Witchcraft: An Alternative Path

Rating:
Summary: I'm not sure about this one...
Review: Ann Moura is a little odd. She says she's from a "Craftwise" family, but her mother and grandmother were Catholics. Yes, they could theoretically know some witchcraft techniques, or be Christian Witches. That, I do not have a problem with. The material she presents, however, is INCREDIBLY Wiccan. The rituals, the theology, the ethics, the elements. It's all Wiccan. She does do some things a little backwards, saying that you initiate yourself first, and after a year and a day do a dedication, which is completely contrary to everything I've ever read or heard of. Other than that, and a few other little odd things I think she might have done backwards in order to make people think she's not *too* Wiccan, this is, yet another, Wicca 101 book. If you're going to read this, I would also recommend "Out of The Shadows: Myths and Truths of Modern Wicca" by Lillith McLelland, "Triumph of The Moon" by Ronald Hutton, and "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practioner" by Scott Cunningham. I actually think "To Ride A Silver Broomstick" might actually be better for a beginners book than this one.

Rating:
Summary: Beginners Handbook
Review: Ann Moura is best known for her "Green Witchcraft" series. Her newest book is more of a general basic handbook on Witchcraft which provides information that every new Witch would need.

Covered here are the basic elements of being a Witch. What is a Witch, what are the basic beliefs and practices, history of the symbols, required tools and common celebrations; all of these are put together for easy reference with some very well researched and clearly written explanations. Descriptions of tools, use of magical writings, basic rituals, and even spellworking is discussed, and explained for the beginner. Philosophies are explored and the "how to" is worked out in a logical and easy to understand manner. Ms. Moura provides many correspondences tables and mini lists of items and their meanings and/or uses. Divination tools are also included for the beginner exploring this path for the first time.

There is included a chapter on "Witchcraft for Daily Living" which discusses being a Witch in the modern world and how it can be applied to your spiritual life as well as the effects it can have on your mundane life. There are many decisions to be made once you start on your chosen path, and Ms, Moura explores how you may want to approach this in your own life.

The book contains many good tables, a glossary, suggested reading and is indexed for easy use. The book keeps to a generic format, making it easy for anyone to use as it is not path specific. It is written in clear and easy to understand language and does not approach the material as "mysterious" or for the chosen few. It is easy to understand and kept simple in its style.

Overall this is a fine choice for a beginner's book from an experienced and well known author.