The Path of a Christian Witch

by Adelina St. Clair

A unique mix of memoir and how-to that includes practical daily Pagan rituals, this inspiring book shows how one woman blended Christian traditions with the magic and beauty of a Wiccan practice. Raised in the Catholic faith, yet strongly drawn to Paganism, Adelina St. Clair spent many years questioning and soul-searching before she found a way to blend aspects of Wicca and Christianity into a vibrant and loving belief system. Filled with personal anecdotes, this book tells the story of St. Clair's journey of self-discovery and revelation, from her initial fear and guilt to her ultimate sense of peace and joy. With warmth and heartfelt reverence, St. Clair discusses vital aspects of Witchcraft and Christianity, as well as the commonalities between the two.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion, Christian, Memoir, Witchcraft, Christianity

216 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2010

Reviews

[Lee Harmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joyce called me to the center of the circle. I walked up to her, my heart pounding in my chest. Our eyes locked. She said, “Adelina, have you chosen your deity pair?” I answered, “I have.” She continued, “Who have you chosen?” I took a deep breath, bathed in the energy of this holy gathering and stated for all to hear, “Jesus of Nazareth and Mary of Magdala.”

If you’re reading this from a Christian perspective, may I make a suggestion about how to approach this book? Don’t read critically. Suspend disbelief, set aside your arguments, and enjoy the journey of this Christian-turned-Witch-turned-ChristianWitch as if reading a fantasy novel. As you approach the end of the book, gradually let it sink in that you’ve been reading a biography, the life-journey of a real person.

I know little about the Wiccan religion, but my take on the book is this: Adelina St. Clair, the book’s author, discovered two basic truths in life. Christianity is real. Wiccan magic and practice is real. Both are good, both are healthy, Adelina needed the connection both to Christ and to nature’s rhythms, but the two religions are oil and water. Christians teach that witchcraft is evil, and Wiccans are polytheistic in practice. So what did Adelina do? She embraced Wiccan truths, but chose as a patron deity the Christian God and His pantheon (Jesus, Mary, the saints, the patriarchs, the angels).

God is Love, writes John the Apostle. As a witch, Adelina agrees, saying “I believe in love, always and above all,” and hopes for a “new community of people, who will cultivate their light in a new-old way and spread a new wave of love into the world.”

She turned to me briefly, let out a sigh, and said, “The answer is to love.” And she went on her way. There was something special about the way my angel told me the greatest secret of my life. She did not take on airs of mystery or make dramatic pauses to emphasize the importance of the message. Her attitude seemed to say, “There. You have it. Why are you so intent on finding something else? That’s all there is.”

[Silke · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all for you need to see this book in its right setting. Especially for West European readers like myself. In Canada and the united states Christianity is still a big thing. Whole communities are built around a church and at times I thought “really, are you serious about this?” But that is when I learned I had to put it a little bit in perspective. Here the churches are running empty and we don’t really follow the guidelines in the bible anymore.
This book caught my attention because I myself are still trying to find a way to mix my pagan ways with my catholic upbringing. The book made reflect on my own path and my own spiritual journeys. She was even able to set a light on some of the problems I have been encountering. I especially loved the way she found a bridge between two religions that at first seem so different.
Why only 3 starts then? Because this book was mend to be a memoir of a woman finding her path. And in sorts it was, but it was too vague and not all to personal. We learn little of the author herself. She spends lots of time describing rituals and how she replaces the names of the gods by Christian names. And that is all well, but if I were looking for a description of rituals I would read another book. Much better literature about that subject out there.

[Saara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spoke to me. So deeply. So powerfully. I don't really have words right now. Just...all the feels. Beautiful.

[Carola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It's part memoir and part "how-to". Being someone who grew up Catholic, it gave me a lot to think about. All along I felt that the church (at least the ones I went to) only preached fear and used that to bully people into doing what they wanted. This is why I follow the Wiccan path. I loved the authors journey, but a little different than mine. I feel a pull and connection to elemental beings, the fairy folk, and mystical beings, so I don't think the Christian Witch path is 100% for me. I do, however, enjoy reading and learning about different religions for personal enrichment. I love how the author uses Mary Magdalene as her Lady, while Jesus is her Lord. Regardless of what the church says, I do believe that Mary Magdalene was Jesus's consort and that she was a powerful woman, hence why the Catholic church fears her and has tainted her name.

I also like how the author follows "true" Christianity, which is what Jesus taught, being full of love and acceptance. Much different than what the churches teach nowadays.

As I mentioned above, I truly enjoyed reading this book and might incorporate some of her suggestions into my daily life, but with a small modification. :-). Blessed Be!!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Path of a Christian Witch is is a beautifully written account of one person's struggle to balance the faith she was born into and loved with a new found relationship with the Divine feminine. I really related to this book, being brought up Christian myself, and found a lot of comfort knowing that other people had gone through the same struggles.

This book is an important work about spiritual tolerance. People of all religions spend so much time judging one another, and a person blending two faiths gets it from both sides.

"You cannot be a Christian and practice witchcraft! That's of the Devil!"

"You worship Jesus? What a fluffy bunny."

"Real Christians would never believe in a Goddess."

"Don't worry, once you get more experience you'll drop that Christian phase."

Instead of tearing people down, why not see the common ground we share? There are many paths to God, and just because another chooses to diverge from yours does not mean their path will not reach the Divine. Allow others to walk the path they were meant to walk, and be fulfilled all the more from yours. Let go of your fear, and love.

For My law is love is unto all beings...Let My worship be in the heart that rejoices, for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in paganism or witchcraft but still feels a connection to their Christian roots or to any Christian or Pagan who wants to understand how someone could blend the two faiths together. If you approach this book with an open mind, I think you'll be surprised just how much it can teach you about your own faith and the many faces of God.

[Carla "Kar" Schmidt Holloway · Rating 2 out of 5]

In general a sweet and lovely book to read. In parts I was definitely uncomfortable with the culturally appropriative and inaccurate comments regarding Indigenous religions and closed cultures and it was definitely not okay to use the g-slur. The ignorant comments about cultures outside her own was troublesome, but I have to say that those things aren't a huge part of the book. I'm really conflicted about this rating because the non-problematic parts of the book really are very very good.

[Gaile · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author began in confusion over her christian faith and her interest in the feminine side of religion. During the course of this book, she manages to merge the two into a faith she can live with.
She had a Roman Catholic upbringing. I too of that church but early Christianity had to work with the pagan beliefs of the common people who were very stubborn in letting go of them. Much of the rituals and practices of Catholicism have evolved out of the pagan religions. Much has also been lost. Finding her way through this maze is the root of her story. I found this book to be very inspiring, very uplifting and fascinating. It really absorbed my attention. Highly recommended.

[Effie Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being able to read the journey of someone reconciling the pull of both Christ and nature was entirely refreshing. Adelina seeks not to preach or even to teach in this book, but rather to showcase her own experiences in hopes that others will find comfort following footsteps already made. By tearing down the contradictions of the modern church and ushering in the simplicity of witchcraft, Adelina brings to light a new way of looking at Jesus' teachings which spoke of faith and will with the power to move mountains, that used nature as a way to learn about God, and that promised fulfiment in our faith not through a building or priest, but within our own bodies and as our own priests and priestesses, no longer separated from God by a veil, but rather inhabiting him/her in ourselves.

Adelina reasserts what Jesus always taught: There is no law other than love. And what the Goddess reminded us: An it harm none, do what you will.

(Adelina's Christian upbringing was in the Catholic church so her experiences in this book include her connection to specific Catholic creeds and beliefs rather than other modern denominations)

I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking courage in their unconventional spiritual journey who want to know they're not alone as they reconcile feminine and masculine divinity within the world, themselves, and other people, while refusing to leave neither Christ nor mother earth behind.

[Sammy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was so painfully bad that I couldn't look away. It was truly like a really problematic and silly train wreck.

My favorite passage : "I wrapped myself in white linen, covering myself from head to toe, and I walked to my altar. I lit a single white candle, symbol of purity. In my white shelter, I felt safe. I felt absolute "whiteness" surround me and inhabit me."

Okaaaaaay. Clearly this book wasn't edited for possible white supremacy passages... I know the author wouldn't have MEANT it to sound like she was protecting herself from non-white elements, but.....

[Jenne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was written from the perspective of a Catholic Christian so she very much had different views than my own Christianity. I was able to understand most of her Catholic background but it still didn't provide for me the connection with Christianity I was hoping for. She does however share my frustrations with feminism being cast down, authority/organized religion truncating personal spirituality so much of what she wrote was very familiar. Overall, I liked it. I'm glad I own a copy of it and will likely refer to it in the future. This book is probably a good starting point for me as I study more of the Goddess, and the female counterpart to my Heavenly Father. Next we need a book written by a Mormon in how to honor the divine by connecting with nature and seeking the divine feminine in everyday life. But don't look at me for that...

[Amy Law]

I picked up this book out curiosity and was pleasantly surprised. I very much enjoyed the book. Its more a spiritual diary more than anything. But done in a very enjoyable way.

Recommended for: those that feel conflicted between the two religions

This book does seem to bring up an issue I see more and more lately in the pagan community. Which is this animosity against any differing of opinions. Its truly sad. The people who claim to be the most open minded, seem to become the most closed minded. People get so quick to label something as fluffy bunny or wrong, without out taking in account different people need different paths, and that they have no right to judge someone another's path. If you are truly an open minded person and truly wish for true freedom of religion then I suggest stop becoming what you claim to hate the most.

[Katherine Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is one of the most beautiful accounts of a spiritual journey I have read so far ... pick this one up if you want validation if you've ever started to believe in something that seems odd. People are going to try and judge you ... exactly as this author went through. She's putting her story out there to tell you that this horrible misconception can be overcome. Puts multiple nails in the coffin of organized religion.

[Kit · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was the first I read on my spiritual journey. I think it really bridged the gap between Christianity and witchcraft, and enforced my own belief that Church dogma and the teachings of Jesus are, often times, two separate things. I recommend this book for anyone interested in witchcraft, but unsure how it will mesh with currently held beliefs. You'll learn a lot.

[Grete · Rating 2 out of 5]

Part spiritual memoir, part apologetics, part how-to manual - this book tries to be and do too many things, and doesn't do any of them particularly well. Competent but uninspiring prose; curiously impersonal, for a memoir. St. Clair is seriously underinformed about the diversity within Christian theology and practice, and she relies heavily on stereotypes about the Church.

[Linda Fithian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Witch here

I absolutely loved this book. It made me understand my feelings and know that I am not alone. Very informative and simply explained. Bravo!!!!!

[Charissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but not very deep.

[Megan Kuhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been fascinated by witches. Albeit usually fictitious stories. More recently I had learned some things about the history of "witchcraft" and the burning times that taught me that a lot of what we do today would have been enough to be called a witch. That combined with my feelings about our patriarchal society and the hateful messages being spread by our government and my church have pushed me to research more about other cultures and faiths. I learned that Christianity actually has many traditions that were historically pagan and were "rewritten" to fit Christianity and a patriarchal society. I have been looking for a source that provides a connection between the two because I am fascinated. This is one woman's journey through combining two belief systems while focusing on the ultimate law: love. It is the beginning of what hopefully becomes a fulfilling learning experience for me and I can't wait to learn more about various traditions.

[Jimmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Adelina St Clair shares her Christian faith in concert with witchcraft. The magick so described encompasses ancestral veneration, folk magick, and worship among other spiritual domains. She demonstrates for those unaware of the potential for syncretism that Christianity can be followed along with other spiritual practices. Practices that with a few changes in the descriptions could be mistaken for Christian Mysticism or Charismatic practices. Should the reader encountering this book come from a more conservative tradition these experiences may appear shocking. Particularly those not familiar with Catholic Theology or practices. Still this book is well written and inspirational for those who want to cling to Jesus while fleeing a faith that has been diluted by fundamentalism, materialism, or a disenchanted worldview.

[Samantha 🤍 · Rating 3 out of 5]

actually dnf'd this book but I got most of the way through (108 of 181 according to the ebook version I had). I just wasn't connecting with this book much at all. The author had some really nice points, but at the same time some of the things she said just did not click with me. One of my biggest annoyances with the book was that she kept saying "Christians do this" or "Christians also celebrate this" when in reality it's not Christians as a whole, but *Catholics* who do those things, and since I am more Baptist/Nazarene and not Catholic at all, a lot of the similarities and comparisons she made just did not apply to me. I would have appreciated some insight for other types of Christians, not just Catholics. I believe that was my biggest complaint

[Matt Stine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I deeply appreciated this book. It resonated in so many ways on so many levels. As a person who identifies as an Exvangelical Christian who still frequents Christian spaces, and as a person who identifies as a Witch (either all of the trappings that often entails!), I found such a delightful, thoughtful integration of these two worlds in the author’s words. The simple practices that she outlined in the final chapter are beautiful in their simplicity, and they align so well with my own practice that I’ll be integrating several in the coming seasons. Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your spirit with us through this book.

[The Overflowing Inkwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've never understood people's connection with Jesus. Every few years, I come back to give Christianity another try, as if it were some food I disliked, and am tasting it again to see if my tastebuds have changed since last time. Having run in Pagan circles for a good deal of my life at the same time, this is one of those books to revisit Christianity with, a trial run, a merger of two parts of my life as well as hers, and also a book I was very surprised to find in our tiny library in the South. But I still don't get it.

This book felt too short, too vague. I enjoyed reading it, but I wished there was more in every section. Something more concrete, perhaps even an in-depth look at exactly what she felt was Jesus and what was Church. I did think it was strange that in one retelling of a bad sermon, she recounts ranting to her husband about the exclusion in church of (among others) divorcees. And while the divorcees themselves might be one thing, what does she think about those who remarry? Because that actually was one of the things Jesus said, that divorce is wrong and those who remarry are adulterers.

I would loved to have heard more about what all they did at her magical school. It sounds brilliant.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is much more a memoir than a “how to” book. So if that’s what your looking for it’s likely not going to satisfy. That said I love reading personal spiritual memoirs and like every one I have ever read there were real gems in this book. Sentences I just wanted to think about or linger over because they contained beautiful spiritual thoughts. If you want a primer on Wicca or paganism there are other places for that. But if you want to read about one woman’s spiritual journey and how she found freedom in drawing from different traditions, I recommend this book to you.

[Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Adelina St Clair. I was feeling alone in my struggles and your experiences have helped ease my ... confusion.

Like St Clair, I was raised Catholic, but then converted to Orthodoxy. I am still Ukrainian Orthodox though I feel pulled to a more natural path. Some friends and associates who realized my struggle, suggested this book - and I am so grateful. I feel as though a burden has been lifted. I just have to blend my worlds to mesh with what I am. As long as I harm no one, including myself, then all is good.

[Sherry Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I needed exactly when I needed it. I appreciate how the author was completely open and honest about her practice and how she got there. I can relate to so much of her spiritual experience and questions about religion ,God, Jesus and the Holy Sprit.
This book was easy to read and understand and perfectly aligned the two practices to make them one. The author gave examples of daily practice, complex practices and easy practices. I am great full that the Universe put this book in my path. Thank You

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing style? eh, could be better. Content? bordering on life-changing. The fact that someone can set out and create their own spirituality/religious practice, faith apart from Church, incorporating beauty from two vastly different traditions (Catholicism and Wicca) is a new idea for me, and I think a really important one. I'd highly recommend this one to anybody who's seeking spiritually and hasn't found a home within any one tradition-- Adelina St. Clair describes this feeling well by presenting not only her solution(s), but her journey to get to those solutions.

[Kelly]

DNF 43% through and then just skimmed beyond that and read a few interesting bits before hanging this one up.

“Christian Witch” doesn’t describe me or my aspirations at all, but I hoped this would be thoughtful (about the personal journey of someone who feels drawn to conflicting ideologies) and educational (about the 2 religions). I still feel like this could be an interesting topic, in someone else’s hands. THIS author bit off more than she could chew. Very vague and shallow, no substance here (neither personal or academic, strangely).

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting and relatable memoir of someone who has Christian beliefs but is also drawn to a wider spirituality. The author makes an important distinction between faith and religion, one that speaks volumes to someone who is born and raised culturally Christian but also has sincere reservations about Christian dogma, doctrine and culture. It's a fascinating peek into the author's spirituality and how she's reconciled two seemingly contradictory traditions.

[Chelsea Hartweg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging in a time of confusion

I am so glad for this book. I have been trying to find a balance between two different spiritual callings, and this book gives me so much comfort to know that I am not alone in this journey. It's given me a lot to think about, for sure, and I'm glad to have spent the time to read it.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful. The whole ritual part of Christianity shown in Catholic churches has been omitted in Protestant churches, so coming from a Protestant background, some of the Catholic elements were lost on me. This book isn't the end-all, say-all, but it has given me plenty to think about and read into.

[Melissa Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read about one woman's journey to discovering the right spiritual path for her.
I found some of the information to be affirming and comforting. Like advice from an older sister.
I had to keep checking it out from the library so it took awhile to get through it.
I would recommend it for Christians seekers looking for more form their spiritual experiences.