Book of Shadows: A Modern Woman's Journey into the Wisdom of Witchcraft and the Magic of the Goddess

Rating:
Summary: A Personal Favorite
Review: This book is a stirring partial autobiography of Phyllis Curott, the now well accomplished High Priestess. Her story reflects the journey of many women, past and present, who seek to know and belong. As another Aquarian, this book was particularly touching and hit very close to home. I recommend it highly to all the women (and men) I work magically with, and have even tried some of the rituals she describes with my women's circle. This book is as good for a solitary as it is a group worker, though many women I know have confessed that while reading it, they wished that they had an all female circle to experience with and belong to.

Rating:
Summary: ...
Review: This book is exactly what the title claims it to be. It starts off with Curott's skeptical views of the religion [which is quite refreshing], and we follow her through her spiritual awakening in New York City. The book plays with the theory and science of witchcraft, while incorporating the spiritual side as well. It's quite an eye-opener, and an inspirational book to read. Curott enchants readers with her realistic views on the modern witch, all the wonderful spiritual happenings as well as the undesirable and sometimes bad situations that can happen to a witch in todays world. A worthy read and great author, I recommend this book to all women in the Craft.

Rating:
Summary: Reads like a medical journal
Review: This book reads more like a detailed description of every movement this lady ever made. It is endlessly boring. Where is the power? Wicca is a beautiful topic to write about, but I see no revelation in her journey. Although, it is packed with information about Wicca.

Rating:
Summary: A craft book based on true experience.
Review: This is my favorite book! Tells about the author's real life journey on the path to wicca. Because it is based on real life experiences, anyone who reads this book will know that the craft is not an easy path to follow and working magick will not get you out of hardships by just twitching your nose. A beautiful book about the path to true wicca.

Rating:
Summary: A beautiful alternative to "recipe" Craft books...
Review: This is not an encyclopedia of spells, or essays of philosophy. This is a touching novel of a woman's personal journey into a misunderstood- and often poorly represented- religion. Moving, enlightening, and inspiring, it is a lovely introduction to witchcraft, and a great read on any level. The downsides: some events are a bit overdramatized to keep the novel 'exciting,' and it does occasionally border on new age fluff, and also touches on gynocentricity and male-bashing. But hey, you read a book written by a woman about a woman-centered religion, working in a male-dominated industry, and you're going to get an opinion or two coming through at some points. I applaud the way she bares her thoughts, her feelings, her experinces, her relationships, and her trials to the public. Ms. Curott is a courageous woman in so many ways, as is clearly shown in this modern-day initiation story. This takes you inside, to see 'what witches do' ...and what they don't. It is a journey of discovery and reclaiming the ancient symbols of women's mysteries. Heartily recommended for the curious, the beginner, the pro, or anyone looking for a touch of the mystical in the corporate world.