<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Good Wicca Book!
Review: In the world of many many many Wicca 101 books, this book stands out. It does so not only because of its dramatic cover, but because of what is inside. Yes, this author did utilize somewhat artistic pictures throughout the text but for a very important reason: When a person feels drawn to Wicca, it may be hard to visualize what a Wiccan looks like or dresses like in ritual. It is very important that a beginner have a good visual aid to guide them on their pathway. Especially if perchance, they do not actually know many Wiccans themselves. NO,not everyone dresses like that in ritual, many Witches do not have the big robes and long cloaks. I've been a Witch for 3 years and just now got my first cape. But the point is, is that some do. If someone goes to a ritual, they should be prepared to see both. I think this book has great information for the beginner, and is even a delight for someone who has been studying for a few years. Another sidebar to that is this: There are many Wiccans who do not look "goth", but there are many more who do and choose to express themselves that way. If you want to take a look at how different one Pagan can look to the next one, I recommend the book "Modern Pagans" by John Sulak and V.Vale. It is an eye-opener. As far as the Hereditary vs. Non-Hereditary Traditions, there is a slight glitch. There are those who grew up with Paganism as a part of their lives and may not have had a name for it. Upon studying Wicca, they may have realized that Wicca is what their own family basically does. Wicca has become (in some ways unfortunately), the catch-all name for Witchcraft. Even though Witchcraft existed in some form before Wicca. That will most likely not change, but will be left up to each individual as to whether or not they distinguish themselves as Wiccans, Witches, Pagans, Heathens, etc. I highly recommend this book for a beginner and even for those who are "seasoned" Witches. We can never stop learning. It is nice to on occasion see our Craft reflected back to us in good book media, that way we know are not alone.
Rating: 
Summary: Not too shabby...
Review: This is basically an art book with a little bit of information for the beginner. My mom bought this book, as she knows I am pagan (not Wiccan) and wanted to know more about it. I borrowed this book because she wanted to know how much of it was true. For me, personally, not much of it, not being Wiccan and all. But I have studied it and read a LOT of books on the subject, and know quite a few Wiccans.
The book has six chapters:
Chapter 1: Understanding Wicca
Chapter 2: Practical Magic Chapter 3: Attuning to the Seasons
Chapter 4: Working Alone
Chapter 5: The Path Continues
Chapter 6: Resources It's not a terrible book for beginners or people who just want to learn a little bit about Wicca. It does pretty well describing the basic beliefs and tenets of Wicca. The short history isn't too bad either. Keep in mind, though, this is very artistic, so the people in the book (it's full of mostly pictures) are in robes and look pretty cheesy. One is even all gothy-vampired out. Someone might think all Wiccans are [homosexual] men, gothy, or hippy chicks and they all dress in robes if they only read this book. A little annoying beef I have is this: On page 186 it lists different types of Wicca, and the author, dispite her OK history, states: "Hereditary Witchcraft: An Ancient and somwhat secretive branch of Wicca in which a family, or group of families, will only train and initiate their own relatives." It's the old "All Witches are Wiccan" routine, where, even though at the beginning of the book she states that basically Wicca is new, she here states it's ancient, and the same as Witchcraft. NOT ALL WITCHES OR PAGANS ARE WICCAN! In short, it's a very simplistic and pretty book that's somewhat entertaining and enlightening to the completely ignorant person, but pretty much useless to someone who knows the basics. It's non-threatening to the person (like my mother) who hates scholarly or "dark" works. If you don't like "Eclectic Wicca" or are someone who dubbs anyone who isn't depressed and suicidal "Fluffy Bunnies", don't read this.
<< 1 >>
| 
