The Complete Book of Spells, Ceremonies and Magic (Llewellyns Sourcebook Series)

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Summary: This book is what it says, but not what it seems.
Review: Be aware that this is not a grimoire! This is an excellent book for someone who is exploring the world of magick, but is not Wiccan. Even if you are unsure, this book is great, as it places no real leanings towards any one religion (Well, maybe there is a little emphasis on the Kabbalistic system). All to often, I find that most books on magick are strongly intertwined with Wicca, and it is hard to get a good broad view of magick without the religious touting. This book provides a comprehensive study of magick through history, the parts it played in different cultures, and it outlines many different practices. A great starting text!

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Summary: Not What I Was Expecting...
Review: I borrowed it from a friend, and was supprised to find that it didn't have as many spells as I thought it might. Most of it is just the History, and education on Witches. There are some spells in it, but none of them were really what I was looking for. Most of them are too extreme; like, if you WANTED to break up a boyfriend and a girlfriend, all it had was a spell for breaking up a marridge. Or if you wanted to cast a spell on someone, She would use rare words, some of which i couldn't even understand ( and i have used MANY books before). All im saying is that the book isn't totally complete with everything that someone would need. If you are looking for an educational book, with a little bit of over exadurated, strange, mis-understandable words in it, then buy this book, but if you are looking for a complete book of spells, don't.

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Summary: Good For Beginners
Review: If you are seeking a book which delves into a wide variety of Magickal areas this one won't disappoint you. It is reminiscent of an encyclopedia in it's layout.

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Summary: If you only knew............
Review: Ms.Whippler isn't only knowlegeble on the subject of spells and such, but is a scholar in the religion of Santeria. She certainly knows the subject matter well and could probably teach most people out there a little truth in the realm of rites and rituals. Try some of her other works, you'll understand.

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Summary: Wonderful Read
Review: Not a recipe book for spells or a grand grimore, but this book is excellent for its diversity. An absolute must for beginners, and enjoyable for adepts.

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Summary: disappointing
Review: Often has witchcraft been presented as a 'good versus evil' or 'black versus white' conflict, but such presentation is generally the forte of fiction. Wippler presents a Disney-like perspective of the Good Witch Of the North versus the Black Witch With The Wart on Her Nose. She presents numerous misconceptions about the origin of witchcraft. Her most remarkable achievement is the certain knowledge of prehistorical beliefs, which she is obviously gifted enough to know despite a complete lack of ALL relevant material and sources. Her material is presented in the realm of absolutes with a firm undercurrent of her way being THE RIGHT WAY to proceed. Although some of her material is worth reading, the few bits of interest are depressingly few and far between. For one who has the knowledge to pick and choose what material to believe this book may be of some benefit, but to the first time reader this book will convey 400 pages of misconceptions and stereotypes as fact; something that the pagan community has been striving to be rid of. The only advantage in purchasing this book is the use of its bibliography.

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Summary: Looks can be deceiving
Review: This book at first glance, appears to be full to the brim, with information, knowledge, rites and rituals. But in truth, it is mostly a collection brief cultural-history tied to magick, skipping from culture to culture every few pages. It has a couple decent bits of reference information, and a half-hearted spell here and there, but in truth, it's simply not worth the money.

Rating:
Summary: very good read
Review: This book is exceptional. It covers the history of magic as well as modern adaptations, symbolism, tarot, i-ching, yoga, tantra, etc... well worth the money.

Rating:
Summary: disappointing
Review: This booked seemed so full of promise, since it contains all kinds of information on a variety of things. Once I started reading the book, though, it was like reading one short story after another. Most of the information in the book can easily be found on the Internet or in other books. She touches very briefly on the topics presented in the book. By the time I was done with the book, I didn't feel I gained any knowledge. Some of the things in the book were very stereotypical portrayals and insulting. It's a good coffee table book, but by no means the best book on spells, ceremonies, and magic.

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Summary: Intrepid Review
Review: This is a great book for all Wiccan, Witchcraft, and it is also good for the Black Magick caster in all of us.