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Rating: 
Summary: This is Witchcraft not Wicca
Review: The simple truth is that before Gerald Gardner cobbled together his Wicca religion in the 50's the term 'Witchcraft' traditionally denoted operative Sorcery, the power and art of Bewitching and Ensorcelling and all the methods, minutiae and techniques thereof. That's what it meant in the 17th century and during the Middle Ages in Europe - it is not a religion or a cultus, but a practical and pragmatic craft, an applied art, which some people have more of a talent for than others in that they have more of a rapport with the unseen world of the supernatural. A witch may well be a Catholic when it comes to religious orientation, many in the old days were and nonetheless practised their Hidden Arts. Look at the Rev Hyatt's huge compilation of oral lore on Hoodoo, Rootworking and Conjuration in the Deep South in the 30's - they called what they were doing 'Witchcraft' too but they didnt mean a cult or anything like Wicca, but just meant applied sorcery; it's the same with European lore. A Witch is simply an effective worker of magic.That work may be benefic in nature or it may be malefic magic (in which case it will involve malefic entities such as the devils described by tradition.)Whether you want to concentrate predominantly on the former or the latter is purely a matter of temperament and taste i suppose ( as well as the fact that nothing comes for free in this universe and malefic magic does exact a price.)
So all the condemnations of Sarah's book by intemperate and intolerant wiccans are based on fundamental errors and unsound modern fantasies about Gardner and Murray's alternative religion or 'witch-cult' which in historical reality never existed anyway. Sorcery, Magic and Witchcraft are timeless impulses of the human soul throughout the ages and have always been practised for good and ill by those drawn to these twilight arts ( as i have been for the last 30 years). This work basically expounds the practise of Witchcraft, not Wicca, and insofar as it goes into the essential motivations and methods of Witchery in this traditional sense it is quite an interesting book as well as an amusing period glimpse into the occult sensibilities of the early 70's . I found it an enjoyable read.
Rating: 
Summary: Not all that Is Witchcraft is Wicca!
Review: First and foremost the author of the book ever mentiones Wicca or that she is Wiccan. Only the words Witch and Witchcraft are used. \
Second, The spells presented hear are the traditional spells used in Brujeria, Voodooists, Espiritismo, Curanderismo, and Hecherismo, or Witchcraft. It seems sadly that books as this should have a label, like those found on cds. -- "Witch's Advisory, No one under 18 or Wiccan Without a True Brujos Consent." -- These spells are the traditional spells used by many Witches, not Wiccans. If you are Wiccan do not read, if you are interested in true folk magick, spell crafting and Witchcraft as done by Brujos, then this might be a small but good window into the secret kitchen, altar and working room of a Bruja/o, Witch. With all respects towards Wiccans, one must understand that throught the world this is what Witchcraft in. In Countries such as Mexico, Puerto Rico and all through out the world, many people go to Brujos or Hechiseros seeking revenge for a wrong doing. The Brujo will always warn. "Becareful what one asks for." But the `trabajo" the magickal working is done. One should read this book with an open mind, as "so called Witch" one should have the proper understandings of both Black and White magick. I am sure your mind would change, or you would run back to this book. If lets say, and "God and Los Santos forbid" your mother was abused, your daughter was rapped, or you where cursed to ruins by a more powerful Witch who knew these knowledges. The Profession and Craft of a True Witch must completely understand the workings behind both Black and White Magick. This book reveals these things. Although I do not personally use Black Magick to harm anyone, I must say I have had clients come to me, who have been "Enbrujado" Bewitched or Cursed. So I must understand what was in the mind of the dark magician, what where his/her procedure. These things can be found out in books like these. Lastly this is traditional Witchcraft with the good and the bad. This is not Fluffy, all is Happy, all is good, Wicca. And it never states it is.
Rating:
Summary: Not all that Is Witchcraft is Wicca!
Review: First and foremost the author of the book ever mentiones Wicca or that she is Wiccan. Only the words Witch and Witchcraft are used. \
Second, The spells presented hear are the traditional spells used in Brujeria, Voodooists, Espiritismo, Curanderismo, and Hecherismo, or Witchcraft. It seems sadly that books as this should have a label, like those found on cds. -- "Witch's Advisory, No one under 18 or Wiccan Without a True Brujos Consent." -- These spells are the traditional spells used by many Witches, not Wiccans. If you are Wiccan do not read, if you are interested in true folk magick, spell crafting and Witchcraft as done by Brujos, then this might be a small but good window into the secret kitchen, altar and working room of a Bruja/o, Witch. With all respects towards Wiccans, one must understand that throught the world this is what Witchcraft in. In Countries such as Mexico, Puerto Rico and all through out the world, many people go to Brujos or Hechiseros seeking revenge for a wrong doing. The Brujo will always warn. "Becareful what one asks for." But the 'trabajo" the magickal working is done. One should read this book with an open mind, as "so called Witch" one should have the proper understandings of both Black and White magick. I am sure your mind would change, or you would run back to this book. If lets say, and "God and Los Santos forbid" your mother was abused, your daughter was rapped, or you where cursed to ruins by a more powerful Witch who knew these knowledges. The Profession and Craft of a True Witch must completely understand the workings behind both Black and White Magick. This book reveals these things. Although I do not personally use Black Magick to harm anyone, I must say I have had clients come to me, who have been "Enbrujado" Bewitched or Cursed. So I must understand what was in the mind of the dark magician, what where his/her procedure. These things can be found out in books like these. Lastly this is traditional Witchcraft with the good and the bad. This is not Fluffy, all is Happy, all is good, Wicca. And it never states it is.
Rating: 
Summary: A few goods things....and a few lies
Review: Firstly, I don't mean to be rude when I say "lies". I'm just trying to dispell a few myths found in the preface of this book. Firstly, Wiccans/Witches DO NOT and HAVE NOT at any time in history worshipped any entity known as Satan or The Devil. Satan is a Christian concept, and since Witchcraft is a pre-Christian religion we have absolutely no use for a Devil. We are a positive life-affirming religion.
I wrote the author a letter about this book several years ago. She retaliated with a very nasty letter declaring Wicca to be no more than a cult. Sorry..but Wicca is recognized by the U.S. government as being a valid and legitimate religion.
This is a book of magick. Not Witchcraft. Magick is an art that can be practiced by all religions. Witchraft is a religion. Wicca is Modern Witchcraft. So..to call this book, the Modern Witches spellbook...the author is basically calling herself Wiccan, because a Wiccan is a modern Witch.
Obviously, since she wrote these spells prior to the Wiccan movement, then these spells must have been written before 1951 when the Wiccan movement began!
Just keep in mind...this is a book of magick...not Witchcraft!
Rating:
Summary: REPLY TO MARY HERBST
Review: I'm the author of the Spellbooks and for Wiccans who just don't know my books came out before the Wiccan Movement was invented. In fact, my spellbooks are coming out in Classic Versions this fall. I invented the spellbook format and I base my work on medieval sorcery research in Europe and New York. Now you Wiccans take note--you were another generation! Sarah Lyddon Morrison
Rating:
Summary: REPLY TO MARY HERBST
Review: I'm the author of the Spellbooks and for Wiccans who just don't know my books came out before the Wiccan Movement was invented. In fact, my spellbooks are coming out in Classic Versions this fall. I invented the spellbook format and I base my work on medieval sorcery research in Europe and New York. Now you Wiccans take note--you were another generation! Sarah Lyddon Morrison
Rating: 
Summary: I bought it on a whim...
Review: This book was on the discount table at my local bookstore. I kept it around for a while before reading it. Let me say that some of the information was helpful. Although, I've never had to bind another witch's power, or ahve become violently ill from another witch attacking me... It was still necessary information in my mind. Let me just say that I have read the customer reviews posted, and you shouldn't take my review as the last word, but honestly, I tore out the pages involving Death, and harm to others.
This book has some great examples on ONE PERSON'S POINT OF VIEW, and she never does say that she is a Wiccan. However, I could not give this book the review others may think it deserves. I also could not recommend this book to anyone who walks a similar path as I. As to whether or not the spells work;(sigh) spells do have power, even spells had can harm others.
For those who try to keep an open mind to both parts of the spectrum buy this book, or borrow it. For those who are trully offended by Sarah Lyddon Morrison's lack of mentioning that she is NOT a Wicca, nor seems to follow our code, read Scott Cunnigham and Galen Gillotte.
All these bad things just make me ill.
Rating:
Summary: Pretty good overall
Review: Yes, this proves that all witchcraft is wiccan, but for some reason, it never really "grabbed" me nor caught my interest.
Rating:
Summary: Pretty good overall
Review: Yes, this proves that all witchcraft is wiccan, but for some reason, it never really "grabbed" me nor caught my interest.
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