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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #76914 in Books
• Published on: 2000-09-26
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

From the Back Cover

This guide offers a beginner's look at the history of paganism, Wicca, and witchcraft, from the Druids and Celts to the witches of today who practice an earth-based religion, cast spells, and perform natural magic. The book, written by a practicing witch, reveals details of the witches' Sabbaths, ceremonies, and altars.

Customer Reviews

The fluffy side of Wicca
The first thing I need to say is that this book is by no means dreadful, but it is certainly not what I personally would look for in any guide to the Wiccan religion - nor would I recommend it to those seriously interested in either studying or practicing Wicca. I admit I have never been a great fan of the "Complete Idiot's Guide..." style, and it may be that those with a casual interest will find this book of use. But I would certainly advise anyone going beyond that level to look elsewhere for their information.

I'm afraid reading this book gave me the distinct impression that it was being marketed at the "love spells" audience - that category who wish to get involved in witchcraft because it's "cool", rather than from any real spiritual aim. There is more to Wicca than magic (sorry - I refuse to add that daft extra "k") and casting spells - and yet this book - like so many others - seems to approach magic as though it is the be-all and end-all of Wiccan practice. The first two parts of this book deal, respectively, with Wiccan practice and beliefs. And those parts comprise 68 pages - including blank pages between chapters. After that, there are 271 pages dedicated to magic and magical practice. I see this as being disproportionate in the extreme. Magic is a Wiccan tool just as is a ritual knife or a candle - but if all you want is magic, well, you don't have to be Wiccan to practice it. Why not forget all the intricacies of Wicca and just go and learn about magic? It strikes me as similar to becoming a Catholic solely because you want to take Holy Communion.

Wicca is a religion of which magic is a part, and not all Wiccans use magic in any case. I see little value in a book that claims to present an introduction to a subject and yet focuses on one small part of that subject to the virtual exclusion of everything else. I cheerfully admit my dislike of this book comes from my own view of magic as something that, like nuclear power, is very potent and needs to be treated with respect. I don't like to see books offering magic out as the solution to all of life's little problems.

Having said all that, though, this book IS well written for what it does, and it IS informative where magical tradition is concerned. It is dotted with little snippets of useful and/or interesting information and, to give credit where it's due, does often include warnings and cautions about the misuse of magic. So if you're interesting in a basic guide to magic, then this may well be the book for you. I just think it would have been simpler to have left out the first 68 pages and just called it "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Magic" - since as far as this book is concerned the entire Wiccan religion, its short history and complex philosophy, seems to be little more than an inconvenient complication to the simple business of casting spells.

Dont let the title put you off!
My mum got me this book and I was a bit put off because of the title, I thought it'd been written by people who had no idea what they were talking about. I've read quite a few books on the craft, and this one is one of my favourites.
It has information on the history of Witchcraft as well as spells, info on faeries etc. It has so much info you'd think it'd be hard to take in but its set out in an easy to read way.
Sometimes the layout can seem like its not being taken seriously, apart from that i'd say this book is brilliant.
Very good for beginners as it doesn't mislead and its not to heavy, and OK for more experienced people because its full of information.

One of the best books on Wicca and Witchcraft I've read
I've read quite a few books on Wicca and Witchcraft, but when I got this book (after being recommended it by a friend) I only knew the complete basics. However this book changed that, and I sincerely recommend you read it. It is packed full of information but is set out in a way that makes it easy to absorb. This book is great for both beginners and people who have had a little more experience. This book covers the Wiccan belief system, how to write your own rituals and spells, different types of Magick, how to figure out if Wicca is really for you, a brief history of Witchcraft and the Pentagram, who and what to invite into your circle, how to caste a circle and so much more, I have never regretted buying this book and even now still get it out to read.