so that the Satanic Temple are suing the production for promoting “asinine Satanic Panic fiction” and using the Temple’s copyrighted Baphomet statue design as the Academy’s totem.

Secondly, the witch world that ‘Brina is pressured to cleave to by her uncanny family feels more like Sunday school drudgery than the fireworks and chocolate frogs of Hogwarts: shady, priest-like authority figures such as Richard Coyle’s Father Faustus Blackwood rule; her aunts, Zelda (Miranda Otto) and Hilda (Lucy Davis), place a relentless emphasis on upholding the Spellman family reputation and witch world traditions, rites far removed from real-world ritual (cannibalistic feasts, anyone?), and life at the Academy is mostly miserable thanks to a campaign of supernatural terror meted out by the Weird Sisters, Mean Girls in Kinderwhore lace collars. What’s the point of fantasy like this if the witch world that CAOS offers us up reproduces the same, tired, patriarchal dogma of real life, albeit in Satanist drag?

“I would’ve liked a CAOS where witchcraft offered a balm and compass to the mortal world, an occult community where women used their magic to get shit done, together, instead of policing and sabotaging their sisters”

In 2018, witchcraft is “liberation spirituality”, an intersectional, non-hierarchical space where the divine feminine is centre; in CAOS, witchcraft looks a lot like the puritanical monotheism that gave us things like institutional misogyny and centuries of genocide via witch trial. In fact, Sabrina is in the dock for her supposed transgressions by episode three, prosecuted by her own, pitchfork-wielding witch clan. Fun!

Sabrina chafes against the imperatives of her occult life with gusto, resisting the pressure to pick one world or identity – witch vs mortal – over the other. She fights the Devil himself to maintain her independence, and in this way we root for her, even if (SPOILER ALERT) she ultimately loses come the season finale. But all that dramatic tension is essentially in service to an occasionally amusing but mostly frustrating vision of the Craft. I would’ve liked a CAOS where witchcraft offered a balm and compass to the mortal world, an occult community where women used their magic to get shit done, together, instead of policing and sabotaging their sisters for scraps from the masters table. I would’ve liked a depiction of magic as I know it: self-determined.

That said, witches don’t always want or need to relate completely to our fictional counterparts, or the worlds they inhabit. As the journalist Rebecca Mead has pointed out, the cult of relatability has been a scourge on the arts of late. I don’t mind that witchlings in the CAOSverse have familiars (supernatural personal assistants in animal form), or that they pick these lil helpers out of a Edward Gorey-style Argos-like catalogue (how cool would that be?!). I don’t mind that a good deal of the verbal spells chanted in CAOS are done in Latin when we all know plain ‘ole English works just fine.

I also take no umbrage with the demons and monsters that run rife in Greendale’s haunted, autumnal pastures (we’ve all have our crosses to bear, right?), or the fact that Sabrina’s magic – instant, linear, always verbal – is typically Hollywood compared to the real life stuff (which is subtle, invisible, unquantifiable). Using that latter as a yardstick for the latter is, frankly, folly. I’m 100 per cent here for CGI dazzle. The silver screen is its own kind of magic.

And finally, who could begrudge Greendale’s diabolically thrilling arch villainess, Michelle Gomez’ Ms Wardwell? Witches aren’t a monolith, and while the archetype of us as inherently evil continues to have very real consequences for women, girls and children around the world, there’s immense power and possibility in the on-screen fantasies we project of magical women, from the benevolent to the mad, bad and dangerous to know-kind.

Besides, Sabrina the witch might be a reach from reality, but Sabrina the teen feminist, making her way under capitalist patriarchy, is hella real. Bring on season two.

Mini Magic : A Witchcraft Podcast for Kids Andrea Stein

A witchy podcast for kids hosted by Andrea Stein, author of C is for Coven and Brina: A Pagan Picture Book.

• JUL 28, 2021

19: Celebrating Lughnasadh

A sabbat episode of Mini Magic chatting about the August 1st celebration of Lughnasadh (or Lammas). We going to go over the history and mythology, starting in Ancient Ireland with the god Lugh throwing honorary funeral games in celebration of his mother, and then give some suggestions for things kids can do with family or friends to make their Lughnasadh special.

We finish up with a listener question about Wicca. Remember you can always submit a question to be answered on the podcast by going to anchor.fm/minimagic.

Hosted by Andrea Stein, author of Brina: A Pagan Picture Book, C is for Coven, and Sunday the Sea Witch.

Find us online at moondustpress.com.
On Instagram @moondustpress.
On Facebook at facebook.com/moondustpress.com.

• JUN 30, 2021

18: Questions & Answers

Our very first all Q&A episode. This episode is exactly what it sounds like. You asked, I answer. We go through questions from listeners about a huge range of topics, like--Why don't we ever see boy witches? Are there pets that are considered witchy? Can witches fix things like in Harry Potter? Can humans understand animals? Join us for real life questions from real life kids, answered by a real life witch.

Remember you can always submit a question to be answered on the podcast by going to anchor.fm/minimagic.

Hosted by Andrea Stein, author of Brina: A Pagan Picture Book, C is for Coven, and Sunday the Sea Witch.

Find us online at moondustpress.com.
On Instagram @moondustpress.
On Facebook at facebook.com/moondustpress.com.

• JUN 16, 2021

17: Celebrating Litha

Mini Magic is back after a brief hiatus! On this special sabbat episode, we explore the summer solstice celebration of Litha, also sometimes called Midsummer. We chat about the origins of summer solstice celebrations, dating all the way back to the Stone Age with the construction of Stonehenge. Correspondences for plants, colors, and crystals are all covered before giving practical ideas for how kids can celebrate the solstice this year.

We finish with a listener question: Can witches and fairies be friends?

Hosted by Andrea Stein, author of Brina: A Pagan Picture Book, C is for Coven, and Sunday the Sea Witch.

Find us online at moondustpress.com.
On Instagram @moondustpress.
On Facebook at facebook.com/moondustpress.com.

• MAY 5, 2021

16: Kitchen Witchcraft with Madge

What is a kitchen witch? What do they really do? In this interview episode, Andi talks with Madge LaRue to break down what kitchen magic actually is and ways kids can start practicing it. Then we finish up with a listener question: Why are plants magic?

Hosted by Andrea Stein, author of Brina: A Pagan Picture Book and C is for Coven.

The latest Moon Dust Press book, Sunday The Sea Witch, can be found at SundayTheSeaWitch.com.

Find us online at moondustpress.com.
On Instagram @moondustpress.
On Facebook at facebook.com/moondustpress.com.

• APR 28, 2021

15: Celebrating Beltane

A holiday episode of Mini Magic all about Beltane, the cross quarter fire festival. We go from origins of Beltane in Ireland and Scotland to correspondences like colors, herbs, and crystals. Then we move into modern celebrations of Beltane and suggestions for how kids can mark this day, like making a mini indoor maypole, crowning themselves the May Queen or King, and leaving an offering for the fairies.

We finish with a listener question: What is Luna's favorite Goddess Girls book, and are there flowers associated with certain sabbat days like Ostara?

Listeners are also briefly introduced to the latest Moon Dust Press book, Sunday The Sea Witch. More information and pre-orders can be found at SundayTheSeaWitch.com.

Hosted by Andrea Stein, author of Brina: A Pagan Picture Book and C is for Coven.

Find us online at moondustpress.com.
On Instagram @moondustpress.
On Facebook at facebook.com/moondustpress.com.

• APR 14, 2021

14: Exploring The Zodiac

You've heard that big word before--astrology. But what does it really mean? Can the planets and stars really have an effect on who we are as people?

In episode 14, Andi guides listeners through simplifying the dictionary definition of astrology to make it more kid friendly and then exploring the 12 signs of the Tropical Zodiac. Beginning with Aries and working all the way through to Pisces, we talk about the elements associated with each sign, some of their stronger traits, and areas they might excel. Then we answer a listener question: Are there any magic schools for kids?

Hosted Hosted by Andrea Stein, author of Brina: A Pagan Picture Book and C is for Coven.

Find more info online at moondustpress.com.

On Instagram at instagram.com/moondustpress.

On Facebook at facebook.com/moondustpress.

'CAOS': Here's Who Sabrina Spellman Could End up With in the Finale

Aside from juggling between being the designated "Queen of Hell" and a high school witch living in the mortal world (part-time), Sabrina Spellman (Kiernan Shipka) is just a normal 16-year-old girl who is also navigating the treacherous world of teen love.

If you've binge-watched the Netflix series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, you are aware that the icy blonde Greendale resident has three potential suitors. And, fans (including us) are wondering just who Ms. Spellman will choose to be with in the end. Keep reading to find out more!

After much contemplation, Brina decides to explore her magical abilities. Over time, Brina becomes more confident in her magic. She learns how to cast spells, brew potions, and even communicate with animals. She uses her powers to heal the sick, protect her village from harm, and bring joy to those around her. However, not everyone in the village is accepting of Brina's powers. Some fear her and label her as a "witch." Despite this criticism, Brina remains determined to use her magic for good. She believes that her powers are a gift that can bring positivity and change to the world. Throughout the story, Brina faces several challenges and obstacles. She is tested on numerous occasions, but she never loses faith in her abilities. Brina's determination and resilience serve as a reminder that one should never be afraid to be themselves and embrace their uniqueness. In the end, Brina's bravery and kindness win over the hearts of the villagers. They come to see her as a hero instead of a witch. Brina's story serves as a powerful message about the importance of self-acceptance and using one's talents to make a difference in the world. Overall, Brina the witch is an inspirational tale about a young girl who discovers her magical abilities and learns to use them for good. The main idea of the story is to embrace one's uniqueness and make a positive impact on the world..

Reviews for "Brina's Witchcraft Workshop: Hands-On Lessons in Conjuring and Casting Spells"

1. Sarah - 1 star

This book was an absolute waste of time. The plot was incredibly boring and predictable. It felt like the author was just going through the motions, checking off all the tropes of a typical witch story without injecting any originality or creativity. The characters were flat and one-dimensional, making it extremely difficult to become invested in their story. Overall, "Brina the Witch" was a major disappointment and I cannot recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and imaginative read.

2. Mark - 2 stars

I had high hopes for "Brina the Witch" but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The writing style was clunky and awkward, making it difficult to stay engaged with the story. The pacing was off, with long stretches of tedious descriptions and little action. The protagonist, Brina, was unlikeable and lacked any growth or development throughout the book. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unrealistic. Overall, "Brina the Witch" failed to captivate me and I would not recommend it to others.

3. Jennifer - 2.5 stars

"Brina the Witch" had potential, but it ultimately fell flat for me. The world-building was confusing and inconsistent, with the magical elements poorly explained. The plot had potential, but it seemed rushed and underdeveloped. I also found the romantic subplot to be forced and unnecessary, adding nothing meaningful to the story. I was hoping for a gripping and immersive witch tale, but unfortunately, this book left me feeling unsatisfied and disappointed.

4. David - 2 stars

As a fan of fantasy and witch stories, I was excited to give "Brina the Witch" a try. However, I found it to be a lackluster and forgettable read. The writing style was dull and uninspiring, which made it difficult to become invested in the characters or the plot. The story lacked depth and complexity, resulting in a shallow and predictable narrative. Ultimately, "Brina the Witch" failed to capture my attention or leave a lasting impression, making it a disappointment in my eyes.

The Magic Academy: Brina's Education in the Art of Witchcraft