Mike
2009-03-30 18:05:43 UTC
The Real Witches’ Book of Spells and Rituals by Kate West © 2009
Llewellyn ISBN: 978-0-7387-1511-7 304 pages Paperback $21.95 (U.S.)
$25.50 ( Canada)
I need to point out that, while this is the first publication of this
book by Llewellyn, this book saw print originally in 2003 (by Harper
Element) and thus some of the contact information and such in the back
of the book may need updating. Take a few minutes to check things
out.
I find myself saying this every time I review, or discuss, and of Kate
West’s books, but it bears repeating: The “Real” in the title does
not imply that this is the only way to “do it.” It implies that this
is the way witches in the “real” world (with families, work outside
the home, social obligations beyond the coven, school, errands, etc.)
deal with things in the opinion of the author. Your way of dealing
with issues may, and probably will, vary. Ms. West simply provides
one option.
Unlike many “Wicca 101” books (of which this is definitely one) which
focus most heavily on the arcane aspects of how and when to do magick,
this book emphasizes the why and when – with the primary emphasis on
the WHY. As well as the usual suggestions for attracting new people
into your life, and finding work (especially relevant in today’s
economy) there are suggestions for improving communications with
family members, improving your memory, and other day-to-day topics
often overlooked in other books.
Perhaps the single most surprising sections of the book occur on pages
149 through 152 where Kate gives advice on coming out of the broom
closet (she doesn’t recommend it) and ways of keeping your personal
beliefs hidden from public notice.
Like the majority of “basic,” “101” books this one contains a large
variety of sample rituals which are designed to stimulate the reader
to modify them and create their own personal variations. With these,
however there is an emphasis on practicality – not only creating and
dismissing sacred space but physically preparing before and cleaning
up afterwards.
I thoroughly enjoy Kate West’s writing. Every single book is a source
of inspiration and completely enjoyable reading. If you haven’t read
any of her other books, this is an excellent place to start. If you
have read others by her, you will still want to add this one to your
collection.
Llewellyn ISBN: 978-0-7387-1511-7 304 pages Paperback $21.95 (U.S.)
$25.50 ( Canada)
I need to point out that, while this is the first publication of this
book by Llewellyn, this book saw print originally in 2003 (by Harper
Element) and thus some of the contact information and such in the back
of the book may need updating. Take a few minutes to check things
out.
I find myself saying this every time I review, or discuss, and of Kate
West’s books, but it bears repeating: The “Real” in the title does
not imply that this is the only way to “do it.” It implies that this
is the way witches in the “real” world (with families, work outside
the home, social obligations beyond the coven, school, errands, etc.)
deal with things in the opinion of the author. Your way of dealing
with issues may, and probably will, vary. Ms. West simply provides
one option.
Unlike many “Wicca 101” books (of which this is definitely one) which
focus most heavily on the arcane aspects of how and when to do magick,
this book emphasizes the why and when – with the primary emphasis on
the WHY. As well as the usual suggestions for attracting new people
into your life, and finding work (especially relevant in today’s
economy) there are suggestions for improving communications with
family members, improving your memory, and other day-to-day topics
often overlooked in other books.
Perhaps the single most surprising sections of the book occur on pages
149 through 152 where Kate gives advice on coming out of the broom
closet (she doesn’t recommend it) and ways of keeping your personal
beliefs hidden from public notice.
Like the majority of “basic,” “101” books this one contains a large
variety of sample rituals which are designed to stimulate the reader
to modify them and create their own personal variations. With these,
however there is an emphasis on practicality – not only creating and
dismissing sacred space but physically preparing before and cleaning
up afterwards.
I thoroughly enjoy Kate West’s writing. Every single book is a source
of inspiration and completely enjoyable reading. If you haven’t read
any of her other books, this is an excellent place to start. If you
have read others by her, you will still want to add this one to your
collection.