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redinteeth's review
3.0
3.5
This was a challenging book to review because, on one hand, there are many qualities about this book that I love.
The most challenging part of this book was trying to determine who the book is "for." Yes, obviously, someone looking for a Gardner-influenced path of Wicca will appreciate this book, but the intended audience was a bit challenging to figure out. Teens? Adults?
Pros:
xx This book has a good structure. One of the challenges of an Eclectic practice is integrating everything into a feasible and workable system and Calafia has done so.
xx I am actually fond of 'gatekeeping' certain levels within craft practices. Calafia brings up that certain aspects of craft are valued more when they are 'earned.' This gatekeeping is not meant to exclude anyone, but rather reward you for accomplishments.
xx This book was LGBT+ inclusive, which surprised me given the publishing date and duality tradition in many group practices. (Maybe not too inclusive for the Ace folk in my life, but that's more of a struggle with Wicca's sexuality as a whole VS specifically this book.)
xx This system allows you to begin at any time throughout the year. It has a reading list, workings for each month, and a theme to focus on that is easily incorporated into daily life. Adding or updating a spiritual practice is best done in small, accessible chunks to stick with it. Calafia makes this easy for the beginner.
xx Actually following this system is very, very rewarding. You can get a lot out of following this system and using the structure.
Cons:
xx Anytime a book mentions "THE BURNING TIMES" I'm a bit disheartened. There is definitely stigma and discrimination happening to Pagan and Wiccan practitioners in modern times. Instead of focusing on this real issue, we are revisiting European Witch Trials as though this happened to modern Wiccans.
xx This book has some of the most jarring guided meditations ever. If you take the structure of the book but replace the meditations with others, the monthly system becomes a lot more accessible. (That being said...it's challenging to write guided meditations! Kudos to the author for even writing 12 of them.)
xx I'm torn on the ethical questions because, while I Love, love, love the inclusion of the questions, it's part of where "who is this book written for" scenario comes in. There are many areas where I wold say "Uhh...why don't you just speak up" could easily remedy the scenario provided. The scenarios might make sense if given to a teenager, but for adults, it was a bit jarring.
xx I would have liked more mention of the source material for a few of the places.
xx There's still a subtle holier-than-thou attitude towards Christianity, but I've come to expect that in books like this.
Overall:
If you're new to Wicca or are just seeking a structure with back-to-the-basics, this is not a bad book to add to your collection. The tone of the book is conversational and the areas I would personally nitpick at (particularity some of the source material) don't take away from the book's overall value.
It'd actually be a great companion to some journaling.
This was a challenging book to review because, on one hand, there are many qualities about this book that I love.
The most challenging part of this book was trying to determine who the book is "for." Yes, obviously, someone looking for a Gardner-influenced path of Wicca will appreciate this book, but the intended audience was a bit challenging to figure out. Teens? Adults?
Pros:
xx This book has a good structure. One of the challenges of an Eclectic practice is integrating everything into a feasible and workable system and Calafia has done so.
xx I am actually fond of 'gatekeeping' certain levels within craft practices. Calafia brings up that certain aspects of craft are valued more when they are 'earned.' This gatekeeping is not meant to exclude anyone, but rather reward you for accomplishments.
xx This book was LGBT+ inclusive, which surprised me given the publishing date and duality tradition in many group practices. (Maybe not too inclusive for the Ace folk in my life, but that's more of a struggle with Wicca's sexuality as a whole VS specifically this book.)
xx This system allows you to begin at any time throughout the year. It has a reading list, workings for each month, and a theme to focus on that is easily incorporated into daily life. Adding or updating a spiritual practice is best done in small, accessible chunks to stick with it. Calafia makes this easy for the beginner.
xx Actually following this system is very, very rewarding. You can get a lot out of following this system and using the structure.
Cons:
xx Anytime a book mentions "THE BURNING TIMES" I'm a bit disheartened. There is definitely stigma and discrimination happening to Pagan and Wiccan practitioners in modern times. Instead of focusing on this real issue, we are revisiting European Witch Trials as though this happened to modern Wiccans.
xx This book has some of the most jarring guided meditations ever. If you take the structure of the book but replace the meditations with others, the monthly system becomes a lot more accessible. (That being said...it's challenging to write guided meditations! Kudos to the author for even writing 12 of them.)
xx I'm torn on the ethical questions because, while I Love, love, love the inclusion of the questions, it's part of where "who is this book written for" scenario comes in. There are many areas where I wold say "Uhh...why don't you just speak up" could easily remedy the scenario provided. The scenarios might make sense if given to a teenager, but for adults, it was a bit jarring.
xx I would have liked more mention of the source material for a few of the places.
xx There's still a subtle holier-than-thou attitude towards Christianity, but I've come to expect that in books like this.
Overall:
If you're new to Wicca or are just seeking a structure with back-to-the-basics, this is not a bad book to add to your collection. The tone of the book is conversational and the areas I would personally nitpick at (particularity some of the source material) don't take away from the book's overall value.
It'd actually be a great companion to some journaling.
zombi's review
3.0
I am working through this book with my little sister; I like Calafia's Wheel of the Year system, establishing one lesson per month, available to start at any month the reader chooses. Her information is the usual, basic Wicca 101 type of stuff, but that's what I was looking for when I chose this book.
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