Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft

by Raymond Buckland

One of the modern Wicca's most recommended books, this comprehensive text features a step-by-step course in Witchcraft, with photographs and illustrations, rituals, beliefs, history, and lore, as well as intruction in spellwork, divination, herbalism, healing, channeling, dreamwork, sabbats, esbats, covens, and solitary practice. The workbook formats includes exam questions at the end of each lesson, so you can build a permanent record of your spiritual and magical training.

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

346 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Raymond Buckland was a highly influential figure in the development of modern Wicca and the occult in the United States. Born in London, he became interested in the supernatural at an early age and was initiated into the Gardnerian Wiccan tradition in 1963 by Monique Wilson, a high priestess appointed by Gerald Gardner. After emigrating to the U.S. in 1962, Buckland introduced Gardnerian Wicca to the country, founding its first coven in New York in 1964. He later developed his own tradition, Seax-Wica, inspired by Anglo-Saxon paganism, and published The Tree: Complete Book of Saxon Witchcraft to make it accessible to all.
In 1968, he established the first Museum of Witchcraft and Magick in the U.S., which helped normalize and educate the public about Wicca. Over the course of his career, Buckland wrote more than sixty books on Wicca, divination, and the occult, including Witchcraft from the Inside and Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft, both regarded as essential texts in Neopaganism.
Throughout his life, Buckland remained a prolific teacher, writer, and practitioner. He continued to write and teach until his death in 2017, leaving behind a lasting legacy that shaped the spiritual practices of countless Wiccans and Pagans worldwide.

Reviews

[TailFeather · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had this book for many years, re-read it many times. I even thought about doing some of the things he says are rituals. But I could never see how being naked, blindfolded, and my hands bound, with a man touching me with a sharp knife all over my body had anything to do with how I felt about the universe and the earth. Even though it's supposed to. I feel, like all other man-made religions, Buckland just made up his own rules and rituals. Some I feel are highly misogynistic. I find his claims on "Tradition" suspect and arrogant. He did not invent the universe, the earth, or how people learned to live with both. Neither did Gardner-or Gardner's family. If I could, I'd give this 0 stars simply because I don't want people just learning about Witchcraft to think this is the be-all and end-all of their journeys just because it's a "classic".

In the ensuing years as I learned just what I do believe in, I have read many books on Paganism, earth magic, Wicca, Witchcraft, etc. I have concluded I am my own religion, and books and other people can be guides and signposts. As well as cautionary tales. Please don't feel you HAVE TO believe any of these authors(especially Buckland or anyone who claims to be a Traditionalist) or anyone else to know where you fit into the universe.

Also, Wicca and Witchcraft ARE NOT the same thing, and are not interchangeable.

[Scott · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is responsible for more teeny-bopper wanna-be witches than any other book, with the exception of anything written by Silver Ravenwolf. It is full of questionable history and embarrassing "rituals" that are made up by the author himself, although he'd have you believe they are authentic. Buckland as an author is terribly full of himself and has a tendency to cite his own works as resources. Try not to take it seriously if you do read it.

[Zee · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was added to my reading list as a couple of wiccan sites I found (which I believe were written by men, which will become important as I continue).
It was touted as a “wiccan bible” and as I flicked through, I could see why.
I have never had a good relationship with Christianity, so please be aware that anything using the word bible makes me incredibly uncomfortable. I do not do Mr Buckland an honour when I agree to call his book the “wiccan bible”.
With the first cursory glance through the book I found several things that made me feel uncomfortable. First being the prevalence of naked ladies and the lack of corresponding gentlemen. The image I felt summed up my thoughts on the matter was one of a young attractive lady harvesting herbs. She wears nothing, not even a protective glove, and we can see all of her, but have trouble seeing the herb she is cutting or how she is cutting it. I have no trouble with nudity, but can we all agree that when harvesting herbs, clothes might have a use?
As a beginning witch with no idea where to begin to look for a coven, his chapter “The Solitary Witch” caught my eye and I thought to forgive the naked herb gatherer as a folly of age. However, with in the first sentence, Buckland makes his views very clear, stating that the Solitary Witch is a weak witch who cannot progress through witchcraft as they have no coven. He continuously refers to this “Solitary Witch” throughout the book, but he makes it very clear they are an anomaly and a bad choice for witchcraft. A very elitist view that grated on my individualistic nature.
This book has an incredible amount of detailed ritual, rites and “magick”. These are very strict patterns with little room for error or tweaking. This book presents itself as knowing the “facts” of “magick” and that any deviation is wrong or dangerous.
One segment that caught my eye was of course the “Sex Magick” one. Buckland describes this magic as one of the “most potent forms”, which uses “the most potent psycho-physiological event… the orgasm”. He then goes on to describe a group sex act, with incredibly detail. The male partner is the focus of this entire passage, with the female partner aiming to bring herself to orgasm at the same time as the male. He even has a paragraph on what to do if the male cannot hold back his orgasm and that the female “should move as he indicates”. I was surprised that he actually covers the possibility of same sex couples or “some other strong reason why actual intercourse cannot be indulged in”, but he very clearly sees male/female penetrative intercourses as the best source of power. He does touch on sexual health; “I have already emphasised the importance of bodily cleanliness for magick. Where sex Magick is to be worked this is especially important.” Yes, that is the entirety of his thoughts on the matter.
He states that if pregnancy should be avoided Oral sex is an option, never mentioning condoms or any form of contraception. There is also a lovely quote from a Dr Mumford about the health benefits of imbibing semen…
I preface this section with a few clarifying statements: I am asexual. I can and do have sex, though I have a very low sex drive and I actually view sex as something apart from the intimacy of a loving relationship. But Buckland’s “ Sex Magick” is one of the most disturbing things I have ever read. Not only the patriarchal stance (one of the main things I though witchcraft and wicca were different from modern religion in), but the implication that anyone not willing to have sex for “Magick” is lesser and a weak witch. The vague mention of same sex couples and those not wanting to take part in this bizarre ritual is frankly homophobic, inconsiderate and disgusting. If I did not already find this book repulsive, I would have had a very swift change of heart during this section.
In conclusion, this book is a relic. Printed in 2001, I feel this book was already behind the times at conception. Buckland became a Gardnerian in the sixties, a time of rebellion, but he has stuck to the patriarchal, white supremacist rebellion: sexual freedom as men using women as they see fit (as eye candy or for their own progression and power); cultural appreciation developing into appropriation and outright lies (I spied at least five different alphabets in this book, but I did not find a single mention of the language that they are used for or any respect for these letters: they are a code for witches and nothing more); and religious freedom as twisting Witchcraft and Wicca into a forced mirror of christianity, with his descriptions of covens acting as a permanent reminder of the high Christian churches, especially Catholicism.
TLDR; this is the worst book for a beginner. It is sexist, homophobic and downright patronising.
If you are starting out into witchcraft, this is the worst book choice possible. Please avoid it!

EDIT: This review is ten years old. I am not interested in discussing it in the comments or giving out recommendations. Go write your own review or check out any of the hundreds of other witchcraft books in the world.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

I once owned a copy of this book when I was a teen. It had hilarious consequences!

Long story short, I gave it to a friend, and his mother—whom he didn’t even know was very religious—found it, freaked out, burned it, grounded him, and tried to get him an exorcism. (The Methodist minister she contacted didn’t feel an exorcism was necessary.)

Worth every penny! 5/5 stars!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Big Blue Book." Where to begin? This (fortunately) was NOT the first book I read on witchcraft. I took a class at a local shop that taught out of this book though and I feel like it's a little too S&M for me.

I felt as if the whole time I was reading the book Buckland was telling me: This is exactly what witchcraft is, NO EXCEPTIONS! It was very cut and dry and his arrogance SEEPS off the page. If you're interested in traditional coven based witchcraft I suppose this book would serve you well. It was interesting to say the least, but for the average solitary practitioner I do not recommend it.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Feb. 18 -- 3/4’s done with the book.

I’m mostly done with this book. A lot of it I skimmed over as his suggestions are not pertinent to how I practice, which is alone and clothed, nor did I listen to his suggestions on how to ruin my stove by making my own athame.

While I understand the magic and connection by making something yourself (believe me, my passion is crafting and making things from scratch), metal working is not something I would suggest to a novice or anyone unfamiliar with crafting or outside of a workshop area. Wouldn’t a beautiful incense burner been more accessible for people reading his books, as all you need are a drill and a piece of wood and whatever you want to adorn it with? Perhaps an additional book titled “The Complete Book of Making Your Own Magickal Witchcraft Stuff” (I didn’t check, did he write one and I didn’t take notice when he sourced yet another piece of his work for more information). I digress.

History section is laughable and worth skipping.

Another annoyance was in his herb section. He mentions that a common medicine was extracted from foxglove, which was an herb used by village wise-women in days of yore. Okay. He also forgot to mention that foxglove can be highly poisonous and shouldn't really be used or ingested. He didn't put it in his poisonous herb section either.

I'm pretty irritated with his chapter on "Magick" (chapter 11). I feel like if I don't do it his way, then it's so obviously wrong. I don't feel that his way is right for me. There is a little too much structure to his style and I'm a very "come as you are" person.

There are sections that I find helpful, meditation being a big one as I have trouble with it. But when it comes down to it, this isn't the beginner witchcraft book for me.

I have to stop getting Wicca-influenced books, I think.

[Rosemary Bloom · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have never really been into Gardnerian Wicca or the similar traditions, as far as adopting it as my personal system, and this book really encompasses all of the reasons why.

The ritual scourging, binding and blindfolding, the ceremonial feel to things, how the author gives you a way to do things and why and why others ways are wrong "but feel free to do whatever you like."

The author makes it seem as though if I don't hand make my own athame, from cutting the metal to carving the handle, the tool will not work. He mentions that the best altar is a tree stump - but wouldn't that be benefiting from the killing of a tree? He continually mentions that being a solitary witch (a witch who works alone "and often lives alone," in his words) is sub-par and goes further to say that if you are not initiated into a tradition you are not actually a witch but a "cowan" (or a similar word, I don't remember quite).

The circle must be this many feet wide - your wand must be this many inches; eh. Not my thing. Also, the author really sounds super arrogant and self-serving - almost all of his sources are his own books!

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll start by saying that I am not Wiccan. I've no real interest in Wicca anymore because it's become as lopsided as Christianity, but at the opposite end.

But, "Uncle Buckey's Big Blue Book" is designed for someone who wants a serious, orderly, introductory study into the esoteric arts of the occult (aka Wicca) and a basic understanding of many of the celto-centric, reconstructionist pagan beliefs in practice today. It is THE textbook with which to start. I have an earlier addition and I understand some of the criticisms I've brought up in another review have been addressed in the newer reprints.

Buckland took a very methodical approach to teaching the magickal arts. He presents a chapter, describes what you need to know and then has you write down answers to what you learned, your thoughts and impressions of what has just been taught, and the overall effectiveness of what you've done. In other words, he has you start your BOS properly.

While there is some of the "you must do this" and the "you have to do that" within the book, it's not quite as bad as the contradictions in other almost-direct plagerizations of this work (such as those taught by a certain "corvus corax metalic grey canis lupis" that contradict the teachings here as well as contradict what you've learned in a chapter previous)

Buckland's book, while not perfect and certainly preachy at points, is still the best starting point, along with the books by Cunningham. Once you have read and utilized this book, you will understand the difference between CALLING yourself a pagan (or what I call "fluffy-bunny") and actually understanding what it means to BE one.

[Julia C. · Rating 1 out of 5]

A dear friend and mentor who meant well gave me this book about 17 years ago when I was relatively new to the pagan path. I must agree to disagree as to its value. While it has a few good spells for the beginning witch, it unfortunately also includes a "history" of Wicca that has absolutely no grounding in historical records; creating new spiritual traditions is fine but one must be completely honest about their provenance. In addition, the attitude that one *must* be an initiated Gardnerian Wiccan to be a witch worth her salt is pure bunk in my opinion.

If you want to learn good spells, there are many other, better books available.

[Iulia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like most of the review on this book, both here and outside of Goodreads, are terribly mean and feel more like a personal attack rather than a critical review of Buckland's work.
Is this the hands-down, best book on witchcraft that there is out there? No, surely. But is it an inherently terrible-that-needs-to-be-burned-down book? No.
I think it was an interesting historical reference, at least for some chapters of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the history lessons and the slightly anti-religious attitude that he displayed. Some comments were straight up hilarious for me and I really think i enjoyed the humour and irony in this book at times. I also loved the plenitude of illustrations and information on herbs, days of the week, moon phases etc. He really did an amazing job at piling up all these resources in one book. It is a pretty extensive guide in this sense. I also loved the questions at the end of each lesson, which is a fun way to help the readers connect to the book and go through the lecture once again and use their imagination.
I did not really connect with the parts where he presented his own beliefs and ideas as being facts. Surely, this book is old and a bit outdated so I won't go hard on it. But he could have put a disclaimer in the beginning of the book, that many things he says about rituals and practices and spells are his own personal experience. I think mos told books didn't do that, so I'll let it slide. He does encourage you to do your own research and practice only what is safe and works well for you, so I really think that does make the weak sides a bit better.
All in all? A pretty decent book that I would recommend, with the aforementioned points to people who are not complete beginners. I know people are offended by this book because it is really not very well targeted for complete beginners. Most books aren't, really. So take most of what you read with a big grain of salt.

[April-lyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has some useful/interesting information, but I was put off by his attitude and arrogance. Would recommend this to newbie pagan folks, but only to those who can take everything with a grain of salt and with well-honed BS radar.

[Kerie · Rating 1 out of 5]

My first impression was that Buckland likes to use himself as the authority he quotes. That doesn't sit well with me; rings of egoism. There are lots of little interesting details in here, and great stuff on how to make your own tools; however, the religious end of things I am NOT interested in. Wicca does not appeal to me as my own path, though there are some useful tidbits in any system that can be used/adapted for personal use. Waaaaay too much is made of nudity, ritual bondage, and anointing of genitals and breasts. No, thanks. Definitely won't be looking into Wicca. Some of the scholarship seemed a little dubious as well, in the historical tidbits. The runes and alphabets were cool, though.

In some passages I could practically feel the butthurt oozing off the page as he made mention or complaint about things people had said or done regarding his work and/or mistakes he made in the past.

And ... I detected the faintest whiff of racism and white privilege. It was concealed, but very much there. I also find the whole "do what you will so long as it harms no one" to be incredibly naive. Those are the words of privilege. The words of people who have had relatively easy lives and don't know the way the exploited and oppressed live. Rather like the cries of "peaceful protest" from rich-living Westerners whose lifestyle requires the theft of resources, genocide, and exploitation of people of color and the environment.

Life is messy and half of it is "dark" for lack of a better term. All this sweetness and light stuff is rather misguided, childish and annoying in my own opinion. Every action we take, no matter what it is, will have effects on people and beings we won't be aware of. Perhaps Wiccans should look more towards their intent and not their outcomes.

TL;DR version: This is not a book I would recommend for someone just setting out on a seeker's path. It is smug, arrogant, misguided and mostly useless.

[Shannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

It seemed well researched on history and tradition for the time, but pretty outdated today. He kindda bundles paganism, witchcraft, and any alternative religions/eastern beliefs into witchcraft. Most of the language was somewhat gated, like only people who subscribed to the "Buckland School of Witchcraft" would be real witches, and he definitely envisions a school with his textbook questions after every section. Also, there's these pictures on initiation binding of naked people (mostly women) tied up that just seemed more about kinks that spirituality or ritual. I kept hearing that this was the textbook that started it all and everyone interested in modern witchcraft should read it, but I personally couldn't connect to his writing.

[Christopher D · Rating 1 out of 5]

A friend of mine calls this book, "Ray Buckland's Big Blue Book of S---." That's about the size of it.

[Spider Goddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was my first foray into magick. I picked it up in the very early 90s. It will always hold a special place in my heart as it is a very good book for the beginner.

[Nathalie Feveile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feels strange to give a textbook stars, but this was so interesting and amazing to learn from.

[Dianas^Records · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my first book on the topic of Witchcraft or Wicca. Whilst reading, I was learning a lot, sure, but mildly at the back of my mind I was feeling that something was wrong. Perhaps after reaching the end of Lesson 5 and reading some commentaries online, I understood why I felt the way I did.

This book, although the chapter on History of Wicca being very informative and opening my eyes to a big part of the functioning of society, was terrible in all other teachings.

Prior to the book, I studied bits and pieces through articles, blogs and websites. One thing that made me attracted to Wicca, was the open-mindedness, acceptance and self-care/self-love. Could be in solitude, believing in your own self and the power of the universe. In form of Gods or superior power of Nature. (This is a part that was explained well in this book, I think. Gods don't have to have a name, you can believe it's a ball of energy etc.)
Coming from very different culture backgrounds, there is a lot I think of regarding Shinto, Buddhism and Orthodox religion. Just as I believe in existence of a single God, I believe in existence of Gods of nature corresponding to its own element. It's complicated for me, but I like to think I'm simply open-minded and forever learning.

Sex is good, confidence in your naked body is good, understanding and empathy are good, among many other things.

What this book made me feel was, restriction in its maximised form. I believe in small rituals you can do yourself to purify your mind and spirit, I believe in mindfulness, showing appreciation to nature and thus connecting with it. Using words and runes to manifest your thoughts and power. Being kind, grateful etc.
This book, with it's ancient rituals(whether they are real or made-up) in covens, let's not even talk about the Sex Magick mentioned, Initiation which feels more like BDSM made spiritual and godly, is... above all, uncomfortable and restrictive.

I am me, I don't believe I have to be tied up naked and given a new name in a forest for me to be able to say words of appreciation or prayer in certain rituals. I may be wrong, but the way the book described everything just seemed very restrictive, old and unnecessary.

I don't have any negative thoughts of people who do activities in covens, who do rituals and maybe do, go naked in the forests. People can do whatever the hell they want as long as they don't hurt others. But talking about this book in particular, I didn't like it at all. A big no no.

[Steve Cran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read count less Wicca 101 books, yet no one should pass through their basic Wicca education without having read Raymond Buckland's classic. Originally written back in 1986 this book foresees the needs of many beginner Wiccans more adequately then what is being cranked out today. Some of his info is dated and there are more complete instructions else in other beginners books of this magnitude but I still learned a lot.

Raymond Buckland was trained and initiated in Britain by Gerald Gardner himself and then he brought it over to the states. He quotes the standard line that it was the God and Goddess who created the planet and it's inhabitants. All goddess names are just label for the goddess herself in her many different aspects. Same goes for the god. Behind the Goddess and God is the concept of the all that is, an unnameable and unidentifiable source of everything. Buckland aptly states that the paradigm of the God and Goddess are ways of seeing the reality and cosmos and that other ways of viewing reality are just as valid. He does believe that the ancients in one form or another believed in a Goddess/God concept. Some examples would be found in Mesopotamia, Egypt and the European religions. But he is also respectful enough of different beliefs to state that there were differences to this as well.

The year is divided into two parts. The Spring and summer are belonging to the goddess and are dedicated to harvesting and crops. The Winter when the crops no longer grow and the animals hibernate belongs to the horned God. Funny I also thought the reverse. But hey Wicca has no central authority and is thus open to much interpretation and reinterpretation. buckland does not maintain that Wicca was around in it's present form many millenia ago but he does subscribe to concepts being present.

The book is thorough and I learned a lot. Of course there is the usual on circle casting, calling quarters and the well outlined rituals that are well scripted out and this includes not only the sabbats but also new and full moon rites. The book includes tons of information on divination, herbs, channeling, secret alphabets and magic. These lessons alone can be taken by the non wiccan and/or non witch and used independently. The book also gives different traditions of Wicca which allows the newbie to choose which to go to or at least peruse the options. Great adanvatage You do not have to be a witch too practice magic. Such people are called magicians.

The book has some drawbacks, however. Raymond Buckland has a habit of quoting, well of course, Raymond Buckland. Peppered quite profusely through out the book are quotes and sayings from his other works which he published. I would say he is a bit full of himself. He also pulls from some of his other paradigms which he call Seax Wicca and uses that as gospel. Seax Wicca is something that Raymond himself has to admit he came up with himself. Some of the instructions on Talismans, especially the seals of Solomon could benefit from more thorough instructions. I have read other magic books that I would consult for this matter. Another drawbacks and this would depend on your point of view are the couple of pictures that show nudity, especially included in the initiation section. Definitely not suitable for children or teens. If you are a parent with children you might not want to leave this lying around.

Other than that great book.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I finally read this book more thoroughly than when I first flashed through its pages over a decade ago. Touching on many subjects and thoroughly explaining none, this book is a disappointment. It may have been great for its time, but now there is much better available freely on the internet. It should no longer be recommended.

Some points I'd like to comment on:

1) Witchcraft as a Religion
Many people will want to distinguish between Wicca and Witchcraft. Many people want to clarify that Witchcraft is something you do and not a religion. I would argue that in Mystery Traditions, esoteric traditions and occultism, there is no separation between the sacred and the profane, the belief and the work. Witchcraft isn't part time, or something you leave in the temple, it's always. So it isn't a religion, if religion is something you define is only for Sundays. Witchcraft and/or Wicca, all its traditions, is indeed a defined set of beliefs and structured practices. I agree with Buckland here but cannot stand his explanation, or lack thereof.

I didn't like the rituals published in this book. The liturgy is unclear. To me they lacked mystery and creativity, are devotional in a subservient way rather than in an empowering way. They are too simple - not in a relaxing way, but in an ineducated, uninspired way. Did Buckland not at all know what he was writing about and wrote a simplified version of a brief experience? Did he simplify the work because he couldn't breach oaths of secrecy? Maybe. Very disappointing.

2) Semen Facials
I cannot accept the ridiculous footnote about semen facials. WTF. Please see my other review on Crowley's "Illustrated Goetia" about my thoughts on idiots doing Sex Magick.

3) Witchraft the Religion isn't about tarot, palmistry, healing herbs, scrying, pretty new alphabets for secret writing, bad numerology etc. They didn't belong in the book.

I will at a future date write recommendations of books that I think should replace the whole of the content of this book. I can't deny it's made a huge impact on people, but I sincerely believe people today are more educated, more intellectual, more spiritually driven, more compassionate, and more life-experienced - even the young ones. This book just isn't enough anymore.

[Jacqueline · Rating 1 out of 5]

I remember being in High School and my older friends telling me this was the "advanced" book, once you'd gotten past the beginner stuff. It's not. While I like the workbook format, there are better authors who've done similar things. Some of the older names in the industry need to send out revised editions, and Buckland's book could benefit from that, to get rid of a number of problems it has:

1. The constant Christian-bashing. Pagan of any kind does not necessarily need to inherently mean anti-Christian, first off, and second: younger people absorbing are being given excuses to pick fights with people over it. My younger, teenaged self was one of them. If Buckland and authors like him taught me anything, it was to use my religion as a platform to be a smug jerk.

2. The cultural appropriation and racism, which I'm happily seeing more authors addressing these days.

3. The patently OBNOXIOUS tendency this author has to pause in the middle of a section and start bashing other authors he happens to disagree with. I don't imagine this business was easy to break into at the time, so it struck me as especially crass (and cowardly) for him to use his product to basically try to hurt other authors' bottom lines.

Do better. Pick a different book and pick a different author.

[Plateresca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a really comprehensive textbook on Wicca, with questions after each lesson to check your understanding of the material, schoolbook-like. It mentions a lot of things, ideas, practices you might or might not want to explore further (all sorts of practices, like meditation, candle rituals, using gemstone properties, herbalism, auric healing etc).

That being said, I probably wouldn't recommend this book as one's first book on Wicca, because although the author does mention that you're free to alter any rituals as you please, at times it does feel like he's saying 'Do whatever you like, but it must be like this'. And yes, some of the rituals seemed embarrassing to me, too, and I wouldn't want to do that, and I can't see how this stuff might help anybody honour the earth or be united with nature.

So, I think that 'Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner', by Scott Cunningham, might be a better suggestion for somebody who either wants to learn about Wicca or practice some Wicca. Still, I also think Mr Buckland's work does have a lot of useful material, which is worth studying, even if you might not love every chapter of it.

[Edward Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buckland, like Gardner and Cunningham, is considered to be one of the father's of modern Wicca and the Rede that many people follow to the tee. I find that the old ways are the best ways and if this is the place you start, then it is a good one. Clear, concise, and some of the easiest lessons to follow (his work on personal shielding is one I still use to this day) but this is also where I run into an issue with Ray's works: it's a bit too simple. A solid practitioner does not have to follow the Wiccan path, they do not have to follow the laws of return of thrice, they should follow what they believe what is right for them as being a pagan is more than following a preordained path, but of the freedom to choose what works for them. If you want to be eclectic, the by the gods do so. If you choose to hex someone, then do so but be aware that it can sometimes come back to bite you in the arse.

After 20 years of following the path, I started to see that there were others out there and my own personal philosophies were much different than those written by the big three and folks like Silver Ravenwolf, etc. There is no right or wrong way, just the one that works for you.

[Kyuu~ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book once before and loved it at the start of my oath more than 8 years ago. I cant believe I use to think this was a good book for basic witchcraft.

[Loly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una guía para conocer e iniciarse en la wicca.

[Indigo Crow · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm pagan, not Wiccan. I actually didn't realize this was mostly a Wiccan book when I got my hands on it. I possibly wouldn't have taken it and started to read it if I had known it was Wiccan. I'm not against Wicca or its practitioners, but I don't terribly care for the strict concepts of that belief system*.

The sections I liked most revolved around divination and herbal matters. I found that information to be very useful. I've read various other books about those subjects, but most of them have been disappointing in some way. These sections struck my interest and provided useful information.

Other sections involving things like the elements, Sabbats and Esbats, runes and that sort of thing provide about as much information as you could easily get for free by using a Google search. Granted, such a tool was not accessible in the time this book was originally published as it is now, so I'll give a bit of a pass on that, I guess. Still, you'd be better off doing a few Google searches or asking within the various witchcraft, paganism, and Wicca communities all over the internet, including Facebook, than to bother yourself with this cumbersome book!

Speaking of, this book is much too big. I understand that it was intended to be something of a workbook and not exactly a textbook, but it's still much too large. It makes it awkward to sit and read it and it stores poorly on a bookshelf due to its strange size and shape compared to every other book you'd ever see in a bookshop.

I've seen this book suggested quite often in beginner communities, and I am NOT one of those people who denounce younger people becoming somewhat suddenly interested in the Craft. I think that's good, not bad, and so the hatred aimed at the younger people interested in Wicca, witchcraft, paganism, and so on is horribly misplaced and downright idiotic. That said, I personally don't recommend this book for a beginner. Truth be told, I have yet to really find any written books that I'd positively suggest to a beginner. Regardless, this just isn't one of them.

If you're interested in this subject, there's no harm in reading this just to help yourself get a perspective on how different the belief structure can be from one person to another. I think in that way, it's a great tool to learn about how different every witch really is from the next one. No two are ever going to fully belief or practice in exactly the same way, so as a lesson in how different we all are from one another, THEN I suggest it. But if you're trying to find actual history or solid information about the Craft, this probably isn't a good place to start.

*This book is like many Wiccan reference books I've read in which the author says that his or her way is the ONLY way in which to conduct magick that will positively work. For example, you must always, always, always cast a Circle or that your candles must be a specific color and you must use very specific herbs or your Casting will completely fail. I don't agree with that one little bit. Consider our ancestors. Would they have had easy access to every single herb in existence? No, they lived in various places on the planet without online shopping available (or, hell, even indoor plumping), so many of the herbs mentioned wouldn't even grow in their area and they couldn't obtain them. Would they have been able to obtain a gold candle? No, because it would be too costly or overly complicated to get their hands on a golden candle. So they made do with the herbs, crystals, and white/yellow/natural colored candles they had at hand, not worrying about the supposed rules involving colors and such. The success of your magick depends on your INTENTION, not on which color candle you used, whether or not you did your Casting naked or in a robe, or if you had any special herbs at your immediate disposal or if you're in a coven or not. Books like this, which insist on all these things, really tick me off. If you're a beginner, DO NOT LISTEN TO THAT. Magick should never be so strict. That feels too much like Abrahamic religions, not this.

[Elly Green · Rating 2 out of 5]

Im honestly very proud of myself for suffering through this book at all. I was imideatly turned off when I read "The word witchcraft has come to be relegated to those who wish to work magic and only magic; those who, either in groups or as individuals, "cast spells" and try to influence others, not always for good. In truth, these spell casting ones do not need to call themselves witches at all for they are simply magicians. However, they seem to think that the sobriquet od witch has a romanticism, but the sort of which we pioneers have tried so hard to seprate ourselves!" on page xxi in the intro. The book is incredibly elitest and is not in favor of the free will witches typically practice because the author seems to think there is only one way to practice. Just in ghe intro alone, the author condemns other books for teaching false truths and claiming this book is the only correct one. It also pushes some ideas That really don't roll with alot of people, like the idea that you have to be iniciated into a coven to be a witch and some other really messed up (in my mind) physical stuff. That being said, there is some good in this book. If there is one thing I've learned while reading spritual books, its that every book will have something you disagree with and something you wanted to learn. This book has alot of helpful resources like a herb index, crystal identification, and rune alphabet. It also has some very useful worksheets that can help you provess.
I woukd absolutly not recommend this book to skmeone who has just started walking their path or is not secure in theie belifes and could be easily swayed into something they are uncomfortable with, as this book would have you belive that you do not have the free will it preaches. However, if you can get ignore all of the bullcrap and take advicd from the book with a grain of salt, it can be very useful in a textbook kind of way.

Also do not be convinced by the intro that you have to read the chapters in order or else you will be to weak and not ready. That is some buv dick energy bullshit.

[Empath Warrior · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for those new to the craft and/or want a comprehensive guide. It covers all the important aspects of the religion and helps the novice begin her/his journey. I definitely recommend this book. I do, however, agree with much of the others' reviews about Buckland's arrogance. Please understand that you use this text as a reference text, and you do not simply take his word for everything. Religion (to me) is your own personal relationship with the Divine and who can tell you what is and is not the appropriate way to have this relationship? Use the information Buckland provides, but if something does not feel right, alter the advice given to fit you and your relationship. Do not take what each Pagan/Wiccan/etc. book says as law. With that said, I still think this is a good starter book and has lots of information in it for the novice. My last piece of advice is to simply get several texts on the subject and make your own conclusions. I've been much happier in my relationship with the Divine since I stopped labeling myself as a particular religion with guidelines. After all, what man/woman can tell you how you should worship?

[Courtney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ah, "Uncle Bucky's Big Blue Book."

Credit where credit is due, Buckland did a lot to promote Wicca and its practitioners as normal people--who just happen to get naked in a group about eight times a year, chant, sing, dance, and give praise to the Old Gods.

While I found some of the information useful when I was starting out, even in the beginning, there were things that just had me raising my eyebrow and making WTF faces at the book. (For example, I have never, ever seen a Wiccan hug a tree, despite Mr. Buckland's claim that Wiccans are likely to do just that. And the get-up he described for the HP and HPS... yikes.)

I personally wouldn't recommend this entire book to a student. Some of the lessons, the history, and the discussion text are useful, but the good stuff is buried in a lot of--dare I say it?--silliness. This book is geared more towards people who want to practice Gardnerian or Alexandrian style Craft. There's a strong CM influence, too, which can be a turn-off. I'd say a "...for Dummies" book might be better than this.

[Carrie (The Butterfly Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

More epic reviews here: The Book Goddess


I've read quite a books on Wicca and witchcraft for research, everyone recommended this book to me. Even Goodreads said this was a book I needed to read. I think it's very informable and he does go into so much detail. It's all laid out there for anyone to pick up and follow. I enjoyed this book and learned so much. I do have a few gripes though. I know some people don't have a problem with Skyclad worship and such but I think it's totally unneeded. What you can do naked you can do just as well in clothes.

He also mainly only touches on Coven worship. Most often today witches are solitary and so this book isn't quite as helpful for them. Lots of people hate on Silver Ravenwolf but she is better for the solitary witch if you ask me.

If you like this path of witchcraft then Buckland's is the way to go. He really does seem to have all the details worked out and for that I give this book 4 stars.

[Kate Lessard · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, I am glad this was not the first book on wicca or witchcraft I read. The first few chapters are balanced, I was very excited to be reading such a seemingly comprehensive book on witchcraft. Having seen Raymond Buckland's name in several other books as a reference and knowing his part in history, I expected a lot. I was sorely disappointed once I reached about chapter 4. The was he introduces covens and initiation is incredibly intimidating and perverse. He is nearly obsessed with sexuality to a point that makes this uncomfortable to read. Don't get me wrong, emphasis on sexuality is expected in pagan worship but he is excessive. I have never heard of anyone performing rituals the way he does. The entire book emphasizes coven and group worship but in my opinion makes them sound incredibly unsatisfying and cumbersome to get involved with. I really hope this is not the first book younger, more impressionable aspirants are introduced with. This is not the sort of Wicca I choose to celebrate.