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Not In Kansas Anymore: A Curious Tale of How Magic Is Transforming America
Magic has stepped out of the movies, morphed from the pages of fairy tales, and taken root in the modern mind. Soccer moms are getting voodoo head washings in their backyards, young U.S. soldiers send chants toward pagan gods of war, and a seem-ingly normal family has determined that they are in fact elves. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are turning toward the supernatural in new ways, blending the ancient and the modern for a hyper-charged spirituality. They are reaching back in time to powers that have sustained the human imagina-tion for thousands of years. For many of us, magic is taking hold in less obvious ways. Almost unconsciously we find ourselves noting mysterious synchronicities that point to a plan for our lives. We are heeding premonitions, marking good omens, scrutinizing our dreams, and interpreting visions as direct communications. Thinking we might be called crazy, most of us never utter a word to anyone. But others of us are bolder. The community of Wiccans, witches, and pagans is growing faster than any other religious group in America. Voodoo, hoodoo, and Santeria are attracting middle-class believers across the country. National bestselling author and award-winning religion reporter Christine Wicker leaves no talisman unturned in her hunt to find what's authentic and what's not in America's burgeoning magical reality. Her investigation leads her from the voodoo temples of New Orleans to the witches' covens of Salem to a graveyard in north Florida as she probes the secrets of an underground society and learns lessons she never dreamed could be taught. Her new teachers are an odd Myrna the Death Puppet, Tracy, Queen of the Vampires, and Siva, a tenderhearted satanist, along with people who truly believe they are fairies, werewolves, and dragons. The reporter in Wicker listens harder than she ever has, and she doesn't let herself roll her eyes -- not even once. What she learns repels her, challenges her, and then changes her in ways she never could have imagined. And if you let it, it might change you, too.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
July 12, 2010
I really disliked this book for several reasons. First, the author seems to believe that the different subcultures she portrays ("vampires," "otherkin," Hoodoo practitioners, Wiccans) are somehow all part of a unitary magical culture, an assumption which she never openly clarifies and which I think many members of these groups would resent.
Second, for each chapter she apparently chose the weirdest, most colorful representative of that group that she could find. (In a couple of cases, the individuals she portrays are noticeably NOT representative of their groups in one way or another. The rootworker was an obvious example, and it seemed that Wicker chose her because she was the only person willing to be interviewed in depth by some random white lady.) It felt as if she chose some cartoonish people just so she could make witticisms at their expense. I am confused by all the reviews claiming that she treats her subjects "gently" and sympathetically. I thought she was really flippant and dismissive, even snarky.
The chapter on Wicca was pretty offensive and poorly done. Basically, she does almost no background research on Wicca - you'd think no books on the topic had ever been published. She decides that Witchcraft is all about being nice ("Harm none," etc.). Then she encounters some pretentious people in Salem who fleece her out of some money, and she extrapolates from this that Witches are not as nice as they say they are, and therefore the whole thing is meaningless. And that's it. Perhaps this is what Wicker's editors call "impeccable research."
Second, for each chapter she apparently chose the weirdest, most colorful representative of that group that she could find. (In a couple of cases, the individuals she portrays are noticeably NOT representative of their groups in one way or another. The rootworker was an obvious example, and it seemed that Wicker chose her because she was the only person willing to be interviewed in depth by some random white lady.) It felt as if she chose some cartoonish people just so she could make witticisms at their expense. I am confused by all the reviews claiming that she treats her subjects "gently" and sympathetically. I thought she was really flippant and dismissive, even snarky.
The chapter on Wicca was pretty offensive and poorly done. Basically, she does almost no background research on Wicca - you'd think no books on the topic had ever been published. She decides that Witchcraft is all about being nice ("Harm none," etc.). Then she encounters some pretentious people in Salem who fleece her out of some money, and she extrapolates from this that Witches are not as nice as they say they are, and therefore the whole thing is meaningless. And that's it. Perhaps this is what Wicker's editors call "impeccable research."
January 1, 2014
This book was way more about the author than it was about magic, so it really wasn't what I was looking for. She met a lot of interesting, weird folks during her explorations, but I think her skepticism was too much in the forefront; it didn't help her to be objective, but instead, I believe, got in the way and closed her off to many possibilities. Her view of what constitutes magic is a little (a lot!) off, too, I think; if her idiosyncratic perspective is to be believed, then the fact that I woke up this morning with a positive attitude and a fresh resolve means that something magical must have happened on New Year's Eve. It just doesn't compute. And I hated the ending. Hated. It.
December 14, 2008
I expected this book to be interesting and it is. I found out that there are people all around the country who believe themselves to be vampires, werewolves, elves, fairies. I also finally found out the difference between hoodoo and voodoo. And what a root worker is. The author did a great job tracing the roots of magic all through American History. I don't know if I agree that anthropomorphizing computers and machines and some other superstitions is magical thinking, as the author says. But maybe it is, it isn't logical thinking, that's for sure. One of the most interesting groups she talks about are the otherkin. I want to find out more.
What I didn't expect was some of the profound passages, three in particular. Wicker has a passage on dualism, which is something I struggle with--a lot! It's just so hard not to think of things as good and bad. I accept the premise that dualistic thinking is limiting, but still find it very difficult not to do. She has a passage on how a person is socialized into a group, in this case, a magical group, that is one of the clearest I've ever read and that I can follow step by step into how I was socialized into my former church. The third passage was when she realized that she didn't have to put herself last all the time and give into other people and what they wanted. She calls herself a doormat that got up and walked away. I love that. This book is really worth reading and I plan to research a few of the topics further.
What I didn't expect was some of the profound passages, three in particular. Wicker has a passage on dualism, which is something I struggle with--a lot! It's just so hard not to think of things as good and bad. I accept the premise that dualistic thinking is limiting, but still find it very difficult not to do. She has a passage on how a person is socialized into a group, in this case, a magical group, that is one of the clearest I've ever read and that I can follow step by step into how I was socialized into my former church. The third passage was when she realized that she didn't have to put herself last all the time and give into other people and what they wanted. She calls herself a doormat that got up and walked away. I love that. This book is really worth reading and I plan to research a few of the topics further.
October 9, 2018
almost 3/5. This had some very entertaining moments and as I'm comfortably a skeptic not looking to be convinced of anything, I just wanted to learn something about what various groups actually do and believe so it wasn't disappointing in terms of the skepticism she employed. It had a tone not unlike Mary Roach in Spook and was at its best when reminiscent of that, although with less sciencey background. Sometimes the author's observations were really funny, others felt...uncomfortable? It's like she can be equal parts sensitive and understanding then completely tone deaf.
The ending, where she - spoiler alert - finds her way back to her long-abandoned Christianity after exploring all these alternative magics was such a groan. It also didn't quite live up to the subtitle, these were interesting little portraits but I fail to see how magic is "transforming" America. The hoodoo sections were the most compelling but also, did it have to be mainly centered around a white lady who practices a Black American folk magic with African roots? Blergh. I'm complaining a lot because it could've been so much better, but it's still amusing and informative in a lot of ways. Read it to find out what Zora Neale Hurston's grave dirt can do for you.
The ending, where she - spoiler alert - finds her way back to her long-abandoned Christianity after exploring all these alternative magics was such a groan. It also didn't quite live up to the subtitle, these were interesting little portraits but I fail to see how magic is "transforming" America. The hoodoo sections were the most compelling but also, did it have to be mainly centered around a white lady who practices a Black American folk magic with African roots? Blergh. I'm complaining a lot because it could've been so much better, but it's still amusing and informative in a lot of ways. Read it to find out what Zora Neale Hurston's grave dirt can do for you.
August 11, 2011
It was... in turns inspiring and infuriating. She really didn't pay much attention to the people she was talking to, with the possible exception of the hoodoo folk. Being a "magical" person, myself, there were some glaring inconsistencies, and I really didn't like the ending. It's a good read, but take it with a grain of salt.
December 24, 2009
I was fascinated by the concept of this book and also a little uncertain about its premise. She notably omitted Wicca or what I'd think of as credible alternative religions that include magic in their practices, and perhaps deliberately went for whacky, out-there stuff.
October 30, 2018
I didn't love this book. I had to force myself to finish it. Oddly, there was much that I should have wanted to read in this, however, the tone was kind of "Tongue in cheek tourist" that put me off of wanting to get into it and enjoy this more.
As a member of the pagan community, I often attend events where there are non-pagan attendees who are just sightseeing. It's offensive at a certain point to become just someone that is not a real person but an object to be discussed like an exhibit or ride at Disneyland.
Others have tackled the topic of magic practitioners, pagans and the like with respect. "Witches in America" was one such book that examined the culture but stayed respectful, this book was more "Get a load of what freaks I was hanging out with this weekend."
I didn't care for this, I can't recommend it.
As a member of the pagan community, I often attend events where there are non-pagan attendees who are just sightseeing. It's offensive at a certain point to become just someone that is not a real person but an object to be discussed like an exhibit or ride at Disneyland.
Others have tackled the topic of magic practitioners, pagans and the like with respect. "Witches in America" was one such book that examined the culture but stayed respectful, this book was more "Get a load of what freaks I was hanging out with this weekend."
I didn't care for this, I can't recommend it.
April 9, 2020
This book suffered from the following:
My unreasonable expectations
Being published in 2005, 15 years ago, when our conversations about race and religion were not so nuanced
Not knowing if it was a personal memoir or an academic overview or a historical account (jumbled and repetitive)--is this a quirky fun travelogue or informative pop nonfiction?
Too much Jesus
But also! We have been watching a lot of dystopian movies during Pandemic 2020 and we've seen THREE with Ah-nold so encountering this--"I immediately thought of Arnold Schwarzenegger. How much more magical could a story be than his?"--felt like that big spooky magic coincidence that this book is all about.
My unreasonable expectations
Being published in 2005, 15 years ago, when our conversations about race and religion were not so nuanced
Not knowing if it was a personal memoir or an academic overview or a historical account (jumbled and repetitive)--is this a quirky fun travelogue or informative pop nonfiction?
Too much Jesus
But also! We have been watching a lot of dystopian movies during Pandemic 2020 and we've seen THREE with Ah-nold so encountering this--"I immediately thought of Arnold Schwarzenegger. How much more magical could a story be than his?"--felt like that big spooky magic coincidence that this book is all about.
December 17, 2020
the fact that she took such a fascinating subject and made it into such a ... bad book ...
June 26, 2009
Stumbled onto this book a few days ago. Did nothing to break down my stereotypes of New Age weirdos, though, I'm afraid ;)
A handful of the people interviewed in the book believed themselves to be "otherkin" (a catch-all category for Elves, Vampires, Werewolves, etc. -- anyone non-human). I felt those parts of the book probably hurt it more than it helped.
A large chunk of the story revolves around hoodoo, rootwork, and voodoo. There were a few interesting stories, but a lot of it just sounded like a paid endorsement for the Lucky Mojo Curio Company and the shop owner -- both of which are named and described at great length through much of the book.
I chose to give it two stars because the story didn't transition as well as it could have. Also, though the author declares herself early on as "spiritually agnostic", her Southern Baptist upbringing shows in a lot of the conclusions she reaches or ways she views things. That isn't necessarily bad, but it felt like it distracted me from the discussion more than adding to it.
A handful of the people interviewed in the book believed themselves to be "otherkin" (a catch-all category for Elves, Vampires, Werewolves, etc. -- anyone non-human). I felt those parts of the book probably hurt it more than it helped.
A large chunk of the story revolves around hoodoo, rootwork, and voodoo. There were a few interesting stories, but a lot of it just sounded like a paid endorsement for the Lucky Mojo Curio Company and the shop owner -- both of which are named and described at great length through much of the book.
I chose to give it two stars because the story didn't transition as well as it could have. Also, though the author declares herself early on as "spiritually agnostic", her Southern Baptist upbringing shows in a lot of the conclusions she reaches or ways she views things. That isn't necessarily bad, but it felt like it distracted me from the discussion more than adding to it.
August 30, 2007
A cute little book about a journalist who goes out and meets people who practice Hoodoo and other forms of magic and/or believe they're vampires, elves and werewolves. Its cute, and she does a good job of being friendly and open-minded about what is going on out there. She’s not a believer (well a little) and she’s not an outright skeptic so it’s a nice, low-key examination of several of the magical subcultures out there right now. A whole lot more readable than works by proponents (Gerneration Hex comes to mind) but don’t expect much depth here. A good quick beach read that most folks should give a few hours too.
I especially liked her treatment of the Salem scene. I think I know at least 3 of the people she interviewed.
I especially liked her treatment of the Salem scene. I think I know at least 3 of the people she interviewed.
July 8, 2007
I found Wicker's book to be a fascinating look at the world of paganism from an outside perspective. Neither fully critical of paganism, nor ever fully embracing it, she straddles the fence excellently, and at points this lack of integrity towards either side can become irritating, preventing me from giving this book a full set of stars. However, there are numerous excellent quotes and moments in this book. I'd recommend it to pagans, but would NOT recommend it to those who are merely interested in the fantastical, but have not much knowledge about it. It's definitely not a how-to, nor is it for beginners.
January 22, 2012
A skeptic interviews various “magical” subcultures including wiccans, hoodoo and voodoo practitioners, and vampires. There’s even a section on Otherkin—people who believe they are real elves and werewolves. The author attempts to be open-minded about her subjects although at times seems a bit tongue-in-cheek. Overall a curious read especially for anyone interested in seeing what’s just outside of mainstream.
January 15, 2022
This was an interesting book that covered topics about the paranormal and magick and various religions that utilize magick in their ceremonies.
She delved into Wicca, Pentecostals, Hermeticism, Santeria, Spiritualism, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the Ordo Templi Orientis (founded by Aleister Crowley), the Church of Euthanasia (complete with a Satanic Outreach Director), and voodoo and hoodoo (which is spiritual, but, unlike voodoo, is not a religion).
But, along with the religions, she also spent time learning about magick itself, and the differences in the types of magick: dark, light, high, low/practical, folk, ceremonial, and chaotic. She also attended a Vampire and Victims Ball where she learned about sanguine and psi (energy) vampires and vampire etiquette; then spent an evening at the "spring gathering" of Otherkin--"those who believe themselves to be magical and spiritual creatures: elves, werewolves, dragons, faeries, angels, hobbits."
Interesting though it was, the book was written by a journalist out looking for a story, and that was exactly how it read. She shoved a lot of topics into one book, some only getting a few pages, giving it almost a 'tour guide' feel. And, although she made numerous remarks wondering how she would feel if it was proven to her-- that, yes, magick truly did exist--yet the few times when she *did* experience things that might have turned others into true believers, she effortlessly wrote them off with the practical ease of a true disbeliever.
She delved into Wicca, Pentecostals, Hermeticism, Santeria, Spiritualism, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the Ordo Templi Orientis (founded by Aleister Crowley), the Church of Euthanasia (complete with a Satanic Outreach Director), and voodoo and hoodoo (which is spiritual, but, unlike voodoo, is not a religion).
But, along with the religions, she also spent time learning about magick itself, and the differences in the types of magick: dark, light, high, low/practical, folk, ceremonial, and chaotic. She also attended a Vampire and Victims Ball where she learned about sanguine and psi (energy) vampires and vampire etiquette; then spent an evening at the "spring gathering" of Otherkin--"those who believe themselves to be magical and spiritual creatures: elves, werewolves, dragons, faeries, angels, hobbits."
Interesting though it was, the book was written by a journalist out looking for a story, and that was exactly how it read. She shoved a lot of topics into one book, some only getting a few pages, giving it almost a 'tour guide' feel. And, although she made numerous remarks wondering how she would feel if it was proven to her-- that, yes, magick truly did exist--yet the few times when she *did* experience things that might have turned others into true believers, she effortlessly wrote them off with the practical ease of a true disbeliever.
September 8, 2020
If you want to read 200+ pages of an author huff and haw about how much she abhors and dislikes the subject she has chosen to write about, this book is for you.
Not In Kansas Anymore is a novel that could've been summed up in one paragraph where the author tells how she doesn't believe in the supernatural. In reality, this is a book where Christine Wicker cannot write a story without her own narrative of how the subject matter is fake, sprinkled with a few stories of actual experiences.
If I hadn't actually purchased this book, I wouldn't have finished it. It was boring and furthermore, did not deliver in the very message it conveyed - Only a few stories of American paranormal are told. In short, it was a total disappointment.
Not In Kansas Anymore is a novel that could've been summed up in one paragraph where the author tells how she doesn't believe in the supernatural. In reality, this is a book where Christine Wicker cannot write a story without her own narrative of how the subject matter is fake, sprinkled with a few stories of actual experiences.
If I hadn't actually purchased this book, I wouldn't have finished it. It was boring and furthermore, did not deliver in the very message it conveyed - Only a few stories of American paranormal are told. In short, it was a total disappointment.
March 11, 2017
Overall carries an "encouraging" tone, a "you do you/whatever melts your butter" kind of vibe, though occasionally threaded with a tone of gentle Southern condescention.
What I wanted more of, though, were facts and history and science, rather than the sociological storytelling and personal histories and narratives.
What I wanted more of, though, were facts and history and science, rather than the sociological storytelling and personal histories and narratives.
January 28, 2019
This book was good. It made some really thought provoking points about religion and spirituality and I especially liked the anecdotes throughout. However there were so many subject wound into one that it all felt a little convoluted. I would have rather read a shorter book on one subject than this compilation of way too many
July 13, 2019
When I started it I found myself busy and lost some interest. When I picked it back up I was sucked right back in. Quick read if you want it to be. This book gives the information for you to decide what you want to believe. Nice jump into a lot of other perspectives that you can take or leave. Good and nonjudgmental thinking.
June 11, 2024
If you're new to magic, this book is a good start. It's about a journalist who acqaints herself with different cults and participates in different ceremonies and later writes about its impact on herself.
November 21, 2007
"My magical experiences were too little to convince me and at the same time too much to ignore."
Wicker visits and talks with various individuals and groups involved in some sort of magic/fantasy environment -- including attending a Vampires and Victims ball, taking hoodoo classes from a rootworker (a good chunk of the book), and observing several Wiccan rites -- throughout, she keeps an open, yet skeptical mind, drawing her own conclusions about what the participants are getting from their involvement with the world of magic/belief.
She observes that Wiccan and Pentecostal congregations are often cited as the fastest growing faiths in America (tho I didn't check the sources/bibliography to confirm this); comparing this to the turn of the 20th century fascination with spiritualism and animal magnetism, as well as the church revivals of the time. "Magical Thinking" has never really gone away - it has just taken different guises - the "self help" of the 1970's became the positive thinking of the 1980's.
Overall, the book is an interesting, thoughtful look at the resurgence of magic/spiritualism in modern America. I think this would be a good compare/contrast with Mary Roach's Spook : science tackles the afterlife, which I read earlier this year. (NOTE: I made this comparison before checking the Amazon website to see that they are offering these two books together!)
Notes and Quotes
* Book opens with a visit to the Vampires & Victims Ball - she is asked to "choose"... theme carried throughout the book.
* Myths & fairy tales = early exposure to magic.
* Magic & religion - intermingle with and repel each other
* Turn of 20th century = spiritualism & animal magnetism - - estimated 40% US males involved in fraternal organizations with mystical ceremonies
* 1980's "positive thinking" - type of magical thinking - imposing one's own will over the situation (Crowley's definition of magic)
* A vampire called Wiccans "the Jehovah's Witnesses of the magical community - totally sure they are right". Wicca also seen as "fluffy bunny magic" by some.
* Low Magic/Practical Magic - altering physical world -- High Magic/"The Great Work" - transforming self spiritually
* Renaissance - Hermeticism - Egyptian Sage Hermes Trismegistus writings = new belief system... discovered to be result of anonymous committee writings.
* LOGOS vs MYTHOS
* Magical thinking requires surrender - but not humility
* Newton - "secret" alchemist - records brought to light in 1930's.
* Hoodoo - justification is important - putting the results of the incantation/spell in God's hands. Blurs the line between right & wrong, as the conjure doc/hoodoo performer is only an instrument of Jesus' will.
* Zora Neale Hurston - studied & performed hoodoo - author went with a conjure doc to collect dirt from her grave.
* Open Source Order of the Golden Dawn - openly sharing their "secrets" of high magic -- similar to "open source" movement in computing community.
* Jung's theories influenced current resurgence of magical thinking - ideas of collective subconscious & archetypes
* On people who get involved in magic: "It's often.. those who have the least to lose, because they don't have much in the first place."
* "The only magic most of us believe in in the scary stuff."
* "Magical people are not much interested in proof. They don't set up double-blind controls... to magical people, doing it is more important than testing it."
* (Said to Wicker) "You're not an agnostic. You're a well-mannered atheist." I [Wicker:] didn't care for that description.
* "Anybody who can't get along with Jesus can forget rootwork."
"Humans are good at making meaning, which is not to say that they are good at finding the truth" - Richard A. Friedman.
Wicker visits and talks with various individuals and groups involved in some sort of magic/fantasy environment -- including attending a Vampires and Victims ball, taking hoodoo classes from a rootworker (a good chunk of the book), and observing several Wiccan rites -- throughout, she keeps an open, yet skeptical mind, drawing her own conclusions about what the participants are getting from their involvement with the world of magic/belief.
She observes that Wiccan and Pentecostal congregations are often cited as the fastest growing faiths in America (tho I didn't check the sources/bibliography to confirm this); comparing this to the turn of the 20th century fascination with spiritualism and animal magnetism, as well as the church revivals of the time. "Magical Thinking" has never really gone away - it has just taken different guises - the "self help" of the 1970's became the positive thinking of the 1980's.
Overall, the book is an interesting, thoughtful look at the resurgence of magic/spiritualism in modern America. I think this would be a good compare/contrast with Mary Roach's Spook : science tackles the afterlife, which I read earlier this year. (NOTE: I made this comparison before checking the Amazon website to see that they are offering these two books together!)
Notes and Quotes
* Book opens with a visit to the Vampires & Victims Ball - she is asked to "choose"... theme carried throughout the book.
* Myths & fairy tales = early exposure to magic.
* Magic & religion - intermingle with and repel each other
* Turn of 20th century = spiritualism & animal magnetism - - estimated 40% US males involved in fraternal organizations with mystical ceremonies
* 1980's "positive thinking" - type of magical thinking - imposing one's own will over the situation (Crowley's definition of magic)
* A vampire called Wiccans "the Jehovah's Witnesses of the magical community - totally sure they are right". Wicca also seen as "fluffy bunny magic" by some.
* Low Magic/Practical Magic - altering physical world -- High Magic/"The Great Work" - transforming self spiritually
* Renaissance - Hermeticism - Egyptian Sage Hermes Trismegistus writings = new belief system... discovered to be result of anonymous committee writings.
* LOGOS vs MYTHOS
* Magical thinking requires surrender - but not humility
* Newton - "secret" alchemist - records brought to light in 1930's.
* Hoodoo - justification is important - putting the results of the incantation/spell in God's hands. Blurs the line between right & wrong, as the conjure doc/hoodoo performer is only an instrument of Jesus' will.
* Zora Neale Hurston - studied & performed hoodoo - author went with a conjure doc to collect dirt from her grave.
* Open Source Order of the Golden Dawn - openly sharing their "secrets" of high magic -- similar to "open source" movement in computing community.
* Jung's theories influenced current resurgence of magical thinking - ideas of collective subconscious & archetypes
* On people who get involved in magic: "It's often.. those who have the least to lose, because they don't have much in the first place."
* "The only magic most of us believe in in the scary stuff."
* "Magical people are not much interested in proof. They don't set up double-blind controls... to magical people, doing it is more important than testing it."
* (Said to Wicker) "You're not an agnostic. You're a well-mannered atheist." I [Wicker:] didn't care for that description.
* "Anybody who can't get along with Jesus can forget rootwork."
"Humans are good at making meaning, which is not to say that they are good at finding the truth" - Richard A. Friedman.
July 10, 2014
This book has a certain charm about it — the writing is pleasant enough; it reminds me of the type of journalistic reports one might find in with-it magazines and journals, purporting to provide insights into modern trends and ideas. The subject here is supposed to be “magic”, and the type of people currently apparently immersed in its practice, at least in America. The Main title comes from The Wizard of Oz of course, and would suggest that the worlds occupied by the groups of people Wicker (coincident name, with reference to Wicca?) interviews and reports on are to be considered as alternative and acceptable fictional realities (whatever that might mean).
But what a bunch of weirdos these groups turn out to be! As the author points out several times, one cannot help think that each group seems to be some kind of “outsider” clan, dissatisfied with their normal existence, and searching for “something” which will make them feel more significant, or give them some sense of meaning for their lives, make them less fearful of the world, of pain, of death, etc. So we find people who believe they are fairies, werewolves, dragons, vampires, witches, whatever; and they believe they can use various old and new rituals involving chanting, eating of specific hallucinogenic and/or medicinal plants, and other such things to help them as individuals with their particular problems. These groups tend to be small in number, though the use of the services of the internet can provide a much larger demographic base, and incidentally gives them the means to survive through its business potential.
This proliferation of Wiccans, witches, voodoo, hoodoo, Santaria, and associated groups are all combined to argue that Americans are turning to this kind of “spiritualism” in unprecedented numbers. This is intimated by the sub-title of the book: “A curious tale of how magic is transforming America”. But as I read the book, I felt this was misleading. Are these strange groups of people really “transforming” anything? I am not convinced in the slightest.
Wicker intersperses her reporting with regular short “thought-pieces” which attempt to link them to deeper, more psychological interpretations based on popular concepts of sociology, rather anodyne, I thought, and ultimately shallow. It seems to me that part of the problem (if that is what it is) stems from the point of view of the reporter herself. She admits that magic can be used either for good or for evil, and naturally, like a good citizen, she shuns the latter. White magic is OK; Black magic isn’t. Both do exist; but both are not treated equally in this book. As a result we are presented with tenderhearted satanists, and vegetarian vampires, for example, as comparatively sweet pastimes one can indulge in without too much difficulty. Wicker sugar-coats these “lifestyles” with so much sweetness and light that, in the end, it all becomes a bit nauseating.
As for the cumulative effect of all this sugar on the neural synapses of the authors mind, one shudders to think… Our author brazenly ends the book by admitting that her regular dabbling in these mystic arts is given the OK by Jesus himself in a dream, that this “spiritual awakening” is all part of some divine plan that fits in with the Christian promise that the Kingdom of God is at hand. So out admitted atheist author feels she can have her cake and eat it too (literally, in this case, as she decides to partake of Communion in Westminster Abbey for Christmas) and then stand in awe and reverence at the graves of Newton and Darwin while there; and it’s all for the good; and life is wonderful because of this… Methinks the author’s neurons are misfiring…
But what a bunch of weirdos these groups turn out to be! As the author points out several times, one cannot help think that each group seems to be some kind of “outsider” clan, dissatisfied with their normal existence, and searching for “something” which will make them feel more significant, or give them some sense of meaning for their lives, make them less fearful of the world, of pain, of death, etc. So we find people who believe they are fairies, werewolves, dragons, vampires, witches, whatever; and they believe they can use various old and new rituals involving chanting, eating of specific hallucinogenic and/or medicinal plants, and other such things to help them as individuals with their particular problems. These groups tend to be small in number, though the use of the services of the internet can provide a much larger demographic base, and incidentally gives them the means to survive through its business potential.
This proliferation of Wiccans, witches, voodoo, hoodoo, Santaria, and associated groups are all combined to argue that Americans are turning to this kind of “spiritualism” in unprecedented numbers. This is intimated by the sub-title of the book: “A curious tale of how magic is transforming America”. But as I read the book, I felt this was misleading. Are these strange groups of people really “transforming” anything? I am not convinced in the slightest.
Wicker intersperses her reporting with regular short “thought-pieces” which attempt to link them to deeper, more psychological interpretations based on popular concepts of sociology, rather anodyne, I thought, and ultimately shallow. It seems to me that part of the problem (if that is what it is) stems from the point of view of the reporter herself. She admits that magic can be used either for good or for evil, and naturally, like a good citizen, she shuns the latter. White magic is OK; Black magic isn’t. Both do exist; but both are not treated equally in this book. As a result we are presented with tenderhearted satanists, and vegetarian vampires, for example, as comparatively sweet pastimes one can indulge in without too much difficulty. Wicker sugar-coats these “lifestyles” with so much sweetness and light that, in the end, it all becomes a bit nauseating.
As for the cumulative effect of all this sugar on the neural synapses of the authors mind, one shudders to think… Our author brazenly ends the book by admitting that her regular dabbling in these mystic arts is given the OK by Jesus himself in a dream, that this “spiritual awakening” is all part of some divine plan that fits in with the Christian promise that the Kingdom of God is at hand. So out admitted atheist author feels she can have her cake and eat it too (literally, in this case, as she decides to partake of Communion in Westminster Abbey for Christmas) and then stand in awe and reverence at the graves of Newton and Darwin while there; and it’s all for the good; and life is wonderful because of this… Methinks the author’s neurons are misfiring…
September 26, 2013
I wanted to give this book five stars just because the author used the word "kairos" in it. But sadly I had to actually review it on all of its merits, not just the particular use of a word. And having read Wicker's "Lily Dale" I had high expectations going into this book that just weren't fulfilled.
Not In Kansas Anymore attempts to explain how magic is invading America (or maybe already has been completely submersed in the culture). Wicker travels around the country attending parties of vampires, meetings of hoodooists, ceremonies of Wiccans and talking to people who have some kind of belief in magic, magical beings, or spiritualism outside of the realm of mainstream religions. Throughout the book she intersperses history telling the tale of the founder of Wicca, several notable historical figures who dabbled in alchemy or other magical pursuits, and the persecution of those associated with magic. But in reality, most of this book read like a memoir telling of Wicker's own experiences and her feelings towards the different types of magic.
This book is Wicker-centric. That means she is telling you how she feels about the magic and how she experiences it. While at the same time telling you she's a skeptic and doesn't believe anything about it. Since I thought this was going to be more following her line of work as a journalist, it wasn't something I expected because I figured she'd just report on what she observed and not inflict her own bias on the information. She also seeks out some really strange characters in all of these magical realms. It's not the everyday people that you would actually be curious about how they like magic, but rather the ones that dress in full goth or parade themselves as magical beings. I more wanted to hear about the secretive ones. Still, she does get some good stories out of these outrageous people.
This book didn't change any of my thoughts on magic, spiritualism and other such things. Since I read it as a memoir and history book it just didn't provide evidence for me one way or the other because I wasn't sure of the validity of the narrator. The writing in this book was very choppy compared to some of her other works too. It bounced all over the place. Instead of being laid out in chapters such as "Hoodoo", "Vampires", etc. it was laid out in themes such as "Weird Looking People" or "Werewolves Just Want To Have Fun." Ok, so those sound like they are about a specific thing, but really hoodoo pops up in nearly every chapter as does Wicca and a few other things. There's no streamlining too it and it's disorienting. I would have preferred she separate her subject so we don't get used to reading about one thing, then start reading about another, and then all of a sudden we're back to the first thing again. And the subtitle of the book "A Curious Tale of How Magic Is Transforming America" is a bit misleading because it had more history and things that happened in previous decades than what is going on in the more recent decades (aside from Wicker's own experiences that is).
Lily Dale was a great book. This one was not. I can't say that I enjoyed it very much and I was really hoping too as the premise sounded intriguing. It won't put me off of Wicker's books entirely, but I really hope any future ones are more written like Lily Dale than Not In Kansas Anymore.
Not In Kansas Anymore
Copyright 2005
264 pages + sources
Review by M. Reynard 2013
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
Not In Kansas Anymore attempts to explain how magic is invading America (or maybe already has been completely submersed in the culture). Wicker travels around the country attending parties of vampires, meetings of hoodooists, ceremonies of Wiccans and talking to people who have some kind of belief in magic, magical beings, or spiritualism outside of the realm of mainstream religions. Throughout the book she intersperses history telling the tale of the founder of Wicca, several notable historical figures who dabbled in alchemy or other magical pursuits, and the persecution of those associated with magic. But in reality, most of this book read like a memoir telling of Wicker's own experiences and her feelings towards the different types of magic.
This book is Wicker-centric. That means she is telling you how she feels about the magic and how she experiences it. While at the same time telling you she's a skeptic and doesn't believe anything about it. Since I thought this was going to be more following her line of work as a journalist, it wasn't something I expected because I figured she'd just report on what she observed and not inflict her own bias on the information. She also seeks out some really strange characters in all of these magical realms. It's not the everyday people that you would actually be curious about how they like magic, but rather the ones that dress in full goth or parade themselves as magical beings. I more wanted to hear about the secretive ones. Still, she does get some good stories out of these outrageous people.
This book didn't change any of my thoughts on magic, spiritualism and other such things. Since I read it as a memoir and history book it just didn't provide evidence for me one way or the other because I wasn't sure of the validity of the narrator. The writing in this book was very choppy compared to some of her other works too. It bounced all over the place. Instead of being laid out in chapters such as "Hoodoo", "Vampires", etc. it was laid out in themes such as "Weird Looking People" or "Werewolves Just Want To Have Fun." Ok, so those sound like they are about a specific thing, but really hoodoo pops up in nearly every chapter as does Wicca and a few other things. There's no streamlining too it and it's disorienting. I would have preferred she separate her subject so we don't get used to reading about one thing, then start reading about another, and then all of a sudden we're back to the first thing again. And the subtitle of the book "A Curious Tale of How Magic Is Transforming America" is a bit misleading because it had more history and things that happened in previous decades than what is going on in the more recent decades (aside from Wicker's own experiences that is).
Lily Dale was a great book. This one was not. I can't say that I enjoyed it very much and I was really hoping too as the premise sounded intriguing. It won't put me off of Wicker's books entirely, but I really hope any future ones are more written like Lily Dale than Not In Kansas Anymore.
Not In Kansas Anymore
Copyright 2005
264 pages + sources
Review by M. Reynard 2013
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
June 1, 2008
Book Summary:
This was a pretty interesting book that takes a look at those who practice the "other" religion/belief systems out there. The author takes a respectful look at those who consider themselves werewolves, elfs, magicans, vampires and other magically inclined creatures. While doing research for this book the author is forced to consider her notions of what is good and evil, what is right and wrong and whether or not these people have a few gears lose. What she finds is quite simply that if one thinks like they do then they are not crazy. Some just look at the world differently, some where raised with the traditions/beliefs that they follow and some became so disillusioned / fed up with life that the only way they could survive was to find the magic in life by becoming something else. Mostly these people are the people we deal with everyday whether at work or the neighbor across the street that always looks a little pale. Whether you belive in magic or not this book does have interesting information on various belief systems and how some of those systems came to be. Maybe the most important thing that the author touches on is that most of the misunderstandings that happen come from a lack of cultural understanding. Mostly this is touched on in the chapters on Hoodoo. The author makes the point that instead of over reacting to everything it may (is usually) be a better idea to do some research and go listen to what the pepole involved have to say. Something that can't be stressed enough in the era of talking heads that condem anything that isn't considered mainstream(ex:currently video games). As the author points out near the end of this book one may not be able to fit what someone else belives into their view of the world but it never hurts to be opened minded. To paraphrase an old story would you rather stay in the hole you fell in or let the psi vampire/werewolf/magican/wizard/elf/magic worker help you out?
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This is not a book that is in the vein of ghost stories. What I mean is that there are no stories that deal with one incident and then move on to the next. This is more of what the author experienced as she research information for the book. This book is basically a primer guide on some of the belief systems that have gotten attention over the last few years, but not the one's that have gotten the most attention such as Wicca, off shoots of major religons and ghost hunting. This book is also written by a former religious reporter that has her own solid belief system that is somtimes challenged by what she sees. The emphasis is on reporter (which the author admits) so she wants proof, which in most cases is hard to come by since what is experienced is dependent on what one felt. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in the subject matter but doesn't want anything that dives too deep or is too serious.
This was a pretty interesting book that takes a look at those who practice the "other" religion/belief systems out there. The author takes a respectful look at those who consider themselves werewolves, elfs, magicans, vampires and other magically inclined creatures. While doing research for this book the author is forced to consider her notions of what is good and evil, what is right and wrong and whether or not these people have a few gears lose. What she finds is quite simply that if one thinks like they do then they are not crazy. Some just look at the world differently, some where raised with the traditions/beliefs that they follow and some became so disillusioned / fed up with life that the only way they could survive was to find the magic in life by becoming something else. Mostly these people are the people we deal with everyday whether at work or the neighbor across the street that always looks a little pale. Whether you belive in magic or not this book does have interesting information on various belief systems and how some of those systems came to be. Maybe the most important thing that the author touches on is that most of the misunderstandings that happen come from a lack of cultural understanding. Mostly this is touched on in the chapters on Hoodoo. The author makes the point that instead of over reacting to everything it may (is usually) be a better idea to do some research and go listen to what the pepole involved have to say. Something that can't be stressed enough in the era of talking heads that condem anything that isn't considered mainstream(ex:currently video games). As the author points out near the end of this book one may not be able to fit what someone else belives into their view of the world but it never hurts to be opened minded. To paraphrase an old story would you rather stay in the hole you fell in or let the psi vampire/werewolf/magican/wizard/elf/magic worker help you out?
------
This is not a book that is in the vein of ghost stories. What I mean is that there are no stories that deal with one incident and then move on to the next. This is more of what the author experienced as she research information for the book. This book is basically a primer guide on some of the belief systems that have gotten attention over the last few years, but not the one's that have gotten the most attention such as Wicca, off shoots of major religons and ghost hunting. This book is also written by a former religious reporter that has her own solid belief system that is somtimes challenged by what she sees. The emphasis is on reporter (which the author admits) so she wants proof, which in most cases is hard to come by since what is experienced is dependent on what one felt. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in the subject matter but doesn't want anything that dives too deep or is too serious.
January 3, 2009
Christine Wicker set out to investigate alternative magical religious practices in the United States. Noting that the popularity of magical belief is growing, and turning up in unlikely places, Wicker's book seeks to understand how and why magic is turning up in unlikely places. The result, Not in Kansas Anymore, is part travelogue, part personal reflection, and part religious study. Wicker takes us through Voodoo, Wicca, Vampirism, and other magical traditions currently practiced in the United States. The point of this book is not so much to come to any great conclusion about magical religions as it is to experience the journey. And for Wicker, it is indeed a journey. This book is infused with much of Wicker's personal reflections. As an experienced religious journalist (that is, journalist who covers religious topics) Wicker is used to treading in the realm of the spiritual, and she has been forced to think about her own place in the larger spiritual-paranormal world. Clearly, she's open-minded, and her own interactions with magical religious traditions are an important component of the book. Thus, we see plenty of personal interjection, when Wicker explicitly considers her own experiences and beliefs. She finds some of the traditions she observes more appealing than others, and she feels more spiritual energy surrounding some than others. Ultimatley, while I found this book engaging enough, I was dissappointed too. I was hoping that the book would be more argument-driven, and I found that that combination of personal reflection and journalistic reporting detracted from one another. I'd rather have read two books on each of the above topics, rather than trying to digest both in one book. Each could use more development.
July 13, 2015
This book had a bit of a "blind leading the blind" feel to it. To her credit, the author transparently represented herself as a skeptic and a novice, but her biases and (worse) her shallow knowledge of the space she was working within limited what could have been a much better book.
If I had to name a single flaw, I would call out Wicker's apparent lack of journalistic judgment. She made missteps with several prominently featured figures (the Hoodoo priestess she interviews is a white Jewish curio shop owner from northern California--since Hoodoo is rooted in African-American traditions, I wondered why she didn't interview a black Hoodoo priestess from the American south). Then there were her extensive mentions of Salem, the most cliche possible setting to draw witchy insights from, and a questionable one from a historical perspective. The concept of Salem as a converging place for "real witches" doesn't make sense on a lot of levels, and I would have preferred that she stayed away from a place where the commercial angle is so strong as to create possible conflicts of interest.
All of this is sad, because the basic premise of the book is good, and it had a nice flow and some good moments. Still, I would have liked to see this topic taken on by someone who was a bit more entrenched within the magical community and who had the expertise and wisdom to avoid some of the land mines that Wicker didn't see.
If I had to name a single flaw, I would call out Wicker's apparent lack of journalistic judgment. She made missteps with several prominently featured figures (the Hoodoo priestess she interviews is a white Jewish curio shop owner from northern California--since Hoodoo is rooted in African-American traditions, I wondered why she didn't interview a black Hoodoo priestess from the American south). Then there were her extensive mentions of Salem, the most cliche possible setting to draw witchy insights from, and a questionable one from a historical perspective. The concept of Salem as a converging place for "real witches" doesn't make sense on a lot of levels, and I would have preferred that she stayed away from a place where the commercial angle is so strong as to create possible conflicts of interest.
All of this is sad, because the basic premise of the book is good, and it had a nice flow and some good moments. Still, I would have liked to see this topic taken on by someone who was a bit more entrenched within the magical community and who had the expertise and wisdom to avoid some of the land mines that Wicker didn't see.
December 6, 2016
It almost seems like the couple of 1 Star reviews on this book box themselves into their particular magical belief system and discredit the author based on the fact that there are indeed other belief systems out there that also incorporate magick. Being a practitioner of several 'brands' of magick, I can say that, in my view at least, polarization is the worst enemy of anyone who wants to be a successful magician. I started off this way myself, choosing to only subscribe to this view/system or that, but have since realized that this is a very limiting and ineffective way to describe or practice. I also believe the author did exactly what the book was intended to. This is NOT a grimoire or meant to be any serious work of magical literature. This book is exploratory and written from the perspective of a beginning skeptical and even sometimes scared explorer. For that purpose, it is informative, extremely funny and witty at times, and very open-minded. Some of the reviewers could seriously benefit from trying out a more innocent and open perspective. I think they would find very quickly that their magical results would drastically improve as a result. Read this book if you are not brainwashed into your current dogma and would like a good bird's eye view on the topic as a whole. An open-minded reader will greatly enjoy this work!
July 3, 2013
I loved this book. It was a totally fun read. Christine Wicker has a great sense of humor about herself and the world, and truly a kind heart.
I've been immersed, deeply, in the alternative magical world for years, to the extent that I no longer enjoy reading about it. I've seen the light of it and the dark.
It was really refreshing, and enlightening to read this naive perspective of the magical world. She was totally tuned into the the dark side of it, the wackiness, the neediness, the confusion but also the sense of wonder, the possibility, the healing.
She speaks about her encounter with Sallie Ann Glassman of New Orleans, who I also had the pleasure to encounter. i found her description of the details of the experience to be accurate to my own personal recall, which reinforced my trust that she wasn't making up the rest of the story, that truly it was objective.
I've been immersed, deeply, in the alternative magical world for years, to the extent that I no longer enjoy reading about it. I've seen the light of it and the dark.
It was really refreshing, and enlightening to read this naive perspective of the magical world. She was totally tuned into the the dark side of it, the wackiness, the neediness, the confusion but also the sense of wonder, the possibility, the healing.
She speaks about her encounter with Sallie Ann Glassman of New Orleans, who I also had the pleasure to encounter. i found her description of the details of the experience to be accurate to my own personal recall, which reinforced my trust that she wasn't making up the rest of the story, that truly it was objective.
December 21, 2016
This was an interesting book about an average person investigating magical folk. The author had a background in Christianity, so this book is from an outsider's perspective. The author writes about her experiences at a vampires/victims ball (fancy dresses & fangs included). She writes about Salem, MA and how some witches charge people to learn about witchcraft, take the money, and then don't deliver. She wrote about going to an Otherkin Convention, hoodoo/voodoo, chaos magic, animal sacrifice (TW), and her journey to try to understand the magical side of things. It was an interesting read. I liked it for the most part, and I thought it was an interesting read from an outsider's perspective into the secretive lives and practices of others that are not 'traditional'. I also liked the end that had a quiz to determine how magically-minded or superstitious you are and statistics about supernatural experiences today compared with those in the past.
February 3, 2013
The autor did a great job of investigative journalism and went to scary places in order to obtain the required subject matter (magic rituals) for her book. It was fascinating to learn about vampires, leprechauns and hoodoo. The prose is entertaining and full of details.
I feel that given the extensive cultural and religious diversity in the United States, this book fell short in terms of covering more types of magic, witchcraft or other similar religions? Perhaps there are so many that the author decided to concentrate on those that she found to be more interesting.
The ending feels a bit rushed up. I felt that she lived through a tremendous experience over the years and her conclusions were just half baked. There was enough material to provide a more compelling ending to her journey.
I feel that given the extensive cultural and religious diversity in the United States, this book fell short in terms of covering more types of magic, witchcraft or other similar religions? Perhaps there are so many that the author decided to concentrate on those that she found to be more interesting.
The ending feels a bit rushed up. I felt that she lived through a tremendous experience over the years and her conclusions were just half baked. There was enough material to provide a more compelling ending to her journey.
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