In Focus Wicca: Your Personal Guide

In Focus #16

by Tracie Long

With this beautifully designed and accessible guide, learn the basics of Wicca and how to use it to manifest positive opportunities and events that enrich your life—includes a frameable poster. Connecting intimately with the cycles of nature, Wicca calls on a rich pantheon of ancient and modern deities, including the transcendent Triple Goddess, and its powerful rituals and spells allow you to channel their energy into your own. This book will show you, by working with the elements and focusing inward, how to create a more magical, powerful way of life , increasing your chances of discovering peace , creating abundance , making friends , and even finding love . Along the way, you’ll
Included is an 18 × 24–inch wall poster covering the basics of wiccan magic such as altar arrangement, using candles, and the Wiccan Rede. Combining elegance and expertise, this is your essential modern guide to an ancient tradition .

The In Focus series applies a modern approach to teaching the classic body, mind, and spirit subjects. Authored by experts in their respective fields, these beginner’s guides feature smartly designed visual material that clearly illustrates key topics within each subject. As a bonus, each book includes reference cards or a poster, held in an envelope inside the back cover, that give you a quick, go-to guide containing the most important information on the subject.

Genres: Wicca, Spirituality, Witchcraft, Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

Published May 31, 2022

Reviews

[Beca ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This gives a basic overview of Wicca. While being informative it was also aesthetically pleasing! It could be used for both beginners and those just wanting a reference guide.

[Kimiy ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book explains the difference between a witch & warlock. It also provides a little history on witchcraft. The book explains that there are many different types of witches such as gardnerian witches, alexandrian witches, auguy witches, celtic wtiches, ceremonial witches, electric witches, elemental witches, faery witches, green witches, hedge withces, hereditary witches, kitchen witches, solitary witches, secular witches, wiccan witches, so many different witches, i never knew there were so many. I know there were wiccan, kitchen, green, hedge, fairy, ceremonial, elemental witches but the rest are new to me. it was nice to learn how they are different. The book also focuses on the deities, the gods and goddesses that wiccan believe in. Each god/goddesses tells what they are the patron of and which are called upon for base on your desire goals. the book introduces basic wiccan symbols, and tools that are used and how to set up an altar. It also talks about the different festivals/holidays that wiccans hold sacred and celebrate. the book also provides information on the days of the week and moon phase in order to cast the spells you want. There is also a section on how to work with elements, the different color of candles used. and special herbs. the book also provides spells that you can use, such as energy, career, money, banishing spells, etc. honestly this book has a lot of information and the basic information for those who are interested in learning more of the wiccan practices. i would recommend this book for beginners or those who just want to learn more or have a reference book. would've love if it had more spells and tarot cards and their meanings. There was a tarot part but it was more of which tarot card goes with your zodiac sign. there is also an index at the back of the book if you are looking for a specific key word. i received this Arc from NG and this is my voluntary review. the only thing i thought that was annoying was that it only let me reed through NG and it was PDF style with 4 pages shown and I had to zoom and scroll. A kindle version or being able to flip pages would've been easier to read.

[Nikky Raney · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I originally wasn't able to review this book, because the ARC was archived before I could download it... so I chose to purchase this book when it came out so that I could give the review (and get my NG Feedback ratio up to 100%)

Okay - I truly do wish that I downloaded the digital ARC when I had the chance, because I do think I would have found the most value in that copy of it. I was shocked to see that this book was less than 120 pages, and although it was cool that it came with a poster...it wasn't a poster that I'd be putting up.

I think there's sound good foundational knowledge within this guide, however, it feels like something for someone who wants to learn and study witch craft versus someone who actually wants to practice witch craft.

I did learn some new information like the different variations of witches (I'm an eclectic witch!), and it was cool to get more background information about the sabbats.

I call myself a "baby witch" but I have actually been practicing much longer than I realized. I think that someone who is JUST starting out and this was the FIRST book on Wicca they ever picked up - then this might be a good place to get started for them and that's who I would recommend this book to. It has a nice cover and will look nice upon my shelf with my other witchy reads.

[Emily Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

3.5 for me, I will say that is partly due to the way it was given via PDF in the advanced copy.

I have read the In Focus: Reiki from this series and felt this to be of a similar caliber. This book is great for anyone looking to get a basic understanding of Wicca, and its deep roots and nature connection. The diagrams are beautiful, and many topics are touched. I imagine a non-digital (NON PDF AT LEAST) copy of this would make the book easier to follow along. I found it tough to zoom in and out of pages.

The modern approach that "not all of Wicca is witchcraft" is very much appreciated. The focus on "manifestation" is very of the moment, but I do wish the book didn't fall into that trap. It is great info on its own. The book tries to pack a LOT into one source, and I can see that being overwhelming for some. On the flip side, it gives many starting points to the journey of Wicca, where someone could begin down one of the many paths presented. This really depends on your information consumption style. Short introductions make it easy to choose which pieces resonate with you the most. Since it is small chunks it is easier to put down and come back to without feeling lost.

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free e-ARC edition of this book in exchange for my review.

I'm not a complete newbie to Wicca topics and practices, so some of the details in this book were more of a review for me, but overall I thought it was well put together with nice illustrations and some really nice basic, beginner information. Many of the newer Wicca beginner books are questionable with their details and manner. This was informative and easy to read. IT was easy and quick to read, and if I had a print copy I might have made lots of notes and flags throughout the book.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has questions about Wicca, it's practices and a good basic beginning level. Naturally there are sections that could have added more information, but you can't put everything into just one book. I think if I'd had this as a first Wicca book, it would have given me the information and drive to keep searching, questioning, researching, learning and reading. I would gift a copy of this book - in print! :) - to anyone interested in the practices.

[Christabel · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book is beautiful, inside and out. it’s laid out in a very aesthetically pleasing way and the little pictures and drawings throughout the book are super cute.

the information given in this book however is kind of meh. i almost put the book down after the first chapter.

the whole first chapter it felt like she just kept using the terms ‘witch’ and ‘wiccan’ interchangeable when they’re two completely different things. the author also described different types of witches, one of which was a ‘wiccan witch’. i don’t have an issue with them isn’t that description but she said that wiccan witches rarely work alone. um???? that is so untrue. yes, wiccans do work in covens but a lot of modern wiccans are solitary (from those i’ve spoken to), so i’m unsure why the author put that in the description.

the chapter dedicated to ‘witches tools’ included things that aren’t even really necessary as must-have tools for witches or wiccans.

overall i think some of the information was really good but most of it was garbage. if you’re looking to start learning about wicca, please DO NOT USE THIS BOOK!!! There are so many other more informative beginner friendly books than this one out there.

[Jenny Stanek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group-Wellfleet Press for a copy of this e-book in exchange for honest feedback.

I shall preface this by saying I'm not Wiccan nor do I think I ever will be. However, I do find it very interesting to learn more about religions and other ways that people explore their spirituality and interact with the world.

I found this book very thorough and very interesting. Everything from background information to spells and I really enjoyed getting a deeper dive in. Not only that, but the drawings and appearance of the pages of this book are lovely

[Bethany’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good, comprehensive guide for beginners and a great tool overall. Well illustrated and aesthetically pleasing. A good book for someone interested in learning more about Wicca or for use as a reference.

[Mellissa Bushby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully set out and informative, In Focus Wicca was interesting and informative, especially for those starting out and wanting to know a little more about the Sabbats, symbols, basic rituals and spells.

Thanks to NetGalley and Wellfleet Press for my ARC.

Three and a half stars.

[MISS K DENTON · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and informative introduction to Wicca. It is also aesthetically pleasing which is useful with a topic like this. The book is well written and as a novice in the ways of Wicca, provided me with some great reference points to dive deeper into.

[Lilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a reference book to begin to understand some basic concepts about Wicca. It has pretty images, and is explained in a very simple way. It also includes some spells you can start with. I think it is more suitable for beginners.

[Brooke Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for those who are looking into Wicca. I actually found this book even more helpful than other starter books since it actually went into more detail about the symbolism of different herbs, different patterns appearing and their meanings when candle scrying, & so forth just to name a few.

[Mrs Karen Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who comes from long line of wiccans I'm always fascinated by books about wicca
Many don't give wicca the credit deserves
This book was wonderfully written

[Mellisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the coverage they did of the Deities.

[Pamela Rowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to the Wiccan beliefs and practices.

[Jaynadoll24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time to put flowers in my hair and create wands out of twigs 💃

[Kate Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a lot of books on this topic, so I am not usually expecting to learn anything new - more that it will be a refresher. However, I was really pleasantly surprised by this book.
I really did get something new from this book. I particularly liked the historical aspects.
I also really liked the structure and layout of this book. It made it super easy to understand and also to look up certain sections as and when.
Really enjoyed this!

[Seher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Wellfleet Press for the chance to read and review In Focus Wicca by Tracie Long.

I’m a fan of the whole In Focus series and this is not an exception. While I don’t know enough about Wicca to comment on whether or not things were described correctly, certain things such as tarot cards overlap with other books and interests to make me feel like Tracie Long knew exactly what she was talking about. I loved the section on wax candlemancy and will absolutely be trying a candle spell!

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Questa serie di libri mi piace un sacco perchè sebbene siano dei riassuntazzi, in qualche modo ti ricordano sempre che non basta leggere solo loro. Questo in particolare lo ha proprio scritto all'inizio e più volte all'interno del libro, che comunque è carino per quanto superficiale, quindi lo consiglierei di più a chi non ha mai letto nulla sul tema: c'è una introduzione alla Wicca attraverso la sua storia (finalmente qualcuno che ammette essere nata nel 1950), i suoi simboli, i suoi strumenti, le sue celebrazioni.

[ErinTurnsPages · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars from me. This book gives a very basic overview of Wicca including some history, which while always dry was a touch above the others I’ve seen on the same topic. The layout and color theme is appealing to the eye. If you’re interested in the craft then this is a great place to start!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Imnotevenhere9 · Rating 3 out of 5]

it has nice overall base information for new witches and wiccans