Lid Off the Cauldron: A Wicca Handbook

by Patricia Crowther

Patricia Crowther lifts the lid off the cauldron and reveals the truth about witchcraft, sharing its history and the methods and theory behind magic and self-initiation. Included are spells, chants, prayers, divination methods, information on ancient symbols, the effects of sonics, cosmic tides and the working of planetary rituals.

Genres: Wicca, Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Spirituality, History, Magick

200 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1998

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Along with Doreen Valiente's "Witchcraft for Tomorrow" this book is an excellent introduction to English Wicca for newcomers, solitaries, and practitioners who've been at it for a while!
Patricia discusses at length the history and philosophy of Wicca, and includes a working manual for beginning to actively practice the rituals of Wicca and worship the old Gods. She also spends time exploring the effectiveness of symbolism and there are a few things in here that I've not come across in any other books, making it an invaluable addition to my own personal library.
The planetary rituals, while written for a group, can be successfully adapted for a solitary witch with a bit of creativity and work.
This is one of my favorite 'beginner books' and I'm sad to see that it has gone out of print once again. Used copies of the edition published by Weiser books are more affordable than the edition printed by Capall Bann. Maybe at some point in the future Weiser will reprint this classic, or another publisher will (I'm looking at you, Llewellyn).
My copy is very marked up and annotated!

[Matal “The Mischling Princess” Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia Crowther’s “Lid Off the Cauldron: A Wicca Handbook” is another classic work written by an early member of modern Wicca. The author includes numerous rites for covens to perform, including language and actions used, along with fascinating bits of information.

In some respects, this book mirrors many things found in Doreen Valiente’s “Witchcraft for Tomorrow,” but at the same time, Crowther includes data that is not found in Valiente’s book. This is to be expected. Not only were they two completely different people, but they also knew each other well. Indeed,they often referenced each other’s works.

I really like the author’s writing style, though as an academic, I prefer Valiente’s because she uses citations. That’s not to say that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy this book because I absolutely did; it’s just a different way of writing.

This book offers some fascinating insights into modern Wicca as practiced in 1981, when this book was originally published, and I highly recommend it for those interested in the history of this religion.

[Edric Unsane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patricia Crowther's Lid Off the Cauldron is a very well embodied introductory book to the Craft. The pages are filled with information intrinsic to the Craft. The book is thoughtful in the way it teaches but also in how the author has chosen to keep the mystery just that, a mystery. I am a pre-initiate to an Oath-bound Mystery Tradition and would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in adopting or diversifying their paradigm.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as I am interested in which craft. I do like to cast spells and do my own tarot readings. This book has inspired me to look more into Wicca and to try to do my spells properly with an alter.

[Rebecca Solem · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great book for the history of British Traditional Wicca. It really shows what was known at the time it was published. I really like Patricia Crowther's writing style and voice and would read more from her in the future