[Today we sit down for five quick questions with witch and author, Nixie Vale. Here she discusses her new book, Witchitorium; the research that went into it; and her future projects.]

Forests Haunted by Holiness: How do you define your personal spiritual practice? Does it have a name or is it more intuitive and eclectic?

Nixie Vale: I would say I’m a Rainbow Witch, as incorporate many different aspects of spirituality in my practice, but at the core is an Animist, who loves colour and has a slight addiction and huge fascination with rainbows. 

FHBH: Your new book Witchitorium: A Glossary of Magic, Witchcraft, and Spirituality is due out from Moon Books in early May 2026. First, congratulations! Second, how did this book come about? Why a glossary of witch-related terms and concepts?

NV: I have some amazing young people in my life who are interested in witchcraft and spirituality and I wanted for them to have a guide to all the terms they may come across. When I was first starting out, the internet was in its infancy, and I live in a small English town, there weren’t any books in the library for me to reference. I had to learn the hard way, the way that was literally trial and error. I also hope that they will pass this book on to their children, or help their own children if they show interest. 

FHBH: What sort of research went into Witchitorium? Big stacks of books? Long hours at the library or online?

NV: It was a mixture of both to be honest. Everything I write always starts with a pen and paper, so I made a list of terms that I thought would be excellent for the book, then I looked in the books I have at home, and then the internet was my last stop. Once the list was compiled, I spent hours turning them into an A to Z list with everything in alphabetical order. This was probably the most time consuming part of the process. While I was putting it all together I did forget to make a note of the books, pages, and sites I used as references. That part took me almost as long as putting it in alphabetical order. 

FHBH: In the process of compiling the glossary, was there any one term that took you particularly by surprise? If so, which word, and why?

NV: This is making me think, because one word that stood out, not because it surprised me, but because I love it. Anthropomorphic. I’ve always loved things that have both human and animal traits. We seem to forget that we are part of nature, not above it, or set apart from it. We are mammals, just like elephants, rabbits, deer, and dogs. 

FHBH: What other projects are you working on?

NV: I am working on a book about colour magic, and another about practicing when you are chronically ill, disabled, a new mum, or simply short on time. It’s going to focus on practicing in a real way when you have to live within a set framework. I am disabled, and have chronic illness too, so this is about helping people to see that you don’t need practice all the time, it’s about living a magical life authentically, while also being realistic with yourself.