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lenthegreywitch's review against another edition
4.0
Helpful information as a newbie to see what path I wanted to go on, but could have been a little more in-depth.
biancabeland's review
4.0
A solid guide to American Witchcraft and Wicca through the eyes of a once-skeptic. It tries to explain witchcraft through exercises and explaining the why behind them, but I feel like it may have fallen short in some places, for me personally.
All in all, however, an easy and entertaining read and definitely helped me build my understanding of American Witchcraft and Wicca (although I likely will not become a Wiccan, myself).
All in all, however, an easy and entertaining read and definitely helped me build my understanding of American Witchcraft and Wicca (although I likely will not become a Wiccan, myself).
dreamofbookspines's review
4.0
Phyllis Curott is utterly sensible in her writing style, and I appreciate that, especially since a great deal of pagan books are way less down-to-earth. This is a great practical handbook for both beginners and oldbies like me (I've been pagan for almost 14 years now), giving explanations of why we do what we do that are easy to understand and often not discussed. Some of us, particularly practitioners who have never been part of a coven, don't get these theological explanations of how and why spells work and what to do when they don't, in addition to historical contexts for our practice.
That said, it is a long read. There are lots of activities she encourages you to engage in, but even if you skip over some of them (which I don't recommend - I think all of them are really useful!), it will probably take you a long time. There's a lot to absorb, even though she phrases it simply. Really enjoyed this practical not-quite-how-to guide to paganism. It makes you think about the reasons for ritual, and helps organize your beliefs a bit better. Good thinking-through exercises and excellent suggestions in general. I'd recommend this for pretty much any pagan, n00b or old.
That said, it is a long read. There are lots of activities she encourages you to engage in, but even if you skip over some of them (which I don't recommend - I think all of them are really useful!), it will probably take you a long time. There's a lot to absorb, even though she phrases it simply. Really enjoyed this practical not-quite-how-to guide to paganism. It makes you think about the reasons for ritual, and helps organize your beliefs a bit better. Good thinking-through exercises and excellent suggestions in general. I'd recommend this for pretty much any pagan, n00b or old.
katietapestry's review
4.0
A poetic introduction to witchcraft 101; the book insists that you actively participate in the set activities which highlights what I largely agree with; that spiritual practice isn't just a spectator sport.
feralshojo's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting in regards to spirituality, even for people like me, who can't really identify with the concept of Wicca, but still like to bring more intuition and spirituality into their life.
squeakadillo's review
4.0
Good, practical thoughts about the whys and wherefores of witchcraft. I don't think the Rule of Three is as sinister as she makes it out to be, though. I find the gendered duality of Wicca much more troublesome, but Ara's idea of substituting "Lover and Beloved" for "Lord and Lady" is a step in the right direction.
planswithbooks's review
4.0
I really enjoyed the look inside more of the author's personal practices.
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