Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard

Rating:
Summary: My daily reference
Review: While there are a few drawbacks to this book, mostly because I as a woman cannot relate entirely to a book addressed to a young boy, and a few inconstancies. This book has become my daily guide. The only other annoying aspect is that it seems Oberon pitches his wares a lot.
It is wonderful reference for anyone interested in knowing all that magick can be, no matter what creed one follows. Wizardry as he sees it is an art, science and discipline, not a religion.
Many subjects within the Wizard's practice are covered, and while one is encouraged to peruse them one color at a time, it is all there for the learning.
There really is no better book then this. It is a window into many time, places and cultures, and lets you build your own practice, with or without spirituality. One can examine ones own values on ethics and creed without being forced into a mold, but still with a guide. I recommend this book for everyone who is interested in growing and increasing their knowledge.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing Volume of Work
Review: As a fledgling writer, I can only imagine the hundreds of hours Oberon and his "Grey Council" put into writing this book. The topics this book covers range far and wide, everything from observing nature and embarking on a camping trip to organizing rituals, some astronomy, science, mathematics, psychic abilities, dream interpretation, "natural mysteries", animals, both existing and mythical ones, creating a magickal garden, herbs, various correspondences, lore of numerous cultures, and so forth. I also enjoyed the numerous glossaries of terms on various subjects found throughout the book.

There's truly a great wealth of information here, whether you're an apprentice wizard in your teens or quite a bit older. And while this book with all its "Harry Potter references" clearly is aimed at a younger audience, I wonder how many young people will take the necessary time to read it cover to cover. Even though the book only has 360 pages or so, each page has lots of information to cover. It's for this reason that the book requires a bit of an investment in time to read fully. Although I, like a handful of other reviewers wish this book had been around when I was quite a bit younger.

This is also clearly a book you need to skim over at least a second time to get all the information contained in it, but as such is a wonderful reference. Two minor points that bothered me. Oberon mentions vampires can be killed by sunlight, which according to a couple vampire books I've read is not true, it merely diminishes their powers. I also was a bit disappointed that Scott Cunningham (while listed in the Wizards section) did not merit a quick biography along with other wizards in that section of the book. Scott of course wrote countless books about Wicca during his life. But again these are minor points. I found this book truly fascinating and would recommend it to anyone wishing to learn more about magick, be they young or old.

Rating:
Summary: Differentiations between wizardry and witchcraft
Review: Definitions of 'wizardry', witchcraft, 'grimoire', and insights into apprentice wizardry are contained in Oberon Zell-Ravenheart's Grimoire For The Apprentice Wizard: a guide which is targeted towards teen boys exploring wizardry concepts and practices. The male-oriented focus provides important differentiations between wizardry and witchcraft definitions, pointing out their differences and areas of overlap and emphasizing Wizardry as a field of secular studies. Add contributions by notable genre writers Raven Grimassi, Jesse Wolf Hardin and others and you have an authoritative, different exploration in Grimoire For The Apprentice Wizard.

Rating:
Summary: It's About Time...
Review: Does anyone remember what happened when the movie THE CRAFT came out? I went into a local shop to pick up a Witches Almanac and they were out-explanation: hordes of teenage girls buying anything & everything with the word "Witch" in it. Talking to the proprietor, she was extremely concerned about this, afraid that someone would get hurt by trying magic without instruction.

Now HARRY POTTER has young children interested in magic. What this said to me is that we NEED to have experienced, knowledgeable elders who were willing to take the risk to write books to start these kids on the path.
I love the idea that elders as experienced and knowledgeable as Oberon Zell & the Grey Council are willing to share what they know, and are willing to put it in language that children can understand. I've already given this book to both my nephews (11 & 7). The elder is already deep into the book, examining all the lessons & voicing questions & opinions. The lessons are set up in a logical order with many references to Harry Potter & The Lord of the Rings so that the kids can equate.
My deepest appreciation to Oberon & the Grey Council for their extraordinary efforts.

Rating:
Summary: Is There A Time Travel Spell?
Review: I don't like this book, it doesn't have instructions on how to send it back to myself when I was of the age of the intended demographic. JUST KIDDING! Maybe it DOES have such instructions but I have yet to grok the arcane implications of Oberon's astrolabe (and yes, I DO like it). If I read this when I was in my teenage years I probably COULD warp this tome through the veils of Chronos by now. It would have saved me YEARS of hobbling together various bits and pieces of cosmic fabric, finding what works and sifting away the chaff.

Speaking of the intended demographic readership this book would be likely to serve, I would estimate them to be of the ages between 13 and 21 and about 70% male: the Harry Potter contingent to be sure. Frankly, I've been exposed to no Harry Potter book or movie in the entirety. I've read of Rowling only long enough to recognize that she's been exposed to Francois Rabelais, therefore she gets my seal of approval on that account alone. Other than that observation my Potterology is null and therefore I base no opinion on any reference or analogy between the Potter Mythos and the "Grimoire".

The contents of the book are presented in the form of a course of study involving seven parts. Essays, charts, grammaries, and appendices and an index are included, as well as a "Commencement" and a multitude of illustrations, both classic and newly created for the volume. Are there spells? Yes, Virginia, there are spells galore.

The lore is presented in a friendly and earnest manner and is clear and concise enough to fit a wealth of information into every page that form a solid, foundational overview of Pagan (Neopagan) information, mystical knowledge and arcane gnosis along with a reliquae of historical fact and visionary fantasy. Among all of this, a good grounding of Common sense is not ignored ("NEVER leave a candle burning. . ."); nor is a good dose of humor.

A healthy respect for language and learning is shown throughout the text. One might expect the young student to have his/her interest in various subjects piqued by the "Lessons" herein to assume a greater interest in and aptitude for a variety of subjects when viewed through the Grimoire's magical lens. Such a student might even venture into a career-path from such motivation (e.g., Course 1, Class VI might inspire some to further study psychology; Course 3, Class I might inspire an interest in law, ethics; and 7,V could lead one into the annals of history and literature).

I would imagine that some further editorial tweaking could improve subsequent editions. The most blaring example of errata did not hit me until well over 300 pages into the volume: p. 333, "Freddy Mercury of Queen was a Zoroastrian. According to legend he was trained by a sorcerer. . . " OOOPS! Make that "Zoroaster, according to legend. . ."! Also the dates quoted herein regarding the time of "Zardost"/"Zarathrustra" ("628-551 BCE") should probably be revised to an earlier best estimate such as c.1300 BCE. The heart & soul of the Grimoire should sufficiently counter such tweakables until further editions become available. (This book should SELL quite well.)

With apologies to Ian Corrigan I must counter his "criticism. . . that the book almost entirely avoids the matter of religion"; my regard for the book is only strengthened due to this fact. As Oberon states in the introduction, "A Wizard is not a Priest or representitive of any church or religion, but an `adept'... a
Wizard can be whatever religion he chooses (or none at all!)."

--- Ken Zosodada

Rating:
Summary: Shame on you, Oberon & company!!!
Review: I had to give this book a poor review because of one EXTREMELY important issue: teaching intolerance to children who will have their fill of facing it!

I am a Left Hand Path Practioner & Oberon states OUTRIGHT that anyone who is of this persuasion should not be trusted & you should turn tail & run. This, Dear Sir, is teaching utter hate and should NOT be tolerated. You may as well have called out Jews or Blacks for as much as that statement is true!

I needn't go back to the Witch Trials nor Inquisitions to prove the resulting harm of misinformation/misunderstanding- or do I? Why are you perpetuating false claims, Oberon???

In the majority of the book, it is taught to trust one's gifts of insight & instincts, then it's thrown in the garbage for this one paragraph.

It is true that many who *say* they are Satanists are not *true* Satanists (inasmuch as Jim Jones or David Koresh were true Christians), but Oberon & company; you *ought* to have done your research prior to writing such nonsense.

For those wishing to know the truth about Satanism (which I'm not actually a Satanist, per se), PLEASE read the Satanic Bible by Anton LaVey. For individuals who are not ready for that book & in need of a <U>Christian viewpoint</U>, please read Satanism by Robert & Gretchen Passantino. Not that the latter is *dead* on, but it is a clear viewpoint for Christians compared to what was given in Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard.


Your lack of responsibility in this matter saddens me; as this book would truly have been perfect if it were not for that <u>grave</u>, incorrect spoon-feeding of misinformation.

As a teacher myself, I can only imagine the mental weight of a younger student this book was intended for when everything previously learnt is thrown off-kilter. To have worked until this late part in the book, honing their intuition, trusting their internal judgements & then have this one FALSE exception: "DO AS I SAY!"

I adore this book otherwise, but this method of teaching hate is older than you or your methods, Oberon. I would have thought better of you, had I not read it myself...

Rating:
Summary: Strange Mix!
Review: I stumbled upon this tome at a local national bookseller. By way of a customary thumbing through the pages, I was intrigued enough to make it mine.

Review: I can relate to Zell's wish to leave a legacy of condensed information and material so as others may learn readily upon a foundation of information that he, no doubt, had to research "the hard way." Zell states that his target audience is young men (early teens?).

I rated the book 4 stars instead of 5 because of the confusion in which the book is laid out. Unfortunately for me, per my initial thumbing through, I thought the book was written for adults ("Apprentice Wizard" is a vague title).

However, as I began to read the book, I found that it was rife with references and allusions to Harry Potter, The Lord of The Rings (LOTR), and believe it or not, Star Trek.

My first inclination was to throw the book from a 3rd floor window, but a calming presence soon overcame me. That was due in large part because I came to the realization that Zell was addressing an adolescent audience. Mentally placing the tome back into its proper persective, I enjoyed it for what it was.

Instead of trying to return the book (it would not have been "flagged" per the circumstances of G. Costanza), I chose to keep it and make use of the many "adult content" chapters and paragraphs.

Overall I enjoyed the book. Some aspects such as the ecological/environmental and "questioning authority" politico propaganda detracted from the content, but realizing who the target audience was, it is probably suitable. The book has some publishing glitches, but nothing that substantially inhibits the storyline flow. My only criticism is that the Author sometimes uses the book as a platform to address his personal social grievances ((keeping a human skull from medical school (why did he not finish?) , not being invited to 'cool kids' parties, etc.)) without a full explaination, if only to satisfy the reader's curiosity. For what can the child learn without knowing the entire story and lesson learned by the author?

The book claims to be broken down into "lessons" that may be learned by the student over a span of many years (ostensibly, from boyhood to manhood). That may be true, and if so, would actually attest to the prescience of Author Zell. Who knows, the book may become a classic.

In the final analysis, I found the book charming in that it attempts to guide youth to a grounded (righteous) spiritual center, from a Pagan perspective. I will place it next to my old Boy Scout Handbook and most likely revere it.

The book has content usable by adults, but again, is written for youth. Notwithstaning thus, Author Zell-Ravenheart should be commended even if this book were rated one star (which it is not). He has attempted to tackle a very fickle and challenging genre of book and I believe that he has succeeded. This book is worth the money and I recommend it in every library, both secular and Magickal. Hell (if you believe in such), I think I'm gonna rate it as five stars to reward Zell for wearing his heart on his sleeve. Bravo!



Rating:
Summary: Acute?
Review: I'll rate this book a 5 though I ahve barely read it. I read the other reviews and the book description; it sounds alright. I'll look at it more today!

Rating:
Summary: A Good Effort
Review: I've read my way through many of the post-Harry Potter books on real occultism, and this is, imo, by far the best, and most complete. With the right teacher(s), and plenty of additional reading material a student could be guided through the whole process of beginning to learn the magical arts.

Oberon has attempted a truly comprehensive introduction to the world of magic and Paganism, and he's done pretty well. I like the boy-scout manual feel of the book, mixing life skills, woodland skills and occult skills. I like the generalized, traditionless version of occult arts fairly well, though I think that some discussion of where the various ideas come from would have been good. The ideas tend to be presented as though they were simply a 'tradition of wizardry', with no real discussion of the fact that 'wizardry' is being concocted right here and now.

Each chapter is a fairly good introduction to the topic presented. Some, such as the basic how-tos, could be implemented just as is, from the book. Other chapters should help to lead students toward wider resources on the topic.

My biggest criticism is that the book almost entirely avoids the matter of religion. 'Wizardry' is presented as having plenty of commerce with the Gods and Goddesses, but there is no instruction at all on how to approach those powers, except in a ritual magic, 'energies to be used' sort of sense. Some instruction is given on the use of shrines, etc, and in the 8-fold year of Pagan worship, but it never resolves into any very useful introduction to Paganism as worship. To me, all this 'magic' without a real spiritual relationship with the world is little more valuable than Harry Potter itself - a pleasant pass-time. The Potter books themselves, of course, strictly avoid any hint of religion, and I think that spirit has carried over into this work. I think that, in that way, it seriously short-changes its students.

But it's still as good a general intro to modern Pagan magic and 'wizardry' as has been done yet.

Rating:
Summary: Lay off, it's Oberon!
Review: Like it or not - and a couple of previous reviewers apparently don't - Oberon Zell-Ravenheart IS a very important and august figure in the history of American Paganism. To expect him to remain silent about the fact in his own book is a bit silly, especially if you're familiar with his personality and previous writings (as in the defunct but much-missed Green Egg).

If you're not familiar, let me introduce you. Oberon is a liberal intellectual type in the finest tradition, with every good and bad thing that the term implies. We can apply various terms: insatiably curious; arrogant; a leftover hippie; deeply clever; logical; recklessly idealistic to the point of dogmatism (did I say "leftover hippie" yet?); well-read; and off-the-wall creative. These traits show up in all of his work that I know of, and this book is no exception.

Typically, I've found, people either love or hate Oberon's work. If you know which one you used to be, you pretty much know what you'll think of this book already. Me, I eat him up with a spoon, even when I disagree with him.

Do not pick up this book expecting Harry Potter. (It's in a different section anyway. Don't be silly.) Do not pick it up expecting one of the slew of books that claim to teach the Craft to young people (mostly girls) but mostly end up giggling and throwing cotton candy. Do not pick it up expecting a thorough religious education: although the aspect of Deities and of Nature reverence is present, the focus is clearly on magical craft, not on religion per se.

Do not pick it up thinking that "magical craft" means that there will be a big pile of nothing but groovy spells. Deep, intelligent magic isn't only about magic, but about that insatiable curiosity about *all* things. It's all connected, and much of it is here in some form. We should be glad of this, I think. My son is working through this book, and I'm enraptured to think of it encouraging him to be as interested in science and literature as he is in candles and incenses. Similarly, I'm finding that the references to Harry Potter, LOTR, and other such things keep him amused and connected to the ideas at times when they become difficult.

It is a challenging book: at a time when many occult books pitched at youth, or even adults, are written barely to middle school standards, this one is as dense as a textbook and full of ideas to ponder. It will go over best with a child or teen who is ready for a bit of mental challenge. (If it's a preteen, you may have to help out now and then. I'm not against this one bit: I'm all for children learning how to think and how to reach beyond their current levels of understanding.)

I do echo the regret over some of the printing errors, and over the sloppy and changeable definitions of "black magic." Being experienced in the field myself, I am able to work through these things with my child and deal with such quibbles as they arise; other parents may wish to have backup information on hand for such things.

Overall, however, there is a thrilling amount of information here, and enough of the trappings to please the young people. (My son loves his Oberon-approved robe, tabard, and cingulum.) A kid who earnestly worked his way through everything in this book would find him or herself not only doing better in school and being more comfortable outside, both in the garden and in wild nature, but he or she would also have a better understanding and wider experience in Western magic than many people who want to WRITE books.

And this is just the beginning, Oberon says. Bring it on!