Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #473123 in Books
• Published on: 2000-12-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

From the Publisher
The ritual poetry of Doreen Valiente.
Doreen Valiente, the Mother of Modern Witchcraft, is an acclaimed author in her own right. She rewrote and edited elements of Gerald Gardner's Book of Shadows and is largely responsible for Wicca becoming the fastest growing religion in the western world.

Just before Doreen died on the 1st September 1999, she requested that her poems be published. In this book, for the first time, together with rare photographs of her magical artefacts and memories from friends, is a tribute to a great lady who gave, and still is giving, so much to the Craft.

Excerpt from the Witches Mass in Theban script published for the first time.

Customer Reviews

Essential Reading for Well-versed Wiccan
Valiente was instrumental in the development of Wicca as we know it today. Too often, her contributions (particularly in terms of the Wiccan liturgy) go unremarked. What is often cited as 'traditional' by less-informed writers on Wicca (and there are plenty of them around) often turns out to be something either written or revised by Valiente.
Valiente is not the best poet in the world. Her strength lies in writing texts for ritual, and this book provides us with more proof of this skill. In consequence, it is a timely reminder of a skill which, despite the efforts of so many, appears to be sadly lacking in all but a few.
At once homely and authoritative, this slim volume is a welcome panacea to the fluffy bunny New Age/Buffy-style Wicca which too often tends to predominate today.
Very highly recommended.

Another great book from Doreen
Just when I thought all the great works on Witchcraft had been published I discovered the Charge of the Goddess. Its original approach and authentic Wiccan flavour made me realise how much there is to learn about the subject. To actually read the Witches Mass written in Theban and be able to read about Doreen's inner thoughts on magic rites make this book a classic.

A must have book!
I was privileged to have been involved with the production of this important new book. Doreen Valiente gave so much to the Pagan World, much of which is undervalued. the publication of this book goes some way to redressing the balance.