Book Description
Takes us beyond many of the currently popularized ideas and images related to the nature of Wiccan beliefs and practices. It guides us past the surface into a deeper understanding of the lifestyle, mind set, and religious dedication to spiritual growth that lie at the heart of this life-transforming practice. Reed tells us about life in a coven, training, rituals, initiations, finding a teacher, and spell-casting. Introduction. Reading list. Index. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

Wicca 101, Again
The Heart of Wicca: Wise Words from a Crone on the Path is an admonition to Wiccans to take Wicca seriously. More precisely, it defines "serious" Wicca as the traditions, rituals, and beliefs made up by a coven (as opposed to solitary practitioners), which is then forced upon any who wish to join the coven.The greatest part of this book is spent building and reiterating this theme, with a few chapters in the back devoted to a cursory discussion of rituals,Sabbats,gods/goddesses, etc.With so many excellent beginning Wicca books on the market, new practitioners should not waste their money on The Heart of Wicca. Those of us who have been around longer will not pick up new insights here, and will have long since made up our minds as to what constitutes serious Wiccan practice.

Excellent!!!

This is a very interesting book. I fully recommend it to anyone looking for "mystical" answers. You may not agree with everything -- and that's OK. But take whatever you get from this book and simply make it yours. Try it. It works.

Also recommended: "What Did Jesus Really Say, How Christianity Went Astray: [What To Say To A Born Again Christian Fundamentalist, But Never Had The Information]" by Peter Cayce

A WONDERFUL book
This is one of my favourite books on Wicca.It is not just old hat rehashed with a bit of pepper, this goes far further and deeper.

If you are new to Wicca, you may find some of the ideas difficult, but suplement your reading with Circle of Fire (rankine) and Triumph of the Moon (Hutton) and you are likely to have all the material you need to fully understand the exoteric aspects of Wicca.Then it is down to you to get "in there" and start practicing.

Truly the Heart of the Craft
The pagan communities of the world have had a long-standing division as to what 'The Craft' is all about.Wicca has been a sore point for many people, both those who are just getting started in the Craft, and those who have been in it for decades.

The Heart of Wicca is an excellent book which addresses that very subject.It opens our eyes to the purpose of both mystery and tradition in our teachings, through the eyes of the well known and well-respected high priestess and witch, Ellen Cannon Reed.

This book lays out in sensible language the reason why witchcraft is a mystery tradition, and not a religion, new or old.It explains the basis of the various symbols and methods of most common Wiccan traditions, and opens the wisdom of the Craft to both experienced priests and priestesses, and the newer generation of witches who want to know 'what it's all about.'

I highly recommend it to any and all who are learning the ways of the Craft.Reed has covered all the bases, and her 'no nonsense' perspective strips away a lot of the silliness that is the curse of modern Wicca.

Enjoy!

On the war path is more like it.....
Reading this book is like attending a Wicca boot camp run by an angry author (who grits her teeth often) who at times is quite condescending and elitist.Anyone who is searching for their own path of spirituality that does not include rigid teachings and rules should avoid this book and read some of the more welcoming books on Wicca practices.Ellen Cannon Reed obviously knows her stuff and provides some interesting facts, but I found myself turned off by her rantings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Wicca Craft: The Modern Witches Book of Herbs, Magick and Dreams (Library of the Mystic Arts)
My friend loved this gift for Yule.

Great for the beginner!
I love this book even though I am a magician and witch for many years I still enjoy this one. I brought a copy of this one many years ago and it was a great benefit to me. She has a great Hecate incense recipe that i still love to make also she has a Hecate ritual. I became really interested in Hecate since I read this book. I would reccomend this book to anyone who is interested in Wicca and Witchcraft.

I loved the way this book got me started in the basics
Very recommended for a beginner. Although I do agree it lacks some, it doesn't get too specific, and round and about it just does basics. It tells you of herbs, but not really how they are used. It tells you of a few spells and such, but again, never gets too specific. But when I was starting out, it helped me alot. And I would always go back when getting started for reference. I would definately recommend it as a good start to Wicca, and starting of a Witch's library!

Another great one by Ms. Dunwich.
This is the second Gerina Dunwich book I have read.My first was The Wicca Spellbook, and it was the book that started me on this path.This book contains a lot of great information as well as some spells and rituals.
Very nice.

Blessed Be!

An Excellent Book
I bought this book some time ago, and it has been read often enough that it is beginning to spilt at the spine.As with any of Ms. Dunwich's books, I never tire of re-reading it.It is concise, practical, and to the point.Some of the information here may be found in other books by this author, but it is information that does bear repeating.Ms. Dunwich books in general are excellent reference tools.Her approach to the craft is educated yet original, and not filled out with "fluff and fairy-dust" like so many other popular titles.The information she gives is accurate, and above all _useful_. The recipes are delicious, easy, and adaptable for those of us who like to improvise on a given theme.A variation of her handfasting cake was a big hit at my handfasting, and her esbat cake has starred at family sabbats as well as my son's birthday parties.Incidentally, I have successfully baked several of her various cake recipes using whole-grain flours and honey and place of sugar (this makes an especially moist esbat cake); if you try this keep in mind to use whole wheat _pastry_ flour instead of bread or all-purpose flour, and watch anything baked with honey carefully, or it will burn.Another useful feature of this and many of her other books are the spaces left at the end of recipes and some chapters, which provide ample room for notes and personal variations of given spells or recipes.

This book is a tool best used by the experienced Witch already familiar with the basics, or a beginner in training with or apprenticed to a more experienced preactitioner of the Craft.Beginners without access to teachers may find this book most helpful as a supplement to an online or correspondence course, or to supply valuable "creative homework" studies and examples lacking in the more simple "how-to" Wicca textbooks.There is much information here that is often neglected in the "how-to" textbooks.

I have often heard it mentioned that Ms. Dunwich's books leave out valuable information on the specifics of the craft.I say that this book, along with _Candlelight Spells_, is a valuable tool to the teacher and student in part _because_ it doesn't tell one _everything_.This books is an overview of the Craft, it is not, nor does it claim to be, a complete course on Everything You Need To Know To Be A Witch.First off, no one book should claim to tell one _everything_ one needs to know about the Craft, because of the many varied approaches to the Craft, and because much of Wicca's deeper mysteries simply can't be taught in books.It is a wonderful learning exercise to examine the spells, rituals, and other information in this book in order to understand what she is doing and why.She leaves it up to the reader to interpret the spells and rituals in their own way, and to make responsible decisions for themselves regarding ethics, tradition, and technique, rather than approaching the Craft in a rigid, "cookbook", "do this, don't do that" fashion.In short, unlike many authors out there, she assumes her reader has a brain and knows how to use it.Because of this approach I do not hesitate to recommend it as a supplemental text to workshop leaders, Wicca 101 or 201 teachers, or Witches with apprentices.And even if you don't intend to teach, you _will_ get a lot of use out of this book and learn from it.This is a book that I sometimes use every day. ... Read more

Amazon.com
This 1986 classic is not only an excellent introduction to the Wiccan religion and earth-based religions in general, it's also a workbook that can take the serious student to the equivalent level of third-degree Gardnerian. Though Raymond Buckland was a student of the late great Gerald Gardner, this manual does not adhere to a specific branch or denomination of witchcraft, but rather seeks to teach the elements and philosophies common to all, whether Celtic, Saxon, Finnish, or what have you. Buckland is credited with bringing the "old religion" to the U.S., and covens and solitary witches practicing the craft in the U.S. today have him to thank for getting it out of the closet. While Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft is a must-have for any serious Wiccan practitioner, it is full of down-to-earth spiritual wisdom, which makes it a wonderful addition to the library of any broadminded seeker on the path toward the One. --P. Randall CohanBook Description
Here is the most complete self-study course in modern Wicca available, written by the person who first went public with "The Old Religion" in the United States. For group or solitary use, it includes rituals; exercises for developing psychic talents; information on all major "sects" of the Craft; sections on tools, beliefs, dreams, meditations, divination, herbal lore, healing, ritual clothing; and much, much more.

Even those who have practiced Wicca for years find useful information in Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, and many covens are using it as their textbook. Profusely illustrated and full of music and chants. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (304)

OK
Though Buckland did give a plethora of useful information is Obsession o himself and his own accomplishments distracted from the book as it became more about vanity of his own doings rather than a Craft instruction

Good Beginner Book.. Explains alot
Okay I have to admit this book does read like a shop manual. BUT, it is very informative and is a good book to start out with. Raymond Buckland makes a good point by addressing things in the order they needed to be addressed. I really appreciated how in depth his explanations are. I like the way he seems to address the questions running through your head before you even get a chance to vocalize them. Definately a must.. and I see why this book stays around.

Great Starter
This book is filled with all the info you need to start practicing Wicca.
Although you can now find this same info in many books.

Loads of Information
This was the first book I read when I began on my path 12 years ago. I only had enough money to buy one book on the subject, so I did some comparison with other titles before settling on this book.What sold me on it is the wealth of information inside.Not a ton of detail on each thing, but enough information on just about anything you could think of to get me started.

There's history, rituals, information on herbs, candles, altars, runes, palm reading, divination, etc.I was really impressed with the book at the time, because I often had questions about certain things and was always able to use this book as reference to find the answer I needed.I personally skipped the quizzes, as I remember them being a bit difficult and maybe not that useful.I also don't remember minding him quoting himself, or feeling that the book was sexist, or anything like that.I can't say anything about it turned me off to the book.

I still have this book on my shelf, the copy I bought 12 years ago. I like having it there, knowing that if I have any questions, I'm likely to find the answer there. I also plan to reread it in the near future.

All in all, I found this book to be a great source of a wide variety of information and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone, beginner or not. In fact, I probably would recommend it as a first book to someone seeking to learn more about Wicca.There's just so much stuff in there to get you started, then when you have more questions or progress to a more experienced level, you can seek out more detailed books on the aspects that appeal to you.

A Must...
Excellent book for the seeker. Lots of great information. I can't see myself without it! ... Read more

Book Description
Wicca is a modern interpretation of pre-Christian European religious tradition. It offers a spiritual path for independent thinkers who wish to take responsibility for all they do, or don't do, in their lives. This requires shunning habit and routine in order to live one's life fully. Focusing on earth, nature, and fertility, the religion embraces the values of learning, sexual equality, and divination. While most books on Wicca address either the solitary practitioner or those in covens, Essential Wicca covers all the bases — core beliefs and practices, basic and group rituals, festivals and gatherings, holy days, and rites of passage. A glossary with more than 200 entries and over 100 illustrations extends the meaning of the text. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A must-have for any Wiccan
I just began studying in solitaire (after being in a group) and about to start my coven with my initiation sisters. This book is excellent for beginners and excellent for people who already have a degree of knowledge of Wicca. It explains so many things in an easy and comprehensive matter. Almost half of the book is a fantastic and descriptive glossary. Kudos to the authors!!!

A Mexican Wiccan :)

great for the beginer!
This book is a verry well and verry informative book. I am just starting to go in the direction of Wicca even though i have been away from Christianity for so long, and this book is verry good for the young beginer like myself. It gives you a-lot of insite into the matter of alternate regigions. I am verry certain that Wicca is the way i will go.

also this was the first book in my library of "odd books" as my friends say, that i have on the subject, i have gotten a bunch more since then[about 10-20 books]

Amazing!
If you are planning on becomming either a solitary or a coven-bread wiccan, I can't stress this to you enough - PURCHASE THIS BOOK! Its the most comprehensive I have seen as of late, I wouldn't be where I am if it wasn't for this single purchase.

It begins with explaining what wicca is and isn't, then moves on to the studies of wicca - and even includes a large glassary on the end of the book!

Utterly comprehensive, indeed ESSENTIAL
I am not Wiccan, though I am sympathetic and exceedingly interested in this fast-growing religion.As such, I wanted a book that would be informative, easy to absorb and broad.This book was actually recommended to me by a high priest in my area, and it did not disappoint.I learned everything I needed to know, which is not to say that I've learned it all...but I think I have the broad strokes.Were I ever to aspire to be a solo-practitioner, this book would no doubt guide me quite adeptly.

Highly recommended.I have been told that the late Paul Tuitean and his wife were (and are) extremely well-loved and highly respected in the Wiccan/pagan community.From what I've gleaned and what I've learned, this book is accurate, fair, and a reference you can trust.

Peace.

one of the best.
I am not Wiccan. I am a Shaman; but Wicca was one of the many faiths I explored.

I have several positive, negative, and neutral things to say about this book, so I will seperate them into three lists.

Here are some of the things I like about this book. I am limited to 1000 words. ;-)

1. The altar layout illustration on page 64 is nice and complete. (You should not allow this to cause you undue concern. Start where you are; even if you have nothing more than a birthday candle, matches, and use your finger to cast a circle. You can always add tools as you find them, or feel the need to add them.)

2. This is one of the very few books to correctly identify the invoking, and banishing pentagrams. (I can count the number of books that got something this simple correct on one hand. Banishing prntagrams are always drawn widdershins (counter clockwise).)

3. I HIGHLY praise this book for teaching the shielding exercize on page 77. (I wish more authors would teach simple shielding techniques to assist against psychic attacks.)

4. I praise the authors for discussing the belief factor on page 82. (It is impossible to have faith in something you do not believe.)

5. I HIGHLY praise the authors for discussing the perils in some forms of divination as in Ouija boards, spirit tapping, etc. (If you are interested in divination; I would HIGHLY recommend that you set up a shield (as described on page 77) before practicing divination to protect you from evil and negativity in the area.)

Here are the problems I have with the book.

1. The book is heavy and cumbersome. (I would have preferred for the book to be in a smaller format with more pages. The wide pages put a lot of stress on the wrist when trying to hold the book.)

2. On page 108; the authors claim that Wicca is a nature worshiping religion. (Uh... ahem... er... ;-) I don't think so. I have never heard of or saw a Wiccan worshiping a tree or a stream. They always cast a circle and invoke Deity.)

3. On page 74; the authors discuss white and black magick. (In my opinion; magick is simply magick. the white or black connotation only comes in depending on the magickians intent.)

Here are some of the things I am neutral about, and I hope you will consider.

1. On Page 75; the authors discuss a visualization of roots growing from the base of the spine into the ground. (I would recommend you switch the visualization of roots from the feet growing into the earth (because your feet are already on the ground).)

2. On page 80; the authors talk of cleansing the athame with salt water. (Salt is corrosive and could lead to the blade of the athame rusting. I would suggest that you channel your energy into the athame to bless it and raise it's level of vibration, or smudge it by passing it through the smoke of a purifying incense as in Copal, Frankinsence, or Sage.)

3. On page 116; and others; the authors refer to the energy used as chi. (Ch'i is only one of the dozens of names this universal lifeforce energy has been called over the past 5,000+ years. Here are some of the more common names (Akasha, ch'i, Itaki, Ki, Mana, Manitou, Nuwati, Orenda, Orgone, Prana, Qi Ruach, and many others.))

E-Mail me if you have questions or comments; Two Bears.

Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit) ... Read more

Book Description
A complete and entertaining guide to the Wiccan religion, witch folklore, and real magick!

The Everything® Wicca and Witchcraft Book uncovers the fascinating history of Witchcraft and shows you why the Wiccan religion has grown in popularity. The book cuts through common misconceptions, myths, and stereotypes, and guides you to a greater understanding of the real-life rituals, practices, and symbols that define these ancient practices. You'll find out things like: What's the difference between a good Witch and a bad Witch? What is magick? And do spells really work?

Author Marian Singer, a Witch and longtime practitioner of folk magick, presents the history in a fun, educational way. Learn how knots are used to release magickal energy, why Witches value the kitchen and cauldron, and what is used in magickal potions and portents. This comprehensive book introduces you to a wealth of engaging historical and cultural information and even provides some magick instructions for you to try along the way.

Discover:

-Blessings, prayers, and meditations

-Coven rules and practices

-Divination methods and tools

-Kitchen witchery and hearth magick

-Rituals and gatherings

-The Witch's Kit: athames, amulets, brooms, and cauldrons ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

New in Wicca(n)
I am new at Wicca(n)1 week to be exact and a lifetime (over 35+ yrs)of being a Roman Catholic.I have been overwhelmed in what to read first.The title and the reviews here helped me decide to have this as one of the first books to start with.I found it to have a good foundation; however it brought on a lot more questions.I guess that would be a good thing. Still not sure where to start or what is most important- start an altar, deciding on which devination, choose a god or goddess to start studying, do rituals on everything I buy. I bought other books at the same time(Cunningham crystals,oils and herb books as well as solitary books) and hopefully they will help answer some of my questions

I did find out that I am more Fire my color is orange; My b-day is on Lughnasadh Aug 1. I understand more about my personality then ever before; and why I do certain things and why I prefer the mountains and outdoors over the beach or gardening.

The book gave me the ground work to start with and now I have to research a little deeper for a better understanding.So I am going to look for books on getting specific for certain areas that I have read that I have questions on. As a newbe I feel this book gives you a GREAT basic understanding it's not to overwhelimng (besides his use of uncommon words need a dictionary near you), it entises you to research more information if your still intrested in wicca(n)

Great for beginners!
I found this book to be a very helpful general overview of everything that I still need to learn.It was especially helpful in the area of meditation.It actually gives you some great ideas to try if you are having trouble relaxing and staying focused.There is also a great section in the back of the book that refers you to other books and to web sites where information can be found and supplies can be bought.Oh...one more thing...it has a great section on herbs and rocks and what they can be used for.I would recommend this book to anyone that is just beginning their spiritual journey.

A Book for Beginning, Not-Necessarily-Wiccan Witch
This is a great overview for the beginner.It describes the philosophy and idealogy, history, and folklore in the first few chapters, then moves on to practical instruction.I found the section on kitchen witchery particularly interesting.It does go into casting circles, ritual construct, and eventually deities, but is mostly a book of "low" (as opposed to "high", or rituallistic) folk magic.Despite the title, I did not find it to be particulary biased toward Wiccan magic, thus making it great for the beginner looking for a generic or secular approach.
No section is terribly in depth, but it will expose you to a variety of magickal pursuits, leave you excited about continuing, and give you an idea what you wish to study more about.

Great for beginners.
This book is great for those of us who are just starting out and want a basic understanding of Wicca and everything that goes with it. It lightly touches on a lot of subjects and gives answers to questions that I didn't even think to ask. If you are just starting out you might find you really like this book. I know I did.

So-So
Well I didn't actually read this book cover to cover because it's really a basics book and I already know everything that's in it. I still wanted to review it though.

What makes me wary of this book, is that the first thing it says is "Witches do not eat babies, and they're not Satanists." I read a book to learn about the subject, not learn what it is not about. While I have no problem with a section on misconceptions, I don't believe it should be the very first paragraph.

This is a book for a Jack of All Trades. It covers a lot of subjects but doesn't actually have a lot on each subject. Some subjects covered include: History of Magick, Wicca and Witchcraft, Folklore, Tools, Symbolism, Sacred Space, Meditation, Prayer, Dreams, Hexcraft, Ritual, Divination, Elements, Kitchen Witchery, the role of color, shape etc... in Magick, Minerals, Plants, Animals, Astrology, Numerology, Divinities, Sacred Places, Healing and Coven Craft all within 290 pages.

Some topics are only covered in a paragraph. Good points I found were that is seems to have correct information. The author explains the difference between Wicca and Witchcraft and doesn't rave about 9 million witches being killed during the Burning Times. The short Folklore and Superstitions chapter was interesting.

There are a few sample spells but they are really simple and made to show you how to make your own. There were a few parts I read word for word because they interested me but other than that. I would be wary of a book that tries to incorporate Everything into one book. There is a glossary at the back of the book as well.

I enjoyed the meditation section. Many books that describe how to meditate, are really confusing. While the section is small, it's easy to understand. It also teaches you how to adapt spells to fit your life and needs. It does give a brief section on how to make your own spells too. It does cover a few things that most other basics books don't, but like I've said all along, each section is brief. ... Read more

Book Description
2004 COVR AWARD 2ND RUNNER-UP!

The Circle Within is your guide to creating a personal spiritual practice for daily life. The first section is athoughtful examination of Wiccan ethics and philosophy that explores how to truly live Wicca. The second section includes devotional prayers and rituals that provide inspiration for group or solitary practice.

Topics include: cultivating an ongoing personal relationship with deity, ethics and standards of behavior, concepts of sacred space, elements of a daily practice, tuning into the Wheel of the Year and the elements, and creating meaningful personal rituals.

Move beyond the basics of Wicca and enter the sacred space of the circle within. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (37)

A must have for any pagan library.
Packed with tons of history and lore this book will give you a wider view of the pagan religious aspects. A must have for anyone who wants to get more detail on the religious side of Wicca or witchcraft. This book explains the spiritual background and lets you discover within yourself your own religion and personal prayers and rituals.

awesome book....
Finally, not a wicca 101 book but a beautifully written book on your personal spirituality of wicca.It fills in the gaps where other books did not!

Can't believe I went so long without it...
This book is truly a blessing from the Goddess. I was wondering why I still wasn't feeling "complete" with my practice - like something was missing. For a while, this little voice in my head was telling me to get the book, and I kept saying,"No, not yet, not yet."
Finally, I listened and am so glad that I did.

I read this book within a matter of hours, and now it has a prominent spot in my Witchie bookshelf. It helped me realize a few things that I didn't pay attention to before, and I think, helped me to reconnect to what drew me to Wicca in the first place.

Please - if you were feeling like I did, get this book. Also, make sure to pick up her other book, THE BODY SACRED. I'm looking forward to more of Ms Sylvan's titles in the future.

This is a MUST HAVE / Has heart and soul
I love this book. I literally have worn it to death. I'm sick of all the Wiccan books anymore. All they do is focus on spells, magick, candles, the tools, and on and on when their really is more to Wicca. This a nice change of pace. It talks about how to live Wiccan everyday. How to live comapssionately and with grace. It's a very informative book. And she is lighthearted about everything. She doen't try to cram it down your throat and she is knowledgeable about what she's writing. I would recommend this book especially if your sick of the mainstream Wiccan books and would like something with more heart and soul.

Humourously profound
This is not a beginner's book to Witchcraft, or is it a book of spells. This is much more for those past the 101 stage who want to ponder new ideas, have their thoughts provoked or look at things from perhaps a different angle.

The first section of this book is really stunning and truly gets you thinking about what this spiritual tradition means to you. Chapter 3 "Living the path" was utterly profound for me. It encouraged me to reflect on what ethics I believe in, seeing as they play an immense part in how I feel, who I am and what I believe. From this I delived deep into what values, philosophies and beliefs are the core of who I am, what forms the essence that is me. From my point of view, you should buy the book just for this chapter alone! However, the thought-provoking doesn't stop there!

It's also worth to note that Dianne does not shove her thoughts down your throat in a 'my way or the highway' point of view, instead she shares her ideas with you, and encourages you to dig deep into YOUR spirit to find what it is that connects with YOU. She also does it with a wicked laugh. If you have a witty off-beat sense of humour, you will find yourself nodding at Dianne's antedotes and stories - Dianne, love your sense of humour! I also adore the fact that she does not take herself too seriously and has a laugh - even at herself - which I believe is part of the core of this spirituality/religion.

This is definately one of my top 10 books, I cannot recommend it enough. ... Read more

Book Description
With more than 75,000 copies sold, this book has become the classic, introductory to one of the oldest--and fastest growing--religions in the world. The new edition explains the way of the Witch and much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (37)

This is, to borrow a phrase, A "5 wand book!"

This book is a must have. I would not have
known about it had not a friend in the U.K.
sent it to me as a gift.

Gift? This little book is a Gem of a gift.

Yes, some parts I had
to reread, because of *MY* lack of knowledge of
Carl Jung. That is not the Author's fault,
and it doesn't make it a bad book. What it does
is stimulates the old gray matter. I am going on
64, and Yes, you *can* teach an old witch new things!

This book should be on every witch's bookshelf.
As one reviewer of this book stated, this book
should be read by those of other belief systems, too.

Bright Blessings

If you want to know about Initiation
This is the book to read if you want to know about Wiccan initiation and what it entails.Ms Crowley writes in a interesting and poetic style and this book is one of the must read's of the thousands of Wiccan books available today.

She is one of the pioneers of Wiccan community in the UK and has done much to further the understanding held by the outside world.

It would help to have some knowledge of psychology when you read this book, otherwise it may become a struggle.So be forewarned, but it is still a classic and must read on the subject.So many people I meet first learned about Wicca through this book and our cousins in the US would do well to read this for an insight on how Wicca is seen in the UK.

A beautiful book
This is one of the finest books I have ever read about Wicca. One I would definitely recommend for both experienced and newcomers. I am just now preparing a conference about Wicca and this book is one of my elected information sources, since it puts everything so clearly and in such a readable way.

Anyway, this book should be especially read by all those who have just arrived to the marvelous world of Wicca because it provides the knowledge of the foundations of all things concerned, albeit some very personal approaches that should not be considered as given facts (like the opening of the shakras, a technique that many would consider alien to traditional Wicca procedures).

I can even dare to say non-pagans and/or non-wiccans should also read this book, much like anyone would read about Islamism, Buddhism, Hinduism or any other religious practice, since it sheds a great amount of light on a still very obscure, unknown and thus very uncomprehended religion.

Definitely a must-buy, it is my humble opinion.

Excellent book on what Wicca should be like
This book was one of the first books on Wicca that I read over 10 years ago - but for those starting out with Wiccan today maybe it is not recommended.Why?Because, as the writer is a Jungian analyst, and due to thetype of language used and the style of writing, some younger followers of Wicca and the Craft may struggle with this book - but don't let this put you off because this book is well worth it.

Compared with what is available today, this book still offers an area of relief as the Wicca described amongst these papers is the Wicca that was practised 10 or so years ago - not the new age, fluffy bunny version that is fast appearing today.

This book is about what Wicca was like - the more traditional based British Craft that was not all about spell casting but viewed the Craft as a serious spiritual tradition that affects the practitioner on more levels than just the mundane.However if you are not into British Traditional Craft, you can benefit greatly from the insights that the author provides.

Unlike other books, the author actually describes what you should be thinking, feeling etc when you cast a circle or draw down the moon's energy - something that is largely overlooked in many modern books.

Intelligent but flawed presentation of Wicca
This was the first book I read when I decided to learn about Wicca. Although it contains a lot of the standard "how to" material that's found in every other Wicca 101 book, it's presented in a far more sophisticated way, and the book contains much else besides. The additional material may be characterized as theoretical or systematic, which I consider a big plus.

Unfortunately, the book has significant drawbacks. For one thing, Ms. Crowley endorses the thoroughly discredited Murrayite thesis of the primitive witchcraft religion that was suppressed by the Christian church, which then reemerged in the last century. To present this view as anything else but bad history strikes me as disingenuous, if not dishonest, especially as the book was first published in 1996, by which time even most Wiccans had admitted that the Murray thesis is untenable. Ms. Crowley also seems unable to resist the occasional, and almost always historically inaccurate, pot shot at Christianity.

Second, Ms. Crowley's heavy handed use of Jungian psychology makes it seem as if Wicca is just Jungianism with a kind of religious veneer. Instead of Jung's ideas being used as one way of explicating Wicca, one gets the impression that those ideas are at the very heart of the religion itself. By the same token, the Hindu system of the "Chakras" is referred to throughout (although the perspective on them is not quite the traditional Hindu one), without any justification or explanation of why, if one is a Wiccan, one should believe in the existence of chakras. It's just sort of assumed that chakras are part of standard philosophical anthropology, which is emphatically not the case.

Nevertheless, this is by far one of the best books about Wicca I've come across. It's extremely articulate, has a smooth and coherent progression, and Ms. Crowley's spirituality comes across with a certain authenticity that's almost wholly lacking from the cotton candy Wicca books out there that take up all too much space on the bookstore shelves. ... Read more

Amazon.com
It's hard to imagine a more comprehensive or well-written resource for students of Wicca than Wicca: The Complete Craft. D.J. Conway, whose earlier books include Moon Magick and The Celtic Dragon Tarot, speaks about the Wicca religion with seasoned authority, making this one of the best guidebooks on the market. She begins with an overview of Wicca, explaining its historical roots and dispelling common assumptions. For example, the practice of magic is not the focus of Wiccan religion, just a sideline, she notes. Conway also possesses a strong voice of integrity. Unlike some fad-feeding authors, she discourages teens from becoming involved in Wiccan magic without the explicit approval of their parents. In fact, even advises teens to avoid the practice of magic altogether, since "the vast majority of teenagers lack the life experience or emotional maturity to deal correctly with the ethics involved with magic." This sort of ethical vigilance is carried throughout the book. Conway offers over 500 pages worth of lessons and rituals, including the making of a witch (expect to study at least a year and a day), developing psychic abilities, protection and self-defense, puberty rites, breaking spells, astral projection, magical herbs, and ritual tools. This is the book for beginners, and is certainly a respectable resource for more mature witches. --Gail HudsonBook Description
Popular pagan author D. J. Conway introduces readers to the religion of Wicca, or witchcraft, and dispels many common misconceptions about it. Conway offers a comprehensive overview of Wiccan philosophy and tenets and provides a useful primer for practicing Wicca as a spiritual guide. Wicca is an ancient nature religion that teaches respect for others as well as responsibility for one's actions. Conway emphasizes that it is not associated with cults, devil worship, or animal sacrifice. Wiccans believe in the sanctity of all life and recognize a dual deity, both a goddess and a god. Included are chapters on sacred space, ritual tools, holy days, meditations and visualizations, spells and the art of spell casting, as well as terms used in Wicca. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Great Reference Book
I have many wicca books, but when I want to look something up I almost always turn to this one. I really like the way the rituals are worded and the way the book presents information. It's very informative and is a great starting point.

Nice enough in some ways, but could be better
This book gives an introduction to a broad range of topics.The explanations are complete enough to provide a basic understanding of the topic, without being completely overwhelming.That said, it is not a good teaching tool by itself (I have a Bachelors in Music Education and have taught school K - 12, so I do have some expertise in this area).It seems as if would make a good reference guide, but as a book, it's rather, well, boring.I have little experience with Wicca, so I am not qualified to comment on the factual aspects of the book, but most of what Conway says fits in fairly well with the few other books I have read on the subject; however, certain other aspects of the book cast doubt upon her reliability.

Her historical accuracy, for instance, leaves much to be desired.I am no historian, but many of the assertions the author makes prove to be untrue.For one example, she claims that all truly ancient civilizations were matriachies, but then evil patriarchies invaded and wiped those civilizations from history.To support this, she cites the work of JohannJakob Bachofen.Bachofen was a sociologist/anthropologist who lived and worked in the nineteenth century, before the debut of modern anthropological tools and methods, and his work has since been refuted or debunked.Nevertheless, Conway uses him as the basis for some of her claims.This is analagous to claiming that the sun revolves around the earth on the basis that Aristotle believed it.This level of stretching for facts is the rule rather than the exception, at least in the historical section.The academic research in this book is a complete joke.

This writing is also strongly biased against men in general and Christianity in particular.In her chapter, "The History of Wicca", she writes that patriarchy - and by extension, men - are responsible for all the ills of society in the entire history of the human race.

When Christianity enters the picture, the book leaves Wicca entirely to spend most of the rest of the chapter blasting Christianity, a theme that continues throughout the rest of the book.This book will take any chance imaginable to blast Christianity - and only Christianity.It is clearly not horribly opposed to monotheism in general; in fact it avoids the subjects of Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and Islam completely.Instead, it says such things as, "The deities and ideas of any ancient culture except Christianity can be grafted onto Wicca, thus forming a legitimate form of Witchcraft."The book only ever refers to Christianity negatively, and never makes any other reference to other monotheistic faiths.

Let me make it clear here that I am not a Christian, and that I bear the religion no love.It has caused more damage in my life than all other influences combined.Nevertheless, a bias like one shown by this book has no place in what claims to be an instructional guide for beginners.

To the author's credit, she states at the beginning that this book reflects only her opinions of Wicca, and that other Witches will have differing opinions.However, while allowing for more flexibility than a book that claims to be complete, undeniable fact, this only grants a certain degree of latitude in the things that can be claimed without falling into the territory of academic dishonesty, and that is this book's major failing.

In summary, this book has some good points, but there are better to be had for twenty bucks.

A very good 101 book
This book covers many topics that are important to know if you are beginning your studies into Wicca. Although some of her points are different than others ... a different point of view helps you understand that not all witches follow the same ideas.
I strongly recomend this book to any and all just getting started.

If I could leave a zero rating I would.
This is by far the worst book I have ever read on the craft.With such falsities as wicca being an ancient matriachal religion, and that wicca is goddess based, it is a wonder this hasn't gotten worse reviews.I have read books by this author before and enjoyed them, but if you are looking for a good book about wicca I would suggest Cunningham's guide for a solitary practitioner.When you get past the intorduction about the craft and get into the rest of the book, such as nature spirits and other invisible helpers, and the book of spells the content is more barible, but not deffinatly not worth the price of this book.If you are still interested take a trip to you local book store and read a few sections before you buy it.I wish I would have.

Just as bad as her other books?
I picked up a copy of this because of the number of people telling me that this was so much better than Conway's other poorly-done books. After reading it, I strongly disagree!!

Beginning in the introduction, when she incorrectly states that "the words Wicca, Witchcraft and the Craft are actually interchangeable", there is very little here that can't be found in dozens of other phoney McWicca-lite introductory texts.

Her history is based on the myth that there was once a peaceful matriarchy, and everyone worshipped "the Goddess" until evil patriarchy came along and spoiled everything. She would do well to actually read some of the accurate archeological works listed in her bibliography!

She then proceeds to confuse the term "Paganism". In spite of the way she misuses the word, "Paganism" is actually a large group of related, but highly dissimilar religious. It is not a single path "based on a specific pantheon of deities", and there are certainly more than "only a few differences between Wicca and Paganism, besides the difference in their ages". (And NO religion can be dated back to the Stone Age! NO ONE knows what beliefs existed then, what their 'religious' practices were, or even if they HAD any religious beliefs!) She also defines many Traditions within Wicca inaccurately, and shows little understanding of the history of Wicca, or the various practices that define it's many branches.

When speaking of Deities, she first states that Wicca is polytheistic, then proceeds to "explain" that all Gods are a reflection of a single God archetype, and even the Gods are subservient to the Goddess. (That's not polytheism.) She also speaks of Triple aspects of Goddess, saying that this is a universal concept, and that it has been recognized "from the beginning of religion". This is untrue. (She has quite a habit of stating historical "facts" that are contrary to the archeological evidence, without saying where she is obtaining her "information". She also frequently speaks of conclusions of how found items were used or what they signify that are very different from what the scholars who are trained to interpret such finds conclude. Especially when the archeologists determine that NO conclusions can be made from the evidence available.)

In my opinion, Ms Conway's version of "wicca" is a blend of New Age thought, Ceremonial Magic influence, and poor research. While I don't doubt that it could be used to create a viable and valid spiritual path, it bears little relation to actual Wicca. If one wishes to learn about Wicca, I would strongly suggest starting with A Witch Alone by Marian Green, then moving to books such as Gerald Gardner's recently republished classics. No, it won't be as easy as what Ms. Conway has written... but *real* Wicca cannot be condensed into a 400-page how-to manual. ... Read more

Book Description
Examines Wiccan magic, rituals, traditions, and code of conduct

Get the scoop on this ancient spiritual path

Wondering what it takes to be a Wiccan? This plain-English guide introduces you to the vibrant world of Wicca and the practices of Witchcraft, describing its ancient origins, dispelling stereotypes, and explaining Wiccan beliefs, ethics, rituals, and holidays. You'll see what it means to live as a contemporary Wiccan — and how to worship alone or with a group.

Discover how to

• Worship alone or join a coven
• Perform charms, blessings, and spells
• Obtain necessary tools and supplies
• Spot spiritual scams and inappropriate behavior
• Explore a spiritual path guided by nature

Customer Reviews (6)

Wicca
If you are a beginner thisbook is for you.Very easy to read and understand.

Better than some, but still only a 'For Dummies" guide
There's not a great deal on practical magick in this book, but it's full of info on sabbats (even though they're Northern Hemisphere oriented), the nature of Spirit (although a little Goddess-biased, like most books are), writing ritual and the philosophy and history of Wicca - Diane Smith manages to blend Wicca with science and make sense of the universe using both Wicca and physics. There's even a little discussion about the Big Issues - there's more real-life, living-the-path stuff in this book than in some others. Overall, a good book, but not the be-all-and-end-all.

If you are a dummy...
If you are a dummy, should you really be messing around with this s**t?

Easy to understand
This is a good book for an over all view of Wicca today.Easy to understand. Think will be a good reference book for me in the future.

Highly recommended!
I think that Wicca and Witchcraft For Dummies is an extraordinary book. It's full of credible information, solid suggestions for Wiccan practice, and engaging stories to bring Wicca to life for the reader. The author clearly presents the depth, beauty, and wisdom of Wicca. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Okay, so the cover is a little hokey, but it's what's inside that counts, right? Well, Silver RavenWolf has stuffed Teen Witch with enough basic material on Wicca to give anyone a good start to understanding the craft. As the title implies, this book is geared for teens, addressing the truths and myths about witchcraft in light of the issues that teens face, from school to parents to peer pressure. Precocious readers may feel that RavenWolf is talking down to them at times, but keep in mind that this book addresses a broad age group, and Mama Silver (as she is often called) does an admirable job of presenting this information in a manner to which younger readers can relate, while still meeting the needs of the high-school senior. Teen Witch may not be the ultimate "How to be a Witch" guide, and anyone who thinks RavenWolf is trying to write one has missed her whole point. No single book could stake a valid claim to that title.

What Teen Witch offers is an easy-to-grasp introduction to the Craft that answers the basic questions about what being a witch is really all about, and RavenWolf provides a long list of follow-up material for anyone who feels that witchcraft might be the path he or she wants to follow. Writing a book for teenagers about any religion is a tricky prospect, but Mama Silver tackles the problem of discussing an ancient path that has suffered a long history of persecution and negative stereotypes in a way that doesn't step on anyone's toes and shouldn't offend the religious sensibilities of anyone with a mind open to the truth.--Brian PattersonBook Description
Come on, you know you'd look glamorous and powerful in black...that lighting candles and calling spirits would give you an aura of mystery...that life would be better if only you could turn your history teacher into a jiggling mound of orange (or maybe lime) Jell-O. Well, this book is here to tell you that wearing black clothing and threatening people with hexes and curses won't make you a Witch. In fact, neither will joining a coven or being initiated. What Teen Witch will show you is that how you live, how you deal with others, and how you incorporate Wiccan laws into your life determines whether or not you are a true Witch. This handbook presents everything from the Wiccan principles of belief, traditions, symbols, holidays and rituals, to spells for homework and dating. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (309)

Too fluffy and too preteen
This product is 1 not really very much about wicca, 2 geared for preteens instead of teens 3 its difficulty level is mismatched and 4 its not very well researched. This book might be a good suggestion for parents who have children in the 7-12 range to teach out of but too advanced for them to read on their own.

1 She spends less than half a page on "The Basic Theology of Wicca". Has no mention of dual deities, pantheons, tools etc. not just in that section but in anywhere in the book. She does mention that she doesn't discuss the athame because of how parents would feel about it but there is no discussion of wands or incense burners or any other craft materials with the exception of an grocery store ingredients list which may be the only useful part of this book.
2 She calls visualization magickal daydreaming. There is a one and a half page discussion of a Book of Shadows but has no information on how to make one and makes it sound like just a journal she says you should include "personal experiences, dreams, drawings, calligraphy, revelations, etc." yeah... thats really helpful.
3 It presents itself as a book for teens and dumbs down everything about the book except the spells. They have ingredients lists a mile long take the Healing Sew Spell it requires a piece of 7 by 7 inch white cloth, a small embroidery hoop, a pencil, green embroidery thread, a needle, rosemary, nutmeg, crushed walnuts, a picture of the person, and a green or white ribbon then has 2 pages worth of instructions. It seems to me that a book that was so high on the basics would have presented a list more geared towards things teens already had in the house. Now don't get me wrong I realize that most teens don't have a basic supply of "witchy" stuff but still there are plenty of things you can do with a piece of paper, crayons, some common food and other completely normal implements.
4 She mentions in her introduction and then again in her section on persecution that during the burning times Christians killed 2 million people. While most victims were women very few of the victims (which numbered between 50,000 and 100,000 not the 2 million she claims) were actually witches most were just innocent women somebody had a grudge against.see http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_burn.htm

Now for the suggestions.

I highly recommend True Magick by Amber K. If you are interested in paganism but have no idea where to start her book is by FAR the best I have read. Its easy to read, easy to understand, honest, covers theory well and does so before throwing you in head first,talks about traditions of magick and different types, and most importantly she gives a set of exercises and a recommended reading list at the end of each section or chapter for further study. True Magick would be easy for teens and adults alike to read and understand and would give them a good background without being flakey.

I also recommend Silver's New Generation Witchcraft series which starts with To Ride a Silver Broomstick as an introduction to the craft and then you have To Stir a Magick Cauldron which goes more in depth on the basics like casting circles and quarter calls its much more focused on ritual than on spells themselves and then you come to the end of the series with To Light a Sacred Flame is mostly more exercises but has its value. I recommended those 3 mostly for there readability.

Scott Cunningham's Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner and Raymond Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft are both good books but maybe not for teens they are much more on theory than on actual practice and Buckland's book uses coven situations too much to be beneficial to the very beginner solitary witch (maybe a good second book though it is definitely a little dry).

This was my first book on Wicca in 1999...
This was my introduction to Wicca. I was very excited to see a religion which had a God and a Goddess, however, the Christian bashing and rediculous amounts of stupid and useless spells turned me off and made me crave more. I do NOT reccommend this book to anyone starting in the Craft. It has been almost ten years and there are books which have stayed on my shelf:
1. The Witches God and the Witches Goddess by Janet and Stewart Farrar
2. The Circle Within by Dianne Sylvan
3. Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practicioner by Scott Cunningham as well as Earth, Air Fire and Water and Earth Power
4. Praise to the Moon, In the Circle, The Sacred Round by Elen Hawke
5. The Spiral Dance by Starhawk (It's a classic)
6. Drawing down the moon by Margot Adler (interviews with real life Wiccans and Pagans - this book is awesome)

Those should get you started. RELIGION is what's important, not just magick or spells. I was seventeen when I picked up this book, I am now twenty five and luckily I wanted more depth and searched for it, I hope the new generation of witches agrees with me.

A "Victim"
This is a review about all of Silver Ravenwolf's "To Ride a Silver Broomstick" and its sequels and her BOS-Encyclopedia book.

Until today, I never realized the ineffectiveness of Silver Ravenwolf's books. I am 16. I have read/owned her books since I was 11. When my (christian) aunt came into my room about one week ago when I was playing with my cousins, my immediate reaction was "Oh no, she's going to think I'm corrupting her children with what she thinks is a 'Satanic, evil' religion." When I reflected upon my reaction, I realized I was judging my aunt, and Christianity, and that I, I was the one who was being judgmental and persecuting her. Silver Ravenwolf's books do slam Christians. I totally bought into her slander. Who doesn't want to feel better than one third of the world, more enlightened than one third of the world? Everyone wants to feel like they know secrets that other people do not. Everyone wants to be "right." I was/am no exception. If you want tolerance, it is not in these books, although they preach tolerance.

I have also come away with a paranoid attitude toward Wicca/Witchcraft. I feel like it is forbidden, hated by society. Silver Ravenwolf encourages teens to hide their practice from people for fear of persecution. Maybe she is right, but I feel scared to even TALK about it. That is not an attitude that anyone should have about divinity or their chosen religion.

Also, if you asked me to define "Wicca" or "Witchcraft" I would give you a very vague answer. I do not know the difference - what have I been practicing?! I could tell you some stuff about paganism, but not Wicca.

Well, I have begun studying ceremonial magic out of "Modern Magic" by Donald Michael Kraig. I have not read any reviews of the book, but I feel like I finally have an idea what I am supposed to be feeling in the rituals I perform. Kraig is very clear about what is factual history and what is mythical "history." With Ravenwolf, spellcasting techniques were so vague that I felt I had no solid base to work from.

The only way to practice a religion is the way it is meant to be practiced, not any way you feel like it. Even Wicca, a new religion, does have core beliefs that need to be adhered to. You can't just study the occult in general and consider yourself Wiccan or a Witch.

DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A BEGINNER. YOU WILL ONLY GET WRONG AND VAGUE INFORMATION. I WAS MISLED BY HER BOOKS.

allays any fears that might arise
What does it mean to be a Witch? Is it wearing wicked clothes or being outrageously "out there"? Does it mean doing something that you know your parents forbid? If it means that to you, then you are not a Witch, nor even close. Wiccan laws contain nothing about what clothing you wear and most certainly don't encourage negative behavior. Wicca is a religion that is shared by many. Many more than you might think. They are ordinary looking people who live ordinary lives. Your neighbor, teacher or best friend might be Wiccan and you wouldn't even know it.

If you are intrigued by the mystique of Witchcraft, you should get all of the information you can. Where do you turn? The internet? While there may be some reliable sources on the web, there are also a lot of false ones. Your girlfriend? Well she might have some good books to share with you, or she might be on the wrong path as well. Mentor witches simply do not advertise in the local paper and chances are your parents would not allow you to become best friends with a 35 year old Witch down the street.

Silver RavenWolf, author of Teen Witch, is a Wiccan Priestess and Director of the International Wiccan/Pagan Press Alliance. She is also the mother of four young Witches. She is one of the most well known Wiccans in the United States today. Teen Witch is a beginners guide to Wicca. It will tell you everything you need to get started, beginning with what Wicca is and isn't. There have always been secrets about Witchcraft that Wiccans keep from the general public. Lots of times, people just don't understand and it may be best to keep secrets, well, secret. But Silver shares them with you. This way you'll be able to understand this path and see if you wish to choose it. If you decide that you do, then there are chapters on various forms of Ritual and all of the different methods of Magick. Later on there are chapters of spells, aimed at teens but ones that would be helpful for any Witch to use.

Silver uses stories of experiences to help the reader to understand exactly what she is talking about. In no way is she telling you what to think and do, but she is giving the reader the information to make informed decisions and demonstrating the numerous options of the Craft. Her stories reflect an understanding of teens and her honest ability to reach out and be the mentor they might be searching for. In an introduction just for parents, Silver shows that she understands the confusion a lot of parents might have when their teen is interested in Wicca, and allays any fears that might arise.

Teen Witch is an abundance of information and guidance from a most reliable and trustworthy source. It is a work that shines a positive light on the image of Wicca, and explains the law of "Harm None" to perfection. It's about time a comprehensive guide is available to counter the false information that may get passed around. Whether you are a teen looking for a decent bit of information on the Craft or a parent, guardian or aunt of a teen interested in Wicca, you would do well to own a copy of this wonderful book.

Great introduction into Wicca
for someone who has heard of Wicca in discussions or read about controversies about Wicca and the Military this book will present a brief and very interesting insight into what Wicca really is. It will answer a lot of questions you may have about what a Wiccan in the military may do in practicing his or her religion.Even though it is targeted to Teens it would be helpful to new military recruits wondering about the controversy.It will also be useful for teens in writing reports about Wicca for school. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Okay, so the cover is a little hokey, but it's what's inside that counts, right? Well, Silver RavenWolf has stuffed Teen Witch with enough basic material on Wicca to give anyone a good start to understanding the craft. As the title implies, this book is geared for teens, addressing the truths and myths about witchcraft in light of the issues that teens face, from school to parents to peer pressure. Precocious readers may feel that RavenWolf is talking down to them at times, but keep in mind that this book addresses a broad age group, and Mama Silver (as she is often called) does an admirable job of presenting this information in a manner to which younger readers can relate, while still meeting the needs of the high-school senior. Teen Witch may not be the ultimate "How to be a Witch" guide, and anyone who thinks RavenWolf is trying to write one has missed her whole point. No single book could stake a valid claim to that title.

What Teen Witch offers is an easy-to-grasp introduction to the Craft that answers the basic questions about what being a witch is really all about, and RavenWolf provides a long list of follow-up material for anyone who feels that witchcraft might be the path he or she wants to follow. Writing a book for teenagers about any religion is a tricky prospect, but Mama Silver tackles the problem of discussing an ancient path that has suffered a long history of persecution and negative stereotypes in a way that doesn't step on anyone's toes and shouldn't offend the religious sensibilities of anyone with a mind open to the truth.--Brian PattersonBook Description
Come on, you know you'd look glamorous and powerful in black...that lighting candles and calling spirits would give you an aura of mystery...that life would be better if only you could turn your history teacher into a jiggling mound of orange (or maybe lime) Jell-O. Well, this book is here to tell you that wearing black clothing and threatening people with hexes and curses won't make you a Witch. In fact, neither will joining a coven or being initiated. What Teen Witch will show you is that how you live, how you deal with others, and how you incorporate Wiccan laws into your life determines whether or not you are a true Witch. This handbook presents everything from the Wiccan principles of belief, traditions, symbols, holidays and rituals, to spells for homework and dating. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (309)

Too fluffy and too preteen
This product is 1 not really very much about wicca, 2 geared for preteens instead of teens 3 its difficulty level is mismatched and 4 its not very well researched. This book might be a good suggestion for parents who have children in the 7-12 range to teach out of but too advanced for them to read on their own.

1 She spends less than half a page on "The Basic Theology of Wicca". Has no mention of dual deities, pantheons, tools etc. not just in that section but in anywhere in the book. She does mention that she doesn't discuss the athame because of how parents would feel about it but there is no discussion of wands or incense burners or any other craft materials with the exception of an grocery store ingredients list which may be the only useful part of this book.
2 She calls visualization magickal daydreaming. There is a one and a half page discussion of a Book of Shadows but has no information on how to make one and makes it sound like just a journal she says you should include "personal experiences, dreams, drawings, calligraphy, revelations, etc." yeah... thats really helpful.
3 It presents itself as a book for teens and dumbs down everything about the book except the spells. They have ingredients lists a mile long take the Healing Sew Spell it requires a piece of 7 by 7 inch white cloth, a small embroidery hoop, a pencil, green embroidery thread, a needle, rosemary, nutmeg, crushed walnuts, a picture of the person, and a green or white ribbon then has 2 pages worth of instructions. It seems to me that a book that was so high on the basics would have presented a list more geared towards things teens already had in the house. Now don't get me wrong I realize that most teens don't have a basic supply of "witchy" stuff but still there are plenty of things you can do with a piece of paper, crayons, some common food and other completely normal implements.
4 She mentions in her introduction and then again in her section on persecution that during the burning times Christians killed 2 million people. While most victims were women very few of the victims (which numbered between 50,000 and 100,000 not the 2 million she claims) were actually witches most were just innocent women somebody had a grudge against.see http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_burn.htm

Now for the suggestions.

I highly recommend True Magick by Amber K. If you are interested in paganism but have no idea where to start her book is by FAR the best I have read. Its easy to read, easy to understand, honest, covers theory well and does so before throwing you in head first,talks about traditions of magick and different types, and most importantly she gives a set of exercises and a recommended reading list at the end of each section or chapter for further study. True Magick would be easy for teens and adults alike to read and understand and would give them a good background without being flakey.

I also recommend Silver's New Generation Witchcraft series which starts with To Ride a Silver Broomstick as an introduction to the craft and then you have To Stir a Magick Cauldron which goes more in depth on the basics like casting circles and quarter calls its much more focused on ritual than on spells themselves and then you come to the end of the series with To Light a Sacred Flame is mostly more exercises but has its value. I recommended those 3 mostly for there readability.

Scott Cunningham's Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner and Raymond Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft are both good books but maybe not for teens they are much more on theory than on actual practice and Buckland's book uses coven situations too much to be beneficial to the very beginner solitary witch (maybe a good second book though it is definitely a little dry).

This was my first book on Wicca in 1999...
This was my introduction to Wicca. I was very excited to see a religion which had a God and a Goddess, however, the Christian bashing and rediculous amounts of stupid and useless spells turned me off and made me crave more. I do NOT reccommend this book to anyone starting in the Craft. It has been almost ten years and there are books which have stayed on my shelf:
1. The Witches God and the Witches Goddess by Janet and Stewart Farrar
2. The Circle Within by Dianne Sylvan
3. Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practicioner by Scott Cunningham as well as Earth, Air Fire and Water and Earth Power
4. Praise to the Moon, In the Circle, The Sacred Round by Elen Hawke
5. The Spiral Dance by Starhawk (It's a classic)
6. Drawing down the moon by Margot Adler (interviews with real life Wiccans and Pagans - this book is awesome)

Those should get you started. RELIGION is what's important, not just magick or spells. I was seventeen when I picked up this book, I am now twenty five and luckily I wanted more depth and searched for it, I hope the new generation of witches agrees with me.

A "Victim"
This is a review about all of Silver Ravenwolf's "To Ride a Silver Broomstick" and its sequels and her BOS-Encyclopedia book.

Until today, I never realized the ineffectiveness of Silver Ravenwolf's books. I am 16. I have read/owned her books since I was 11. When my (christian) aunt came into my room about one week ago when I was playing with my cousins, my immediate reaction was "Oh no, she's going to think I'm corrupting her children with what she thinks is a 'Satanic, evil' religion." When I reflected upon my reaction, I realized I was judging my aunt, and Christianity, and that I, I was the one who was being judgmental and persecuting her. Silver Ravenwolf's books do slam Christians. I totally bought into her slander. Who doesn't want to feel better than one third of the world, more enlightened than one third of the world? Everyone wants to feel like they know secrets that other people do not. Everyone wants to be "right." I was/am no exception. If you want tolerance, it is not in these books, although they preach tolerance.

I have also come away with a paranoid attitude toward Wicca/Witchcraft. I feel like it is forbidden, hated by society. Silver Ravenwolf encourages teens to hide their practice from people for fear of persecution. Maybe she is right, but I feel scared to even TALK about it. That is not an attitude that anyone should have about divinity or their chosen religion.

Also, if you asked me to define "Wicca" or "Witchcraft" I would give you a very vague answer. I do not know the difference - what have I been practicing?! I could tell you some stuff about paganism, but not Wicca.

Well, I have begun studying ceremonial magic out of "Modern Magic" by Donald Michael Kraig. I have not read any reviews of the book, but I feel like I finally have an idea what I am supposed to be feeling in the rituals I perform. Kraig is very clear about what is factual history and what is mythical "history." With Ravenwolf, spellcasting techniques were so vague that I felt I had no solid base to work from.

The only way to practice a religion is the way it is meant to be practiced, not any way you feel like it. Even Wicca, a new religion, does have core beliefs that need to be adhered to. You can't just study the occult in general and consider yourself Wiccan or a Witch.

DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A BEGINNER. YOU WILL ONLY GET WRONG AND VAGUE INFORMATION. I WAS MISLED BY HER BOOKS.

allays any fears that might arise
What does it mean to be a Witch? Is it wearing wicked clothes or being outrageously "out there"? Does it mean doing something that you know your parents forbid? If it means that to you, then you are not a Witch, nor even close. Wiccan laws contain nothing about what clothing you wear and most certainly don't encourage negative behavior. Wicca is a religion that is shared by many. Many more than you might think. They are ordinary looking people who live ordinary lives. Your neighbor, teacher or best friend might be Wiccan and you wouldn't even know it.

If you are intrigued by the mystique of Witchcraft, you should get all of the information you can. Where do you turn? The internet? While there may be some reliable sources on the web, there are also a lot of false ones. Your girlfriend? Well she might have some good books to share with you, or she might be on the wrong path as well. Mentor witches simply do not advertise in the local paper and chances are your parents would not allow you to become best friends with a 35 year old Witch down the street.

Silver RavenWolf, author of Teen Witch, is a Wiccan Priestess and Director of the International Wiccan/Pagan Press Alliance. She is also the mother of four young Witches. She is one of the most well known Wiccans in the United States today. Teen Witch is a beginners guide to Wicca. It will tell you everything you need to get started, beginning with what Wicca is and isn't. There have always been secrets about Witchcraft that Wiccans keep from the general public. Lots of times, people just don't understand and it may be best to keep secrets, well, secret. But Silver shares them with you. This way you'll be able to understand this path and see if you wish to choose it. If you decide that you do, then there are chapters on various forms of Ritual and all of the different methods of Magick. Later on there are chapters of spells, aimed at teens but ones that would be helpful for any Witch to use.

Silver uses stories of experiences to help the reader to understand exactly what she is talking about. In no way is she telling you what to think and do, but she is giving the reader the information to make informed decisions and demonstrating the numerous options of the Craft. Her stories reflect an understanding of teens and her honest ability to reach out and be the mentor they might be searching for. In an introduction just for parents, Silver shows that she understands the confusion a lot of parents might have when their teen is interested in Wicca, and allays any fears that might arise.

Teen Witch is an abundance of information and guidance from a most reliable and trustworthy source. It is a work that shines a positive light on the image of Wicca, and explains the law of "Harm None" to perfection. It's about time a comprehensive guide is available to counter the false information that may get passed around. Whether you are a teen looking for a decent bit of information on the Craft or a parent, guardian or aunt of a teen interested in Wicca, you would do well to own a copy of this wonderful book.

Great introduction into Wicca
for someone who has heard of Wicca in discussions or read about controversies about Wicca and the Military this book will present a brief and very interesting insight into what Wicca really is. It will answer a lot of questions you may have about what a Wiccan in the military may do in practicing his or her religion.Even though it is targeted to Teens it would be helpful to new military recruits wondering about the controversy.It will also be useful for teens in writing reports about Wicca for school. ... Read more

Book Description
In a world where Wicca is something one does as a solitary or with his or her coven, this book demonstrates how Wicca is something one experiences with kith and kin. It focuses on a modern context for pre-Christian fertility religions and examines such issues as Archetype vs. Stereotype, Real Ritual vs. Real Life, Clergy vs. Guru, and as its title implies Couple vs. Coven. In so doing, this book gives us the foundation for rethinking the focus of our involvement with this religion in the context of our own deeply felt needs and desires. The book focuses on a Wicca where the structure is founded on the natural bonding of a couple. It includes rituals for Hand Fasting, Wiccaning, and Hand Parting with a discussion of how these sacred rituals have been almost trivialized in Wiccan culture and what steps we can take to return their sanctity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (37)

Surprisingly Awful
I was shocked and severely disappointed that this book actually had very little to do with developing a family tradition and more to do with two things:

1.Letting us know EXACTLY how badly the author things Raymond Buckland and others SUCK!

2.Morally flogging the reader for not loving/being supportive enough.

This was basically a forum for the author to air his grievances and has very, very little to do with building a family tradition.I was deeply disappointed in the work and false advertising.I would return the book if I could it was so bad.

Some excellent points but...
1st chapter read like a rant but moving on from that, the book is a thesis on how wicca could best be served in a couple or family unit basing all rituals on the unity aspect of loving couples.
In later chapters he incluses some rituals such as Handfasting, Wiccaning and a new home ritual.
Overall good points are made, but the rambling prose makes it a little difficult to concentrate on them.