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O Poder da Bruxa
The earth, the moon, and the magical path to enlightenment. Written by a practicing witch who conducts classes and seminars on witchcraft—the oldest Western religion, a means of power and enlightenment, and a healing art.“Laurie Cabot has written a fascinating account of a beautiful and sadly misunderstood religion, witchcraft. She has with her life and work done a great deal to legitimize this ancient pagan form of worship. I am among the ecumenical Christians who have discovered the truth about witchcraft, that it is neither demonic nor evil. Power of the Witch is a marvelous introduction to the magical and highly ethical world of wicca.” —Whitley Strieber
331 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
May 14, 2018
A product of its time
This book is very much a product of its time. It is full of great suggestions for how to begin or enliven a craft practise, but it is also chock full of false history and implications of the "ancient" nature of modern Wicca and paganism. Overall a good read, but treat any and all history with a heaping bucket of salt.
This book is very much a product of its time. It is full of great suggestions for how to begin or enliven a craft practise, but it is also chock full of false history and implications of the "ancient" nature of modern Wicca and paganism. Overall a good read, but treat any and all history with a heaping bucket of salt.
January 23, 2019
It's a good book, but the glaring historical/general life/science inaccuracies make it really difficult to be a great book. At best you could say she is building a mythology for modern Paganism, which I could understand, especially if you do follow a tradition that for the most part comes from an oral tradition that the church would have Christianised or destroyed. She also does a lot of sweeping generalisations of who witches are, what they do, and what they believe.
I found the first part of the book and the second last chapter particularly difficult to get through...
The meditations I liked, as well as brief personal anecdotes; the feminist aspect was good too...I did like the book, and I would recommend this book, but I would also advise that it's-from my perspective-about building a mythology, rather than facts. I find when pagan authors go into "the burning times" spiel, credibility can go right out the window, in this case Laurie Cabot has the cred to kind of...roll with it, as it were.
I found the first part of the book and the second last chapter particularly difficult to get through...
The meditations I liked, as well as brief personal anecdotes; the feminist aspect was good too...I did like the book, and I would recommend this book, but I would also advise that it's-from my perspective-about building a mythology, rather than facts. I find when pagan authors go into "the burning times" spiel, credibility can go right out the window, in this case Laurie Cabot has the cred to kind of...roll with it, as it were.
Read
July 28, 2011This was a good intro book for me, and I would recommend it to people who are interested in learning about Wicca and Modern Paganism. However I will note that some of the historical stuff, particularly about the Burning Times, is not as simple or straightforward as she makes it out to be.
November 1, 2015
I am very sentimental about this book. This is a re-read of a book I read about 25 years ago.
It was my introduction into paganism. As I read this book,it became abundantly clear that this way of thinking and practice would become a way of life for me.
Of all of the books I have collected over the years,this will always remain my favorite.
Blessed be.
It was my introduction into paganism. As I read this book,it became abundantly clear that this way of thinking and practice would become a way of life for me.
Of all of the books I have collected over the years,this will always remain my favorite.
Blessed be.
December 21, 2019
I honestly had a hard time reading this book. The "history" lesson is so inaccurate it hurts. There are few sources during this part of the book which is a big tip off. I had to keep telling myself that this book was written during a time in which that was common. There were a couple of interesting spells in it. You could easily just look for those and get the really useful information out of it.
February 6, 2013
Very good with many ideas to incorporate into your own practice.
January 30, 2021
Well... I've been planning on reading this book for YEARS now but only recently have I gotten my hands on it. Not sure if it was because I read it in an audiobook format (I plan to re-read it in a physical format sometime later in life and my opinion might change) but this book was a bit... disappointing.
I know I must look at it from the POV of the time it was written and what information was available at said time. From the historical info POV, especially in the first few chapters, it's just.... terrible. So much wrong information and data that makes no sense to modern knowledge, especially when it comes to the Celts and the Prehistory and such.
However, ignoring that point, I do admit that the exercises for the Alpha chapters, meditations, healings and spells are very useful and have lots of interesting content into them (and are the main, if not only, the reason I plan to get my hands on a physical copy of this book).
Overall it's not a book I recommend as a beginner's guide. This book I would say is good for people who already know their way around Witchcraft and want to add more info to their practices and want some new exercises to apply to their paths.
I know I must look at it from the POV of the time it was written and what information was available at said time. From the historical info POV, especially in the first few chapters, it's just.... terrible. So much wrong information and data that makes no sense to modern knowledge, especially when it comes to the Celts and the Prehistory and such.
However, ignoring that point, I do admit that the exercises for the Alpha chapters, meditations, healings and spells are very useful and have lots of interesting content into them (and are the main, if not only, the reason I plan to get my hands on a physical copy of this book).
Overall it's not a book I recommend as a beginner's guide. This book I would say is good for people who already know their way around Witchcraft and want to add more info to their practices and want some new exercises to apply to their paths.
January 8, 2025
Eu admiro muito a autora por ter transformado Salem como a cidade das bruxas como a conhecemos hoje. Sobre o livro: É excelente, cheio de rituais cujo alguns quero testar, contexto histórico de várias coisas e minha parte favorita: relatos pessoais da autora.
November 27, 2015
Before reading this I checked out some other reviews and found many have it poor ratings do to all the inaccuracies. I must agree if you are looking for the history of the wiccan movement please turn elsewhere. Ronald Hutton"s books come to mind.
Reading this book you're going to have to wade through a lot of misinformation but every so once and a while you will find little nuggets of truth.
I recommend this book if you're thinking about getting into wiccan and would like a jumping in point. I would so recommend this book if you want to get a sense of how the movement looked twenty years ago.
Reading this book you're going to have to wade through a lot of misinformation but every so once and a while you will find little nuggets of truth.
I recommend this book if you're thinking about getting into wiccan and would like a jumping in point. I would so recommend this book if you want to get a sense of how the movement looked twenty years ago.
August 28, 2012
A wonderful & magical insight into the Beauty of True Self & The Wise one's Craft, a must read for the greater understanding of what has been hidden & persecuted for far to long~*
August 2, 2011
Really good book, love Laurie Cabot's books.
May 22, 2023
Witch mother Laurie Cabot lives in Salem, Massachusetts, a place infamous for its witch trials where in 19 innocent people were hung or pressed to death. Most of the victims were women. A town rid of it’s witches now has people walking around in witch garb. Some accept it while others cannot get used to it.
Her life echoes that of witchcraft in general. As a youth she realized that she was different and that she was drawn to witchy things. She would have premonitions or be drawn to nature and it’s plethora of spirits. As children our minds are more open to the magical. While she does advocate being open about the craft and spreading th word she does realize that it is not always safe for people to come out of the broom closet.
Witches are not a bad thing in fact they are positive. Most of their work was for healing, abundance and prosperity. All things positive. The midwives of old had knowledge,of herbs and Star and all sorts of healing lore. The common folk being pagan had a sister of beliefs and practices. When Christianity took root the old deities were turned to devils and the church usurped many holidays and practices. This included medicinal lore.
When men opened the universities they took this medicinal knowledge with them and banned women from their universities. This put the power of medicinal stuff in the hands of men. When women were tortured and killed for witchcraft who were the ones who most benefited?
Laurie Cabot gives the reader a strong Wiccan view of history. She is honest in how Wicca was given birth to by Gerald Gardner. Her view posits that before patriarchal times women we’re in control and things were a lot better. I do not know if thst part is true. But women had larger roles and more importance back in old times and that is for sure.
The book explains many tenets of Wicca, including the sabbath on the wheel of the year and that lunar phases. She explains the metaphysical underpinning behind the use of magic. The book has instructions on circle casting, calling quarters and spell casting. Great stuff!
What I found most useful was the crystal countdown for going to a beta mine state to an alpha mind state. I also found that I liked the 7 Hermetic principles. Take note this is the principle of magic.
1. Mentalism : the whole universe is constructed of thought.
2. Correspondence: As above so below. Meaning that what effects the smaller microcosm affects the macrocosm.
3. Principle of Vibration: every single thing gives off a vibration at certain frequencies. Nothing stands still.
4. Polarity : everything contains within itself it’s polar opposite. Hate contains love, fire contains water.
5. Principle of Rhythm: every thing has its ebb and flow.
6. Law of Cause and Effect : Every cause has its effect; every effect has its cause; everything happens according to law; chance is but a name for law not recognized; there are many planes of causation, but nothing escapes the la
7. Law of gender : everything has masculine and feminine characteristics.
Another quite useful thing I got from the book was the Crystal Countdown. This get’s you into the alpha state where magic , dreams and astral travel happen. This is something one should learn to use. Enjoy the book it is awesome!
Her life echoes that of witchcraft in general. As a youth she realized that she was different and that she was drawn to witchy things. She would have premonitions or be drawn to nature and it’s plethora of spirits. As children our minds are more open to the magical. While she does advocate being open about the craft and spreading th word she does realize that it is not always safe for people to come out of the broom closet.
Witches are not a bad thing in fact they are positive. Most of their work was for healing, abundance and prosperity. All things positive. The midwives of old had knowledge,of herbs and Star and all sorts of healing lore. The common folk being pagan had a sister of beliefs and practices. When Christianity took root the old deities were turned to devils and the church usurped many holidays and practices. This included medicinal lore.
When men opened the universities they took this medicinal knowledge with them and banned women from their universities. This put the power of medicinal stuff in the hands of men. When women were tortured and killed for witchcraft who were the ones who most benefited?
Laurie Cabot gives the reader a strong Wiccan view of history. She is honest in how Wicca was given birth to by Gerald Gardner. Her view posits that before patriarchal times women we’re in control and things were a lot better. I do not know if thst part is true. But women had larger roles and more importance back in old times and that is for sure.
The book explains many tenets of Wicca, including the sabbath on the wheel of the year and that lunar phases. She explains the metaphysical underpinning behind the use of magic. The book has instructions on circle casting, calling quarters and spell casting. Great stuff!
What I found most useful was the crystal countdown for going to a beta mine state to an alpha mind state. I also found that I liked the 7 Hermetic principles. Take note this is the principle of magic.
1. Mentalism : the whole universe is constructed of thought.
2. Correspondence: As above so below. Meaning that what effects the smaller microcosm affects the macrocosm.
3. Principle of Vibration: every single thing gives off a vibration at certain frequencies. Nothing stands still.
4. Polarity : everything contains within itself it’s polar opposite. Hate contains love, fire contains water.
5. Principle of Rhythm: every thing has its ebb and flow.
6. Law of Cause and Effect : Every cause has its effect; every effect has its cause; everything happens according to law; chance is but a name for law not recognized; there are many planes of causation, but nothing escapes the la
7. Law of gender : everything has masculine and feminine characteristics.
Another quite useful thing I got from the book was the Crystal Countdown. This get’s you into the alpha state where magic , dreams and astral travel happen. This is something one should learn to use. Enjoy the book it is awesome!
March 9, 2021
A decent primer for anyone interested in belief systems outside the dominant culture, but certainly a product of its time. Some of the history and science bears some fact checking, but it’s a snapshot of a witch’s perspective in the 80s prior to the mass popularisation of witchcraft in popular culture (honestly I wonder what she’d say about the Harry Potter series).
Though there may be some easily identifiable inaccuracies, Cabot briefly touches on a bit of everything, which makes it a decent starter book. From the history of persecution mostly in the Western world, media portrayals, to detailed descriptions of ritual and practices. The part that loses me quite a bit is the last chapter prior to the epilogue, probably because I’m in the future she was trying to predict.
I think while Cabot emphasised the importance of marrying science and witchcraft, this is in no way an objective view on the practice. Keeping in mind this is written pre-internet, pre-social media, I can see how she is invested in contributing a counterpoint to the more cliched portrayal of witches in the dominant culture, but it does veer on fanciful at times (though I suppose not any more grandiose and indulgent than other major religions that brought about mass executions and continued prosecution of oppressed peoples).
It’s fine and could be a good reference for basics.
Though there may be some easily identifiable inaccuracies, Cabot briefly touches on a bit of everything, which makes it a decent starter book. From the history of persecution mostly in the Western world, media portrayals, to detailed descriptions of ritual and practices. The part that loses me quite a bit is the last chapter prior to the epilogue, probably because I’m in the future she was trying to predict.
I think while Cabot emphasised the importance of marrying science and witchcraft, this is in no way an objective view on the practice. Keeping in mind this is written pre-internet, pre-social media, I can see how she is invested in contributing a counterpoint to the more cliched portrayal of witches in the dominant culture, but it does veer on fanciful at times (though I suppose not any more grandiose and indulgent than other major religions that brought about mass executions and continued prosecution of oppressed peoples).
It’s fine and could be a good reference for basics.
September 9, 2025
First let me say that I read this book back in my early days of learning the Craft in the 90's. A lot has changed since then. The beginning of the book briefly covers the history of the Craft. We know more today than we did back then, so from a modern perspective the history is a mess and full of misinformation. That said, there is some great information and practices that can help any Witch master her/his abilities in the art of magick and psychic development. She does give some oil and potion recipes, incense mixes etc. However, her information on working in the alpha state, self-love and building self confidence are much needed elements to becoming a powerful force of change and magick in your life. Ultimately, the most important magick is the kind that changes you, the practitioner, for the better. I have used the tools given in this book as a solitary, as well as taken Laurie's Witchcraft course many, many years ago. If you utilize even just the alpha mediation work along with building a strong sense of self worth your magick will have a solid foundation for everything that comes afterwards.
March 25, 2018
A lot of the information in this was not new to me, but there were a few unique gems to take away, like how make up and clothing can be a legitimate and useful aspect of everyday magic. Cabot was a bit prescriptive regarding altars and spells, but I understand the traditional angle this was written from too. Though I found it interesting that she put fire in the east and air in the south. That's another unique perspective that flaunts current prevailing trend, and worth exploring.
I most appreciate Cabot's continued emphasis on witches learning the science of magic, and following new science discoveries in order to inform and support our spirituality. A modern spirituality is one that integrates, harmonizes, and builds upon what we know of our material reality.
A great book for a beginner to Wicca.
I most appreciate Cabot's continued emphasis on witches learning the science of magic, and following new science discoveries in order to inform and support our spirituality. A modern spirituality is one that integrates, harmonizes, and builds upon what we know of our material reality.
A great book for a beginner to Wicca.
December 31, 2020
The book holds a lot of misinformation about the history of witchcraft. Witchcraft is seen as an old religion, which reminds me a lot of Margaret Murray's theory of an ancient witch cult. (Which was false.) The talk about The Witch Hunts (or the Burning Times) shouldn't be taken seriously.
The book also doesn't separate witchcraft as a practice from Wicca, which is a religion.¨
However, there are some good meditation techniques that I've found helpful. The correspondences in spells aren't always explained, which is a shame. There is a table of correspondences at the end of the book, but it may be hard to understand if you're not familiar with witchcraft already.
The book also doesn't separate witchcraft as a practice from Wicca, which is a religion.¨
However, there are some good meditation techniques that I've found helpful. The correspondences in spells aren't always explained, which is a shame. There is a table of correspondences at the end of the book, but it may be hard to understand if you're not familiar with witchcraft already.
September 15, 2023
As others have said, a product of it’s time. The dated narrative of “light and love” and negative connotations of many BIPOC traditions were prevalent throughout the book, as well as many instances of “rule of three” and “do no harm” which are almost exclusively Wiccan ideals. The book mentions that not all witches are Wiccan, and vice versa, but then continues to drive home Wiccan philosophies as the gold standard.
It’s a good book to pick up, but read it through a cautious lens. And continue reading books from authors of varying backgrounds. There is great information and Laurie Cabot shares some great personal anecdotes.
It’s a good book to pick up, but read it through a cautious lens. And continue reading books from authors of varying backgrounds. There is great information and Laurie Cabot shares some great personal anecdotes.
January 17, 2025
The Power of the Witch de Laurie Cabot
Algumas pessoas próximas a mim sabem que eu sou muito interessado em questões relacionadas ao misticismo e às religiosidades diversas. Acredito que é muito instrutivo ver como existem tantas formas de se ter contato com o sagrado. Gosto muito, em especial, desde movimento neopagão e místico e esse livro está justamente dentro desse grupo. Laurie Cabot é uma bruxa de Salem e explica muitos elementos da bruxaria, com destaque para uma interface com os estudos científicos que ela faz. Para quem tem curiosidade ou se interessa pelo neopaganismo e afins, recomendo muito.
Algumas pessoas próximas a mim sabem que eu sou muito interessado em questões relacionadas ao misticismo e às religiosidades diversas. Acredito que é muito instrutivo ver como existem tantas formas de se ter contato com o sagrado. Gosto muito, em especial, desde movimento neopagão e místico e esse livro está justamente dentro desse grupo. Laurie Cabot é uma bruxa de Salem e explica muitos elementos da bruxaria, com destaque para uma interface com os estudos científicos que ela faz. Para quem tem curiosidade ou se interessa pelo neopaganismo e afins, recomendo muito.
March 24, 2022
I read this book and found it to be an interesting book that is simultaneously a bit dated in its perspective and yet timeless in what it offers. It’s a fascinating read and while I didn’t necessarily agree with everything the author shared I do respect the work for what it is and how it has helped multiple generations of people discover and work with their psychic powers. It’s a useful book that provides a snapshot of where we have been and useful to provide perspective on how much has changed since the book was published.
October 10, 2022
I went into this book with high hopes, and halfway through I caught myself just waiting for it to be over. I found a sexist undertone (though, I think it's just dated).
I did find any of this particularly useful, and I've been practicing mysticism for quite some time. I wouldn't recommend it for beginners, or for seasoned witches. Some of the spells in the later part of the book were good, but that's about it.
Though, I think what turned me off ultimately was the idea of needing to "act and dress like a witch", something about it just made me kind of cringe.
I did find any of this particularly useful, and I've been practicing mysticism for quite some time. I wouldn't recommend it for beginners, or for seasoned witches. Some of the spells in the later part of the book were good, but that's about it.
Though, I think what turned me off ultimately was the idea of needing to "act and dress like a witch", something about it just made me kind of cringe.
February 27, 2021
Please keep in mind what the craft was going through when it was written. Witches and the craft evolve quickly and as we grow we learn that things are different. Everybody and every book has some thing to teach. I love her focus on going alpha and meditation. The spellcraft in this book is solid. It's a great perspective. I find that even when I do not agree, I do understand where she is coming from and why.
August 30, 2023
[Tradução: Álvaro Cabral]
No geral, adorei a leitura! O conhecimento, tanto histórico quanto prático, transmitido pela autora é, em muitos pontos, superinteressantes e valiosos, por isso vejo o livro como um daqueles que voltamos a consultar de tempos em tempos.
A tradução, porém, deixa a desejar em algumas passagens. Não há falhas de compreensão, mas escolhas lexicais e gramaticais um tanto deslocadas, que hoje seriam resolvidas por uma preparação bem-feita.
No geral, adorei a leitura! O conhecimento, tanto histórico quanto prático, transmitido pela autora é, em muitos pontos, superinteressantes e valiosos, por isso vejo o livro como um daqueles que voltamos a consultar de tempos em tempos.
A tradução, porém, deixa a desejar em algumas passagens. Não há falhas de compreensão, mas escolhas lexicais e gramaticais um tanto deslocadas, que hoje seriam resolvidas por uma preparação bem-feita.
July 13, 2024
I wouldn’t reach for this book as a beginner. There’s a lot of absolutes about how to practice. There’s a lot of misinformation, and patchwork theories strung together. A seasoned practitioner would be able to discern the small portions of good knowledge, which are hidden in amongst the utter trash. The anecdotal stories from her life come across in a way that she is not a reliable story teller and hyperbole at best.
January 3, 2021
Is it possible to give a "0" stars review - i would if I could!!
Since I met her and her daughter's masquerading as the "one and only official witch of Salem, Massachusetts" - where I'm from, mind you - I have really disliked this person - a rather unfriendly "cronish" zombie to me, totally mathematically uncapable of anything "magickal."
Since I met her and her daughter's masquerading as the "one and only official witch of Salem, Massachusetts" - where I'm from, mind you - I have really disliked this person - a rather unfriendly "cronish" zombie to me, totally mathematically uncapable of anything "magickal."
November 7, 2021
What Cabot teaches in this book is Wiccan. The history presented is out of date, but was popularly thought during the time in which she wrote the book. She teaches a lot of useful techniques such as entering trance states and energy work. I highly recommend this book for any Wiccan, especially those starting out, but even if you’re not Wiccan you can get something out of this book.
November 15, 2022
One of the best books of modern Witchcraft I've read in years. I wish I would have got my hands on it earlier in my spiritual journey as this is the perfect beginner introduction to the art, science and religion of Witchcraft. A must read that covers the mental, physical, spiritual and scientific viewpoints for a well rounded Witch.
March 3, 2019
A surprisingly good primer on basic witchcraft by the "Official Witch of Salem". This book has a lot of good exercises and other information to get a person started on a magical path. I highly recommend it.
April 4, 2023
Re-reading a classic. This is very much a product of its times and the "history" section in particular is more fiction than fact, but some of the more practical aspects of the Craft are interesting and still relevant. Worth a read if only to know you've read some Cabot!
July 30, 2018
A bit preachy for my taste, but good information
August 13, 2020
Much better than I thought it was going to be. Cabot makes a few bold generalizations that made me chuckle but for the most part this book is a decent primer for starting a magical practice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews