Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation

by Silver RavenWolf

The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation
This book has everything a teen Witch could want and need between two covers: a magickal cookbook, encyclopedia, dictionary, and grimoire. It relates specifically to today's young adults and their concerns, yet is grounded in the magickal work of centuries past.

Information is arranged alphabetically and divided into five distinct categories:
(1) Shadows of Religion and Mystery,
(2) Shadows of Objects,
(3) Shadows of Expertise and Proficiency,
(4) Shadows of Magick and Enchantment,
(5) Shadows of Daily Life.
It is organized so readers can skip over the parts they already know, or read each section in alphabetical order.

Features



By the author of the best-selling Teen Witch and mother of four teen Witches A jam-packed learning and resource guide for serious young Witches All categories are discussed in modern terms and their associated historical roots Includes endnotes and footnotes that cite sources or add clarification A training companion to Teen Witch and To Ride a Silver Broomstick

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

608 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Silver RavenWolf (Pennsylvania) is a nationally recognized leader and elder of Wicca, and through her writing has been instrumental in guiding the future of one of the fastest-growing faiths in America today. The author of seventeen books, she has been interviewed by The New York Times, Newsweek Magazine, and the Wall Street Journal, and her work has been featured in numerous publications, including Bust Magazine, the Baltimore Sun, the St. Petersburg Times, the National Review, Publishers Weekly, Body & Soul Magazine, and Teen Lit Magazine.

Her many titles include the bestselling Solitary Witch, Teen Witch, To Ride A Silver Broomstick, To Stir A Magick Cauldron, To Light A Sacred Flame, American Folk Magick, Angels: Companions in Magick, Silver’s Spells for Prosperity, Silver's Spells for Protection, Silver's Spells for Love, Halloween, and the Witches’ Night Out teen fiction series. Her new book Hedge Witch is forthcoming from Llewellyn in September 2008.

Reviews

[Siduri Moonshine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very controversial book that has caused a deep schism within the wiccan/witchcraft/pagan religions and communities. I purchased this book just after it rolled off the press and hit the bookshelves in the stores. "Solitary" was the book to have back nine years ago, a very hot selling book that generated many a tongue to wag and witch to curse over it's contents. Love her or hate her, Silver had the guts and courage to pick up the pen and write her books, especially this book!

In reading some of the many reviews on this book online I noted one thread that seems very obvious to those that were quick to tap on the keyboard.......the astute discriminating reader will note as I, that the statements made criticizing Silver were born out of the naysayer's lack of comprehension. Or, perhaps, their vehement dislike of Silver, or jealousy, and on and on....irregardless, the fact remains in their exuberance to get their "Solitary Opinion" out on, "Solitary Witch" they neglected to take the time to read and missed by a long shot. It seems "Solitary" is being judged by more than it's cover as is the author.

I'm not posting this to review the reviewers so onward in my Solitary effort to write my review of "Solitary Witch." Silver wrote the book of all books with this one. It's complete and I believe if one were to search thoroughly a kitchen sink might just be in the midst! It's a comprehensive book that chronicles the history and then explains in depth information regarding witchcraft. It could have used a better index as it's difficult to look up information and that can be frustrating. All in all the content speaks for itself and Silver does an eloquent job in writing, including her context. Her downfall is she writes to a teenage audience which I found to be a bit insulting to the intelligence of her adult readers. At times in her discussions she seemed to downplay our intelligence and in that regard she could have been served by a better editor at Llewellyn!

I find this book to be useful and it has earned a place in not only the history of witchcraft but on the shelf next to the cauldron. After ten years it's still my, "Go To" book!

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Perfect for the Hot Topic witch.

[Halsey Kallinen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I strongly believe that Silver Ravenwolf has done more harm to Paganism than any other author. Half the facts she writes about in her books are completely wrong. She doesn't even know the proper dates of Pagan Holidays a lot of the time.
She presents puritanical views towards sex in her books, she suggests that teen readers lie to their parents about what they're practicing, and she acts as though Paganism is fluffy and pure and that anything you want is at your fingertips if you just cast a spell. A hint: If any author proposes love spells, they are not to be trusted.
PLEASE do your research and read some books from authors who actually have a clue what they're talking about. If I could give this a 0/5 I would.

[Rhea · Rating 2 out of 5]

$ilver RavenWolf is like a gateway drug to neo paganism; sooner or later anyone serious about the occult realizes that she us full of sh*t and moves on to more relevant and grounded authors. However, for those brand new to Wicca and looking for a place to start, she can offer enough context to get your bearings as long as you take her with a tablespoon of salt.

[Ashira (Savannah) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been skipping though so basically I'm finished with it, but I'm reading it straight though as well so that I can get all the little details I missed when skim reading...I may quit soon enough, however, because of the way I'm starting to see this book...

At first, I missed many of her mistakes due to lack of knowledge on my part, but after reading many different things online for a few hours, checking details as well as going back to the book itself for reference, and rubbing out headaches, I've learned that this is both a good and bad book, which isn't good seeing as it's supposed to be teaching you a religion, not a fairytale.

I don't wanna seem absolutely crazy by making these remarks, so here's a link to a very helpful review of Silver RavenWolf as a writer:

http://community.beliefnet.com/go/thr...

I came upon it when looking for a few other things on Silver RavenWolf and felt it wise to read the many negative reviews (not only about Solitary Witch, but also about Silver herself) to find out why they were so negative in the first place (it kinda catches your eye when you're looking for more about her and the thing right below her website is a link to "Why We Despise Silver RavenWolf"). After reading all this, I felt it necessary to add my own review so that others can learn from my mistakes.

Now as a writer, SRW is pretty interesting. She can really catch your interest if you're ill-knowleged, but when you check her historical facts most of them are wrong. Many also believe that she's unethical and encourages lying...this doesn't specifically reference Solitary Witch, however.

As far as the lying part goes, I asked my dad if I could go get a book on magick before I even knew Wicca was existent, so whatever she may have said doesn't pertain to me. I was still concerned about what she had to say, however (like I said in the beginning, I've been skipping and skimming so I haven't read the whole book as if it were my bible. So I didn't catch some things that, in many peoples' opinions, many not be directly bashing Christianity, but is implying it).

When I did read some things, however, like the following quote, I was really worried about what I myself may have done had my parents not known of my interest in Wicca and Witchcraft, and I had gone and bought Teen Witch (by SRW, Jamie's copy is far more reliable) or even To Ride a Silver Broomstick.

This quote isn't in Solitary Witch, it's from her infamous Teen Witch book (which I haven't read, and after the quotes and reviews I've read I never intend to) which is supposed to be advice about telling your parents you are on the road to becoming a witch:

"Then we've got the double sneak-attack - working only with angels. Angels, angels everywhere and Mom or Dad won't even care. Sure, because everyone likes angels."

Angels hardly have anything to do with Wicca. This is lying, saying that everything is all peace and joy and holy, holy, holy. Wicca deals with the God and Goddess, the Lord and Lady, the elements... Angels are just an idea that some people believe in, others don't, and never (in my experience) come up in anything important when living as a Witch - Solitary or with a Coven - unless you feel it is. It's an opinion, not factual. The way she's explaining it, however, seems to be falsely telling you that Angels are important to Witchcraft and even if they aren't you should tell those who aren't Wiccan that they are. This seems to show up in a few of her books, though I wouldn't know seeing as this is the only book by SRW that I've read.

Speaking of the Teen Witch Kit, I was awed at the mere existence of the thing - and I've hardly even touched upon Wicca! I heavily agree with what BrighidsFieryArrow has to say on the discussion on Silver RavenWolf as a credible author on Wicca: It's an absolute horror. As a Witch, you make your supplies or get the supplies that call to you, therefore you can form a bond with your tools. Also, being a witch isn't just something easy and fun - there is a difference between a Witch and a Magician - it's a lifestyle. You can't sell a lifestyle in a box! Not only that, but she uses the words "Wicca" and "Witchcraft" as though they are the same thing, though they are not. To be a Wiccan means that you are a witch, but to be a witch does not mean that you are Wiccan. There are Christian Witches, Jewish Witches, even Satanic Witches (which she claims to be non-existent, which is a lie) as well as many more. But that's a completely different book altogether, in fact one that I have not even read...

Some of the things I read on her were surprisingly hateful. Someone even went as far as calling her "Wicca's devil". Though a few completely disagree and think that her way is perfectly fine. Personally, I just want to draw the information from the crap-pile and forget the rest. That's why I'm looking into other books and perhaps even getting a teacher.

When I first began reading this book, I just thought she was very personal with her writing and that's something that made her work different. It was different all right... As someone new to the religion of Wicca (like myself), especially when skimming around, it's hard to see how cruel she seems to be to Christians. When you look, though, she heavily implies that her idea of Wicca is far above that of Christianity, or any other religion for that matter - including anyone else's idea of Wicca. I come from a Christian family, so I certainly don't have any hatred towards them. On top of that, most of the world's religion is Christian, so what she implied about them is simply, well... ludicrous.

Also, after looking up a few different things on the Sabbats, astrology, and other things like such, I realized how unacknowledged she was on the subjects, so I'll be sure to steer clear of most her information there.

I did like the way she laid out the pantheons, and how she explained the Wiccan Rede...but even before I knew all this stuff I was very curious about where the Threefold Law was... This is supposed to be a starters guide-like thing, so where's that bit of information? Gone with the wind I suppose...

But besides that, I'm glad that of all SRW's works I picked up this one. It's definitely an easy to get around in it, and it presents the information in a way that just cuts to the chase. It seems to be one of the less infamous books of hers, and I've actually read many good things on this book as well. It's good to know that even though I didn't know her other work was mostly crap, that the book I was reading was on of the less damaging (too strong a word?) to the beginning witch.

*sighs* But I'm done ranting. I suggest that you read more of the reviews before you even bother picking up this book, or any of SRW's other works. Half of it was a good waste of my time and money, though I am glad about the other half of the information which I will continue to note in my own book of shadows.

May Goddess be with you.

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

SRW, love her or hate her, whether you like her or not, she's made a significant contribution to paganism for the last 20 or so years. This particular book contains a great deal of information, take what you can, leave what doesn't agree with you. I feel this book is geared towards a younger audience but don't let that stop you. You may not agree with everything she writes or presents, but keep in mind, she is presenting her own views and experiences and is this is simply one facet of the Craft teachings. This isn't the be all, end all book of witchcraft. It should serve merely as a starting point for further exploration. Develop your own critical thinking skills, study, research, explore other authors and formulate your own opinions without jumping on the band-wagon of insult hurling immature folks who instead of saying they disagree with her writings, feel the need to bash her completely. Some people obviously have some issues being so aggressively hostile in their reviews. Which is funny, as I'm sure not many of them have even written a book on paganism! :P At least this author had the guts to write these books 20 years or so ago and she's still very active in the pagan community. You don't have to like her way of doing things but that doesn't mean you have to be a dick about it.

[Indigo Crow · Rating 3 out of 5]

You will often see it said that books by Silver Ravenwolf should be avoided and there is much hate thrown around for the author, and I'm gonna be frank. I don't see it.

Silly, rather childish "witch name" aside (sounds like a username made up by a 14 year old for an online message board, and maybe once it was), I didn't see anything in this book that warranted the sort of anger toward this woman that I see in the witchcraft community. Among a few things, these are the top 2 that I hear about most often:

SRW is too opinionated!
I can grant that she does seem sort of hard-assed, and I assume she puts her students through some pretty intense training exercises, but she's no more opinionated than Scott Cunningham or Raymond Buckland. Like other (usually) Wiccan authors, she does give her readers the impression that you MUST do it this way or it WILL NOT work, no questions asked, which in MY opinion is not correct and is one of my hang-ups with Wicca. But, no, I don't see her inserting any more opinion to what she's talking about than other authors on these subjects do, too, so I'm going to give her a pass for that accusation.

SRW trashes other paths!
You mean religions. Primarily the Abrahamic religions. Most noteably Christianity. Right? Yeah, that's what you mean.
And, maybe. But only in so much as you would allow yourself to live in a comfortable lie that the Abrahamic trio, though most notoriously Christianity and Islam, are "peace and love". They are not. Even though she does brush against the atrocities these religions have commited against pagans and the world in general, she actually doesn't trash on either of them. She tells you the truth, sure, that they aren't squishy-happy paths and that they have and will continue to cause harm to humanity, but the way people talked about it, I assumed she had gotten all Christopher Hitchens on them and tore them some new buttholes. To me, she also added a suggestion of caution when dealing with these two, most of all, because their practitioners don't, as is spelled out in their holy books, condone witchcraft and spiritistic practices. She is NOT wrong. I know from first hand experience that you absolutely have to tread softly when dealing with the main 2 of that trio. Judaism is more relaxed, from my experience, and I have no personal problems with that one, but those other 2... No, she's not wrong, and no, she didn't trash them. She was just honest, and was not rabid with that honesty, either.

This IS the only SRW book I've read, I'll confess that and I'll grant also that it could be that she's more vicious toward the Abrahamic trio in other books, but I, for one, am not gonna condemn her for that because I know she's not wrong.

As to the rest of the book, it's alright. Oddly enough, I don't think I would recommend this to a totally fresh-out-of-the-box beginner, though it seems to have been written with that idea in mind. Reason being is that this book is HUGE compared to other books written with a beginner in mind and contains an absolute heck-ton of information that could overwhelm somebody who just dipped their toe in the water, so to speak. So I would say read a few other books aimed at beginners BEFORE picking this book up, because it's a lot of information to process.

Although, because the book has so much information crammed in, it IS an excellent refernece book for study. You may want to go get some of those colored tabs and mark sections of the book off for future reference when you're studing certain things within the Craft. I think this is a good one to have on your reference shelf, beginner or not.

I'm a little irritated, though, about what the main goal of the book promised and what it delivered. The book is titled "Solitary Witch", but the content strongly suggests groups or covens, and if not that, then the assistance of witch-friendly friends, relatives, or, if you're lucky, one or two other witches. I'm alone here. I don't have ANY of those options available to me. I've been in this situation the entire time and don't foresee it changing, so I'm miffed that a book that said it was for solitaries suggests the help or participation of others so strongly would have said it was for a solitary like me.

Another problem with the book is that, because it has SO MUCH information crammed into it, there were few opportunities to go into details about certain things very much, meaning you'd need to go track down more books or other reference materials in order to get more information on that, even if it was something relatively simple. Of course, you should read as much on this subject as you possibly can if you're just beginning, because the more you know, the more you can shape things to fit your own personal goals in life and your own personal path. It just rubbed me the wrong way that some things had to be glanced over so fast because to have talked even a little more about them would have made the book even BIGGER than it already is, and it's probably one of the biggest books about witchcraft I own.

And if you hadn't figured it out by now, this book is aimed primarily at Wiccans. I do not consider myself Wiccan because I find the structure of the religion to confining. After all, my ancestors wouldn't have known which very exact phase of the moon it was, or whether or not there was a retrograde, and they wouldn't have been able to afford candles in all those specific colors or special oils or any of that stuff. Such trappings seem very important to the religion of Wicca, so I therefore do not consider myself to be one. Even so, I still think a run-of-the-mill pagan can benefit from what is in this book, so even if you don't consider yourself Wiccan, you will likely find something in here that can be of use to you anyway.

I may or may not read other books by SRW. At the moment, I don't have any plans to, but if another of her books finds its way into my collection, I assume The Powers That Be intended it, and so I shall read it. I don't think she's as bad as I've seen her made out to be, and I think that goes to show that YOU and only YOU should be the judge. Don't let people tell you who or what to read about. Make the choice yourself and come to your own conclusions.

Blessed Be.

[Lana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Laughable! Who can take a book seriously that tells you to clap out candles? These are the books girls in my high school would read and then try to cast a spell on you. Seriously people.

[Daniel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm sorry I actually owned this book at one time.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are **a lot of snobs** who will turn their nose up to this just because of the author. However, Silver brought Wicca to the teen masses (and some adults).

She made it readily available and did a decent job of it, too. Were some of her works money grabs? Maybe. Is this a useful book? Yes.

I don’t agree with every spell specification or design outlined in this book, but I don’t in every book or spell compilation, either. It’s geared toward teens and young adults to start learning and practicing the craft.

Not every person is born into a coven or an accepting family or a place with several metaphysical spaces available to them. This is *perfect* for those starting out or who have only read a few books and want a BoS with a ton of spells, rites and examples to follow.

As most Wiccans and Pagans know, all of these books are mainly suggestions based on the author’s knowledge & experience. We look to them and learn, and then we alter and devise spells and castings to best fit us and our needs and skill levels.

Is this really that different from Linda Pradas’ The Complete Grimoire? No. It’s not. Pradas’ book is just smaller and prettier.

So please, if you’re new to the craft, do not feel as though you should never pick this up. It’s a good reference to have and has a *ton* of real spells and ceremonies to follow and draw from and to make your own!

This is unlikely something you’ll want if you’ve been practicing for ten years and are super comfortable with your craft. But I will say, I still reference it years later.

[Gwyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I freely admit that I came to this book with fairly low expectations, having not heard a lot of good things about Silver RavenWolf. I tried to keep my mind open, but unfortunately on right on page 6 she starts saying things about Honi (aka Choni) the Circlemaker that would make poor Honi roll over in his grave and made me want to throw the book across the room. Some of her research, or the conclusions she draws from her research, seem sketchy to me, and many of the sources she cites are secondary (though, to be fair, some of her research also seems sound). Although the book contains a lot of potentially useful information, it's all jumbled up without any real order. There is a table of contents, but it is very nearly useless; in order to find something, you must guess at what section it is in (and the sections are NOT named in any helpful way) and then turn to that section in order to find an actually useful table of contents. Personally, I would not buy this book.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subject of Wicca is new for me, and since this book is over 550 pages I figured I’d learn a lot. I certainly did. The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation is a comprehensive overview of many aspects of Wicca for aspiring witches. Although I come away with a clearer understanding of the philosophies and purpose of modern Wiccan beliefs, I’m not sure that it was the right book for this older adult, since it was written for teenagers, something I didn’t realize at the time of purchase.

I did like the amiable tone, but toward the end of the book, tips on managing money and how to shop inexpensively, for example, made the book sound like a fluffy self-help life guide. It wasn’t all fluff, though, as there is a poignant section on suicide that includes a hotline number for teens who’ve struggled with these thoughts. I especially liked that the author encourages young readers to find assistance from trusted adults when things go askew, and not to rely on spells for problem-solving.

Historical background on numerous issues helped put things in context. The number of sections and numerous subsections, not to mention the extensive bibliography and index, the book also works as a resource guide.

In addition to the amiable tone and clear writing style, I really liked the ethical and positive outlook that the author imparts to readers. She repeatedly stresses that Wicca has nothing to do with harming others, but is about improving oneself, one’s relationships, and the world at large. There is nothing superficial, selfish, or dangerous in that message. For this reason, I would encourage readers of any age to read the book.

[Faith Kilgore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually don't usually agree with much Silver Ravenwolf has to say.
However, there is much knowledge to be learned from this book.

Read it, take it with an open mind, adapt it and make it yours.
The knowledge within these covers venture from the simplest prayer
to circle casting, to taro, reiki, runes, and so on.

Of all of the SRW books, this is the one I'd recommend you own
if you want to study in this arena.

[Vali · Rating 1 out of 5]

Basically written for lonely teenage girls, this book offered absolutely nothing to my spiritual journey except to warn me about quacks who give themselves silly comicbook names like Silver Ravenwolf.

[Once Upon a Darling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m going to be completely honest, I bought this book due to the controversy of Silver RavenWolf’s books. This particular book I found to be very entertaining and full or lore, but not a 100% factual(based on the other books I have read). It’s written for a teenage audience but I think it is help in the since that it points out certain things that people wouldn’t normally take in to consideration. For example, negative speaking and glass candle holders with blow up if they get to hot. I would recommend it for someone starting out learning about wiccan due to the large amount of topics covered in the 558 pages but I would ask them to do so with a tablespoon of salt. It’s a guide, something to adapt and make it your own.

My biggest criticism lies in the fact that she uses “Witch” and “Wiccan” interchangeably. They do not mean the same thing. There have been many Witches throughout the world and throughout history before the religion of Wicca became popular (1950's). On this basis I also disagree that there can’t be Satanic Witches. But that comes from a stand point that both Witchcraft and Wicca is personally constructed by each individual. From what I have learned is that no person views either topic exactly the same as another. Therefore one cannot dictate on the correct way to do things.

Bottom line, I think it's a good read for building a foundation, but don't take it as the 'end all, be all' of witch books.

[Ashirin · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not bad, as a quick reference, or a starting point in research, but I wouldn't recommend it to someone new in the pagan path, or just curious.

She says a lot of things, but offers resources on very little, thus covering a good deal of misinformation.

It's kind of turned me off wanting to read anything else she's written, sadly.

[Jacob Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for any beginner starting out in paganism. It has information on just about everything you need to know to get started on your spiritual journey with the gods.

[Sarah Goodwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Powered through the last 300 pages (mostly skipping) because to be honest, it's hard to sit down and read those parts that are just tables of correspondence and spells that I have no intention of doing. :P

More in my full review, to be added to my podcast, Witchfix - on Stitcher and Castbox. Where I'm reviewing witchy fiction, nonfiction, TV, films and games, on a weekly basis.

[Yolanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like this book, is it controversial yes. Is it dated, yes. Is it at times very biased, yes. This book is a product of it time. It is a mammoth of a book that is filled with information some better than others, but overall if you are open you will be surprised at all you can get from it.


(2009)

[Bettina]

This is an excellent book. A lot of books I read on paganism have lots of correspondences and already-written spells for you. This book has those too, but I like the way she writes her spells better than most, and there is a ton of information I have yet to read in other books.
She explains things pretty well, too.

This book is aimed at the teen witch (which I didn't know when I bought it) so that took me by surprise (I randomly picked it up at Borders), but I'd say it's pretty good in that regard, even though I'm no longer a teen. I don't feel like she talks down to teens and addresses practical concerns such as using candles in a limited/shared space (something people other than teens sometimes need to take into consideration as well).

Overall it's a nice blend of basics and beyond-basic information rolled up into a nice, thick book. I read it and I just want to keep reading because it is very useful.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because my mom (before she passed) and I (I am still) were a solitary pagan. We read this book so we could have an idea of something we could tailor to our needs. I also like that she has the book in sections and prior to the chapter she has everything in that chapter listed so it's easier to navigate the chapter. You can jump right to what you want. I really enjoyed this book. However, I feel she can be a little preachy. She would also give suggestions and then at the end of the suggestion say, "Well with MY group we would do *insert whatever they would do*. It's really kind of annoying. However, she's a good writer and DOES have good suggestions. It's definitely worth the read.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely brilliant.This book has been put together beautifully. I just wish B&N or someone would digitize it so I can put it on my Nook HD. Any book that I use as a text book ends up with it's binding cut off, spiraled, and the cover hard laminated. This is one of those books. I have also taken a copy apart and slipped each page into a sheet protector. Then I added it to 3, 3inch, 3 ring binders so I can add my own pages of notes. It serves as my own BOS. I will never finish this book because I refer to it all the time.

[Brian · Rating 1 out of 5]

For anyone who has taken in introductory physics course, this book loses a lot of the "metaphysical" appeal in her slightly scholarly approach to the topic. Most of the ideas or topics covered in any detail are usually contradicted any of the thousands of "catch-all" books like this. She has an interesting writing style, but from a practical or actual study approach, it serves as nothing more or less than a general guide for topical information.

[Trez · Rating 2 out of 5]

the way i see it is there are little bits of information that i could use... but over all a most of the things are outlined in detail which parts i think should just be guidelines or examples of what you can do... truly spells and conjurations are things that are made specifically by the person themselves for what they want accomplished... the most powerful magic comes from the heart and the soul...

[Michelle Hansen]

I have not read the entire book, obviously, I use it for more of a research book. I am what I like to call, a "free spirit." I have been baptized, but I use methods of many different religions to fulfill my spiritual desires and needs. This book contains a few lovely prayers and blessings, and of course, a lot of other very useful information for those who really consider Wicca as a sole religion point.

[ERIC Buyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mark this as 3 stars due to its size which in its attempt make for a fair effort at being a definitive reference guide.That said, it's hard to call it bad or good for any solitary witch because of the diversity of individual beliefs and styles within the Wiccan life. This is a decent reference with others less daunting being better.

[Logan Mendivil · Rating 1 out of 5]

I remember buying this book years ago when I was a teenager and read every page of it. I've grown up to realize that a lot of the information she presents in this book is inaccurate and not an acceptable addition to a pagan/wiccan/people who do personal study of religions' library. I could pop the back of teenage me's head for purchasing this.

[Dre` · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a catchall for basic magick practice and information. Though it seems to be written sometimes for a much younger set than I belong to, I find it's a good reference when you need to find some magickal reference quickly.

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great reference book for the beginner and experienced alike. It's great to use when studying on the Wiccan/Pagan Path, and a great reference book should you forget anything or need to do a refresh.

[Levia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I read on paganism and witchcraft. It led me to do further research and started me on my journey. I definitely recommend this for those interested in the craft. It is a large book though so be prepared to take notes!