- Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
- Publisher: Imprint Unknown; 1 edition (13 Sep 2000)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0028639456
- ISBN-13: 978-0028639451
- Product Dimensions: 22.9 x 18.8 x 2.5 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
329,842 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #12 in Books > Music, Stage & Screen > Music > Styles > New Age
- See Complete Table of Contents
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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.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
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.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
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.
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.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
surprising
ok, to be perfectly honest with you i bought this book for comedy value... it has taught me a lot and still makes me chuckle from time to time, but it is very informative... Read more
Published on 17 Aug 2006 by eric the girl
Just take a peak inside and you will be amazed!
I haven't actually read this book, but i recently payed a visit to the mind, body and spirit section to the waterstones in cardiff along with all my other mates (much to the digust... Read more
Published on 18 Aug 2005 by S. Bullock
Brilliant!!
This book is one of the best wiccan books I've read, it was the first proper one I read and taught me everything about the craft. Buy this book you will love it.
Published on 21 Feb 2004
Excellent!
I have read many books on the craft but this is the best I've read. Informative, welcoming and very reader friendly this book is good for beginners or the more advanced witch. Read more
Published on 28 Oct 2002 by "peepsadoodlebugs"
Just gotta justify it!
This wasn't the first book I read so I when I bought it (quite ashamedly if u note the title) I already had some basic knowledge of what I was reading about. Read more
Published on 18 May 2002 by "ljpgoring"
Good primer but the style might be off-putting
I almost put this book down for good after the first chapter. For a reader on this side of the ditch the style is disneyesque and cloying. Read more
Published on 23 Oct 2001
A great book to begin your study...
This was my first book on Wicca and Witchcraft and after a year of study I still refer back to parts of it. Read more
Published on 16 Oct 2001
an excellent book for beginners.
this was the first book on wicca that i got,it was bought for me by my older sister,who has been into wicca for a year and a half. Read more
Published on 6 Aug 2001 by lyng@spiritmail.zzn.com
THE best novice/intermediate book I have found!
I've read lots of books on this subject for beginners but this surpasses all. Well done, easy to grasp for the most novice witch or just curious individual.
Published on 24 July 2001 by "lizziweaver"
Very clear and easy to read
I brought this book on impulse as I was browsing and can say that it has earned it's place on my permanant bookshelf. Read more
Published on 2 April 2001
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