Product Description
3 books in One. ... Read more

Product Description

Aidan and his parents have been solitary witches for as long as he can remember. At the rising of the Harvest Moon, his family is invited to a local coven's Full Moon Esbat celebration. Aidan is jittery about joining a Circle full of strangers. While he is enjoying himself around the bonfire, the High Priestess and his mother cook up a plan to get him involved in the Harvest Moon ritual. Aidan learns he is an important member of the Pagan community.

While reading the story, children can help Seamus the squirrel gather enough acorns for the coming winter by finding where they are hidden within the captivating illustrations.

An enchanting, fictional tale of a Wiccan nighttime gathering, Aidan's First Full Moon Circle will engage young readers with magical images while introducing some coven ritual basics.

Customer Reviews (2)

Enjoyable for Christians, also
I know this is a sweet children's book, but we Christians who enjoy learning about other relilgions appreciate an author like Martin.
The illustrations are lovely, and the glossary in the back most helpful!

A relative I shared the book with (president of her church's youth group) likened the circle to a first communion, and felt it underlined the importance of participating in one's religion instead of just being an observer.

And Seamus the squirrel could have his own book!

B.A. Haeberle

Great for kids!
Well folks, W. Lyon Martin has done it again.Her latest offering for Pagan children is "Aidan's First Full Moon Circle" and a beautiful, sweet offering it is!Full of rich colors, friendly faces, and an adorable story about a little boy's empowerment through his first group ritual, this is another installment in a much-needed genre of books for children.If you enjoyed "An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child", you will love this book.And if you haven't read either, then get them both for the young girls and boys in your life.They will thank you for them!
Kristin Madden
author of Pagan Parenting (Spilled Candy, 2004), Pagan Homeschooling (Spilled Candy, 2002), Magickal Crafts (New Page, 2005), and more ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

One, big... glossary.
I saw this book in the library, and I decided to pick it up and leaf through it. It was...dissapointing. I don't know how she made a glossary of pretty basic Wiccan terms into a book, but that's all it is. The info was pretty limited, and it didn't really talk about the religion, rituals, etc. This is something you can find in nearly ever Wicca 101 book in the back, save your money, this just isn't worth it.

However, I gave it 2 stars instead of 1 because this is a great book to give to frinds and family who are curious about Wicca and won't get too freaked out. (Just skip the Skyclad definition) lol

Not bad, but no Valiente
This is one of the very few Dunwich books that I would consider recommending. It does have useful information, and can be helpful to someone starting out and struggling with terms found in other material. However, I would definitely rate it lower than a similar work by Doreen Valiente, "An ABC of Witchcraft Past and Present."

a great reference book
This book is excellent for reference work,if you don't know a word look it up in this book. Plus you can read this book to learn more about wicca too.

Great Starting place
I thought this was a great book.I've used it for quite a while now, and it hasnt gotten old. It's great to look through if you're just caught up in a mess like some books.the author deserves bragging rights

great for beginners and non-beginners alike
This was the first book I ever bought that was relating to Wicca, Paganism, and anything related. I find Ms. Dunwich's writing very helpful, and pretty entertaining. I find myself going back to it every so often. Ihave trouble recommending this book to anyone new to the Craft. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (3)

A fantastic introduction to Wicca
If you are interested in learning more about Wicca then this is the place to start.The author's views are very individual but she has a profound grasp of the subject.I love it!

Not one I would recommend as a first book on Wicca.
Some of the material sounds too much like just the authors personal preference and not was is generally excepted Wiccan practice. While there is certainly nothing wrong with this, I don't think it's a good starting off point for someone new to the Path who may not realize that what is in this book is not the "way" it is for everyone.

However I did like the last section on setting up your house although I don't see how it relates to Wicca. Sounded more like Feng Shui.

Love this book! :)
My first Wicca book and definitely one I'm sticking with. It has explainations of Wiccan history, casting the circle, symbolism, casting spells, explains elements, tools, numbers, colors, seasons, a little something for everyone.

A great book for beginners and the regulars who want a handy reference for all the little spiritual meanings of numbers, colors and dates etc. :)Highly recommended! ... Read more

Amazon.com
Silver RavenWolf is one of the most widely recognized names in circles of witchcraft, and with good reason; she has written some of the best guides to contemporary Witchcraft available. To Ride a Silver Broomstick is a handbook aimed at the beginner, and doesn't get bogged down in history, dogma, or gender roles.It is a workbook for the individual, whether one is a solitary practitioner or part of a coven, that covers the basics of the craft--from useful vocabulary to setting up an altar--and briefly delves into more advanced concepts such as astral projection and telepathy. To Ride a Silver Broomstick may not be the most comprehensive single volume on the subject of witchcraft, but RavenWolf focuses on the aspects most important to a beginner, and keeps her introduction to the craft approachable and easy to follow.--Brian PattersonBook Description
Selling more than 300,000 copies, this popular guide to the Craft has been helping a new generation of Witches-those practicing or wishing to practice the Craft on their own-for over a decade. Filled with Silver RavenWolf's warmth, humor, and personal anecdotes, To Ride a Silver Broomstick introduces the science and religion of the craft. New coverNew interior designNew editUpdated artwork ... Read more

Customer Reviews (395)

In D!efense of Silver!
It has become a trend to bash Silver Ravenwolf and her writings. As someone who has been a part of The Craft for more than 20 years, this is very disheartening to me. I firmly believe that the politics and in-fighting within The Craft are a detriment to everything our Elders have worked towards. I have noticed these "negative attacks" with not only Silver, but with virtually all of our Craft Elders. The web has made it so easy for us to verbally tear each other apart.This is hardly a new trend.Anyone who remembers "The Witch Wars" from back in the day, between the various traditions, know what I'm talking about. But today it is different.It has escalated beyond reason because of the internet. The phrase "Can't we all just get along?" comes to mind how I wish everyone would start acting, but fear they won't. We have a responsibility to teach those coming into The Craft, and we set a poor example when we "trash" each other. That certainly does'nt mean we can't disagree, but I would hope we could do so without such a negative tone to our comments. Some of the comments I have read directed towards Silver are brutal and uncalled for.They are beneath what I have come to expect from Priestesses & Priests of The Craft, regardless of your tradition. We can do better than this (all of us, myself included), at expressing our difference of opinions without tearing a fellow sister of Craft down. Now I will climb down off of my soapbox and comment on the book itself. I read this book along with the the other 2 in this series several years ago and found them to be very good for new people who are just coming into The Craft (as well as an old-timer like me). There is much valuable information in this book and the way it was organized made it very easy to follow, chapter by chapter. For those who have been around awhile, much of this will be familiar.To new people coming into Witchcraft, this book is a gem. It contains a great deal of useful information that a new student would need about overall Craft practices and beliefs. From Magick to the Sabbats, to Spiritual beliefs, to ritual work, this book covers it well. It presents a very comprehensive text (as best as one book can), on Witchcraft from both a religeous point of view as well as a general working practice of magick. I highly recomend this book along with Ms. Ravenwolf's 2 follow-up books...To Stir a Magick Cauldron & To Light a Sacred Flame, as an excellent introduction to Modern Witchcraft. Just as Gerald Gardner, Sybil Leek and Alex Sanders brought so many new people to The Craft "way back when", Silver Ravenwolf (along with many others), has brought Witchcraft out of the shadows to a new generation. Even if the huge numbers of young people who have read her books don't continue on the Wiccan path, at least they will(hopefully)be more tolerant of Witches than the generations that came before, allowing for acceptance of The Craft to spread and prejudice to end. Is'nt that what we all want? If so then we owe Silver Ravenwolf (and so many others) a debt of gratitude, for if nothing else, she has made The Craft accessible to so many young people. The ripple effect being that tolerance of our beliefs will spread to the next generation, allowing us freedom we might not have otherwise.For that reason alone, I thank-you Silver.

Must read
Anyone who wants a good starter book, this one is it,very indepth and to the point.

Great title for a Ravenwolf book
This is the first book I bought by Silver Ravenwolf.
What a fun title.This book is enjoyable to read and
is informative.

Readable, good for the beginner
I picked up this book in the late 90's and found it delightful and refreshing. I've read a lot of the books including Scott Cunningham's solitary practitioner tome. Silver's book was more interesting and much easier to read. My only criticism was that she wasn't as in depth as she could have been particularly when introducing novices who need a bit more information. The format was perfect for interested beginners and she should have taken advantage of that. I read Scott Cunninghams solitary practitioner tome as well but his format was sluggish and dense and he left me with the feeling that to be solitary instead of coven based ensured failure despite his book supposedly being for solitary's. I finally wrote this review because I was tired of the raves on Cunningham. Cunningham is fine for history with its grad student textbook style but for beginners Silver is easier to understand, and significantly more readable.

A Small Bit of Valuable Info Slattered in Intolerance and Easy "Answers"
I have to agree with many of the reviewers on this book. While there is a bit of valuable info it is smothered by righteousness and intolerance towards other faiths (specifically Christianity).

Of course, Christianity (at least the super right-wing flavors...) is not usually very accepting of our beliefs but that is just more of a reason to take the high road and be a better person.

Also, this whole "Burning Times" silliness really gets my goat...The "witch hunts" and trials were tactics used to keep people in line and for people in power to stay in power (or perhaps gain more but killing the competition). The people burned as "witches" were NOT Wiccans. Wicca did not exist until Gardener created it. Yes, it uses a lot of folk wisdom that back in "the burning times" might have been called witchcraft, but those folk ideas predate Wicca itself.

Anyway, to get to the point, I feel this book does more harm than good when it comes to educating people about the Wicca religion. There are some good pieces of info, but they are far and few between and one must read through her intolerance and promises of "easy answers" (like how everything will start falling into your lap because you are now on the "right" path) to get to that small valuable bit of information.

Better to just read something by Scott Cunningham and call it a day. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (14)

Very Tradition Specific but not bad
While it is nice to see someone attempting to write a book that is not a hand book or not a "Wicca 101" book, you have to ask... is this really an advanced study book on Wicca.

In this book you will not find spells and incantations.You will not find rituals, altar tools, calling of the quarters or anything else that most associate with handbooks and "Wicca 101" books.Yet the book calls itself a Guide.

What you will find is one man and his Traditions thoughts on what it is to truly be "Wiccan".The Tradition is the McFarland Dianic Tradition, founded in the early 70s.And I enter the caveat at this point - Your Mileage May Vary - depending on the Tradition of Wicca you practice.

The opening paragraph of chapter one "The Beginning" entitled "What is all this about anyway?" gives us this line:"The best place to start with any explanation is at the beginning, and the beginning of Wicca dates far back into antiquity."

There are those who will "hmmmm" at this point.Again, the caveat. There is more that will give you moments to pause and consider.

If you can get past all this, the book is an interesting read.But I was confused by its purpose.On the one hand, I saw an attempt to explain what Wicca is.But if I am already walking the Wiccan path then I already understand what Wicca is.I return to the subtitle:"Guide for Practitioners, Family and Friends" - and it becomes clear.While trying to work with those who are knowledgeable and appear as more than a 101 book, it still has to revert back to 101 basics to be a guide for those who do not practice.

As a guide in that respect it works.We have basic discussions on the Wheel of the Year, Rites of Passage, Can Children and Teens be Wiccanand more.There is lots of discussion on this Traditions ethics in spellwork, what the Rede means and then we move on to "pointy hats, black cats and brooms... "

It is nice that the book sidesteps the usual cookbook/crafters handbook/basic ritual 101 material.The discussion, in my opinion, has to and does fit into a 101 category.When trying to explain what Wicca is to anyone not familiar with Wicca, you still can't venture too far past the basics.

I came away with the idea that this book would be best suited to give to someone who knows a Wiccan and is interested in learning more.While we don't proselytize (see the chapter "If Wiccans think their beliefs are correct, why don't they try to convert others to their beliefs?") this book might be good to give to someone who is not sure what some of us might be all about.

I think if you find the material agreeable and in line with what you believe, then this book could be an aid to helping you explain Wicca to others.However, as this has been done before and this tradition may not be in line with your own personal beliefs, you may want to review the material before passing it along.boudica

Bestbook to come out of the Broom Closet with
I have recently come out of the broom closet with my family.This is the book I chose to use to explain my spiritual practice to them.They had been reading some very bad things and were very upset.The format of the book with questions and answers was just the thing to settle their fears.I highly recommend this book.Bryan Lankford explains very clearly some of the most pressing questions non-wiccans have concerning our beliefs.It is also very good for a beginning wiccan to learn more about the faith.

Honest and Enjoyable
Mr. Lankford does a wonderful job explaining what Wicca is and what Wicca is not. He understand the ins and outs of this religion and is able to clearly explain it for anyone to understand. If you are Wiccan and have family who want to know more about what you do, this is the book to get them! This author comes across as a person who knows how scary it can be for someone to hear that a loved one is Wiccan or a Witch. He does a fantastic job of helping them through that fear by providing them with the information for a better understanding of something they've only heard scary stories about. Ignorance breeds fear and this book will definitely put an end to anyone's ignorance about Wicca/Witchcraft!

Learning the truth about Wicca sets you, family AND friends free
This book eschews commercialized versions of Wicca to deliver frank and truthful information to the audiences needing it the most. It is useful for individuals who are investigating Wicca as a religion, but it is especially helpful for the potentially confused (and scared) friends and family.

An avalanche of stereotypes and misinformation in this society about what Wicca is and who Wiccans are subsequently leaves the friends and families of the practitioners in a bind. They might want to be supportive, but those family members and friends do not necessarily know where to turn for affirming information. Despite Wicca being recognized as a religion (by institutions such as the United States military!) accurate information about Wicca remains to find.

The tone of this book is open-minded, Lankford is able to empathize with his readers own path. He is an advanced witch but does not forget that potential readers and readers are entering with a dearth of information about this religion. Pulling rank on them would have been easy but he is instead empathetic to their own journey towards acceptance of friends, family, and themselves.

Highly recommended!
I found this book very helpful for explaining an often misunderstood religion. If you prefer to get the real story rather than succumbing to commercial imagery when forming your opinions, this is a great source. Similarly, if you seek a clear and articulate way to express your own similar views, this book will empower you with a roadmap for doing so. If you fear for someone who seems to have gone astray and want to get the facts from a credible source, this is a must read. Well written and free of drama sometimes included to sell more books! Very refreshing. ... Read more

Book Description
A history of wicca and neopaganism in the United States focusing on the post-WW II period. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A fascinating study
I read Mr. Clifton's blog, which is where I first heard of this book.It's a wonderful and amazing study of the origins of Wicca in America - while the history of Wicca in England is a necessary topic to cover in a book like this, Clifton thankfully doesn't go into much detail about it (plenty of books can be found covering that subject.The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft is the essential book for that subject).

I only have one complaint - too short!I wish it was longer, much longer.Great book, but I wish the topics were covered more indepth.Still, it's a great history of paganism and "nature worship" in the states and definitely worth a read and a place on any pagan or comparative religion bookshelf.

A Witch Without Her Broom
"her hidden children the Rise of Wicca and Paganism in America" by Chas S. Clifton, is a sobering study into the dark and often misunderstood world of "Wicca", and ..."the Craft."

The book is actually a very well researched text and would make a superb referral book to any college course in Wicca and Paganism in America.
The reality of Wicca's genesis and those who helped mold it's contemporary theology onlyserves to tarnishes the mystique of the subject matter.

I personally, would have preferred a more flowing "story-book" form of literary expressiveness. This would have allowed the reader to maintain just a wee-bit more ofthat "magical mystery."However, that thought alone is "magical thinking" and would have been unrealistic.

This is a very good chronological study andacademic interpretation of
Witchcraft, and Paganism.Like most religions that have undergone years of transformation, the reader can only wonder; "Was there ever a real honest to goodness witch?"

Clifton's study shows the reader there are many brands of self- proclaimed witchs, but... none with a broom!

In my opinion, this is a 4-star book based on the deep caldron of superb information the author gives to his reader.It should be a constant companion to those who have an honestinterest in the truth of religions and those who profess them.

Joseph R. Calmia

Riding the Merry Go 'Round
During the Middle Ages (and well into the Renaissance period) scholars, inquisitors, and other "learned men" established an official definition and depiction of witchcraft. This "empirical truth" of the past era is now an acknowledged falsehood in the eyes of most modern scholars who believe that the matter was actually one of hysteria and politics (no witches, no witches' sect).

Modern scholars are now doing today what was being done in the past centuries. In other words they are establishing a definition and depiction of Wicca, once again based on empirical truth.Here again we find an official depiction in which we are told what is true and what is not.Unfortunately the "objective view" of modern scholars is as tainted now as was the view of learned men in past centuries.

In Clifton's book, Her Hidden Children, the author uses words like "purported" instead of reported or claimed.The word purported is far from objective, as is the word "liar" which the author also uses when referring to certain figures in Wicca and Witchcraft today.The personal bias of this so-called "objective" scholar is no more apparent than in his dealing with the topic of hereditary witches.Clifton sees the lack or absence of documentation as absolute proof of the non-existence of hereditary witches (of whom he is highly critical of throughout the book).He goes on to comment that the lack of documentation is "convenient" for people that claim hereditary lineage.In truth the lack is probably anything but convenient for these individuals, for it brings only skepticism, criticism, and alienation to anyone who openly admits to a family tradition.

Many modern scholars point to the depiction of the former image of the witch as evil, and they say that modern witches cannot be descended from them because the modern beliefs and practices bear no resemblance.However, since the former depiction has no roots in any real historical sect, the argument holds no water. It's a failed attempt to have it both ways during a debate.

Clifton's book purports to be a warm, humorous, and sympathetic telling of the origins and evolution of Wicca by an insider.However in this regard it fails to deliver the hype that appears in the endorsements on the back of the book.In the telling of Wicca's story the author uses the accounts of popular figures and organizations as the definitive foundation from which Clifton creates his material for the book.In doing so he fails to take into account the 70 to 80 percent of solitary practitioners who comprise the true body of Wiccan religion.These are the people who actually wrote the history of Wicca and continue to do so without documentation or celebrity status.So again, the empirical truth of scholars is narrow and political, pertaining only to a handful of examples of practitioners who achieve the public eye and who thereby become the role models and definitives (despite being only a minority presence among Wiccans as a whole).

With `Her Hidden Children' Clifton joins the ranks of the new batch of learned men, a brotherhood of such figures as Ronald Hutton, who carry on the work of those during the period of the Inquisition who gave us the official definitions and depictions of witches and witchcraft.Their views are as foreign now to the truth as were those back then in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.Ironically modern scholars like Clifton, while dismissing the idea of any lineage tradition, are actually carrying on one of their own from the time of the Inquisition.Through this they maintain themselves as the authorities who tell us what is truth and what is not, no matter what we experience and believe on our own.

A must-have for all American Pagans.
Since the release of Ronald Hutton's "Triumph of The Moon" back in 2000, I have yearned for a book that would take an in-depth look at the history of modern Paganism in America. So I was more than a little excited and hopeful when I heard that Pagan academic Chas Clifton was rising to the task in his new book "Her Hidden Children: The Rise of Wicca and Paganism in America". Finally a book that would take a look at how modern Paganism and Wicca took root in American soil and became one of the fastest growing faiths in the country.

Clifton - knowing that he could in no way cover everything that has happened from the 1930s to the present - has chosen with this book to lay down some basic parameters for talking about modern Pagan history in America. First he concentrates on Wicca: it being the largest and most influential modern Pagan religion in America. Secondly, when moving out from Wicca he generally stays with groups that claim to follow "nature" or "earth" religions. Not getting much attention in this history are the "reconstructionist" Pagan faiths and feminist Wicca.

"...the story of contemporary Paganism in America has too many strands to enumerate. Because of my wish to focus on many Pagans' claim to follow "nature religion," I have for the most part set aside those groups that pay more attention to ethnic roots, such as reconstructed Greek, Roman, ot Norse religions. Their history remains to be written. Even these, however, may yet welcome the label of nature religion or earth religion as it becomes more widely accepted in the larger society. Likewise, I have give the origins of feminist Wicca a fairly brief treatment; since the appearance of Starhawk's The Spiral Dance in 1979, it has received much attention, perhaps to the point of obscuring its context in the larger Pagan story."

These limitations allow Clifton to focus on some little known figures and give credit to some unlikely heroes. One of those unlikely figures responsible for the rapid growth of Wicca and Paganism in America is journalist and parapsychologist Hans Holzer. Holzer, who has written over 138 books in his lifetime was one of the first people to introduce the idea of religious Witchcraft to a mass audience. At a time when finding books written by Pagans was difficult at best, just about anyone could find a cheap paperback copy of "The Truth About Witchcraft" during the 1970s.

"Ever since I wrote "The Truth about Witchcraft," hundreds of people have approached me to show them the way to the nearest coven." - Hans Holzer

Another major theme that emerges in the book is the author's discussion of Wicca (and other related faiths) evolving into "earth" or "nature" faiths. The book plots the course of American culture's heightened awareness of environmental issues and how - post Earth Day in 1970 -modern Pagans were uniquely situated to advance themselves as theologically in tune with the needs of the environment. Clifton also lays out three different kinds of "nature religion" that in one way or another encompass most of modern Pagan religions active today. The first is "Cosmic Nature" (dealing with abstract notions of nature), the second "Gaian Nature" (dealing directly with the natural world), and the third is "Erotic Theology" (dealing with the human body).

These three natures blend and intersect with Wicca and other related faiths (and most modern Pagan theologies incorporate at least two of these concepts) to create a unique "earth religion": a religion grounded in our sacral relationship with the cosmos, our ecosystems, and our bodies.

There is so much more I wish I could cover in this review, the "Gardnerian Magnet", the evolution of non-traditional Wicca, how British Wicca spread in America, and how the notorious Satanist Anton LaVey ended up interviewed or mentioned in most of the books about Witchcraft during the late sixties and early seventies. My only quibble with this book is that I wished it three times as large. This is really only what I hope will be the first in a series of books about how modern Paganism emerged and grew in American soil. Chas Clifton has done yeoman's work here and should be highly praised. An essential book for anyone interested in our history, and how that history is shaping the future of modern Paganism. The bar has just been raised.

Finally!
A history of American Wicca.Excellent book.Very well written. Clifton makes the "what happened before" accessable to even the casual reader.For those of us who wish to read actual history in addition to our mythical history this is a must have tome. ... Read more

Book Description
To find out what witches do or how to organize a coven, Wicca Unveiled gives you the complete and undiluted picture of modern witchcraft:
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The history, philosophy, and tools of Wicca
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Clearly explained rituals, including Casting the Circle, Drawing Down the Moon, and Rites of Compassion and of Healing.
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Rites for theWitches Magical Year, the connection to the changing of the seasons.
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Wiccan Initiation to Third Degree rituals published here for the first time.
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The ritual for Pagan Marriage or Handfasting
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Planetary rituals for a greater understanding of our relationship to the cosmos
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Tables of correspondences, planetary hours and incense recipes for magical use.The current Pagan revival fulfills a widespread need for spiritual connection with the rythms of the sun and moon, and with the earth and her seasons. Wicca Unveiled provides the reader with complete rituals of modern paganism, a vibrant, poetic magical system for the year which may be followed by the lone practioner or in groups. No longer the preserve of the occult few, these traditional rituals are presented here for the first time in a form accessible to the growing number of people who seek balanced spiritual expression. Suitable both for committed pagans and curious newcomers, Wicca Unveiled is a lively celebration of the witch's art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The other point of veiw
For a solitary Witch like me, I found this book a very interesting and clear descripion of the coven tradition. I read it because I wanted to know what a coven was like, and now I have a much better understanding of it.

A Farrar rehash, but better than most books out now
This book is basically a rehash/rewriting of the material in Farrar's Witch's Bible. It really only contains ritual material and very little theory. This isn't a great book but it is better than the Llewellyn insty-witch materials flooding the market these days.

A MUST for newcommers and established occultists alike!
At last a book on Wicca that pulls no punches! J Philip Rhodes book onWicca really hits home, the author has a real understanding of the subjectand it's plain to see that he has put a lot of thought into it's contents.A complete working guide giving the full Initiation rituals as well asfestival workings in a step by step guide that leads you on a journey ofKnowledge the likes of which I have never seen before in print outside theCraft. Included within the author descibes the working tools and providesrecepies for ritual incense etc. This book would grace anyones collection AMUST BUY for both the Initiated and beginer alike. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (53)

WOW!!!
If you liked Witta this book is for you!!
I would have had a alot less problem with this book if Wicca were not in the books title.So much has been thrown into Wicca over the yearspeople really have come to belive that Wicca really is Celtic.I think mostly becuase the word Celtic is a good way to sell you something Runes,Chinese art anything from England and Germany is fair game. The list goes on and on.As long as you are buying they will be selling.This book falls in with the above.I know this is lost of most of you, I really do.I could not get through most of it .This is a Ancient Tradition ?? just becuase you wish it to be will not make it true.If it were called a New Faery Tradition or a Modern Tradition of Ireland that may have been different.

A Beautiful Ritual Guide
I used to own this book, but no longer... not because there's anything wrong with it, but because it was stolen. Now, I go online to get a replacement copy and see all these horrible negative reviews. This is just childish. Did anyone actually believe that the faith depicted in this book was handed down through the ages unchanged from the time the Gauls set foot on the shores of Erin and fought the Tuatha De Danann? I don't remember Kisma even so much as implying that it was. What it is, and does a wonderful job of, is a Wiccanization of Celtic faery faith. As Starhawk would say, we are all moving towards the future, "Creating Religion," and it's a shame that some members of the Wiccan/Pagan community see fit to belittle others for their beliefs and the way they choose to implement them. I truly expected more from folks who chant "Burning Times-never again!" but I guess that's too much to ask. Small wonder that we have trouble being taken seriously as a religion in this, and many other, countries.

Courtney Patricia "GamerGirl" Parsons

I am always amazed by my sisters and brothers
I have encountered *so* much negativity and unspecified criticism while reading reviews for so many pagan books. I find it interesting because if you don't like I book I agree you should say why and I am all for a critical review but some of these entries are simply spiteful and not consturcutive at all! Putting such negative energy out will surely spill yr glass of milk!! If I had never read the book I would prolly buy it to see what all the fuss is about.

That said, I read these books (both one and two) when I was about 15-16 and at the time I loved and cherished them. They were not my "intro to wicca" (I am pagan not wiccan anyway)they weren't the first or last books I read and they certainly are no where near being the "cornerstones" of my faith or spiritual explorations. But I did love them. I am a voracious reader and even if they were/are complete fiction they are still worth a read.

to those who say she "fabricated" or purely made things up (and it is true Irish folk didn't have potatos in ancient time!) I would have to remind you of the great Monnique Wittig quote:

remember
make and effort to remember
and failing that; INVENT!

My Introduction to wicca
This book was my introduction to wicca, I have to say it was a pretty good book. I found alot of the information in it useful and learned alot. There are some things that I just didn't believe and others that now (10 years later) I have still kept very close to me.
I have read alot of the comments on both of the books and all I have to say is this, Wicca is about learning, studying, and helping eachother. Itis not about bashing anauthor for where or how they got there information. I am sure some of the things from this book did come from other souces. But tell me what can you say when you are writing about an ancient religion that has been passed down generation after generation. I for one would not like an author who just made up a fiction book and sold it as a guide to wicca.
I learned a lot from this book not just regular information which is what the words hold but I also learned a very important
thing from this book that I have to say you really don't learn from other books. History is a very important element. I learned a lot of history but also learned to want to learn history. That is a very important element that I feel is missing in a lot of wiccan books That I found in this book.

Does it really matter....
I haven't read the book... yet... but does it really MATTER if its plagerized? If she still gets the information accross... then what does it matter? She still puts a works cited list... You can check out other books yourself... Stop complaining, enjoy the fact you HAVE information (unlike me, who wishes he had these books, but doesn't have a single wicca book)... Plagerized or not. ... Read more

Book Description
We all have archetypes we model ourselves upon. In the Wiccan community these include Maiden, Healer, Mother, Bard, and others. In Wiccan Warrior by Kerr Cuhulain, you will learn of eight new yet traditional archetypes that Wiccans can model their lives and goals upon. You'll also find that they are completely appropriate for any person following a spiritual system. These eight are: The Balanced Warrior, for whom all comes from the Divine and must be treated as such.The Creative Warrior, who masters myths and can use them to share wisdom. The Rational Warrior, who avoids all types of fundamentalism.The Energized Warrior, who can raise and direct energy. You'll learn to do this with toning, mantras, dance and drumming.The Dreaming Warrior, who knows how to alter consciousness. Here you will learn meditation, concentration and breathwork.The Magickal Warrior, who knows and can do magick.The Ritual Warrior, who helps revitalize rituals with knowledge, understanding, energy and love. The Initiated Warrior, who knows and shares the value of true initiation. There are five cornerstones to the magick of being a Wiccan Warrior. These are the well-known To Dare, To Will, To Know and To Keep Silent. To these Cuhulain adds To Imagine. For "to imagine is to be able to clearly visualize your objective, to develop and use a creative imagination." The book is filled with ideas and insights that will guide you on your way to becoming a true Wiccan Warrior, a person freed from limitations.This book is a must for Wiccan and Witches of all stripes. If one of the Warrior archetypes doesn't fit your needs, another (or several others) will. People who are not Wiccans will find much to admire and make use of, too.Winner of the 2001 Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR) Award for best Biographical/Personal Book ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

A good book with a few flaws
This is a good book, but not a perfect book.The goal is admirable - define the warrior philosophy and describe how it can be combined with Wicca, a religion very well suited to such an enterprise.It is a project overdue for a formal treatment.Unfortunately, the author also tries to write a Wicca 101 book at the same time.The result is that both goals end up feeling a bit watered down.There isn't enough information for the neophyte to create a complete picture (which makes the info he did include feel superficial), while at the same time the philosophical elements end up feeling like a minor addition at times.15 pages on what magic is and how it works, followed by 2 pages on how the warrior philosophy applies to magic.Why not a brief 2 page definition of magic to get the reader and author on the same page, then 15 pages devoted to the book's subject matter?

I'd have preferred a book just on the warrior mindset and how to apply it to Wicca, with advice that the religion itself need be learned elsewhere.A more focused book could have gotten a great deal more information across to the readers who likely picked the book up specifically for the warrior philosophy rather than to learn how to do cord magic.

A couple of niggles:While the author does some good mythbusting, which I can certainly appreciate, he still goes for the 'Magic-with-a-K to differentiate from sleight of hand' line.Question: When is the last time someone actually got it wrong?Time to reexamine that particular tradition, too.He also condenses the Rede down to 'harm none' at times, an inaccurate oversimplification.It isn't 'harm none' any more than it is 'do what you will'.

I've written this review critically, but don't get me wrong - it really is a good book, and worth the read.It just isn't as good as it could have been had it been a bit more focused and a little less 'friendly'.

Fantastic book!
Finally!A common sense approach to explaining Wicca and what it means to be a witch.

A presentation/ affirmation of other ways to be a Witch.
This is a pleasant and easy to read guide to "Wicca"/Witchcraft from a "warrior" perspective.He wrttes well and makes nice use of quotes and references. Perhaps it was a little TOO easy to read, however, as I polished this off very quickly and was left wondering where the rest of it was!

Mr Cuhulain had a focus on creativity within Witchcraft that I found very comfortable. Similarly, I found myself nodding in agreement with many of his statements, such as the practices behind raising energy, of taking responsibility for one's actions, of direct connection with deity, and of self-examination and awareness of one's faults. None of this was completely new... but it was a timely and enjoyable affirmation, and it brought a new peperspective through the attempt to codify and understand these principles through the concept of "the warrior".

Cuhulain draws a lot from Eastern techniques of martial arts, and I found this somewhat less workable as anything but inspiration. How does one take the mindview from an unknown discipline that takes years to learn, and simply insert it into one's life? What these, and the stories from his own three decades as a US policeman, do is give context to Cuhulain's life-philosophy, a hint that such ideas are compatible and workable to those who take the time to learn them. It opens up/affirms possibilities. Although I was hardly moved to call myself a "warrior" by the end of the book, or make use of the (lovely sounding) warrior initiation given in the back pages, the book did introduce me to a new role-model and concievable way of being. It showed that 5'1" bookworms such as myself could at least gain inspiration, and the reminder to be responsible for one's actions, strong and vital, from the existence of this ideal-type.

Be a warrior think for yourself.
For those of you who feel like your magic and belief system doesn't have to follow some stuffy ritual this book could very well prove to be validating. Cuhulain is a a free thinking wiccan in charge of his own life. He allows himself to evolve spiritually by seeing what works for him and getting rid of the dogmatic aspects of wicca. This isn't fluffy bunny, beliefs for followers stuff. Warriors think for themselves and live life by their own rules. Even though i've come to these conclusions long ago it was still refreshing and validating to read the thoughts of someone else not caught up in the dogmatic tradition and heritage of the craft.

Good Intermediate Material
This is a great book for those who have read a couple beginner books and might need some direction, or long-time practitioners who might want to adjust their focus, without another recap of the basics.

Kerr Cuhulain uses his personal experiance and the teachings of many others from Bruce Lee, to Socrates to explain what the warrior path means to him. The book places a great deal of emphasis on personal responsibility, and taking action. There is a lot of discussion on wiccan tradition, how the author interprets certain key parts of being wiccan, and how his beliefs mesh (or don't mesh) with a lot of what people consider wiccan "dogma". He has strong opinions on certain aspects of the wiccan religion today, including the lenghths some covens are going to so that they can be considered a "legitimate" religious group.

The key to the path seems to be determination and enthusiasm in every aspect of your life. Fans of Scott Cunningham will find Wiccan Warrior complimentary to Cunningham's work, while refreshingly different. Devout Gardenarians may find the book far outside their path.

... Read more

Book Description
Since Phyllis Currot first published Book of Shadows, the story of her spiritual journey and initiation as a High Priestess in the Wiccan community, Witchcraft has captured America's imagination as a theme for fiction, television shows, and films. Now America's highest-profile Witch returns to dispel more myths and misrepresentations of her faith, and to share a practical guide to the beautiful spiritual rituals and philosophies behind Wiccan tradition.


Rich with enchanting stories from Currot's own experiences and detailed advice for creating potions, working with Nature, and finding the Divine within, Witch Crafting is much more than just another superficial recipe book. Curott's unique guidebook integrates the inspiration of religious wisdom with sound, practical information. Witch Crafting reveals how to: incorporate Wiccan practices into your daily life; master the secret arts of effective spell casting; create sacred space and personal rituals; perform divinations for insight and success; and tap the magical power of altered states, such as dreaming meditation, prayer, and trance.


Perfect for beginners or seasoned practitioners, Witch Crafting is the ideal handbook for anyone seeking to unlock the divine power that makes real magic happen, and to experience the power and gifts of the universe more fully. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (126)

Perfect book for Newbies and Experienced Craftpeople
Although I have been reading and studying the craft for 10 years, I wish I had found this book early on my path. Curott's own feelings as she ventured into Wicca reflected my own and I am sure many others as well. While I experienced the whole guilt factor of leaving Christianity, Curott just seemed to wrestle with the whole "this feels wierd doing ritual factor." What I loved about this book was that it was simply a non-threatening essay style read-like-a-novel book, so if someone just starting out was curious but did not want to committ to learning ritual, correspondence, Sabbats and Esbats, she could read this book and get a true insight while still picking up a few important facts she could recognize later in deeper study. I recommend this book to any newbie especially. Read it and then decide if you are truly ready to convert to Wicca and dedicate your life to the ways of the Wise and the Goddesses. For the experienced Witch or Wiccan, this book will remind you of your own feelings of the awe and wonder you felt when first starting out. Plus it has some good ritual ideas you can pick up, and read about them as they are performed, not just like a recipe.

PORN WARNING
I enjoyed the book. I was ready to buy the sequel. The book is excellent and is NOT porn but true stuff I believe. But the web site mentioned at the back of the book (web site is registered to Ms. Curott) is a pornography site.I contacted her publicist 5 months ago who said she would contact the web master. But after 5 months the web site still directs people to a porn site. Not good. And not good for wicca.Do NOT go to this web site mentioned in the book!
And MS CUROTT. - if you are out there - tell us that that website is NOT your will and that you are fighting it in courts or something! It's disgusting!

Breath taking, Spiritual lifting book
This was one of the first spiritual books that I read. I fell in love with this book immediately just by looking at the front cover. This book really touched my heart and soul. It helped me find my spiritual path.I recommend this book to everyone. She is a wonderful author and woman.

Good, but I wanted more memoir
I really enjoyed this book. I'm a big fan of memoirs by "regular people" who have a strong interest in something unusual, and this definitely fits the bill. My only wish for the book was that the author had stuck to what she does best: describing her personal experiences and emotions in a vivid and lively way. Occassionally she wanders off into a little mini-lecture on Wicca and the "history of witchcraft" (which is of course a subject of some controversy) and when this happens, the book gets rather flat and dry. Better to leave off the educating and stick to the storytelling. Perhaps it is because I am already well-read on elementary Wicca that I found these diversions distracting, but I suspect that even if it was new to me I would have preferred to have Curott "show me" instead of "tell me." Overall a good read, though.

Insightful, poetic, powerful and just a wee bit scattered...
The first thing to say about this book is that for the first time in a long time I found myself marking passages where Curott's poetic and melodic phrasing called to my heart and beautifully expressed complicated concepts.There is no doubt that Curott has a poet's heart - I certainly wouldn't hesitate to buy a book of poetry written by her.

The second thing to say about this book is that I completely understand the criticisms levelled at Curott from reviewers.The story is self-indulgent and very ego-centric.Obviously as a fictionalised autobiography (and when you think about it aren't most autobiographies at least partly fiction?) the book is designed to be ego-centric, but Curott is just a touch too self obsessed and self congratulatory.

Additionally, I also agree with some of the criticisms levelled at Curott's explanations of her experiences with the coven.Firstly, Curott continually drives in the point that she is "special" and was "chosen" by these women.This isn't how witchcraft and indeed how covens find members - self determination and personal responsibility is at the heart of every witch's life and these are two things that Curott glosses over.

Secondly, the characters in Curott's book are paper thin and basically a hodge podge of sterotypes - the old wise crone who loves Curott more than the other coven members; the lesbian couple who represent each the warrior and the mother; the friend in a bad domestic violence relationship; her lover the enigmatic Jake; the ex-lover and current boss who still wants Curott and won't take no for an answer.These characters are all "cardboard cut outs" and all basically exist to serve Curott.

I wish we could have seen more of her faults and her shadow side and less of the phrases "ivy league lawyer", "he said I was beautiful", "we have been waiting for you", "you're special", "I knew I was intelligent" and "I was working 15 hour days".

Witchcraft and Wicca has changed immensely since the late 70's and early 80's timeline that this book is situated in.Indeed readers might be surprised to know that Curott is in her 50's now.

The whole first person perspective the book is written in is vaguely successful, but it would have worked a lot better if Curott hadn't packed the entire book full of the knowledge and understanding she gained in the 20 years since the events of the book took place.The result is a weird dicotomy between a naive spiritual awakening and the knowledge gained through 20 years of practice.Sometimes the book is so stuffed with information that four or five pages are spent discussing myths and legends which while interesting, does not fit well with the novel like construction of the book.

Despite my criticisms I have given this book 4 stars because as I said - it has been a very long time since a book has moved me enough to record and preserve pearls of wisdom, passion, thought and belief from its pages.

Read this book, and read the workbook "Witchcrafting".You won't be sorry. ... Read more

Book Description
A carefully researched explanation of witchcraft and other neopagan religions separates fact and fiction and evaluates their dangers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

not entirely accurate
yet another book based on half-truths and misunderstanding...though admiditly better researched than most...

and just for anyone out there considering this book as a way to "dialogue" with the Pagains for the purpose of "evangelizing"...most pagans and Wiccans cosider any form of prostelyzation to be the height of rudeness and inconsiderate, disrespectful behavior.

Kind of Insightful
I really liked the first chapters of this book, but It kept saying in the later chapters that niether is our religion not a religion but "not a viable way of life." Otherwise, its an insightfull look at what most xians see in us. why they might be angry at us. I learned a lot from this. And, Craig S. Hawkins? Wicca is a religion, a way of life and a viable one.

Pagans, not Christians, should read this book
This is a book that all Pagans should read, not because it is insightful or well balanced but because it is necessary for Pagans to understand what Christians think about their religion and the attack on ones religious beliefs Christians will make.I will be the first to say that it is a difficult book to read.Many pagans are either infuriated or amused at the strange notions about our religion the Mr. Hawkins has.

Because Pagans are generally tolerant of other religions we are often blindsided by well intentioned though misinformed individuals who feels the need to change our religion to theirs their religion for their own good.This book provides some small insight into the Christian mind and worldview and offers some hint as to just why Christians use the arguments they use against other religions.

Does Mr. Hawkins provide a clear accurate picture of the Neopagan religion? Well...not really.The description of Wicca is drawn entirely from readings form popular text on the subject.Recognize that popular does not mean either good or accurate.Mr. Hawkins quotes liberally from a number of texts on Wicca, Witchcraft and the New Age but he misses an essential element.While Mr. Hawkins has read extensively it is painfully obvious that he did not actually talk to Witches and Pagans about their religion.If he has had conversations with experienced and educated members of the Neopagan religions he has apparently only made attempts to convert these individuals but not actually to learn from them.

The third section of the book, "Philosophical Critiques of Witchcraft" is the most interesting.Mr. Hawkins attempts to makes four points
1. the Bible condemns witchcraft and the occult
2. the Wiccan worldview is obviously false
3. that Wiccans dispute both logic and science in a self-defeating fashion
4. that Wiccan beliefs are unethical

As for the first point, no one is arguing that, the Bible condemns many things from eating shellfish to wearing particular fabrics.

As to the second point:I believe that Mr. Hawkins was trying to build an argument against religious pluralism but missed the mark. He indicates that pluralism is illogical but does not actually provide any evidence to that effect; he just states that it is obvious that it is so.Mr. Hawkins goes on to attack relativism.Despite the fact that relativism is a pretty easy target he does not do this very well arguing against it.Mr. Hawkins operates under the notion that Pagans are relativists, he arrives at this by , which does not appear to be the case. Like many people, including other reviewers of this book, he confuses relativism with subjectivism.

As to the third point: Mr. Hawkins spends a great deal of time talking about the experiential nature of Wicca.Hawkins states that Witches have difficulty distinguishing experience from truth, he does this by quoting Margot Adler who was quoting Aidan Kelly who did not in fact say that everything one experiences is true.Kelly argues for the exact opposite, that experience does not equal truth, that we cannot know what is and what is not true.Of note in this section was the paragraphe where Mr. Hawkins states that "Witches disdain the idea that there is only one truth."Immediately after this Hawkins criticizes that Starhawk and "many witches like Starhawk" for believing there is only one truth.

As for the fourth point: Mr. Hawkins indicates that Pagan beliefs are unethical because the Pagan worldview "results in an inability to morally distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong."The main thrust of his argument is based on the "fact" the all Pagans are relativists and relativists (as everyone knows) are incapable of making such distinctions.Mr. Hawkins is very critical of both the Wiccan Rede and the three fold law, both indicate that one is responsible to ones actions.Exactly why being responsible for one's actions is unethical is a mystery that Mr. Hawkins did not go into.
The problem of evil is brought out as a weapon against Paganism.Hawkins argues that since the writers he has read do not discuss evil to any great extent they are ignoring it in the false pretense that it will just not be real.Unfortunately he fails to realize that Pagans can utilize the same defense for the problem of evil that Christians have used for years, free will.

Ultimately Mr. Hawkins fails to find a fatal flaw in the word view of Witchcraft.His arguments are largely based on assumption that have no baring in the real world and as such they fall apart when they are looked at in the light of reason. What shines through most of all is Mr. Hawkins lack of respect for the beliefs of others.What is truly disappointing is that Mr. Hawkins could have made this a great book, one that helped start and foster interfaith dialogs.While the book is a good place to start a better place would be in talking to people of different religions for yourself.

Pagans need to read this book, but the need to read and understand the worldview espoused in it does not make the book either good or well balanced

Great Book other Reviews Miss the Mark
I know Craig Hawkins personally and took a class on the Occult from him. Craig does an excellent job in his research. Craig uses primary source material to show the "worldview of the Wicca". Craig's purpose is to show the reader what Wicca actually teaches, then seeks to show the faults of the religion compared to Christianity and logic. Craig is a Christian, he believes that Christianity is the only path to God (which Jesus promoted in John 14:6), so therefore Craig gives a defense for Christianity then shows, based off that defense, that if Christianity is right, then neopaganism is wrong (despite the postmodern desire to see all "paths" lead to God, logic dictates that all paths cannot lead to God since they contradict each other, and one of the primary laws of logic is the law of non-contradiction which states that two beliefs cannot be true at the same time or in the same sense). Craig also uses reason to show the "internal" logical errors to the Wiccan worldview. Any Christian who desires to understand Wicca, what the Bible has to say about it, and how a person might be able to dialogue with a Wiccan for evangelistic reasons, should read this book.

A Useful Reference Work for Neo-pagans and Christians
The book is divided into three parts with nine chapters as follows: PART I: The Contemporary World of Witchcraft {1 - The Contemporary Craft: A Relativistic Religion, 2 - Convictions of the Contemporary Craft: How Witches View Deities, Death, and Life, 3 - Setting the Stage: The Theoretical Framework for the Practices of Witchcraft, 4 - How Does the Witches' World Work? The Structure and Practices of Witchcraft}, PART II: The Biblical View of Contemporary Witchcraft {5 - The Word of God: What the Bible Says about Witchcraft, 6 - True Teachings? A Biblical Critique of Witches' Views}, and PART III: Philosophical Critiques of Witchcraft {7 - The Question of Truth: An Epistemological Critique of Witchcraft, 8 - The Problem of Evil: An Ethical Evaluation of Witchcraft, 9 - Conclusion}.

Part I is broad in nature and attempts to define witchcraft within the neo-pagan context by reference to many non-Christian authors of neo-pagan and witchcraft books.Apart from input from the neo-pagan community and extensive personal reading of their books, it is difficult to ascertain whether Hawkins has accurately represented them in general, so I appreciated the earlier reviews by neo-pagans.Although I am far from well-read on the subject, what I have read seems accurately reflected in Part I (e.g., Bonewits' Real Magic, Weinstein's Positive Magic, Curott's Book of Shadows, Amber K's True Magick, Starhawk's Spiral Dance, Adler's Drawing Down the Moon - These are just some of the books I own.One video I own is "The Occult Experience").One minor problem I noticed is Hawkins' use of the term "occult".He defines it broadly on page 55 to include not only the secret, hidden, nonnormal and forbidden but also, connotatively, (among the noninitiated and nonwitches) the mysterious and supernatural (key components to Christianity).He then quotes Isaac Bonewits and Raymond Buckland to show that many occultists see magic and the occult as involving natural, not supernatural, powers of the mind.Although this is all true, Hawkins then uses the term "occult" throughout the book as synonymous with the forbidden which promotes confusion since there are mysterious and supernatural aspects to Biblical Christianity that are obviously not forbidden but included in his broad definition of "the occult".

The reason for Part II is to show what the Bible says about witchcraft in particular and forbidden practices of the "the occult" in general.Although Hawkins admits that neo-pagans don't accept the authority of the Bible (or the Christian God), he wants to refute those who try to justify their practices by appeals to the Bible.After arguing for the historical reliability of the Bible based on historical evidence to show that the early church did not tamper with the Bible to exclude certain teachings as some occultists claim, he looks at certain passages of scripture within context and references the original biblical languages to show that certain occult practices are forbidden and that neo-pagan references to biblical passages to justify certain practices are unfounded.The intent of Part II is not to prove the existence of the Christian's God or the truth of everything taught in the Bible.These are assumed by Hawkins in this book.For those who are interested in such proofs, one should refer to some of the books in Hawkins' Bibliography under Relevant Christian Works.See, for example, the works of Norman Geisler , esp. "Christian Apologetics".

Part III is philosophical in nature and, in my opinion, incomplete.Although he strongly points out contradictions by proponents of witchcraft by using the law of non-contradiction, he fails to expound on the deeper, mystical and miraculous elements of true, biblical Christianity that would make it a positive, desirable alternative to witchcraft and magick.Also, how does Christianity deal with the problem of evil?Hawkins criticizes witches with committing the "naturalistic fallacy" but he fails to show how evil fits into a world supposedly created by a good God who sustains it all, including evil, in existence by an act of will.Although neo-pagans and witches can certainly learn from this book as the other non-Christian reviewers have pointed out, this book is incomplete in its approach.(Hawkins may point out that the book assumed a Christian audience, but this doesn't reduce the need to show the deeper side of Christianity to self-professing Christians who need to be well-grounded.Also, non-Christians are obviously reading this book.)Also, some Christian readers may be left with wondering whether magick really works although Hawkins' point is that regardless of whether it works, the Bible forbids the practice.Some Christian authors- such as professional illusionist Andre Kole (the Christian counterpart to the secular humanist and magician James Randi) - argue that there is more fraud than psychic powers in much that goes on in occult circles.But Kole goes so far as to deny the existence of any psychic powers and denies that Satan and demons can give such powers or perform miracles.He also criticizes other Christians who believe in psychic powers or the possibility of Satanic miracles.His point, however, is worth considering: If Satan, demons, and occultists can perform "miracles", then the argument of miracles as an apologetic for the deity of Christ must be considered worthless.Personally, I'm still studying the whole issue, including the nature of so-called "magick" as it relates to supposedly natural (and God-given) powers of the human mind (as occultists affirm), but coming from a Pentecostal and Charismatic background, I do believe in divine miracles and that they can be manifested through faithful Christians who are being led by the Holy Spirit as revealed in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 in the New Testament of the Bible.This chapter was referenced in a quote by Gavin and Yvonne Frost from their book "The Magic Power of Witchcraft" on pages 89 - 90 of Hawkins' book, but he failed to give the Christian perspective on these spiritual phenomena.Many Christians believe such phenomena went out with the apostles and are not for today - Hawkins (and Andre Kole) may be one of them (Norman Geisler is definitely one of them).I, however, am NOT one of them and sincerely believe that there is a deeply spiritual and miraculous side to Christianity that some Christians, real or just professing, are missing out on. ... Read more

Book Description
Wicca 202: Advanced training by an experienced High Priestess Many books may tell you how to cast a Wiccan circle, but none really bother to explain why. When you finish reading The Elements of Ritual, you'll know what each step of the circle-casting ceremony means, why it's there, and what it accomplishes. You'll learn several alternative approaches to each step, and you'll be empowered to write your own effective ceremonies using sound magical, theological, and pragmatic principles.Selling Features

Advanced, sophisticated Witchcraft philosophy and practice

Delves further into the theology and theory of every phase of ritual, along with practical how-tos and how-not-tos, and much esoteric, hard-to-find information Every step of ritual has at least two sample scripts, including an avant-garde example Provides detailed instructions for writing your own ritual

Includes meditations on the deeper meanings of each phase of ritual ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

A rich, dense, insightful & educational read.
Wow. Incredibly eye-opening. Definitely for anyone who wants to deepen their practice, or for fellow geeks who always ask "Why?". Lipp really gets to the bottom of "Why?" for every single piece of ritual used by most Wiccans/pagans. What may have seemed like rote habit before is now filled with meaning. Inspiring, and not in a froo-froo New Agey airheaded way.

The "Why" for the "What You Do..."
I can't say enough good things about how this book is presented and the material it covers.She takes one step by step through the building blocks of ritual, all the while detailing the reasons why one does this or that, and the reasons one should or should not do something else.

It is a well-presented guidebook for the experienced ritual writer yet still concise and understandable enough for those just beginning to explore the path and write ritual and it is not too full of craft jargon so newbies aren't left thinking "what...?".After reading this book, one has a complete understanding of exactly what an elemental is and the proper handling of this energy.Combining energy with elemental instruction, she spins a powerful thread from which most will be succesful in weaving their desired results.

She covers the subject I personally think is most overlooked in many writings today, that of making offerings.One hears so much misinformation about 'sacrifices' and not nearly enough about 'offerings' and the differences between the two.She also stresses the importance of grounding and WHY it's important to those around you to do so yourself and to make sure those who participate in your rituals follow this step.I don't recommend always slapping walls, but I certainly think this type of action is warranted at the end of each ritual that had the purpose of raising energy.Proper handling of the power is a necessary step to successful spellwork, and proper return of the energy raised is just as important a step afterwards.

She gives several examples of different types of rituals and where specific actions fit in each so that you still end up with pretty much the same formula for your work, even though the rituals might be for totally differing purposes.

She also touches on the 'ettiquette' of ritual, the proper order and form of ritual so that an offering is presented before the request is made, and the result is given an action of acceptance, very important to the serious witch.

The more you know about what you are doing, the better you will become at it.Moreover, this book is a guide to being a successful servant to the Gods...and I can't think of a much nicer thing to say about it.

Practical and No Nonesense Guide - Finally
I happened upon this book by recommendation of a friend. All I can say is WOW.I was so tired of reading the anything goes pagan circle casting and so many authors clamoring about to say why everything under the sun was acceptable.It seems so many forget about foundation.

I now recommend this book to everyone who wants to learn how to cast a circle the wiccan format.NOT A PAGAN CIRCLE format.But a witch's circle.The author comes from a traditional background.There is so much in her writing that is of practical use.There is much that speaks and inspires here.There is much that is said yet unsaid.Plans within plans, so to speak.

The manner of presentation is refreshing and very useful.So much thought went into the preparation and presentation of this book.

I intend to use this for teaching purposes.I can't say enough good about this book and Deborah.

Thank you! Thank you!Your years of experience are of great use to those of us coming along.

Blessed Be Great Lady!

The Elements of Ritual
I was so pleased to add this book to my collection.It is perfectly suited for both beginners and more advanced practioners of the craft.There is lots of explanation, but not dogma, so that at the end of the day, I can decide for myself what fits and what does not, and leave open the door to changes in the future.Ritual as viewed through this book lets me choose my ritual from knowledge, not blindly follow someone who created ritual for themselves.I highly recommend it.

Required Reading
I like doing reviews. Most times I get books that have information I can use in them, and times there are books that have almost no information I can use. There are some books I have reviewed that are examples of the worst that comes out of current publications. There are times when I can't say enough good things about books I read.

I count this book as one of the latter.

Now that the author and publishers can breathe again, I want to tell you all that if you are looking for a book on how to perform a ritual, the theatrics, the actual nitty-gritty, the practical side and the mystic side, then this is your book.

I tend to think of myself as being very knowledgeable in the realms of ritual and mystic mindset. This book showed me those things I did know were accurate and it also showed me where my knowledge lacked in substance. I was able to objectively break down the rituals I perform and to be able to see which parts were necessary and why those portions worked. This went through every aspect of ritual, from the decision to start the ritual, to altar setup to the actual workings themselves and to the closing rituals.

It is a needed reference for anyone who performs ritual for more than just themselves. It is absolutely critical that those who learned their tradition of Wicca from books have this.

I know I'm sounding like I'm gushing, and I am. I have a couple personal qualms, but they are so minor that I don't think they affect my review at all. The questions and qualms are from the fact that this is focused on Wiccan Rituals, not rituals in general. Now, I would be remiss if I didn't say that the fact this is Wiccan oriented is spelled out on the cover. The subtitle is "Air, Fire, Water and Earth in the Wiccan Circle". So right there I should assume that it is focused on Wiccan ritual. I think this could have been so much better if it were a general ritual book.

The divisions of Air, Fire, Water and Earth are used throughout this book, mainly to delineate different parts of the same segment of ritual. For instance; if we were talking about the Opening the Circle segment, there would be a section in this chapter discussing the Air aspects (the meaning behind doing things thus and so), the Fire aspects (the mental attitude and what is supposed to be happening mystically), the Water aspects (the mythology, story and history behind this step) and the Earth aspects (the practical how to do this steps). In addition to those there is some discussion about other things that affect ritual, like tools and placements and some about the choice of deities.

There are sample rituals to be used as a template throughout the book, mostly to be shown as examples of what you can do and still have all the elements be present. But there is only one full ritual shown, from beginning to end.

There is no bibliography as such, although there are references throughout the book. There is no "recommended reading" in here either, nor is there any kind of appendix. There is an index, so finding the information is easy. But, there is also some "muddleness" in the chapters themselves. For example, in the chapter about beginning the Circle, you go through all the steps before the Circle is cast, the actual casting of the circle, and immediately after the circle is cast before moving into the next chapter. Each of those is broken into it's own subsection with the elements brought forward and discussed, Air, Water, Fire, and Earth. Three times for this one chapter, so it can get a bit confusing. I probably would have broken them into their own chapters instead of including them in one chapter together. But that is me.

I can unhesitatingly recommend this book for anyone that I feel is going to do rituals and wants to have an in depth understanding of a Wiccan ritual structure. I g