I’m gonna be honest: I’m having trouble writing my review of “Many Gods, No Masters” by Elliott Stewart.

And while it may not seem like it, that’s a compliment. I’m struggling to write this review because I don’t want it to be all heart-eye emojis and rambling praise… this zine is fantastic and I’ve become a bit of a fangirl for it! I feel absolutely connected to it. “Many Gods, No Masters” is a perzine about the author’s witchcraft practices, shot through with their anarchist beliefs. And so, as an anarcho-witch who loves perzines, yea, I’m smitten. This zine checks all the boxes for me.

“Many Gods, No Masters” is at times deep, delightful, profound, silly, and oh so relatable. Part one covers Elliott’s pagan beliefs, their experiences as a follower of the deities Lugh, Brigid, Manannan Mac Lir, and An Dagda, their optimistic views on nihilism, and the holidays they celebrate. And while my own practices are decidedly agnostic, so much of Elliott’s systems, practices, and rituals resonated with me deeply. Their easygoing voice made reading this zine feel like a chat with an old friend, welcoming me into their stories and circle. Part two explores grief, remembrance, and mourning in a way that is heartfelt without being cloying, touching on their views on the afterlife and reincarnation.

In the introduction, Elliott says that one of their goals “in writing this (zine) is to connect with other folks with similar beliefs” because “knowing folks are out there and I’m not by myself makes it a lot better to tolerate the bullshit days”. And that’s the goal of a good perzine, isn’t it? To feel less alone, to feel seen and held in community. I’m so glad that Elliott shared their zine with me, and I hope any other witchy zinesters out there who read this review pick up “Many Gods, No Masters” and enjoy the connection.