The Illustrated Guide To Wicca

by Tony Grist, Aileen Grist

Through ritual and magic, Wiccans seek to better their own lives and the world. Wicca is a religion--but also a craft, with practical things to do, and the secrets that unfold in this manual show how to activate the powers that lie deep within nature and us all. Here are the history, the ethics, the insights, and the gods and goddesses of Wicca all laid out, accompanied with spectacular images. With the tools of the trade, such as candles, incense, the magical knife, and the all-important wand, the work can begin. Set up a temple, and prepare for initiation, either with a coven or alone. Open the circle, raise the energy, make magic and feasts, conduct invocations and evocations, and carry out spells. And, most important, find your own way within Wicca, for there are no set rules--just a journey on the path that's right for you. 128 pages (all in color), 8 x 10.

Genres: Wicca, Paganism, New Age, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2000

Reviews

[Bernie4444 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wide and shallow

People have mixed feelings about this book. At once you can tell that it is more than a coffee table book. The table of contents is extensive and there is an index in the back. Tony and Aileen look like they put a lot of effort into the book to not look like a bunch of dry words that leave everything to your imagination. This is the closest you will come to a paper version of a TV program.

Now that being said with this broad coverage there is not much depth. Some things may look misleading and other subjects are more than open to interpretation. So far this review may be looked at as words without substance. Therefore, you can draw your conclusion from this brief paragraph from the book:

In the Wiccan ritual, we meet the goddess and god directly. A priestess is invoked as the goddess-she becomes the goddess and speaks the goddess's words. This is known as "drawing down the moon."
Many things are essential but missing the point. However, this book would be a good addition to the library and a slightly different view to contemplate.

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is close to 20 years old so I get it is dated. Some of the language comes across as transphobic as well as absolute in it's teachings even though the author does make the disclaimer that it is not. Also the part about the first degree and condoning hazing seems to contradict the part about Wiccan ethics the author stressed so much in the beginning. There are other books out there that better cover this introduction to Wicca. This just was not my cup of tea.

[Ranae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very simple how to book. It's an easy and very fast read. Gives you a very brief insight into Wicca.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good basic beginner's book.