Product Description

A down-to-earth introduction to witchcraft that gives plenty of practical advice on becoming a wiccan.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #152151 in Books
• Published on: 2001-02-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Some books on being a witch seem trivial, more about fashion than faith, slightly dubious. Others ring out with authority. Kate West's The Real Witches' Handbook is in the second category. West has been a witch for over thirty years, is high priestess of her own group of covens and, in a wider context, is former vice president and media coordinator of the well-respected Pagan Federation. She knows what she's talking about.

West's book is simple, straightforward and down to earth. She describes what witchcraft is actually about, what witches believe and what they do, and how to make the first steps, whether on your own or with others. She emphasises throughout that this is a spiritual path, and is careful to correct common misunderstandings and to avoid any sensationalism.

Although witchcraft, Wicca or the Craft is growing rapidly, and is gaining more acceptance in wider society, many people are still uneasy about it, for all sorts of reasons. West suggests caution and common sense in letting others know that you're a witch, even providing a sample letter as an example of how to explain your beliefs to concerned friends.

While this book is written for anyone interested in becoming a witch, West is clearly aware of the growing interest of teenagers in witchcraft. She is very firm about saying that most reputable covens will not accept anyone under 18, and provides guidance on where to go for further information. This is one of the most sound and sensible introductory books on becoming and being a witch, and is highly recommended. --David V Barrett

From the Publisher
A down-to-earth introduction to Witchcraft that gives plenty of practical advice on becoming a wiccan. Whether you want to join a group or work as a Solitary this is an invaluable guide to the wiccan lifestyle.

The chapters include:
* Myth and Reality – what being a witch is all about, how it compares with the Hollywood image
* What Witchcraft is – the beliefs and practices
* Moon worship, the elements, Gods and Goddesses, the cycles of death and rebirth
* The Sabbats and the Wheel of the Year
* Becoming a Witch – what does it involve?
* Magic – how it works and the responsibilites involved. How to avoid potential danger
* Spellcraft – how to help you pass exams, attract partners, improve family relationships
* Herbal work – herbs for skin, hair, scents, traditional recipes
* How to tell your family and how to make contact with groups and other teenage Wiccans

About the Author
Kate West has been a practising Wiccan for over 30 years. She is Vice-President and Media Coordinator of The Pagan Federation and High Priestess of the Hearth of Hecate

Customer Reviews

The REAL Witches Handbook!!!
This book is quite positively brilliant! Kate speaks to you as a friend, at no point in the text does she speak down to you, the books purpose is not just to educate the new witch/pagan/wiccan but Kate does a good job educating non-believers as to what the religion is, who they worship and what they are and are not about i.e. devil-worship. I particularly enjoyed the section about the 8 Sabbats which i found to be highly informative. Whether you are new to Witchcraft and looking to be educated in the ways of the craft or somebody who has been following the craft for a number of years and would like a text to go over the basics or even a non-believer wanting to know more about witchcraft, then this book is for you - can't wait to buy Kate West's other books, good job Kate!

The Real Witches' Handbook
This is a great book for anyone thinking of becoming a wiccan witch. It is packed with really useful information and is easy to follow and understand.It is definately worth a read.

Yet another fluffy read...
After reading reviews of this book, I was disappointed to find it superficial, and problematically authoritarian; West does little to further the understanding of Paganism, in any form. She insists on providing the reader with synopses and lists of unfounded properties, associations and the like. The only benefit that this books provides is as a quick reference for those who wish to know general information about colours, festivals, etc, without the reasons behind the 'facts'. Possibly a useful introduction to Wicca, but certainly not a book from which to approach a world-view, in contrast to Ann Moura, who at least defines her assumptions.