Telesco first describes the folklore surrounding wishing. People have cast wishes in various forms since they first walked the earth. Only the customs have changed over the ages. She then explains that "wishing isn't a cure-all for the bumps and bruises of life." People need to have realistic expectations when they make a wish. She says they "must remain active participants in the process of change." For example, it's okay to wish for a new job, but along with the wishing, you need to prepare your resume and go on job interviews.
Effective wishing also requires setting a goal. If your wish is to be happy, first decide what it is that will make you happy and wish for that. Wishes that are very generalized can still come true, but often in ways completely unanticipated by the person doing the wishing.
Telesco then gets into the details of wishing, including the use of symbols and tokens, picking the best time, asking for divine guidance, using invocations and chants, and follow-up. She includes a section on "artistic wishing" where various forms of artwork are used to strengthen your wish.
The remainder of the book is an extensive listing of "wish symbols and traditions," which includes everything that can be used to help manifest particular wishes. For example, one may hold birdseed in one's hand while concentrating upon a wish, then sprinkle the birdseed clockwise on the ground. "Birds will grab the seed and take your wish to the gods." The listing includes objects, colors, crystals, animals, holidays, plants, and places that may be useful. Telesco also includes a list of the various deities that may be called upon for assistance.
Readers will find that Wishing Well provides all the details they need to "create, cast, and release [their] own wishes into the universe." Sandra I. Smith Reviewer