Product Description

For those starting out on the Wiccan path, the time eventually comes when you want to delve deeper than an introductory text can take you. THE SACRED ROUND expands your knowledge of the Craft as it covers the kind of information you get in a coven or from a teacher. With step-by-step instructions on the chakras, seasonal rites, magic, spells, meditation, and divination, this guide takes you to the next level of Wiccan training.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #404553 in Books
• Published on: 2002-02-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 216 pages

Customer Reviews

No barbie on a broom on the cover of this one!
It is very rare in the current market that an author will follow the first book with anything other than a rehash of the first, and this book is one of those rareties.

This book builds upon its inspirational predecessor (In The Circle), introducing new concepts to the reader whilst furthering the ideas presented in the first guide. This book clearly demonstrates that Elen has both the knowledge of her chosen subjects & the ability to present it in an easy to understand manner. She also seems to be able to finish off all of this by writing in a beautifully inspiring manner, in which an hour of reading can seem like minutes! It is quite clear from the outset that this author has actually put some thought into her book.

This book covers many areas, including the elements, chakras, meditation, visualisation, the moon, festivals, sacred space, ritual, magic & divination. However, there are two chapters that really stand out in all of this.

The first is the chapter on the elements. I don't know how many times I've despaired at the complete lack of information that is conveyed on this topic, but this book has answered that prayer. The elements are discussed one by one (including Spirit), relating the physical qualities to their esoteric symbolism and giving plenty of ideas that will help an alignment with these powerful forces.

The second section of special mention is that on the festivals & the moon. Although these are covered in the first book, here they are expanded upon, clearly demonstrating the ways in which both the moon phases & the festivals can be worked with to enable personal development, as well as the ways in which they can be utilised in magic.

Elen has also avoided the pitfall of so many authors who attempt to write guides on this spiritual path, in that in no way does it become a dull lifeless technical textbook. Throughout this book Elen manages to weave information and exercises together in a poetic, almost lyrical, fashion. The result of this are down to earth ways by which one can fit the craft into daily life, and the most vital part, the inspiration that drives you to stop reading about it & start doing it.

A wicca 101 for the 21st century
For a book of 180 or so pages this is a remarkably comprehensive work. As one might expect from a modern book on Witchcraft it has information on the tools, sacred space, festivals, the elements and moon phases but additionally it has excellent material on correspondences, spells, and divination. For me though one of the things that makes this book stand out from the crowd is the thorough coverage of what might be termed 'inner development'such as working with the chakras, balancing your elemental make up, meditation and visualisation. This is an area which is vital for magical practise but all too often glossed over by some authors in favour of the 'stage props' info about what robe to wear or what incense is vital for a successful spell.
There are many exercises and practical advice used to illustrate the points Ellen Hawke makes throughout the book; her writing style is clear and concise which makes it excellent for beginners. It is also very clearly laid out which makes it a good reference book for more advanced practitioners. It is for these reasons I would term it a practical 101 and an essential addition to a witches library.

Inspirational
This book is an excellent companion to 'In The Circle', and is written in a similar style - clear, sensitive and inspirational. It captures the joy of witchcraft, whilst reminding us that it is something to work at as we journey along the path. Elen Hawke's thoughts on witchcraft and nature are poetic and inspiring to read, and this is a book for exploring beyond the basics.

Magical tools, the chakras, the elements, meditation and visualisation, the moon and divination are all explored, with invocations and suggestions for ritual offered. Correspondences, rites and thoughts are detailed for each of the eight festivals, which both solitary workers and groups can use or adapt to suit.

The section on magical practice includes information on oils, crystals, colours and the days of the week, as well as the seasonal cycles and the themes that run through them. Several spells are included as examples of magic in use.

Some of these areas are just touched upon briefly and further reading may be necessary for deeper knowledge, but this book reminds us that witchcraft is a celebration of nature, in all its forms.

There are many books available on wicca, witchcraft and paganism - you won't regret buying this one.