Rating: 
Summary: Maybe it's just me...
Review: ...because I expected a lot more based on the reviews here, especially the ones touting this book for more experienced practitioners et al. Or perhaps I already have a lot of the sense or "methods" the author does for lack of better words (the KISS theory, among other things) because I didn't find anything in the Real Witches' Handbook that really stood out or made me want to keep going back to it. There were great down-to-earth sentiments, information and how-to's...but on the other hand, for me, it was nothing I didn't already know, almost to the point I was bored. (In fact, I didn't even finish the whole book at that point because it just didn't compel me to for whatever reason.) I guess this book was simply more beginner and basic than I expected, and I don't see myself referring to it again for anything, so it must just be me :-) Don't get me wrong though, it is a wonderful book for beginners or those interested in the Craft, especially those who don't have the space to practice as I do (another reason it didn't appeal to me - it seems geared for a younger audience, maybe college or high school age, or simply those who live in dorms or with parents or roommates, etc., which I don't). This book has no fluff, is extremely practical, covers the basics well, and was pleasant enough to read (but didn't grab me like I expected) and it is WAY better than a lot of the fluffy airy-fairy or Llewellyn nonsense out there that I have seen. (And yes, it is all Wicca like another review said so don't expect anything else regardless of the titles and terms the author uses.) However, I would recommend it freely -- the only caveat is the level of experience, other reading, and personal practice the reader has already done; otherwise, it might not be as new or enlightening as they might expect.
Rating: 
Summary: Weak, I mean seriously you guys...
Review: About a decade ago, I found Wicca and felt I had come to a spiritual path that suited my outlook on the world and my place in it. After a few bad experience with other Wiccans, I left Wicca and organized religion altogether. Now that I'm in my late twenties, I had a moving experience and decided to come back to Wicca. Most of the books I bought as a teenager had been sold or given away. So I decided to go off of reviews on Amazon and get myself a nice beginners' book to reacquaint myself with Wicca. This book came up with pretty good reviews.
But now that I've read it and a few others, I can say it's miserable. The author provides nearly NO outline to what she's about to tell you. She often interjects her own self-esteem support talk, which I find off the subject. Each Sabbat description seems like it's theme is nearly the same as the last, or the one before the last. There's no discussion of Esbats. The book seems to teach eclecticism. I disagree with that approach. Eclecticism is perfectly fine, but you have to come to learning, open to the structure of that which you are curious about. Once taught from a sound tradition, people can choose what they want to take. No one needs instructions on how to be eclectic.
It's also very unstructured in it's depiction of ritual. "You can use this or that if you need to," apparently to help people who are in the clutches of poverty to know that they, too can be witches. And she constantly refers to this beautiful religion as "The Craft." This, along with many other bad habits Wiccans hold onto help to keep us a teenager's distraction instead of members of a serious religion. It's a religion, not a craft and, honestly, witchcraft is just one element of Wicca. It'd be like calling Catholicism, "The Communion," or perhaps "The Union" for short... or maybe "The Fession." I digress...
Thorsons Publishers seems to have left this book spell-checked in UK English for their US distribution, which wasn't as boss as it was an annoyance.
It's not a complete travesty. I seem to remember getting some benefit out of it... just nothing I can remember off the top of my head. It just patronizes too much and doesn't go into enough detail for people of slightly bellow-average intellect or greater.
In essence, this Wiccan's attitude is part and parcel with what I disliked about Wicca growing up as a young adult. I want more beginners' books that present Wicca with structured, sound theology, ritual, myth and magic. To learn about Wicca, one would be better to buy a book by the Farrars. Stewart & Janet wrote the best books with the best pragmatic material I have yet found. This book is just too loose and breezy for those of us who want a serious understanding of Wicca - even as beginners... perhaps especially as beginners.
Rating: 
Summary: good
Review: I like this book. It covers a lot of ground, but it is pretty basic. It's definitely worth a read, though, esp. for beginners.
Rating: 
Summary: Good explanations for the beginner!
Review: I was looking for a sort of "Pagan/Wiccan 101" book, and picked this up in the hopes that it might answer some of my questions-- which it did, and quite well. "Handbook" goes through some of the background of The Craft, and explains the differences between some of the varieties of practice and traditions. Major holidays are explained. Kate West imbues "Handbook" with a healthy dose of good humor, which I very much enjoyed. She offers a good selection of sample rituals and spells, things that could be used (or adapted for use) by practitioners at any level, or from any tradition. Much of what West discusses is really pretty basic, and I had a good time learning more about the origins of holidays, and thinking about the various social ramifications she presented. Part of what I liked best about "Handbook" was the sensible and plausible approach West takes; no need for fuss or fancy-fancy props or tools, you can practice with what you've got, because it's the *intent* that matters most. I've shared this book with others; and recommended it to several. Bought a co-worker her own copy, so I could get mine back. ;)
Rating:
Summary: Book for Children
Review: I'm not a Wiccan but interesting in this religion, so I brought several books about this. When I went throught "The Real Witches Handbook", I have a feeling that being treated as a child, ie. Ms. West Wrote a lot of passages to clarify what the witches do. Moreover, it's too simple, not covering all the topics in details. Recommend for those what to have a quick glance in Wicca.
Rating:
Summary: Get your terminology straight! Wicca vs. Witchcraft
Review: Ok, so alot of witches are Wiccans too. does that mean that EVERY witch follows the Wiccan Rede?
It looks like the author of this book was trying to convince me that everything about a Witch is Wiccan, without explaining what Wicca is, and how it differs from Witchcraft. There are very few good books today that their authors know the diffrence between a Witch and a Wiccan Witch. BUT... The book is still ok..
It's a GREAT book to gap the distance betwwen learning the theory, and actually practicing. I found in that book alot of good things to think about, and some suggestions for rituals (though I'll have to change them to suit my belief system). I was disapointed to see that there is no mention of witches like me, who are not Wiccan, but than again - I'm not sorry I bought this book.
Rating:
Summary: Another Beginners Handbook
Review: Once again, here is another starter book for the beginning witch. Ms. West opens the book by dealing with the most common misconceptions of a witch, from the myths of our chosen path to the very basics of what we believe. From there, she moves onto Witchcraft in Reality and Moon Worship. This gives a good foundation for the novice or a refresher for the experienced practitioner. In the first few pages of "becoming a witch," she gives a couple examples of the different traditions. Also in the same chapter, she covers solitary and coven work. The moon worship chapter gives names and correspondences for a few of the more well known Gods and Goddesses. The Eight Sabbats chapter explains our holidays and ways of celebrating each of them. There are also chapters on Becoming a Witch, Magic, and Spell craft and Herb Lore. Her chapter on magic mainly covers the dos and don'ts of spell casting. In "spell craft and herb lore," she covers the basic tools you will need, how to cast a circle, a few simple spells, and a small number of herb references. "Coming out of the broom closet" gives a few ways of telling others that you are a witch, and how to deal with the responses you will get be it either good or bad. The last chapter in this book gives starting places on how to find others to talk with and how to network. Ms. West's glossary is none too extensive, but good for the beginner, and the further reading section is the same way. There are many handbooks out there, this one is good, but does not really stand out from the others.
Rating:
Summary: Great Read....Great Information
Review: One of the books that is very well written. It has an "open arms embrace" to the reader and has some laughter here and there...this tells me that the person can be serious and have a sense of humor right along with her readers..i recommend this book..you thank yourself later.
Rating:
Summary: Witchcraft with a minimum of fuss and props, a great book.
Review: This book is a refreshing insight into the practice of witchcraft, and exceptionally easy to read and understand. It is well presented and details magical and herbal spells, folk law, the changing seasons and festivals of the year. Kate West is the High Priestess of the Hearth of Hecate; she has been a practising Witch for over thirty years. Her extensive experience becomes apparent in this book, which contains sensible and practical information that is aimed at both the newcomer and experienced practitioner of the craft. The author's claim that this is a book for real people with real lives is well founded; it is very rare to find a book suitable for those in shared accommodation or living with their parents. This book shows you how to practice Witchcraft with a minimum of fuss and props, perfect for the busy student with no private space. In conclusion this is an excellent book and great value for money, I highly recommend anyone to read it. Merlyn
Children of Artemis
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Rating:
Summary: misleading and vague
Review: This is an 'okay' book for the total beginner. If you are still tasting paths to take, then this book provides a morsel.
However, I wouldn't truly recommend it because it can lead the beginner a little astray, if not make them more confused.
This book does not live up to its grand title. It seems to me to be only a little better than a throw-together attempt to cash in on the current teenage witch craze. This seems evident with her advocacy of eclectism. As the last reviewer cleverly pointed out, one doesn't need to be taught to be eclectic.
To the last reviewer: you are misleading the public by claiming witchcraft is a religion. It categorically is not. It is a spiritual path, but anyone from any religion could be a witch. Please do some more reading.
This is not the book it claims to be.
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