Way of the Witch is a captivating guide to the implements and tools of Wicca, a Pagan witchcraft tradition. It describes in meticulous detail the goddesses worshipped as part of it, and the important spells, powerful natural crystals and charms used by the worshippers of this tradition.
Featuring excerpts from the author's diary, the book also offers a glimpse into the life of one of India's most famous witches.
This is a perfect manual for the budding witch and a spellbinding read for those interested in the craft.
Ipsita Roy Chakraverti is a Wiccan priestess based in India. Born into an elite family in India with a diplomat for a father and royalty for mother, Chakraverti spent her early years in Canada and the US where her father was stationed. There, she was allowed to join a select group of women studying ancient cultures of the world and the old ways. Chakraverti studied with them for three years and finally chose Wicca as her religion. After coming back to India and getting married, Chakraverti declared herself as a witch in 1986. Amidst the backlash that followed her declaration, Chakraverti explained to the media the Neo Pagan ways of Wicca and its healing power. Chakraverti started administering Wiccan ways of healing to the people of India, including traveling to remote villages and teaching the Wiccan way to the female population, several of who were often accused of black magic and "witchcraft" by male folk, and murdered. In 1998, Chakraverti campaigned as an Indian National Congress candidate for the Parliament of India in the Hooghly district, but was not elected. She released her autobiography Beloved Witch in 2003. A second book titled Sacred Evil: Encounters With the Unknown was released in 2006, and it chronicled nine case studies during her life as a Wiccan healer and explained why those events happened. Both books received positive critical acclaim. The book, Sacred Evil was made into a motion picture by Sahara One Pictures. Titled 'Sacred Evil – A True Story', the film starred Bollywood actress Sarika playing Chakraverti. The film was a commercial disappointment but received mixed reviews. Chakraverti started the Wiccan Brigade, a platform for those who wanted to study Wicca. Later, Bengali TV channel ETV Bangla, created two tele-serials based on Chakraverti's life and her experience with the paranormal. Chakraverti, who believes that Wicca is the first feminist movement in history, has been credited with throwing new light on the taboo subject of witchcraft in India, and the rest of the world.
"Witch" comes from the old English word wicce or Wicca, meaning 'wise', therefore a witch is certainly not a bad thing. The book delves into the history and evolution of witchcraft, shedding light on this oft-maligned art.
The book presents elaborate history about witches and everything about them, the origin, the first witch Lilith, the torture in England and Europe, important spells and information about the tools of witchcraft, the goddesses worshipped and powerful natural crystals and charms, along with excerpts from the author's diary.
The author Ipsita Roy Chakraverti is a well-known Wiccan priestess, a descendant of the old Bengal aristocracy. She is credited with single-handedly bringing Wicca to India and presenting before the people an understanding of the supernatural, seperated from superstition.
It's a 100% unique creation and first of its kind for me, I was awestruck to see that the book was listed as non-fiction. It's a super-interesting book with everything explained in the least words possible, yet the utmost efficiency. With the absolutely stunning book cover and the very intriguing theme, this is a perfect manual for the budding witch and a spellbinding read for those interested in the craft, and still a great read for someone who doesn't even believe in witches!
My impulse to read something absolutely out-of-the-box got me reading Way of the Witch. A decision, I’m so proud of.
Ipsita Roy Chakraverti’s book is a revelation. I have never come across a book such as this one, probably because I stuck to my comfort genres but this piece of non-fiction is about an unpleasant facet of history, I just discovered.
Way of the Witch is a straightforward account about the practice of witchcraft which was a way of life, a global phenomenon before the orthodox religion particularly the church felt threatened about and has since then disrupted rather successfully. The practice of the craft, Pagan rituals and tradition are penned beautifully, leaving one to contemplate their nature and significance.
The word “witch” is derived from the old English word “wicce” or “wicca” meaning WISE. Over time crudely used to create a lot of misconceptions about women either due to their beauty, wisdom or talents to curtail their free spirit. Leading to laws on Witchcraft. This significant and prevailing practice found its roots in insecurities, lust and frustrations of the opposite gender creating victims of women through mere rumours, destroying lives.
This matter of fact read is clear and often sardonic in its tone with evidences to establish the essence of truth. Books written, twisting myths and folklore by those in power to malign a woman and to describe her as a witch are horrifying to read. Torturing and killing women who lived in sync with nature and cured those who needed relief from ailments were termed as witches. Horrid and inhuman nature of society have been persistently destroying women and also men who practice Wicca leaving one to wonder about the sham of “progression” when faced with such grave reality.
A mature, gripping and enlightening read. I love how simple and factual narrations can make a worthy premise.
This book talks about Wicca - an old English word, meaning wise (Also called witch). From its history of it to the principles, spells, and personal life experiences, the book is packed with adventure, a hint of mystery, and loads of knowledge on the subject.
❤️ I personally loved the storytelling style of the author. The stories are gripping, mysterious, and brilliantly written. Some can give you shivers down the spine. She has a witty way with words.
❤️ Well, not only stories can give you chill, but the history of Witch torture.
❤️ There are some things in the book which differ from my beliefs, and to be honest, I don’t mind; I believe we and our opinions can co-exist.
❤️ Apart from stories, I loved the chapters ‘The Witches of India’, ‘Pagan Stones Used By Witches’, ‘The Great Consciousness of Wicca’, and more.
❤️ One thing that irked me a bit is the spells and rituals shared in the book; well, there are a lot of pages on Instagram and Google which give you ways to mould your reality but remember people, it’s good to explore the unknown but seek the guidance as well. You might be protected by the supreme consciousness but there is no loss in getting guidance. Plus, it’s all about belief.
IN A NUTSHELL: The book is a gripping, informative read. It is a good starting point if you want to learn about the subject, read real-life horror stories, or want to explore something new.
Recommend? Yes, if you have not read anything on the topic before and you want to, this is a good place to start. As a beginner in reading, you can pick this book (you might end up falling in love with the author’s storytelling skills just like I did)
🪄Has anyone ever told you that black magic has been done on you? I understand it's one of the many scenarios we often feel from time to time. Though let it be superstition or myths, but witches have existed alongside the normal people since ages.
🪄Different places, Different Portraits, and Different Names. They have been mentioned in tales and epics yet they have a history of their own. The majority of people cannot fully accept the fact that witches exist, yet at the same time cannot dismiss it.
🪄The word "WITCH" comes from the old English word wire or wicca, meaning wise. The Good and Bad have always been there since the beginning, so it's not a matter of existence but a matter of choice. Being Bad or Good is a choice, and the same goes with these.
📌Coming to this book, it reflects upon the history and culture of Witches known to the world up until now. It describes the events, the beliefs, the practices and the crafts that happened to be connected with witches. It also sheds the light on the existence of witches and their culture in some of the most influential places around the world.
📌It's written very peculiar subject yet full of curiosity and new concepts and facts. A short read with a gripping effect. If you wish to learn something new apart from the usual productive subjects then this might be a good fit for your bookshelf.
I have always been fascinated by magic and its realm. Hence, stories involving witchcraft or magic spells are enticing to me. But at the end of it all, these are still stories. Upon knowing that Way of the Witch promises practical knowledge of witchcraft, legends, myths and facts about the Wiccan ways of living that have been delivered straight from the horse’s mouth, I knew I had to get this book. Having studied Wicca, Ipsita Chakraverti is a Wiccan priestess based in India. In her book, she aims at destroying the unfounded belief that witches are evil. She takes us through the journey of the witches and how they have garnered criticism for what they do.
As the title suggests the book is about witchcraft's history, truth, facts, and stories.
And it offers you so much information the author has done an incredible work of putting it all together through this book, it was fascinating to read about its festival, and most importantly the fact that it is an art this book beautifully brings the change in reader's thoughts and curious questions to look beyond the frightening stories told to us.
I loved reading this one, something different from what I usually read.