Wicca Magic: A Handbook of Wiccan History, Traditions, and Rituals

by Agnes Hollyhock

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

Published October 31, 2023

Reviews

[Shirley Andrade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wealth of Information

The author discusses the history and structure of Wicca while explaining the difference between Wicca and witchcraft. She states that Wicca is a neo-pagan, ritualistic, natural religion that has been developing in its current form since the 1950s, and is based on an amalgamation of pre-Christian pagan beliefs and practices and ceremonial magics from esoteric secret societies. She explains that it is called “the old religion” because its roots are in the anthropological search for pre-Christian practices, Paganism is another term used to describe Wiccans.

The author discusses several Wiccan roots, to include:
1. Margaret Murray, who in the 1920s published her book The Witch Cult of Eastern Europe.
2. Gerald Gardner, who in the 1950s and 1960s had a background in Freemasonry and connections to the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and many of the practices in Wicca look very similar to the ceremonial practices of these institutions.
3. There were others, such as, Doreen Valiente, Alexander Sanders, and other foundational members of the coven.

The author explains that other modern types of Wiccans, the Reconstructionist wiccans, who attempt to rebuild very specific, ancient, pre-Christian traditions into a modern, neo-pagan practice. She states that these reconstructionist wiccans focus on a singular cultural origin (such as Nordic
runes, African orishas, or Druidism) and seek to recreate the
old magic as much as possible. These were mostly classified as:
1. Eclectic
2. Solitary
3. Covens

She discusses many of the aspects, tools, and working, as with any other form of witchcraft.

This is a fantastic book for beginners wanting to learn about the practice as a Wiccan. It is full of information in every aspect of the practice, from learning about deities, working with the phases of the moon, a detailed list of Wiccan tools, to the Wheel of the Year, Wiccan holidays and a few beginner's spells for consecration of tools, self-dedication, basic rituals, and much more.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it is always a good thing to refresh or reaffirm your basic knowledge. I highly recommend it.

[Siobhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consider myself a pagan, and an eclectic at that but I have enjoyed this series of books and do have a few on Wicca itself. This book was a good introduction for those starting their path or interested in the subject. It covers a lot of topics and provides enough information for each as well as where to find more information. While Wicca itself does have a bit of a problem (in some paths) of being very set in the masculine and feminine and those views are present here we are reminded this is partly of the time it was reinvented. I did like the acknowledgement of Mabon and the slight controversy around this naming in modern times.

It has a lot to offer to even a seasoned witch, wiccan or pagan with spells, rituals and information on gods, goddesses, festivals and the like. I also particularly like the writing style which is engaging and informative. I particularly liked how Hollyhock makes Wicca a very open spiritual path stating that no one is born wiccan even if their parents or ancestors were, this affirms that like most religions and spiritual paths (with the exception of some closed paths of course) are open to be explored as long as they are done so with respect and reverence. I will certainly be getting a physical copy to go with my others in the series and recommending to others interested in the path.

[Lena Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often that you find a book that covers the different types of wicca witch as they are different types. Each is beautifully described and respected. While the core beliefs are the same each has a difference. It allows new and veteran witch's to keep learning.
It allows you to make up your own mind which way to go.

She writes about the wicca ways with reverence, respect for the old ways and I am greatful to add this to my library. Thank you for a beautiful book.

I have been on this spiritual path my whole life 66 years.
Blessed Be
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[JadersCorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

NetGalley Arc App review

This book has all the qualities I look for in a book of this nature, and then some. The author clearly has a great understanding of content yet still give facts, references, etc. sometimes even unbiased information allowing you to learn and grow into your own.
Great for anyone just starting out, and wants to hold honest values with honest teachings. Also just a fun read for those of us advanced practitioners.
Well rounded for teens. As most books of this nature aren’t always. **

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview and introduction to Wicca. A few spells and recipes but more so a guide to understanding the foundation and basics of Wicca. As most books on magic and Wicca, it was northern hemisphere focused, but did offer some examples for the southern hemisphere which I appreciated.
Overall a good introduction and I did learn a few things myself .

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a guide on all kinds of Wicca. It details major ceremonies and days of note for practicing Wicca and rituals to be performed. It's a great beginner's guide to understanding Wicca.

[Sarah-jane Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Netgalley

Great little book to have with a overview of wicca, some spells and recipes. More like a reference guide but will definitely buy to have on the shelves