Wild Once: A high priestess’s guide to modern spirituality

by Doctor Vivianne Crowley

1

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

Published January 26, 2023

Reviews

[exlibrisjessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book meant for reflection.
Whilst I find myself at the beginning of my spiritual journey and consider myself to be a novice, I found this book bought to my attention magic around me that I hadn’t even thought about.

As well as the beautifully woven stories of Vivianne’s life, which talk about her own experiences with magic and intuition, the book also includes reference to so many wonderful magical practises, ideas and people that were so interesting to learn of but which were explained in an easy to understand way.

I especially enjoyed Vivianne’s stories of her move to Brittany and her connection that grew to the location.

This is a book that I have underlined, scribbled notes in, added tabs of things to try…it’s a real comfort and a source of inspiration and I highly recommend giving it a go.

Thank you to Century Books for sending me an ARC copy in return for this honest review.

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to read Vivianne's book about her life and the various experiences she has encountered.
We're FB friends and I met her in 2002 at the Australia Wiccan Conference - she is good friends with friends of mine - in fact many people I know were mentioned in this book. And yes, I was there the day she was rushed off to the hospital with appendicitis - the first aid officer who drove her to the hospital is my dearest friend and current HP partner in our coven.
Her book is making me realise a few things about my connection to the UK. I'm missing it. There is so much more going on in the UK when it comes to ALL my interests - history, events, pagan gatherings - it's all there! It's books like these that make me want to really move there, because truthfully, it's got all that I love and want.

[Kamila Kostewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's amazing book about the adventures and path of magic and spirituality <3

[Justine Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful exploration of the author's Magical life. I would highly recommend to anyone who is on their own Pagan, Wiccan or Magical path.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected. The subtitle reads 'a high priestess guide to modern spirituality' which is misleading. I expected guidance and tips on how to be spiritual or find your own path in the modern age but what I found was that it was more of an autobiography. It took me a while to finish the book as I had no interest in many aspects of the story. The author has lead an interesting life and her witchcraft path has given her many benefits. Someone in 'the broom closet' so to speak may find this not so relatable.

[Olga · Rating 3 out of 5]

A modern example of a classic genre: a High Priestess' memoir. Garner's priestesses wrote a few each, and the result was similar to "Wild Once": recollection of various encounters with the esoteric and of travels. The most exciting, gossip about living people and dead celebrities and details of ritual practice is left out. This is a dignified way to write your Wiccan memoir but unfortunately makes a book bland.

[Agata Pona · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's more of an autobiography, a reflection of herself.

[Graham Dragon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Vivianne Crowley is a Wiccan High Priestess and this book is called a guide to modern spirituality. I was therefore hoping for more than it actually delivered. Whilst there is some such guidance in it, I found it was mostly a memoire. Interesting at times, but not what I was expecting.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not like the present tense this memoir was written in but I did like the room for serendipity and synchronicity so evident from Crowley's story. Makes me curious for what I will remember in the narrative of my life in 30+ years or so.