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Wicca: A Modern Practitioner's Guide: Your Guide to Mastering the Craft
Go beyond the basics of witchcraft and take your study of wicca to the next everything you need to know to have a deeper understanding of wicca, its teachings, and the meaning behind its rituals and practices.
You’ve bought your crystals and cast your basic spells, planted your herb garden and smudged your home—now what?
A Modern Practitioner’s Guide takes you beyond the trendy witchy basics to the deeper roots the practice. This book will guide you in reexamining basic Wicca and teach you to create rich rituals that will foster your personal growth. It also includes comprehensive explanations of the traditions, beliefs, and rituals that make up the Wiccan religion. Read about Solitary Wicca, which teaches you how to practice wicca—whether you work with a coven or practice alone—and goes beyond the “how” of different practices to explore the “why”: for example, when should you create a sacred space rather than cast a circle? How and why do you purify yourself before a ritual? What is grounding and why is it important for you to ground yourself before doing spellwork? For those who seek them, Wicca has all the answers.
You’ve bought your crystals and cast your basic spells, planted your herb garden and smudged your home—now what?
A Modern Practitioner’s Guide takes you beyond the trendy witchy basics to the deeper roots the practice. This book will guide you in reexamining basic Wicca and teach you to create rich rituals that will foster your personal growth. It also includes comprehensive explanations of the traditions, beliefs, and rituals that make up the Wiccan religion. Read about Solitary Wicca, which teaches you how to practice wicca—whether you work with a coven or practice alone—and goes beyond the “how” of different practices to explore the “why”: for example, when should you create a sacred space rather than cast a circle? How and why do you purify yourself before a ritual? What is grounding and why is it important for you to ground yourself before doing spellwork? For those who seek them, Wicca has all the answers.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published August 13, 2019
85 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Arin Murphy-Hiscock
51 books869 followersCurrently a resident of Montreal, Canada, Arin works as a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of Power Spellcraft for Life: The Art of Crafting and Casting for Positive Change (2005), Solitary Wicca for Life: A Complete Guide to Mastering the Craft on Your Own (2005), The Way of the Green Witch (2006), The Way of the Hedge Witch (2009), and Pagan Pregnancy: The Journey From Maiden to Mother (TBA). She is also the editor of the anthology Out of the Broom Closet (2009).
Arin is a third-degree Wiccan High Priestess in the Black Forest Clan, a tradition linked both by lineage and practice to several other branches of Wiccan thought and philosophy including the Caledonii Tradition, Druidism, Gardnerian practice, Seax-Wicca, general Celtic Wicca, and German witchcraft. She works as a priestess in her community performing rites of passage and giving occasional workshops, and leads a private coven.
Her hobbies include playing the cello, handspinning, and weaving.
Arin is a third-degree Wiccan High Priestess in the Black Forest Clan, a tradition linked both by lineage and practice to several other branches of Wiccan thought and philosophy including the Caledonii Tradition, Druidism, Gardnerian practice, Seax-Wicca, general Celtic Wicca, and German witchcraft. She works as a priestess in her community performing rites of passage and giving occasional workshops, and leads a private coven.
Her hobbies include playing the cello, handspinning, and weaving.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 23, 2021
Every once in a while I pick up a book that I feel is below my “learning level.” Just to see what is being written about at the 101ish level. Most of the time I don’t even finish the books and they end up in the box to take to the used book store. However, every once in a while I am surprised by a book.
This is one of them. This is one of those books. It’s a bit deeper than your basic 101 book, but the information provided isn’t something that would be too in-depth for someone just picking their first book up. Ann Murphy-Hiscock’s writing voice is both conversational and instructional without being domineering or authoritarian. Her discussions on the differences between Sacred Space and casting circles is something that was dearly missing from the 80s and 90s books I cut my teeth on. She also goes very in depth in ritual work (solitary and for a group). I have taught many students how to write ritual and perform ritual and I wish I had this book as a resource because her information is so well written and thought out. In regards to a lot of books on Wicca being homophobic or transphobic and misogynistic you will not find it here. Ann Murphy-Hiscock’s education is inclusionary and the form the triple goddess is deepened and expanded beyond the limited scope that’s previously been written about.
There are some deeer workings and education such as Aspecting a deity, and creating your inner temple (landscape). Both are well written on and explained.
For an introductory or even intermediate book on Wicca this books receives
5 🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹out of 5.
This is one of them. This is one of those books. It’s a bit deeper than your basic 101 book, but the information provided isn’t something that would be too in-depth for someone just picking their first book up. Ann Murphy-Hiscock’s writing voice is both conversational and instructional without being domineering or authoritarian. Her discussions on the differences between Sacred Space and casting circles is something that was dearly missing from the 80s and 90s books I cut my teeth on. She also goes very in depth in ritual work (solitary and for a group). I have taught many students how to write ritual and perform ritual and I wish I had this book as a resource because her information is so well written and thought out. In regards to a lot of books on Wicca being homophobic or transphobic and misogynistic you will not find it here. Ann Murphy-Hiscock’s education is inclusionary and the form the triple goddess is deepened and expanded beyond the limited scope that’s previously been written about.
There are some deeer workings and education such as Aspecting a deity, and creating your inner temple (landscape). Both are well written on and explained.
For an introductory or even intermediate book on Wicca this books receives
5 🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹out of 5.
December 4, 2019
I always whine that there are too many books for beginners and too little for the advanced, in practically any field. Well, finally, this is not a book for beginners, although I still think that maybe it could have gone even farther and deeper. Still, it gave me something to think about and inspired me, it's thoughtful and not oversimplified (which a lot of other books on the subject are not).
August 25, 2019
Today I'm reviewing Wicca: A Modern Practitioner's Guide - Your Guide to Mastering the Craft by Arin Murphy-Hiscock.
Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft. I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 412,000 views.
As usual I'll start with a review of the physical book. This book is small and will fit nicely into a backpack or tote. I received a hard copy to review and the edges and pages feel good in the hands. The color is a soft pink and I can see where a more vibrant dust jacket might be included in the book store versions. If you're looking for photos, pick a different book. This book is cover to cover with words written in a font that's easy on the eye as well as informative. That's not to say there are not tables. The author did include a table, an extensive bibliography as well as one of the best indexes I have seen to date.
This book includes an introduction to the history of Wicca and covers topics such as creating sacred spaces, casting circles and simple rituals as well as power words in ritual and even a section on drawing down in the (I'm sure intentional) 13 chapters; which makes me hasten to call this an introductory book.
The author beings with a history of Wicca. The first sentence sets the stage for the entire book. The author writes: "It is inaccurate to say that Wicca is an ancient religion" and goes on to discuss Gardnerian Wicca created by Gerald Gardner in the 1950s. She further explains Neo-Paganism, traditional Wicca and Electic Wicca. Of course including an overview of the Wican Rede as an ethical code for practitioners. She covers the basic belief system including respecting nature, working as a solitary and covens as well as a tolerance for the beliefs of others.
The following three chapters cover creating a sacred space, casting circles and spells and energy work. To me the most important of these is the chapter on grounding. So many witches start out their practice without being in a stable mindset to attract the type of magic they're looking to attract. While I admit I do not practice Wicca, in my own craft intent is the key to any ritual. I need to be in the correct frame of mind to either welcome energy or disperse it. My mindset is where it all begins and ends. Without proper grounding, my ritual is destine to fail.
Chapters five through seven address the ritual itself. From providing a list of simple ready to go rituals for purifying, banishing, consecrating, dedicating and blessing to using witch's tools such as the cup, the pentacle and the athame to enrich the ritual, the author guides the reader through the ins and outs of the modern rite as we see it today. She covers relaxed ritual as well as the formal ritual which may be used on special occasions such as sabbats and esbats.
Chapter eight is all about the wheel of the year with entries for quarter and cross-quarter days. This section is where we find our table which outlines the month with the old English Moon, the Colonial American Moon and the Cherokee Moon representations.
Chapters nine through eleven address rites of passage as well as the power words in ritual. It includes daily prayer exercises and chants in ritual practice. Chants are great ways to connect with the energy or power that one is dedicated to. Isis or Hecate (or even our modern musicians) love to hear their name repeated and chanted. I have written several chants to Hecate but one of my favorite is not my own creation. Below is one of my favorite chants, often referred to as the Goddess Chant (visible on my blog)
Finally the last two chapters address something, in my opinion, that is a bit more advanced. First in chapter twelve see learn about drawing down and aspecting deities. My first introduction into paganism, witchcraft and magic was Margot Adler's Drawing Down the Moon. This is where the energy of the moon is called forth and asked to possess the speaker. Generally something that is done by a seasoned priest or priestess of that deity. Invoking is serious business and shouldn't be toyed with. Think of this as a channeling type event, you're asking an energy to inhabit your body and speak through you. Care should be taken before moving into this step. The author does provide alternatives, which is great to see. The final chapter gives us a real world look at Wicca today, including online communities, living Wicca today and adding it to your daily life.
Overall, this is a great book for those looking to share their practice with others. This is a high level look at what Wicca is and how to begin practicing. I love the bibliography, as no book can be the be all end all of a subject. The author references names like Scott Cunnigham, Raymond Buckland, Edgar Cayce and Dorothy Morrison just to name a few. This is a great addition to any novice or advanced witch alike. I could see this as a great gift for the newly initiated as well.
Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft. I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 412,000 views.
As usual I'll start with a review of the physical book. This book is small and will fit nicely into a backpack or tote. I received a hard copy to review and the edges and pages feel good in the hands. The color is a soft pink and I can see where a more vibrant dust jacket might be included in the book store versions. If you're looking for photos, pick a different book. This book is cover to cover with words written in a font that's easy on the eye as well as informative. That's not to say there are not tables. The author did include a table, an extensive bibliography as well as one of the best indexes I have seen to date.
This book includes an introduction to the history of Wicca and covers topics such as creating sacred spaces, casting circles and simple rituals as well as power words in ritual and even a section on drawing down in the (I'm sure intentional) 13 chapters; which makes me hasten to call this an introductory book.
The author beings with a history of Wicca. The first sentence sets the stage for the entire book. The author writes: "It is inaccurate to say that Wicca is an ancient religion" and goes on to discuss Gardnerian Wicca created by Gerald Gardner in the 1950s. She further explains Neo-Paganism, traditional Wicca and Electic Wicca. Of course including an overview of the Wican Rede as an ethical code for practitioners. She covers the basic belief system including respecting nature, working as a solitary and covens as well as a tolerance for the beliefs of others.
The following three chapters cover creating a sacred space, casting circles and spells and energy work. To me the most important of these is the chapter on grounding. So many witches start out their practice without being in a stable mindset to attract the type of magic they're looking to attract. While I admit I do not practice Wicca, in my own craft intent is the key to any ritual. I need to be in the correct frame of mind to either welcome energy or disperse it. My mindset is where it all begins and ends. Without proper grounding, my ritual is destine to fail.
Chapters five through seven address the ritual itself. From providing a list of simple ready to go rituals for purifying, banishing, consecrating, dedicating and blessing to using witch's tools such as the cup, the pentacle and the athame to enrich the ritual, the author guides the reader through the ins and outs of the modern rite as we see it today. She covers relaxed ritual as well as the formal ritual which may be used on special occasions such as sabbats and esbats.
Chapter eight is all about the wheel of the year with entries for quarter and cross-quarter days. This section is where we find our table which outlines the month with the old English Moon, the Colonial American Moon and the Cherokee Moon representations.
Chapters nine through eleven address rites of passage as well as the power words in ritual. It includes daily prayer exercises and chants in ritual practice. Chants are great ways to connect with the energy or power that one is dedicated to. Isis or Hecate (or even our modern musicians) love to hear their name repeated and chanted. I have written several chants to Hecate but one of my favorite is not my own creation. Below is one of my favorite chants, often referred to as the Goddess Chant (visible on my blog)
Finally the last two chapters address something, in my opinion, that is a bit more advanced. First in chapter twelve see learn about drawing down and aspecting deities. My first introduction into paganism, witchcraft and magic was Margot Adler's Drawing Down the Moon. This is where the energy of the moon is called forth and asked to possess the speaker. Generally something that is done by a seasoned priest or priestess of that deity. Invoking is serious business and shouldn't be toyed with. Think of this as a channeling type event, you're asking an energy to inhabit your body and speak through you. Care should be taken before moving into this step. The author does provide alternatives, which is great to see. The final chapter gives us a real world look at Wicca today, including online communities, living Wicca today and adding it to your daily life.
Overall, this is a great book for those looking to share their practice with others. This is a high level look at what Wicca is and how to begin practicing. I love the bibliography, as no book can be the be all end all of a subject. The author references names like Scott Cunnigham, Raymond Buckland, Edgar Cayce and Dorothy Morrison just to name a few. This is a great addition to any novice or advanced witch alike. I could see this as a great gift for the newly initiated as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2022
3.5
An accessible and flexible read.
I am very pleased that the author's books can be adapted to each person to apply what is explained, in a personal and comfortable way.
It gave me many ideas.
An accessible and flexible read.
I am very pleased that the author's books can be adapted to each person to apply what is explained, in a personal and comfortable way.
It gave me many ideas.
May 16, 2020
This book is a helpful guide for those who’ve already read introductory books about Wicca and for those who’ve started practicing. As someone who’s researching the topic rather than practicing, I liked that the book takes a deeper look at concepts and practices. In some sections, the author reviews basic preparation techniques. In others, the discussion extends beyond the basics.
I appreciated the author’s clarification of different types of Wicca and her emphasis that it’s up to the individual to decide whether to practice alone or in a group, and to adopt either an eclectic or a more traditional approach. The differences are described without bias.
It was also refreshing to realize that some of the lengthier steps in ritual preparation (described as a must-do in other books) are actually not necessary, especially for those already familiar with preparation. The author again reminds us that Wicca is flexible and adapts well to busy lifestyles. Whether you’re a Wiccan follower or someone who’s simply interested in the topic, this book could be quite useful.
I appreciated the author’s clarification of different types of Wicca and her emphasis that it’s up to the individual to decide whether to practice alone or in a group, and to adopt either an eclectic or a more traditional approach. The differences are described without bias.
It was also refreshing to realize that some of the lengthier steps in ritual preparation (described as a must-do in other books) are actually not necessary, especially for those already familiar with preparation. The author again reminds us that Wicca is flexible and adapts well to busy lifestyles. Whether you’re a Wiccan follower or someone who’s simply interested in the topic, this book could be quite useful.
August 19, 2019
This was a good intermediate guide to Wicca. I suppose I am rather past intermediate Wicca, personally, but there are a lot of things covered here that focus on a diversity of practice in Wicca, covering things I struggled with quite at one time, like different ways of creating sacred space or alternate means of casting circles, calling quarters, and so on. I liked that she gave some options, though I also found her ideas a bit stiff in other areas (like personally, I have changed elemental quarter correspondences to better suit my geography). Despite it not quite going as far as I would have liked, and mostly covering ideas I have already considered, this was a good book, and I am fairly widely read to begin with, so this could be very valuable to someone who has gone through a couple of beginner books and is looking for some new ideas.
December 4, 2019
This is the first book on Wicca I have read and it has given me a comprehensive glimpse into what the religion is all about. I understand that this book is not for outsiders or beginner Wiccans, as is clearly stated in the blurb and throughout the text. However, the first and last chapters give the reader a clear idea of the origins of the religion, the character of the religion, and the role the religion must play in a Wiccans life. The inner chapters give a step by step guide into Wiccan ceremonies and practices which are easy to follow and, while I myself am not Wiccan, I have taken on in my own daily meditations.
Through reading this book I am able to see the world and the universe through the eyes of a Wiccan, thereby informing my worldview and my understanding of this often misunderstood religion.
Through reading this book I am able to see the world and the universe through the eyes of a Wiccan, thereby informing my worldview and my understanding of this often misunderstood religion.
December 24, 2020
I love Murphy-Hiscock’s explanations of Wiccan concepts. She made everything feel like part of a system in a coherent way, even though she did not include a lot of historical context. This book was great for learning practical techniques!
December 19, 2019
This is a very informative and well-written resource for beginner and intermediate Wiccans. It includes many guidelines for rituals and basic spell work as well as general information for incorporating Wicca into daily life. Definitely worth a read, or several.
December 17, 2021
It's basically the same book as Solitary Wicca for life. Some parts are verbatim. So I recommend reading one or the other not both. Either way they are just ok books.
January 15, 2021
A fine introduction from Murphy-Hiscock, whose lovely volumes of thoughtful, accessible information remain amongst my top recommendations for folks new to the craft.
I've never been Wiccan myself, as a religion, but coming up pagan in the nineties and early aughties meant that a majority of the information out there was about or related to Wiccan practice. ("Hey, do you like Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Here's the book for you!")
Murphy-Hiscock is clear and honest about Wicca as a religion, and the ways in which is related to and interconnected with witchcraft as a practice. Whereas Harmony Nice's recent book Wicca: A Modern Guide to Witchcraft and Magick felt like a gen z retread of Scott Cunningham (now with social media!), this volume gently contextualizes a lifetime of Wiccan practice into the contemporary, acknowledging the pillars on which Wicca is built while offering an updated manual of ritual and practice.
I've never been Wiccan myself, as a religion, but coming up pagan in the nineties and early aughties meant that a majority of the information out there was about or related to Wiccan practice. ("Hey, do you like Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Here's the book for you!")
Murphy-Hiscock is clear and honest about Wicca as a religion, and the ways in which is related to and interconnected with witchcraft as a practice. Whereas Harmony Nice's recent book Wicca: A Modern Guide to Witchcraft and Magick felt like a gen z retread of Scott Cunningham (now with social media!), this volume gently contextualizes a lifetime of Wiccan practice into the contemporary, acknowledging the pillars on which Wicca is built while offering an updated manual of ritual and practice.
January 10, 2022
Murphy-Hiscock has created an incredibly accessible and thorough guide to Wicca in this book. Where others have lost me on complicated explanations and skimming past their own source material, here everything is spelled out plainly, with room for individual interpretation of Wicca as a religion, of course. This is the first book on Wicca I’ve read to point to things such as the Wiccan Rede, the American Council of Witch’s Principles of Belief, or even simply *other books in a bibliography*.
I will be the first to say I don’t practice everything the way the author does and would have wished for a more detailed dive into certain topics, but variation in practice is the way of Wicca and ultimately I still found a plethora of useful information in reading A Modern Practitioner’s Guide.
I will be the first to say I don’t practice everything the way the author does and would have wished for a more detailed dive into certain topics, but variation in practice is the way of Wicca and ultimately I still found a plethora of useful information in reading A Modern Practitioner’s Guide.
February 15, 2025
This was such an interesting book! I didn’t know as much about Wicca as I thought I did. It’s appealing to me, and I’ve been reading more about it lately to see the ways it overlaps with my own Indigenous beliefs/ cultural practices and the ways it differs. This book was so good I bought a copy of it when I finished reading it! It’s not just a beginners book, it’s informative, has a bibliography, explains things and isn’t just a spell book. There was so much new information in it! Very well written.
September 16, 2024
Listened to the audiobook and instantly realized this would be better as a physical book. But I continued on anyway. Only was listening out of curiosity, I found no need to have this book.
I skipped through a lot cause it's just info. Some goodness, but mostly, I was bored.
Just trust yourself and do what you want. This isn't my religion. I like witchy things, so I'm glad I listened. But following step for step is not enticing to me.
I skipped through a lot cause it's just info. Some goodness, but mostly, I was bored.
Just trust yourself and do what you want. This isn't my religion. I like witchy things, so I'm glad I listened. But following step for step is not enticing to me.
March 23, 2021
Wasn't a huge fan of the first chapter. Came off very "preachy". The rest of it has useful enough information. I would not recommend to beginners, but also feel like it doesn't provide enough for intermediate practictioners.
April 24, 2022
Good add to your collection
I liked the detailed insight it gave from that of beginner books. a few pictures would have been helpful with it I think. A great read and beneficial to a new practicing Wiccan.
I liked the detailed insight it gave from that of beginner books. a few pictures would have been helpful with it I think. A great read and beneficial to a new practicing Wiccan.
August 21, 2022
I'm a big fan of Arin Murphy-Hiscock's books. This only gets three stars as it's a reprint of "Solitary Wicca for Life" under another title, with *very* minor differences. If you own one of these books you don't need the other one.
December 31, 2022
There are a lot of books one can read on Wicca, and honestly they all start to blend together. This one is a little gatekeepy IMO, but it has good information that would be worthwhile to practitioners of any tradition and is still in an exploratory mode.
November 4, 2019
Just ok. Didn’t really get much from this.
November 27, 2019
As an atheist, this was a great intro to understanding Wicca even though the target audience is the more experience practitioners.
November 8, 2020
Good book for growing your craft
April 7, 2021
This was good and very informative on the basics of Wicca.
December 24, 2021
Very enlightening for the spiritual journey... can't wait to read the next one from her.
Apparently it took me forever to read it, I was studying it okey? n.n' lol
Apparently it took me forever to read it, I was studying it okey? n.n' lol
July 8, 2022
Great for very beginners, if you have basic understanding id pass but if not this is perfect for you
July 22, 2023
Is a very nice book to look up for advice and things I don’t remember. Also easy to read and good for any level of everyday witch
August 7, 2025
A great guide for Wicca!
September 23, 2025
Learned some interesting things about the Wiccan religion and practice from this book. The author does a great job explaining the components of rituals.
June 28, 2025
This was the first witchcraft/pagan book I ever read!!
It's mostly fine but I really couldn't recommend it to beginners.
When I was a beginner and saw its title of "A Modern Practitioner's Guide: Your Guide to Mastering the Craft", I assumed that it would help me learn about being Wiccan as a beginner. And it somewhat does, but the way it is written and organised seems too intermediate for someone new. It has a lot of intermediate subjects which is great for a modern Wiccan practitioner but just not for a beginner modern Wiccan practitioner? Because of how overwhelming the book's structure and subjects can seem, as a beginner I didn't understand how important some basics such as Grounding and Centering were in magickal practises until years later. My critiques with the book are about it not being for beginners, however I'm no longer a beginner nor am I Wiccan anymore, but in general l still think this book is just okay. I guess there are worse Wiccan books out there and at least my first witch book wasn't terrible?
It's mostly fine but I really couldn't recommend it to beginners.
When I was a beginner and saw its title of "A Modern Practitioner's Guide: Your Guide to Mastering the Craft", I assumed that it would help me learn about being Wiccan as a beginner. And it somewhat does, but the way it is written and organised seems too intermediate for someone new. It has a lot of intermediate subjects which is great for a modern Wiccan practitioner but just not for a beginner modern Wiccan practitioner? Because of how overwhelming the book's structure and subjects can seem, as a beginner I didn't understand how important some basics such as Grounding and Centering were in magickal practises until years later. My critiques with the book are about it not being for beginners, however I'm no longer a beginner nor am I Wiccan anymore, but in general l still think this book is just okay. I guess there are worse Wiccan books out there and at least my first witch book wasn't terrible?
July 10, 2023
The thing I loved most about this was while it was geared to more knowledgeable practitioner, it still went over and covered the basics. The more advanced stuff might be overwhelming at first if you’re more new to it, but it’s still simple enough to where you can understand it which I really appreciate. Tons of info, easy to understand, provides instructions and other resources, highly recommend!
January 4, 2020
As a practitioner of religion myself and one obsessed with religion, I often read books about other religious traditions. I found this book both enlightening and helpful in my beginning yo understand a faith tradition that is not my area of expertise.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews