Wiccan Beliefs & Practices 1st (first) edition Text Only

by Gary Cantrell

Those who are just starting out in the craft may find this how-to book on Wiccan rituals, spells, and tools useful. Gary Cantrell, author of Out of the Broom Closet?, is the first to admit that this book is geared for beginners and may be redundant for long-time practitioners. That said, Cantrell has done a masterful job of defining the roots of Wicca and helping readers establish their own approach to a diverse and ancient craft. For instance, some may be drawn to the more nature-oriented Celtic traditions, while others may be attracted to the more feminist Dianic approach. He also offers a strong chapter on ethics and purpose, debunking the depraved devil-worshipping, blood-sacrificing, black-magic stereotypes attached to witches. Mostly, Cantrell emphasizes how to get started (suggesting essential tools, such as altar cloths and candles), techniques for purifying an area, and how to conduct an assortment of rites and spells. "The art of working a spell, or casting a spell, or making magick is serious work," he cautions. "It is not something that can be approached lightly, casually, or flippantly ... You will be bending and shaping energies that will, without question, have an impact on the world around you...." Passages such as this one prove Cantrell to be a responsible narrator, someone who is dedicated to offering accurate knowledge while also encouraging newcomers to carefully monitor their Wiccan ethics and intentions. A welcome addition to the voices of Wiccan wisdom.

Genres: Wicca, Witchcraft, Paganism, Nonfiction, Religion, Reference, Spirituality

Paperback

First published May 1, 2001

Reviews

[Captain Curmudgeon · Rating 1 out of 5]

A good book to give to someone you want to prevent from taking Wicca seriously.

[J.T.K. Gibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a book to be read all at once, but studied, savored and sustained by deep thought and reflection, much as Gary Cantrell has put into his experiences and sources for the Wiccan community. His “instruction” goes mostly to the community or coven worshippers, but he does point out where a solitary can take inspiration. Above all, he enables the reader to take small, but consistent, steps to being true to their calling.

[Julia Hinkler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It is a PERFECT book for beginners, except that the bibliography is full of very useful links. I am in the middle of a pandemic here in Brazil and this book distracted me a lot from my worries. I'd love to know more about the author but I didn't find any information about him. I'll certainly have this book kept in my heart.

[Theo Chaffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

O único problema que tive com esse livro foi que o autor fica chamando a Wicca de "A antiga religião" (Esta teoria da Margaret Murray já foi academicamente desmentida tem tempo), caso contrário teria dado 5 estrelas.

[Halo · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book for beginners/basics

[Alexia ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm going to focus mostly on the translation, since I (want to) hope that mostly name error were due to the translation.

This book is not that good. It is very commercial and the information are very vague. I know that most of the info is based on the author's personal experiences and I am no one to deny that but, in my opinion and based on my personal studies in the past years, this book is not a great one for a beginner.
In fact, I wouldn't recommend it.

An interesting thing though, that is what gives the 2nd star to this book, is the personal experiences the book provides in chapters 8, 9 and 10. And also, the range of websites, books, associations, etc given in the Appendices.

[Helen Griffus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great beginner book to The Craft. It has a prefect overview of what Wicca is about, including great sections on tools and Sabbats. I would also recommend this as a book to give to someone who wants to know what your religion is all about.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought it was quite general, and that it took too long to say what needed to be said. However, he did mention an extensive list of sources to gain more information. Also, it wasn't a bad starting point but still...it kinda left me with more questions than answers, lol.

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

While visiting Salem MA I purchased this book at a shop that caters to witches. I wanted to get a better understanding of the Wiccan Religion and this book was perfect for that. i enjoyed getting to understand the Religion and the faith behind it.

[Valek O]

it's one of the most comprihensive guids to the wiccan religion I've eveer read!

[Stephanie]

Great book! This is the book that got it all started for me.

[Cecília · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eu livro tem informações basicas para iniciantes na prática da Wicca, eu geralmente recomendo quando me perguntam sobre informações basicas da mesma.