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Rating: 
Summary: Probably my favorite book on Wicca
Review: A book that not only shows you how to do magick, but also why. It does not stop there, however. At it's heart it's much more about the deep philosophy and spirituality of Wicca as a religion and a science, and how to work in harmony with the universe. It covers a very broad array of subjects, including a great section on the God (often an afterthought in many books). Most importantly, it challenges some Wiccan dogma that many take for granted (karma, 3-fold law) and makes you think.
Rating: 
Summary: A Refreshing Change of Pace, But Not For Beginners
Review: After studying the Craft for seven years and being initiated for five of them, I was experiencing difficulty finding suitable books. I had covered almost everything in the easy to find Wicca 101 books. I wanted something that would delve into the "nuts and bolts" of magick while leaving room for creativity and individuality. Witchcrafting is such a book and more. Curott departs from the usual spell cookbook format to challenge our thinking, go into a discussion of ethics within a truly Pagan framework, discuss the nature of deity, and analyze the how and why of magick (spellcasting). She also presents new definitions of "magick" and "Witch". The views expressed in this book are bound to step on a few toes and draw criticism, but it is important for us Witches to be open minded and discuss both our common and differing views as we shape the future of our religion. She wisely warns against letting our beliefs become dogma and never acts like her way is the only way. The only problem I see with this book is that while Curott presents it as suitable for both beginning and experienced Witches, I doubt that it would be suitable for someone just starting out on this path. Some of the exercises, especially near the beginning of the book, would be OK, but most of the book would be difficult to understand for someone without a basic knowledge of the Craft. I would suggest first reading several Wicca 101 type books, such as Book of Shadows by Curott, and living the magickal life for a year or two. I would recommend this book to anyone who is open to new ideas, willing to be given a lot to think about (I sure was), and isn't content with simply reading something from a book during ritual (at least part of the time). It would also be an interesting selection for a Pagan book discussion group.
Rating:
Summary: An honest look at one woman's journey - well worth your time
Review: I bought this book as soon as it was out and refer to it constantly. The pages of my book are worn and tattered, and I am constantly experiencing something new in the pages of the book.
The author's approach to the practice of the Craft is refreshing. I came to wicca through exploration and a questioning of my belief system, so I appreciate the author's fresh look at the tradition of witchcrafting. I believe the book is useful for both those just beginning to explore wicca as well as more experienced practitioners. Certainly, Ms. Curott questions and challenges some long-held beliefs, but that should not dissuade those who are truly seeking their own spiritual path. I highly recommend the book -
Rating:
Summary: A Very Nice Text
Review: I found Witch Crafting, by Phyllis Curott, to be an interesting and very worthwhile read. The author provides sound advice for beginners concerning many areas of practicing modern witchcraft. The chapters are titled: Real Magic, Divination, Nature, Sacred Space, The Goddess, The God, Witchcraft without Rules, Secrets of Spellcasting, Potions-Notions & Tools, Energy, Solitary Practice, Groups and Covens, and Sabbats. For the more seasoned practitioner, Curott discusses such topics as the relationship between magick and quantum mechanics, which has been an area of my own interest as well. Overall the book was an informative and delightful follow-up to her previous work, Book of Shadows. Now, turning to another matter - I found much of the critical reviews of this book to be totally unfounded. Curott makes it very clear in the introduction that she is NOT setting herself up as the authority on anything. In the book's introduction she writes: "This book is not the gospel according to St. Phyllis. Not everyone will agree with the conclusions I have drawn..." Curott then goes on to explain that her goal in writing this book was "not to convince you that all of these ideas are right, but to stimulate dialogue, innovative thinking, and creative practice." It appears that the stimulation has been successful. Regarding the allegations that this book attacks the hereditary witches' lineage claim, I don't really see it that way, per se. What Curott says is: "...there have always been individuals who claim they were initiated in traditions which remain hidden behind the veils of secrecy - and there may indeed be hereditary traditions waiting for a safer time to emerge." Her phraseology does seem to indicate that she does not believe that any current claims to being from a long family witch lineage are valid. However, it does appears that she believes hereditary witches may exist but have yet to come forward. As a hereditary witch myself, who did come public in my own book, I would respectfully disagree with her overall position. And as an Italian witch, I admit that I was disappointed that Curott chose to recommend Leland's negative portrayal of Italian witches over any positive books on the topic. Still, I do not believe that Curott intended to offend the Italian witchcraft community, so let's please be careful about pointing fingers in return. I think we all need to remember that everyone is entitled to their considered opinion, and I would not want to live in a country where such is not the case. Personally, I don't feel that her few isolated remarks impact the quality, integrity, nor importance of the work as a whole. I highly recommend this book specifically for those who want to view and to practice Wicca/Witchcraft as a modern religion.
Rating:
Summary: A great book for beginners and advanced practitioners
Review: I'm a beginner and have found this book very enlightening and helpful. Ms. Curott's writing allows the reader to feel relaxed about witchcraft and to enjoy it. Sometimes I find myself in a race to the finish line. "I need to this, so I can do this". And freak out if the techniques aren't coming to me easily as they should be. Not so with this book. Smelling flowers or watching bees at work can be part of the learning process. It definitely has a holistic view to witchcraft than some books in the market. Each exercise can both a beginner and intermediate level. I disagree with people who say that you have to read X amount of 'Wicca 101' books in order to read this one. This is what worship of the Goddess and communion with Nature is all about. Not athames, ceremonial robes and degrees. My only problem is that urban practioners may feel a little left out. This is definitely for people with access to greenery, water and privacy.
Rating:
Summary: A great book for beginners and advanced practitioners
Review: I'm a beginner and have found this book very enlightening and helpful. Ms. Curott's writing allows the reader to feel relaxed about witchcraft and to enjoy it. Sometimes I find myself in a race to the finish line. "I need to this, so I can do this". And freak out if the techniques aren't coming to me easily as they should be. Not so with this book. Smelling flowers or watching bees at work can be part of the learning process. It definitely has a holistic view to witchcraft than some books in the market. Each exercise can both a beginner and intermediate level. I disagree with people who say that you have to read X amount of 'Wicca 101' books in order to read this one. This is what worship of the Goddess and communion with Nature is all about. Not athames, ceremonial robes and degrees. My only problem is that urban practioners may feel a little left out. This is definitely for people with access to greenery, water and privacy.
Rating:
Summary: Not just how; but why.
Review: It's easy to buy a book about Witchcraft and follow it word for word. Sometimes that is enough. But sometimes it isn't. "Witch Crafting" gives you background, a foundation to build your practice on. It adds dimension and magic to what, if you are only learning from books, could be a very flat practice.
Rating:
Summary: Not just how; but why.
Review: It's easy to buy a book about Witchcraft and follow it word for word. Sometimes that is enough. But sometimes it isn't. "Witch Crafting" gives you background, a foundation to build your practice on. It adds dimension and magic to what, if you are only learning from books, could be a very flat practice.
Rating:
Summary: Starting from scratch
Review: My friend had me read Book of Shadows and that lead me down the path of wicca. From there I used this book as my start and I have grown so much since I read this book. This is an excellent place to start. I look forward to more books by her to come.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful read and a wonderful book!!
Review: While the author has some wonderful excercises in expanding and deepening your journey into Wicca, one can help but feel a little misguided. She talks about how the concept of the ThreeFold Law is outdated, inappropriate and inaccurate. Ok, that's the way that she feels. But it sounds like she's slapping people such as Gerald Gardner in the face. Is it outdated? Maybe. But it is no more outdated than the Qabalistic ritual that makes up most of Wiccan ritual. While it's true that the ThreeFold Law isn't Wiccan, that doesn't mean that it doesn't belong in Wicca. After all, isn't the Qabalah a part of Judaism and Hebrew philosophy? Her idea of "What's wrong with the ThreeFold Law" is just not represented right. What's actually wrong with the ThreeFold Law isn't what it's about or what it represents, but the way in which people who aren't educated in that field interpret it and relate it to others. If you don't know what it is you're talking about or don't understand it, of course you're going to end up misrepresenting it. I just think she could have spent a little more time researching Judaic magickal systems and philosopy before she wrote those pages, and a little less time making those like Gardner and Valiente (after all, she did edit his Book of Shadows)look like utter fools. Yes, even they were prone to mistakes. But if they felt that something such as the ThreeFold Law were inappropriate to Wicca, I'm sure that they were intelligent enough to have left it out.
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