The author is extremely well qualified to write this, having been the moderator for the world s largest witchcraft site - The Children of Artemis - for three years and their agony aunt for a year. There is a great deal of interest in real information on witchcraft not based on Wicca and the information given here fits the bill well. This is a tool to make the reader think for themselves rather than a how-to book of Witchcraft. Vital basic topics covered include: Preparing yourself for witchcraft; the importance of finding your emotional balance and your true path with many ideas on how to do this and what this will mean for your life; Responsibility and Ethics; an exploration of different possible attitudes to deity and the sacred; introducing the ideas of immanence and transcendence within religious belief and different concepts of deity; what magic is and is not is defined, and how to create your own spells, with well thought out information on protection, magical tools, working magically with other people or groups and a discussion on safety relating to this is all covered. The importance of various natural cycles to your practice of magic is discussed, starting with your own stage of life such as age, occupation, emotional stage etc to your immediate environment of home, town, history and thirdly the cycles within nature as a whole. Finally the author underlines the importance of thinking for yourself, learning all you can and thinking critically, knowing yourself well and constantly re-assessing your beliefs in the light of new circumstances. Also emphasises being happy, confident and having fun with your magical practice!
Written by the best-selling author of The Wiccan Handbook, Spells for the Solitary Witch is clear and easy to follow. Spells for the Solitary Witch explains how to prepare and cast spells 87 spells in all together with the materials needed for each spell and the incantations to say that will ensure the best results. Tailored to the needs of solitary witches, Holland suggests alternatives to hard-to-find ingredients, as well as directions about where to find specific ingredients crucial to a spells success. "Solitary Witches," writes Holland, "are those who practice the Craft without a coven or other group. Some Witches are solitary because of circumstances, but the rest of us are solitary by choice...we feel no need to join a formal group. We like our independence and prefer the freedom to do things our own way..."
“Eclectic Wicca is a breath of fresh air, both grounded in scholarship and deep knowledge and DIY ways to take what works for you and run with it.” —Cerridwen Greenleaf, author of The Witches’ Spell Book Are you seeking more contentment in your daily life? Could you use more abundance, including improved health, greater prosperity, and more love? This charmingly illustrated book will greatly enhance your every day with rites, secrets, and Wiccan wisdom from author Mandi See. Eclectic Wicca pushes past the notion of an aged crone in this book for twenty-first-century spiritual seekers. Longtime Wiccan Mandi See shows how the path of Wicca can be customized to suit your lifestyle. In her words, “This book is for anyone who has a personal desire to take control of their lives, connect with nature and understand why they do the things they do.” Brimming with lore from this wisdom tradition, Eclectic Wicca explores every aspect of “the good life” from: How to create an altar as your personal power centerWhich herbs and plants have properties to healCelebrations for Sabbats and high holidaysWiccan meditationsWiccan visualizationsWiccan spells and incantationsInstructive insights covering astrological aspectsPhases of the moonCandle color alchemyAnd, exactly which gods and goddesses to invoke Whether you are just getting started or want to add diversity to your spiritual practice, the inspired ideas in Eclectic Wicca will empower you to create a happy life filled with the best kind of magic.
An exploration of the increasingly popular phenomenon of solitary practice within contemporary paganism Solitary Pagans is the first book to explore the growing phenomenon of contemporary Pagans who practice alone. Although the majority of Pagans in the United States have abandoned the tradition of practicing in groups, little is known about these individuals or their way of practice. Helen A. Berger fills that gap by building on a massive survey of contemporary practitioners. By examining the data, Berger describes solitary practitioners demographically and explores their spiritual practices, level of social engagement, and political activities. Contrasting the solitary Pagans with those who practice in groups and more generally with other non-Pagan Americans, she also compares contemporary U.S. Pagans with those in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Berger brings to light the new face of contemporary paganism by analyzing those who learn about the religion from books or the Internet and conduct rituals alone in their gardens, the woods, or their homes. Some observers believe this social isolation and political withdrawal has resulted in an increase in narcissism and a decline in morality, while others argue to the contrary that it has produced a new form of social integration and political activity. Berger posits the implications of her findings to reveal a better understanding of other metaphysical religions and those who shun traditional religious organizations.
Within modern Wicca, the urge still exists to find a particular school of study. Covens are an option for some, but they can be hard to find. Even when you find one, it may not satisfy your particular quest. In addition, many people who desire more direct access to their god or goddess choose to practice alone. This book is the solution to all of these dilemmas.
Everything You Need to Know About Starting Your Own Wiccan Journey, Today! One of Wicca's greatest strengths as a spiritual practice is the variety of paths one can choose from. While some are drawn to the idea of practicing in total secrecy and solitude, others crave a group of like-minded individuals to learn from and worship with. Those who seek a structured, traditional form of Wicca to follow are likely to benefit from coven membership. After all, this is how Wicca began-as a group-centered practice taking place within a gathering of Witches for the purpose of conducting ritual and magic. In fact, the coven was the vehicle for the rise of Wicca, first in Europe and then in the United States and beyond. There are covens practicing today whose members can trace their initiatory lineage back to the mid-20th century, and will continue carrying on their traditions well into this century and beyond. Yet coven life is not for everyone. Some people work best within the looser structures of Wiccan circles, which are more informal but still offer a sense of belonging to a spiritual community. These groups can be a great place to acquire knowledge and experience, while marking the important Wiccan holidays - the Sabbats and Esbats - with rituals and celebrations. Still others opt for solitary practice, either because there isn't a Wiccan community in their vicinity or because they simply like to chart their own course in a completely independent manner. Those who choose this solo path have the most freedom and flexibility, yet they also face a wider range of decisions to make. If you're going it alone, do you still want to follow a particular Wiccan tradition? If so, where can you find information about what to do, and how and when to do it? And what does it mean if you prefer to develop a more individualized approach to your practice? After all, Wicca has always been a continually evolving religion, so to adapt traditions according to your own intuition is actually a sort of tradition in and of itself! A Traveler's Guide to the World of Wicca As you can see, there are many ways to understand and experience the core essence of Wicca, and it may take awhile for you to discover where your individual journey begins. Finding Your Path, by best-selling author Lisa Chamberlain, was created as an orientation to these possibilities. In this book, you'll be introduced to the wide spectrum of contemporary Wiccan practice, with tips to help you make well-informed decisions about where you want your journey to take you: The role of the coven in the birth and rise of Wicca The benefits and potential drawbacks of belonging to a coven The differences between covens and circles The pros and cons of solitary practice The differences between traditional and eclectic practices Introductions to the most widely-practiced Wiccan traditions: Gardnerian, Alexandrian, and Dianic, as well as a handful of other, less common forms How to find your Wiccan community, should you desire to join one By the end of this guide, you will have a solid understanding of the amazing diversity of the Wiccan religion. You will also, ideally, have a clearer view of what your own next steps along the path will be! If you're ready to start your journey, scroll to the top of the page and select the buy button. Readers will also be treated to an exclusive free eBook!
For anyone seeking to learn more about Wicca and begin practicing it, this introductory guide by bestselling author Lisa Chamberlain is the perfect entry point. As Wicca grows ever more popular, interested novices wonder: How can I get started? Popular Wiccan author Lisa Chamberlain answers their questions in this concise, yet comprehensive guide that covers all the basics: the history of Wicca, its deities, the core elements of its rituals and holidays, setting up an altar, choosing the right tools, the principles of magic and spellwork, how to begin practicing, and much more. She’s also included a master spell suitable for beginners.
"This complete self-study course in modern Wicca is a treasured classic - an essential and trusted guide that belongs in every witch's library."---Back cover
An everything-you-wanted-to-know and somebody asked compendium. This book grew out of the authors- Open-Sesame website, where more than a million readers a year asked questions. From the most basic, like Do witches fly? to the most sublime, including How do we explain the things that happen in our lives?, A Witch's Book of Answers provides the answers- answers you can apply to your life and your practice, whether you're an interested newcomer or have been practicing your whole life. A Witch's Book of Answers is widely informative and contains essential information modern witches need to know. In addition to the questions and answers that are the foundation of the book, Holland and Cerelia also provide exercises and general information throughout, including how to use visualization in magic, how to ground yourself after a ritual, and what to do if a Tarot reading predicts something terrible. Learn about covens and how to find the right one, how anger can affect magic, and the power of dream interpretation. Including an Index of Magical Workings and a glossary of Wiccan terms, A Witch's Book of Answers provides a comprehensive guide to what it means to become and live as a witch.
A Down-to-Earth Guide to Traditional Wicca While there are many powerful variations of contemporary Witchcraft, traditional Wicca offers unique experiences for those who seek it out. This book explores structured, coven-based styles of Wicca, in which the practitioners typically trace initiatory lineages back to Wicca's early founders. Discussing covens, initiations, lineages, practices, ethics, and more, Traditional Wicca shares tips and ideas on how to get the most from this profound approach to Witchcraft. Discover how to recognize healthy, reputable covens. Learn how to navigate the process of asking for training and succeeding in an outer court. Explore the spiritual strength of lineages, hierarchies, and initiation. This book also includes contributions from several practitioners, providing valuable first-person perspectives on what it's like to be on the traditional Wiccan path. Praise : "Like the bristles of a besom, Thorn Mooney's Traditional Wicca sweeps through the subject of Witchcraft removing the dust and dirt of ignorance and prejudice to reveal the true heart of Wicca. Thorn writes with obvious sincerity, with feeling, and from experience. Her book covers everything from defining Witchcraft, through the workings of a coven, to actual initiation and beyond. She warns that Wicca is not for everyone and—I am personally delighted to see—includes a chapter on recognizing 'Red Flags' when first contacting others...especially those who might claim to be more than they actually are. This book is the quintessential guide for the true, sincere seeker."—Raymond Buckland, author of Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft "Traditional Wicca is a unique and important book. It's amazing to me that in over 70 years of publishing on the subject of Wicca, nothing like this book has ever been written! I'm kind of jealous I didn't think to write it myself. The chapter on initiation is, by itself, worth the cover price. If you want to understand what people mean by 'traditional Wicca,' whether or not you're seeking it, this is the one book you must read."—Deborah Lipp, Wiccan high priestess and author of Merry Meet Again "Traditional Wicca is a topic that few actually understand despite its long and distinguished history. With passion and skill, Thorn delivers a book that many familiar with Wicca will wish they had had when they were studying it, and those who find themselves on the path for the first time will rejoice at having found. Whether you intend to seek initiation or not, this book is full of valuable gems that will enhance any practice at any level. Traditional Wicca is an all-inclusive tour through the history, practices, and lore of traditional Wicca that weaves voices from all over the tradition and challenges everything you think you know about it."—Devin Hunter, author of The Witch's Book of Power "A masterful gem of insight and wisdom,Traditional Wicca reveals the time-honored practices of initiatory Wicca, thought all but lost by many, but hidden like so many occult secrets in plain sight. Drawing a clear and respectful distinction between eclectic Wicca and its older more traditional sibling, Thorn Mooney takes us on a personal journey exploring the powers and the pitfalls of the initiatory inner court, revealing the persistence of a thriving and dynamic Craft that is at once orthopraxic and changing, traditional and experimental. With practical advice for the seeker, peppered with personal anecdotes from several practitioners and initiates alike, this book is a much-needed map...Highly recommended."—Storm Faerywolf, author of Betwixt and Between
