Wicca: The Complete Craft

by D.J. Conway, Jeanne McLarney (Foreword)

This is the ultimate guide to the ancient religion of Wicca by best-selling Pagan author, D. J. Conway. WICCA: THE COMPLETE CRAFT offers a comprehensive overview of Wiccan philosophy, dispels the common misconceptions, and is a useful primer for practicing Wicca as a spiritual lifestyle. Included are chapters on sacred space, ritual tools, holy days, meditations and visualizations, spells and the art of spell casting, as well as terminology.

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

499 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2001

About the author

A native of the Pacific Northwest, author D.J. Conway has studied the occult fields for over 35 years. Her quest for knowledge has covered every aspect of Paganism and Wicca to New Age and Eastern philosophies; plus history, the magical arts, philosophy, customs, mythologies and folklore. In 1998, she was voted Best Wiccan and New Age author by Silver Chalice, a Pagan magazine.

She lives a rather quiet life, with most of her time spent researching and writing.

Reviews

[FehuTree · Rating 1 out of 5]

There was some good information, then there is some really bad information as well.

Here is why I gave this book only a 1 star. These quotes were only from one Chapter, by the way. I didn't even get to the history chapter. Throughout the book, she keeps listing inaccuracies one by one and refutes them as the truth without any ground.

"Witchcraft is an ancient nature religion that dates back to the Neolithic times."

Umm. no. Witchcraft is a practice, not a religion. Witchcraft is not equal with Shamanism. And, Shamanism goes back to the Paleolithic era, not the Neolithic era.

"The words Wicca, Witchcraft, and the Craft are actually interchangeable."

Sorry, but they are not. Wicca is a religion and Witchcraft is a craft. Hence, why it is called the Craft.

"Usually, the Goddess holds the prime place in Wicca, with the God acknowledged as Her consort.."

The Goddess and God are considered dualistic, but equal. Neither overpower the other. If you want to throw in the argument of Dianic Wicca, I will say that even Zsusanna Budapest says it is a type of pagan witchcraft, not Wicca. The correct term is Dianic Witchcraft.

Please do not get this book. The author clearly doesn't know what she is talking about. I almost feel inclined to burn my copy, and wouldn't even donate it to the local library. That's how bad this book is.

Instead, I highly recommend you read 'Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practicioner' by Scott Cunningham in combination with his second book: 'Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practicioner.'

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wicca: The Complete Craft has proven as a useful book for study and information regarding the Gods and Goddesses. However, I won't use this as a primary guide as (and this is just me and how I feel - determine your own thoughts and feelings should you choose to read it) the author makes a very many references to Alistair Crowley. Personally, this is not someone I do nor do I ever intend to follow. I primarily turn to the guides from Scott Cunningham who beautifully embraced the religion for what it should be, a way of life learning to become closer each day to the Goddess and the God, to love nature and all things and to create beauty and love with visualization. I don't believe Crowley intended any of these things at least not all of them. We should not use this religion for a sense of power over others or for negative intent. Whatever you do comes back to you three-fold. If you're just starting your journey through Wicca, I would highly recommend beginning with Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham followed by Cunninghams book Living Wicca.

[Erik Akre · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems that this book was conceived as a kind of Wiccan Walmart, where you can get everything you want, and it's cheap, but it's cheap.

That sounds derogatory, and I guess it is, but I liked this book nevertheless. I devoured it hungrily. There's so much to it, and lots of practical (if somewhat vague) advice for someone who wants so badly to begin practicing. It lacks some authenticity, I think; by that I mean it's shallow... But it sure is fun.

What I remember most is the endless lists of recipes for oils and incenses, and the endless lists of gods and goddesses and their descriptions (each about two sentences long...). It's all very tantalizing; it's all very hypnotizing. I think I obsessively read every single page, every single word.

I read this book when I was in the "getting-fired-up" stage of my tryst with the Craft. If I ever became a serious, deep, sincere witch, I might chuckle at such a book. But I have to rate it based on enjoyment. I enjoyed this book like a hungry seven-year-old enjoys a big chocolate bunny from the candy isle at Walmart, except without the significant stomach ache afterwards. Conway's book is luscious and sweet and fatty, and no harm comes from it in the end.

[Jacks · Rating 3 out of 5]

They skipped this one in comparative religions class! Really cool to learn about a non-abrahamic religion I knew nothing about. Rituals seem like a way to physically embody meditation and focus.

[Aleasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only flipped through this book, but it seems to be a perfect study guide for someone wanting to practice Wicca.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loads of good information, including some great recipes for herbal oils and so on. But also loads of personal opinion, which is presented as fact. Although this is a great introduction to Wicca in particular, and witchcraft in general, and also has some benefit for those more experienced, it's by no means authoritative and should be read in conjunction with other Wiccan or witchcraft resources from other authors

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most informative books I’ve ever read on the subject. The author doesn’t tell you how you should practice, but gives you one of many ways, and promotes self exploration the way Wicca was meant to be.

I always find myself going back to this book for its wisdom or just for inspiration.

[Dre Brown]

Good information, helped me find my practice.

[AA · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reason I bought this book was for the intro paragraph that basically tells kids under 18 and anyone wanting to be more goth than thou to go listen to music and come back and buy the book when they're ready to grow up. :) I liked that this book gave facts and information in a clear manner that didn't try to convert the reader nor sugar coat and glorify facts. It gives a clear definition of a religion that has many aspects.

[Nora Peevy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wicca: the Complete Craft by D.J. Conway. This book covers the basics of Wicca for beginners. Like Ellen Dugan's books, it's written in a friendly tone. The material is helpful, but I didn't like think the order it was presented in was the most logical. I also thought some of the material needed to be discussed a little more in depth, though for beginners or for research material, this book is a good starting point.

[Samantha Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best wicca 101 books out there. Most barely scrape the surface of the craft, and make little if any mention on deities from different pantheons, and have very few in depth meditations. I bought this book because it had information that doesn't typically come with the "beginner" books, and I would re commend it to anyone passed the "what is wicca and how do I get started" phase, as it answered a lot of my questions, an had a great spell working section.

[Empath Warrior · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a book I will have to add to my collection. This text is thorough and honest, giving a very well-rounded idea of Wicca. I definitely recommend this book for anyone interested in the Craft. While I do not agree with everything that was said, I like how the author explained that we shouldn't all think alike. Great reference guide for many different aspects of Wicca.

[Varja Askeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I havn't read the complete book yet, but so far I have to say that it is one of the best Wicca 101 books I have ever read. It cover basically everything you need to know, it doesn't explain everything very deep but it covers the basics, it is perfect for a beginner !

[S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very beautiful if this is your choice, although I do not believe one can initiate themselves, the spirituality is very basic, void of the complications of standardized religions, to me that is highly attractive. A good path tp follow for some

[Sage · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book if you are new to Wicca. D.J. Conway first starts off with a little bit of witch history and goes into more modern practices. Goes over many topics. I still end up going back to this book time and time again.

[D.j. Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book in the sense of it being very clear and informational. However, this book does veer quite a bit from traditional Wiccan path. I do advise those who wish to learn about Wicca to read this front to back, though!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes the art of Wicca easy to comprehend. It is well written and easy to follow.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm currently reading this book, which is like a pagan encyclopedia and very informative. it's one of the best books on paganism that I've picked up yet!

[Leannear24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

it gives me everything that i need

[Marlene Slade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own this book as well. Wicca is my life. Brightest Blessings to all!

[Andy Lawless · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of the craft

[Levia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book for reference, has great information for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. One of my favorites.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book to get to know a little more about Wicca. While she says you can't be Wicca and Catholic, there are a number of concepts that have brought me peace.