Product Description

This manual of the theory and practice of Witchcraft is aimed at the serious student. It is written conversationally, talking to the individual, as though the student was being trained through the author's coven. It is a comprehensive textbook for both solitary and group practice, covering the philosophy, the disciplines involved, the meaning and practice of ritual, applicable alternative studies and the attitudes required for successful spell-crafting.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #71950 in Books
• Published on: 2000-09-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Customer Reviews

hmmmmmmm
Parts of this book are great and very usefull indeed. It is aimed at newcomers to witchcraft, but I would suggest reading a few more books on this topic rather than just this one as it does take itself rather too seriously and has a kind of with me or against me approach that I found a little off putting. The author has her own idea of witchcraft that not everyone will agree with, but then thats why I find the subject so facinating.
This book boasts an excelent section on qabbalah /kabbalah / whatever. It also has a good recomended reading list that I found gives you a very good insight into the hows and whys that arn't quite coverd in this book.
When you read this book you will find yourself chalenging the authors beliefs but you will also question your own. If you like to think outside the box of wicca or are interested in looking at another way of doing things then this book may interest you.

A great introduction
I am not a Wiccan, I picked this book up out of curiousity, but found I was unable to put it down! The most striking aspect of Witchcraft is the strong sense that you are being talked to rather than at, plus a strong impression of the authors personality which is a great part of the book. This author should be a role model for independent women everywhere!

The practical excercises at the start of the book are particularly useful whatever your path, and Ly de Angeles does a great job of explaining why and how - check out her section on "Nemet" - fascinating! From the point of view of giving an introduction to what wicca is about,, Witchcraft cannot be beaten. However, it is a little light on details and history in places, and the section on cabbala is very much the authors own interpretation - which she acknowledges in the book itself.

This is a beautifully written, very personal, and yes - entertaining introduction to the subject and i highly recommend it whatever your path.

Too straight laced perhaps??
I am a devoted reader but found this book really hard work!! I am on a "Traditional Witchcraft" path and hate having to say that because I think literature regarding "Traditional Witchcraft" should be appropriately labelled "Witchcraft" and Wicca books should be labelled Wiccan, but thats just one of my personal rants!! This book is mainly, in my opinion, from a traditional viewpoint, but has major Wiccan influences throughout which deterred me somewhat, and Ly De Angeles believes that the exercises and rituals should be done "just so", and exactly as she says, where a traditional witch would improvise should they not have the correct tools/herbs etc etc.

Having said that, this book is full of essential and invaluable information and I believe that a true Pagan will educate themselves with all the Pagan pathways, not just their personal path, however, if you are new to the craft you may not want to spend too much time exploring alternative pathways when you are so eager to learn your own - and learning your own path should be your priority!

In summary, if you are a Traditional Witch or aspire to be, maybe you should give this a miss, but worth a read even just to expand you general knowledge. It has really enforced my viewpoint though that most people really dont know the difference between Witchcraft and Wicca!