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Philosophy Of Wicca
While many books focus on spells and magic, few have comprehensively addressed the philosophical underpinnings of nature-based faiths. Philosophy of Wicca fills this void. This book details Wiccan beliefs and reveals the “how” and “why” of this burgeoning religion, exploring its place within a predominantly Christian society. Beginning with the idea of Deity and its manifestation, the book explores how Wiccans relate to the Divine. Amber Laine Fisher investigates the evolution of the soul, addressing sexuality and gender, identity, personal discovery, and transformation. Practical too, Philosophy of Wicca delves into issues faced by the Wiccan community: How to practice within a Judeo-Christian society, how to reconcile abstract theology with daily living, and how to make difficult moral choices within such a loosely structured religion. Drawing upon poetry, history, and myth, Amber opens multiple doors of understanding into the complexities of Wicca. Philosophy, language, and practice come together in Philosophy of Wicca to illuminate Wiccan theology like never before.
256 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 26, 2013
Wonderful book, highly recommended to those who don't know much about Wicca as well as to Unitarian Universalists who might be looking for earth-centered / nature-centered inspiration, and to those interested in interfaith dialogue. 80% of the book was inspiring, and 100% was interesting. While I personally found 2 or 3 of the chapters mostly disagreeable, even those were so closely woven into other concepts that I *did* find inspiring that reading them gave me a better understanding of other parts that I *did* find inspiring. For example I largely disagreed with the chapter on sex and gender because I feel like it attempted to stuff gender into a binary framework in order to fit into the Wiccan notion of balance. However I learned more about the implications of the Wiccan notion of balance in the process of reading that chapter, so I was able to get something out of it anyway. The book also lists other good introductory and advanced sources of information about Wicca in the beginning and end of the book, so it's a good starting point.
November 8, 2013
A very good in depth look into the philosophy of Wicca.
Though a new religion and thus still developing and very diverse with no centralization
there are basics of thought and belief.
There were things that made me thing, especially about being a multiple..issues like what is the soul.
If it exists before the physical being and is separate from it what does that mean as a multiple, for we each in the system have our own soul, our own spiritual being and essence. So can the soul exist before the physical being comes into life or does it come into existance after when the first breathe of life is taken and awareness of self awakens? Or maybe even both?
Then there is the group mind of the coven experience and human experience in general in families and communities. We multiples are definately a group mind and function as one, sometimes harmonously and sometimes not. We are connected together through our connection to teh outside frame through which we interact with the world, at least teh physical world.
There is a great chapter as well on how to understand and build tolerance for other religions and traditions, even when we have had negative experiences with them, how to communicate with those of other faiths. I like this idea that we can learn from other faiths adn traditions and their mythologies, find value in the genuine expression of faith and connection.
I have read several introductory books into Wicca. They were good and showcase teh ritual aspects that soem Wiccans practice. This book goes deeper. It is more of an intellectual journey into what the basic beliefs are and what that means. It is easy to state "Harm none" and the rule of three, but to understand what those mean, to break it down is important.
Though a new religion and thus still developing and very diverse with no centralization
there are basics of thought and belief.
There were things that made me thing, especially about being a multiple..issues like what is the soul.
If it exists before the physical being and is separate from it what does that mean as a multiple, for we each in the system have our own soul, our own spiritual being and essence. So can the soul exist before the physical being comes into life or does it come into existance after when the first breathe of life is taken and awareness of self awakens? Or maybe even both?
Then there is the group mind of the coven experience and human experience in general in families and communities. We multiples are definately a group mind and function as one, sometimes harmonously and sometimes not. We are connected together through our connection to teh outside frame through which we interact with the world, at least teh physical world.
There is a great chapter as well on how to understand and build tolerance for other religions and traditions, even when we have had negative experiences with them, how to communicate with those of other faiths. I like this idea that we can learn from other faiths adn traditions and their mythologies, find value in the genuine expression of faith and connection.
I have read several introductory books into Wicca. They were good and showcase teh ritual aspects that soem Wiccans practice. This book goes deeper. It is more of an intellectual journey into what the basic beliefs are and what that means. It is easy to state "Harm none" and the rule of three, but to understand what those mean, to break it down is important.
March 17, 2012
A lovely book, very well spoken, but I don't think it's everyone's view or understanding of Wicca. (It wouldn't hurt if it were). I think Ms. Fisher's bottom line is we need to strive to be all that the Divine expects us to be.
December 5, 2023
Firstly, this book does not reference traditional Greek philosophy. Personally, I was relieved as I find that to be extremely boring & unrelatable - but I can see why this would be frustrating to others.
This book is well written, simple and balanced between concepts and anecdotes. I took issue with certain parts of the book: very white, toxic positivity, New Age manifestation, heteronormativity. However, this made the book an even better representation of traditional Wicca as these are the very problems I've had with traditional Wicca for decades!
This book is well written, simple and balanced between concepts and anecdotes. I took issue with certain parts of the book: very white, toxic positivity, New Age manifestation, heteronormativity. However, this made the book an even better representation of traditional Wicca as these are the very problems I've had with traditional Wicca for decades!
December 25, 2022
After using “I put a spell on you” it is time to know the philosophy.
Philosophy of Wicca by Amber Laine Fisher is a good in-depth dive into Wicca itself. Before rating, this book, remember that it is “One View” and a good one to start with. Included in this work is a reference to many major thinkers of earlier times up to today.
Do not forget to take advantage of the resources and bibliography at the end of the book.
Philosophy of Wicca by Amber Laine Fisher is a good in-depth dive into Wicca itself. Before rating, this book, remember that it is “One View” and a good one to start with. Included in this work is a reference to many major thinkers of earlier times up to today.
Do not forget to take advantage of the resources and bibliography at the end of the book.
July 12, 2018
Really well written. And that's all I can say.
March 29, 2009
this book was great. Not only does the author skip over the Wicca 101 stuff, but she really gets into the meat and bones of why Wiccans do what they do. She doesn't necessarily say "This is what you should believe", but does give you things to think about for sure. She made some really good points. The most poignant for me was the fact that Wiccans and Pagans in general don't have to be all like, "ZOMG they are Christians and they oppressed us and therefore we will hate and scorn them forever...." Instead she points out that we don't necessarily have to agree with them but it would be nice if we could try to live in harmony. I give this a definite A.
June 5, 2013
This is a beautiful book, and describes the meaning, philosophy, and metaphor of Wicca in a very accessible way. Over all, the author was on-point and very thorough in her attention to the details surrounding the different elements of Wiccan thought and practice, as well as the questions that arise as people consider them. The book flows very well and I think it's worth owning.
February 21, 2016
This is a very badly written book. The author has very little philosophical background and often misrepresents philosophical ideologies. I do not like beating up on books, but this is a really bad one. As a person with a serious philosophical background, I did not like it.
February 5, 2013
Very comprehensive -- Awesome!
August 27, 2014
Interesting book explaining the basics of Wiccan thought. Good read for beginners and intermediates.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews