The Circle Within: Creating a Wiccan Spiritual Tradition

by Dianne Sylvan

COVR Award Winner The Circle Within is your guide to creating a personal spiritual practice for daily life. The first section is a thoughtful examination of Wiccan ethics and philosophy that explores how to truly live Wicca. The second section includes devotional prayers and rituals that provide inspiration for group or solitary practice. Topics in this Wicca book cultivating an ongoing personal relationship with deity, ethics and standards of behavior, concepts of sacred space, elements of a daily practice, tuning into the Wheel of the Year and the elements, and creating meaningful personal Pagan rituals. Move beyond the basics of Wicca and enter the sacred space of the circle within.

Genres: Wicca, Paganism, Spirituality, Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Religion, Occult

216 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2003

About the author

Dianne Sylvan, author of the Shadow World novels (Queen of Shadows, Shadowflame, Shadow’s Fall, the forthcoming Of Shadow Born, and at least one more) as well as two books on NeoPagan spirituality (The Circle Within: Creating a Wiccan Spiritual Tradition and The Body Sacred), lives in Austin, Texas, the only sane part of the entire state.

She is an unabashed Mac enthusiast, a froofy iced coffee beverage addict, a chronic Twitterer, a seasoned snark professional, a Spiritual Nomad, a shameless Vampire Diaries (TV) fangirl, a happy herbivore, a bit of a moody Scorpio, a sock junkie, a slightly freaky tattooed postmodern hippie, a cupcake baker extraordinaire, and is prone to hyperbole as well as fits of profanity.

When she’s not glued to the internet or writing about vampires, she works in the veterinary clinic and volunteers as bio writing coordinator for the animal rescue organization Austin Pets Alive.

She collects vegan cookbooks, wacky t-shirts, blank journals, obsessions, and dust.

She lives with two neurotic cats, Stella and Owen.

Reviews

[Kathleen Garber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is meant to be for Wiccans who have already moved past the basics and want help incorporating their path into their daily lives. For those who want to "[be] really living and breathing your spirituality

The book is broken up into two sections. The first deals with ethics, philosophy and everyday life. The second section is a collection of prayers and devotionals to use everyday (at meals, at bed etc....)

The chapter headings (because I always feel this gives you information on the contents of the book) are as follows:

Stepping into the Circle (intro to personal spiritual practice)

In Search of a Mystery (our relationship with deity)
Living the Path (ethics and standards of behaviour)
The Temple Hearth (concepts of sacred space)
Building a Practice (elements of daily practice)
The Turning Wheel (wheel of year and elements)
The Dance of Life (creating personal rituals)

The book is written more like Ms. Sylvan is sitting right next to you explaining things which is good for some people but for me made it a little hard to follow. I actually read each chapter at least two times. I feel the book could have been written a little better but the actual subject matter was helpful.

Also at the end of each chapter are three questions to ponder on. These are good for group discussions or to think about personally. (Perhaps even write down in a journal.)

I do recommend it to those who know all the basics and want to ensure they are living Wiccan everyday but you may need to read it more than once.

[Plateresca · Rating 4 out of 5]

'To me, making magic is a religious act that must be considered in the context of our relationship with Deity, and that relationship needs more attention than the props and symbols involved in spellcasting.'

This is a pretty straightforward description of the premise of this book.

It is divided into several small chapters, like 'Stepping into the Circle' ('What's the point of this Wicca thing?'), 'In Search of a Mistery' ('What do Wiccans believe in? Nothing.'...

'We don't believe in our gods, we know them. We are them. Belief isn't necessary when you have direct knowledge.'

... 'Cultivating a Relationship with Deity' and so on. Each chapter has 'Three Things to Think On' prompts in the end.

'Wicca is not something you do, it's something you are - minute to minute.'

I particularly loved the list of Wiccan 'graces' and the suggestion to add personal celebrations to the Wheel of the Year. This sounds so simple, and yet I bet not many of us treat our birthdays as spiritual celebrations.

The second half of this (little) book contains some devotions and prayers. I tend to dislike most of such texts written by others, but I think Dianne is good at it:

'I create change with the flame of my will.'

'I call Your strength from the oak, I call Your wisdom from the mountain.' (I live among oaks and mountains, so I love this turn of phrase).

And, of course...
'My aching heart grows stronger,
I will breathe again...'

Lovely book, absolutely recommended to all witches, not just Wiccans.

Oh yes, and there's a very interesting 'Recommended Reading' list at the end!

[R.E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Circle Within, Creating a Wiccan Spiritual Tradition, by Dianne Sylvan, stands out from the current army of Wiccan "how to" books crowding New Age bookshelves, by exploring deepening Pagan spiritual experience through truly living the path you walk. The Spirit Within covers:

* an introduction to personal spiritual practice.
* our relationship with the Deity.
* ethics and standards of behavior.
* concepts of sacred space.
* elements of a daily practice.
* the Wheel of the Year and the elements.
* creating personal rituals.

Each chapter ends with three questions designed to kindle reflection on past experiences, to examine the current state of the reader's Pagan life, and possibilities for future spiritual change. The book is grounded by examples of Ms. Sylvan's own personal spiritual practice, and contains exercises and meditations based on her own struggles and explorations. A Circle Within concludes with a "devotional book of shadows," offering rituals, prayers, and blessings, and a recommended reading bibliography.

I first read A Circle Within several years ago; it opened my eyes to the wide possibilities of Pagan spirituality. I've just finished a reread and found doing so affirmed the changes I've made and revealed overlooked suggestions that I have incorporated into my spiritual life. Ms. Sylvan's book is a worthwhile read for anyone seeking to reorient their perspective on their Wiccan or Pagan life.

[Bex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-reading as I loved it the first time. I read this book about this time last year (and funny I'm reading it again almost a year later lol) and I just love her ideas about ritual and only doing what is comfortable for you. There are great, easy little rituals and prayers and stuff in the back that I'd like to try this time around. Great great book, I recommend it to anyone with Neo-Pagan or Pagan views or anyone who is open minded enough to learn a new way to be spiritual. I really think the stuff in this book can be applied to any belief system if the reader is open minded and creative enough to personalize it. That's what the book is all about anyway, personalizing your spiritual path - even though it IS more directed at Pagans. One of my favorite Pagan books, probably the only one to be read more then once.

[Cinnimini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book resonated with me deeply. It is the only book I have ever willingly highlighted in. Simple statements made me think about my faith in every day life. I don't know why I love it so much, but I do.

[Immanythings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminds me of all that I did with my children when they were young. Creating rituals is much like creating routines and traditions. Receptiveness, is necessary for all. This book gives the foundation for any Wiccan practitioner to do so. In order for this to work, study and continuous reading is necessary

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very useful book for individuals looking to move beyond "Wicca 101" and create a personal spirituality which brings them closer to the gods. Sylvan includes several chapters with suggestions for ways to sanctify daily life, as well as a short section of devotional rituals for various occasions. It is the only book I have seen of its kind.

However, like everything I've read that was published by Llewellyn, it's fairly superficial. It says more about why Wiccans should be creating their own daily spiritual practice than about how to go about doing it. And like most things Llewellyn publishes, it is sometimes strident, and sometimes offensively anti-Christian and anti-male.

If I'd read this book five years ago, it would have had more to offer. At this point, I got more out of Galen Gillete's Books of Hours and Ceisiwr Serith's Book of Pagan Prayer.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book's focus on spirituality and connection with the sacred; it's a subject that is near and dear to my heart. After all, I almost never feel a need to cast a spell, but I always feel the need to feel connected to my spiritual roots.

This is a book that assumes knowledge of Wicca or a similar spiritual path--so, not a beginner's guide.

There are times when the author is a little cranky in her tone, but since in my case she was preaching to the choir it didn't effect my enjoyment of the book too much.

This is a book to linger over and take your time with. After my first read through I want to go back and spend more time thinking about the topics she raises.

A useful tool to help you establish daily practices that keep you in touch with your spiritual path.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

The meditation on the Wheel of the Year and the Elemental Wheel in Chapter 6 were excellent, but on the whole, I won't be recommending this book. It might be a little dated (or perhaps I'm just remembering late '90s/early '00s Wicca and noticing references to what were, at the time, current attitudes and issues). But the real issue for me is that my theology doesn't match up with the author's. She sees the Goddess as a universal Mother and the God as a universal Father, and some of the prayers and the ideas used (thanking Them for "the 24 hours you have given me this day," asking Them to walk beside you and give you strength) seem Christian with a Goddess added. It gives me hives. If it doesn't give you hives, you might like this book better than I did.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally an advanced book on Wicca even a straight man can sink his teeth into . This book had a pretty good balance of the God and Goddess , unlike allot of Wicca books that tend to lean to more of a Goddess religion . This book helped push Wicca further down the road . I was ready to start looking else where because just about everything I was reading after Scott Cunningham's books were pretty much Goddess this and Goddess that ( reminded me of the monotheistic religion I'm trying to leave behind ) , but this book brought me back in . Thank the God and Goddess for Diane Sylvan .

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was wonderful for learning more of the spirituality of my religion. It gave a more indepth and personal look into the gods and the world.

[Faith Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. It was a welcome departure from the "how-to manual" style of most modern books on witchcraft and Wicca(yes, I know they aren't the same thing, but there's enough overlap). This one focuses on the spiritual growth and practice aspect of Wicca, and muses on going deeper in the practice. It actually reminded me a lot of the books on Christian practice and spirituality I used to read.
This is NOT an introduction to Wicca. This book assumes you have knowledge of the basics of Wicca and know what an athame or Sabbat/Esbat is, for example. I definitely will reread this one in the future.

[Geoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicca - going deeper

I picked up this book at the recommendation of John Beckett, Druid and U.U. author and blogger, in my pursuit of a stronger connection to the Divine in my Pagan practice. I have found Dianne's writing both inspiring and practical. The collection of devotions in the "Book of Moonlight" section are lovely. I've already begun incorporating her suggestions into the patterns of my day.

I will be coming back to this text often.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who is trying to find her spiritual way, this book proved to be a hidden treasure. Dianne Sylvan not only gives some of her own experience from her path but shares her view of what it means to be Wiccan in today's society. Whether or not you are fully in the faith, a newcomer, or just an observer, by reading this book you can gain knowledge and understanding of yourself and how perhaps to be one with deity in your everyday life.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional look at how to become more well rounded in your Wiccan practice. Not exactly for beginners, but not too far into novice that you wouldn't know what she is writing about. The book is broken down into different areas of life to encourage the reader to bring in their connection to Spirit in, they aren't exactly tips but she does encourage bringing your belief into what you do to make your spiritual connection stronger.

[Angy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I've exhausted myself from reading Witchcraft or Wicca 101 books, and I'm grateful that while The Circle Within was easy to follow, it skipped reiterating the basics found in so many other books. I do not consider myself to be a Wiccan (partly because I am against any label), though I incorporate magick deeply into my spirituality and I found a lot to think about and contemplate for self-improvement while reading Dianne Sylvan's words of wisdom.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, felt like I was having easy conversation with a friend in how relatable it was. At the stage I am on in my path I found it more of an affirmation of how I approached Wicca, which was nice to know that someone else has similar views on what can be an isolation religion at times. In saying that there was still some concepts that made me look at things through a new lens. A welcome escape from the standard format of wiccan topics!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.75
Life changing! I would recommend this book to anyone stuck in a spiritual rut, or struggling to incorporate Wicca into their daily lives. This book may be short but it is packed! Easy to read, a delightful sense of humor and great advice. Thank you Dianne Sylvan you have forever changed my path!

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used this book mostly for the end-of-chapter questions, which I used as journal prompts. I don't think anything revolutionary was said. Most of the ideas are things I've hear or read elsewhere. Not a necessary or impactful book, but still a nice little refresher.

[Lauren Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely, simple, unpretentious inspiration for living life more closely in tune with nature and whatever you experience as Sacred. One needn’t be Wiccan to appreciate it.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good little nuggets and nudges towards improving one's practice. Of course, you need to adapt it to yourself and update it to current times 🤷️

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was helpful to me starting my practice but I don’t feel like it gave me enough details that I couldn’t google.

[Nina Braden · Rating 4 out of 5]

2003. NF. P. USA. Advanced beginner.

[Haley Bartel · Rating 4 out of 5]

lots of cool things to learn from this book

[Bob James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally published on my blog on September 3, 2005

It is a sign of maturity when one looks deeply at oneself and asks the tough questions, makes the hard assessments. When one moves to the point where a decision is made to actually walk the walk, rather than just talking grandly, then it can be said that "growing up" has begun in earnest.

Wicca may very well be doing just that.

Dianne Sylvan's Circle Within: Creating a Wiccan Spiritual Tradition (Llewellyn Worldwide, copyright 2003) has not received a large amount of attention, oddly, but rest assured: when the first histories of this religion are written in a century or so, this book will be prominently mentioned as a milestone in Wicca's development. Clear and concise without being dry or preachy, this book moves well beyond the usual Wicca 101 books.

The book focuses on the creation of a practice to go with the religion. Written for the individual rather than the coven, it covers a range of topics from the cultivation of a deeper relationship with Deity to the creation of a sacred space. It covers the basics of a personal practice, and then offers a view of the Wheel of the Year that is so needed in a world where Yule isn't a "winter wonderland" in all places. Sylvan's a Texan; she recounts how Yule arrives with the temperature in the 60's F.

Sylvan, who holds a second degree in the Sybylline Order, does not come from a Traditional background, which may explain her willingness to tackle subjects that have long been considered to be the province of the coven-trained. Rarely do we find a book intended for the eclectic practitioner to give more than lip service to the subject of ethics, for example. Usually, it's given a very somber treatment in one chapter, and typically revolves around a series of warnings. We get a light brushing of karma, and the various activities that we are not supposed to do. Sylvan's approach is different. We get not just a chapter on ethics, but a thread of explorations on ethical behavior all through the book. We are, of course, reintroduced to the Rede early on, but she returns to the concept of ethics in discussions of what she refers to as "graces", the virtues of Wiccan practice. This is proper; a religion is supposed to inform its practitioners in matters of how to live, what values to hold. All too often, the old saw about a group of 10 Wiccans having 12 or more opinions on any subject is true even on the subject of ethical behavior.

If The Circle Within has flaws, they are few. The writing is engaging, and Sylvan has mastered the art of tossing in a light phrase or a joke to break up what might be a passage that would be too ponderous without it. These humorous words or phrases do not lessen the impact of her points at all, however, allowing the reader a moment to mentally "reset" before delving back into the serious work of self-examination. A warning to the potential reader: if bursting out into laughter while otherwise silently reading will disturb your housemates, you might want to give them advanced notice. Some of Sylvan's stories and anecdotes had me laughing so hard I had to stop reading for a bit.

The point of all this introspection, of course, is the focus of The Circle Within: the creation of a personal spiritual practice. The subtitle of the book is actually "Creating a Wiccan Spiritual Tradition", and that is my only quibble with the book. The term "tradition" has specific connotations within the Craft, and this book isn't about creating a new lineage. Rather, it's about the personal activities that one should do every day, or every hour. Perhaps even every minute. It is an area which Wicca as a religion has had shockingly little to say. Thank Gods Sylvan was moved to say it in print.

[Note: Sylvan has responded to the "quibble" I mentioned by agreeing that the subtitle was an issue, but that the publisher was the one who used the word "Tradition", and the book went to print before she could register a strong enough objection.]

[Erth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful

[Coleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like many books I have on my shelf, I bought this years ago, started it and just now have finished it. A combination of lost interest, moving, having to read school books instead etc. The author coincidentally is from my hometown, and maybe that's why it was so readily available on the Half Price Books shelf. At first I didn't like her style, it felt as though she was a little arrogant or high and mighty about her religion, or just simply for the fact that she was glad he was not a Christian.

But that is besides the point now, because I ended up really enjoying it. She writes clearly, and like a real person, as though she is there talking to you personally. This book is said to be for "going beyond the basics or Wicca" however, I actually just think it' a good book to read for anyone! That is, if you have an open mind or are neutral and just looking for good life advice.

It's kind of a soul-searching book, at least it was for me. Just had a good positive spin on it that makes ya feel like being a better person and a better Wiccan. I don't suppose Sylvan is the most popular Wiccan writer, but I think any Wiccan at any stage should add this to their bookshelf. It is also relatively small and easy to read while going for a walk, or taking on the bus!

I very much recommend this book, even if you are a beginner, it is a very nice read.

[Narkitsa Orada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Update 10/5/18: Plus two stars from my original review! I first read this several years ago after seeing it touted as the long-awaited Wicca 201 book, and I was distinctly unimpressed. What I was looking for was a Wiccan theology, a deeper exploration of what Wicca means. This isn't that book, and indeed, about 75% of what's here could be applied to any religion. (And about 90% to any other Pagan religion.) On the reread, this is an excellent book for any Pagan looking for thoughts and encouragement on living their religion from day to day.

--

Original review:

It's okay. I'm not a Wiccan, and I read this book wanting to get a better understanding of Wiccan spirituality --- you know, something about the religion that goes beyond the Llewellyn Wicca 101 crap. It wasn't bad, but I didn't honestly feel like I learned much from it. On the whole it felt pretty bland, and while there was nothing objectionable about it and Sylvan seems like a good writer, I was left wondering what the point of the book was supposed to be.

[Edith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on starting your own tradition, or enhancing your own practice.

Things I Learned: I have to read it again.

Comments: It was a well thought out book. I have to read it again because I don't remember too much. Re-read 8/1-8/4/2010. This book focuses on creating your own tradition. She provides three points at the end of each chapter. She has some exercises throughout the book. There's a Book of Moonlight (instead of Shadows) at the end of the book, which provides invocations and prayers and affirmations and rituals for your own spiritual practice. I found those helpful. I think I would have to make adjustments for this geographical area, though.

A bibliography rounds out the conclusion of the book, with helpful comments on each text from the author. I found her take on "festival Pagans" to be interesting (since I never go to festivals, and now I think that may be a good thing) and her commentary on "pop" Wicca is pretty accurate. Overall, I enjoyed this book and found it helpful.

[Anders Nathaniel Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the buy for any serious seeker.

I have enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to any seeker longing for a deeper connection to the divine by looking to incorporate Wiccan practiced and ethics into their daily life.

While the author does seem to attempt to write to readers of any gender there are occasions that I felt the author was speaking directly to female readers, and at points the book comes off geared for women. This isn't a major concern for me though, and really is the only negative thing I can think of.

Over all I found the personal stories relatable and the writing style to be easy to follow. That being said, the author has a beautiful vocabulary and sense of humor.

I feel like I have a better understanding of Wiccan spirituality and forming a daily devotional routine after reading this book.