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Ceisiwr Serith, A Book of Pagan Prayer (Weiser, 2002), paper, 286 pp., $19.95, ISBN 1-57863-255-2
To estimate how many Pagans may have a problem with the concept of a "book of common prayer" - as the publisher describes this volume - would be rather difficult. Prayer is not necessarily a Pagan tradition, as the author himself admits. Yet he wants this to be the first in a succession of such texts. "A search... turns up only a small number of prayers," and even less on the topic of offerings, which is also addressed. He asks why the Gods "demand" gifts from us. He writes that "preparation" for prayer is necessary, because one is entering their presence to "give them a message or offering." Eh?
That the "prayers" in this book are mostly composed by the author is problematic in itself, because he deals primarily with the deities to which he is partial. His listing of offerings is severely limited; his appendix describing the various Gods even worse. He may be a "teacher in the Pagan community", but I'm very glad I'm not part of that particular community. He is skewing an obviously Judeo-Christian-focused idea to - seemingly - make the idea of approaching the Gods easier for Pagans who have converted. He succeeds only in blurring the truth about ritual, invocation and other techniques that are key to the Pagan faith.
Vivianne Crowley, Paganism (Thorsons "First Directions", 2000), hardcover, 90 pp., $12.95, ISBN 0-00-710334-4.
For those who are looking for "basic" books on Paganism, whether to give to friends or family to help them understand what Paganism is about, or to use in the early stages of their own search, these are good starting points. The style of writing is not condescending, the information concise and serious, and no promises are made about how following this path will make life easier or that all problems will disappear. Further resources are also provided for those who wish to read more.
This revised edition of a book published in 1992 is a wealth of information about the observances of various Pagan traditions. Pennick also describes the importance of "real time" as opposed to the time on the nearest clock, the cycle of the tides and the moon, a host of correspondences, etc. This is a welcome reference work for those who wish to calculate the most auspicious time to cast a spell or perform a ritual.
This is a book of questions and answers on a variety of topics, with input from some of the key names in Paganism today, including Starhawk, Isaac Bonewits, Selena Fox, Phyllis Curott and many others. The Druid and Wiccan traditions are discussed, as are the Church of All Worlds, Covenant of the Goddess, Military Pagans, Pagans and the Law, the matter of persecution, and so forth. The compilation gives a reasonable overview of these subjects, and can lead those interested in learning more to good sources of additional information.
This book is "interactive", in that readers can address difficult concepts through questions at the end of each chapter, and areas of difficulty. The text presents the basics of Paganism, and the fact that many questions are difficult to answer, because Pagans are all different. The matter of Satan is covered, and why he isn't a factor for most Pagans, but why members of other faiths think so. Another good book for those who wish to explain their beliefs to others, though deeper in content than some others.
While it might seem this book is similar to the Higginbotham volume, it isn't. The editors have compiled papers from a wide variety of authors, mostly British, on the traditions themselves, as well as an assortment of Pagan practices. Most of what is included is readily understandable, though other sections are written almost as academic presentations, complete with extensive end notes. Nonetheless, this is a valuable work.
This interesting little book takes readers through the many uses of crystals, and how they can help bring about balance in one's life. A section on the chakras, and which crystals are associated with them, is useful, as are the instructions on how to cleanse a crystal. The importance of meditation, using crystals in healing and other information is included. The only thing missing is a comprehensive list of the crystals and their properties.
This book takes the kitchen witch through the year, with a wide assortment of recipes and information about the seasons, and the significance of ingredients being used. Some of the spells included are rather interesting, as well. A fine addition to any kitchen witch's cookbook collection.
Here is a history rich in information, and not in academic language, which makes it possible to read without having a dictionary at hand. Touching on the different cultures - Egyptian, Celtic, Babylonian, Greece and Indian - the author describes how the feminine was worshipped, and what remains of those trends today. The addition of an index of sites, museums, sanctuaries and pilgrimages gives those who actively seek the Goddess places to go where she can be found.
Finally, a book about being a witch that stresses personal responsibility, preparation and serious study over the course of a lifetime. The author does a good job putting things together, whether a person is interested in coven work or solitary practice, and even the spells included are reasonable and balanced. Basic ideas for celebrating the Sabbats are included, as are the role of the internet and suggestions for coming out of the broom closet.
Similar to the works of Carlos Castenada or The Celestine Prophecy books, the author takes readers through his personal journey from being a New England college student to Peru, where he discovered a spirituality which changed his life. Take the long way 'round in a way, it is about one-third into the text that he finally begins relating how his experiences can be shared by the reader, and asking questions that only the reader can answer for himself. The Incas were, indeed, a remarkable people, and for those who are interested in their culture and practices, this book could be worth a look.
It is interesting that the books written by British Pagans/Wiccans seem to be more in-depth and practical than those written by some Americans. A Witch Alone is a good example. The author provides serious information for those who are not certain about being solitary practitioners. She recommends exercises and further reading, and that the reader take at least 30 minutes a day for additional study and practice. Green makes it clear that just reading a book does not a Witch make. Bravo.
Diane Stein, Casting the Circle: A Women's Book of Ritual (The Crossing Press, 1990), paper, 260 pp., $14.95, ISBN 0-89594-411-1
That women have suffered much since the rampant conquest of patriarchal society cannot be denied. Pushing the envelope of this fact too far can cause more harm than good, however. While the spirituality presented in this book is exclusively for women, it may be a bit unbalanced in that. No woman can completely exclude men from her life, and the attempt is detrimental. Indeed, women who have been mistreated by men may prefer the company of women, and the information in this book is well researched and thorough in its presentation, but to condone the attitude of women vs. men ("us vs. them") in an attempt to control the world and its future is a bit ridiculous. More emphasis should be placed on working together to establish the equality the author claims women seek.
C.C. Brondwin, Clan of the Goddess: Celtic Wisdom and Ritual for Women (New Page Books, 2002), paper, 253 pp., $14.99, ISBN 1-56414-604-9
Similar in scope to Casting the Circle, this book deals with bringing one's "women's spiritual magick" into play, but without the "anti-man" flavor. The style of writing - considering the author "has been honored as an award-winning documentary journalist" - is a bit light for the topic. And there is concern of how personal preparation for embarking on this path is discounted, "Your task starts at least a few days before you move on to your Initiation Ceremony..." Anyone serious about pursuing a magickal path has to realize it takes more than a few days before one is ready for an initiation - by a group or otherwise. Sometimes, it takes years. Brondwin also offers "shortcuts" which are not feasible when in the early stages of magickal practice. This book should be taken with a grain of salt, and verified through other reliable sources.
Alan Oken, Pocket Guide to the Tarot (The Crossing Press, 1996), paper, 152 pp., $6.95, ISBN 0-89594-822-2
Contrary to what one would assume about a book (or series) described as "pocket", The Crossing Press has made certain the information contained in this book is thoroughly researched and accurate. The only thing "pocket" about it is its physical size, which is approximately 4" x 6". Oken has pulled together the traditional meaning and descriptions of the Tarot deck, using the Rider-Waite artwork as illustrations. This information can be used with any deck to allow the querent a fuller explanation of a reading, and to develop one's own accurate personal interpretation of the cards.
Ron H. Feldman, Fundamentals of Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah (The Crossing Press, 1999), paper, 144 pp., $12.95, ISBN 1-58091-049-1
This book is a brief but enlightening look at Kabbalah from a Jewish point of view. While it might not be of interest to many Pagans, those who study Kabbalah will find the background information useful. There are charts of the Hebrew letters and their correspondences, correspondences for the Sephira on the Tree of Life, and the four letters of the Tetragrammaton and how they relate to the "four worlds". It is most interesting that the author admits the view of Jews studying Kabbalah toward non-Jewish Kabbalah "ranges between derision and amusement", and Jews see that others have, in a way, hi-jacked their sacred teachings for their own use. But, is not imitation the greatest form of flattery?
Cassandra Eason, A Complete Guide to Magic and Ritual: Using the Energy of Nature to Heal Your Life (The Crossing Press, 2001), paper, 253 pp., $16.95, ISBN 1-58091-101-3
The problem with calling this a "complete guide" is that no book can ever cover everything one needs to know about any topic. And this book does not even come close. Once again, love and money magick are present, and the sections on the different types of magick which are covered are too brief and not the least bit thorough. As a supplemental reference guide, this book may prove useful, but the reader should not expect the completeness the title professes to offer. An addition problem is that Eason makes no attempt to explain the need for personal balance before undertaking any magickal endeavor or ritual. She has taken the route of presenting another "it's easy to do magick" volume, which is a shame, because she could have done far better.
Sally Dubats, Natural Magick: The Essential Witch's Grimoire (Citadel, 2002), paper, 259 pp., $14.00, ISBN 0-8065-2335-2
All too rare are books where the title honestly reflects the text. This is one such volume. For someone serious about pursuing an eclectic, Wiccan based magickal path, this is an excellent resource, containing practical information about ritual tools, divination, an extensive section on the properties of herbs and crystals, and a guide to correspondences for various types of spells - leaving the composition of those spells to the practitioner. This is a "thinking person's" guidebook, and to bring one's magick to fruition using this book will take much thought and effort, which is what magick is all about.
Raymond Buckland, The Witch Book: The Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, Wicca and Neo-paganism (Visible Ink Press, 2002), paper, 602 pp., $24.95, ISBN 1-57859-114-7
It really says something when one of the proven elders of Witchcraft puts together a comprehensive book such as this. Gathering information from countless sources, Buckland has created a reference volume fit for the beginner's or adept's library - even including Senator Jesse Helms for his anti-Wiccan activities. He does allow nearly three full pages for his own entry, but he can best list all that he has accomplished in his nearly 70 years on earth. Worth every penny.
Witch Bree, Witch's Brew: Good Spells for Creativity (Chronicle Books, 2002), hardcover, 89 pp., $12.95, ISBN 0-8118-3458-1
Witch Bree, Witch's Brew: Good Spells for Good Friends (Chronicle Books, 2002), hardcover, 89 pp., $12.95, ISBN 0-8118-3459-X
These small volumes are fancy in appearance, and tied with ribbons, but the content does not merit the hype or the price. The author, who is "a poet and medieval scholar, as well as a practicing witch and astrologer" should have taken the time to present her ideas in a form more viable, and less "commercial". There are already enough cheesy spell books on the market; there is no need for more.
Alexandria, Wiccan Feng Shui: How to Arrange a Magickal Life (Citadel Press, 2002), paper, 216 pp., $12.95, ISBN 0-8065-2296-8
This "well known Wiccan High Priestess in the Houston, Texas, pagan community" offers a book cluttered and confusing. There are numerous books on Feng Shui already available, and mixing Wiccan beliefs, Tarot cards and other unrelated information with a system that has proven useful for many is unnecessary. The author even admits to having doubted her purpose for undertaking this volume, but she continued on. Her statement, "Now on to the sappy, personal stuff," is indicative of the tone of the entire book. Her assertion, "we Witches look for meaning in even the smallest of events and carefully phrase what we say," shows her blindness to the current availability of volumes which promote easy spellcasting without the actual spirituality. For those honestly interested in Feng Shui, better to invest in any of the books by Richard Webster.
Mary K. Greer, Tarot for Your Self: A Workbook for Personal Transformation (New Page, 2002), paper, 298 pp., $18.99, ISBN 1-56414-588-3
This book gives newcomers to Tarot and even experienced practitioners a wealth of information about the various spreads, the meaning of the cards, and examples of ways to record the results of a reading. A revised edition of a work which originally appeared in 1984, this volume is worth more than many of the simplified/fluffy books about Tarot which try to make it too easy. For those who are serious about discovering how the cards - regardless of the type of deck - relates to their own personal life, this is a must-have.
Chuck Coburn, Reality is Just an Illusion: The World of Shamans, Ghosts and Spirit Guides (Llewellyn, 1999) paper, 238 pp., $9.95, ISBN 1-56718-155-4
This is a story of Coburn's journey (with his wife) to Ecuador, to find wisdom and truth from the native shamans. What makes this book different from other "spiritual journals" popular today - like those of Castenada or Redfield (The Celestine Prophecy), is this appears to be a factual account, whereas the others border on fiction. Coburn presents his questions, and how he sought the answers, what he and his wife found, what they experienced, in totally down-to-earth terms, as opposed to the flowery, overly-dramatic style used in other books. This is a good read for those interested in native spirituality, and can be helpful for the spiritual seeker in general.
Dana D. Eilers, The Practical Pagan: Commonsense Guidelines for Modern Practitioners (New Page Books, 2002), paper, 251 pp., $13.99, ISBN 1-56414-601-4
Here, finally, is a down to earth volume for those who have had an inclination they might be Pagan, but weren't certain. It will also be helpful for those newcomers to the various traditions who may have read a few other books, but didn't understand the tripe found therein. The author is an attorney, and she addresses in down-to-earth terms what is means to be Pagan, the difficulties of defining Pagan, and some of the pitfalls - regarding discrimination, lifestyles, etc. - of being Pagan. The writing style is open and frank, even blunt in places - but necessarily so. An absolute must.
Nancy B. Watson, Practical Solitary Magic (Weiser, 1996), paper, 248 pp., $16.95, ISBN 0-87728-874-7
All too rare these days are books for solitary practitioners which, indeed, provide a viable course of study for these practitioners. This is one such book. Delving into the four planes - mental, spiritual, physical and emotional - a well-balanced view is given of what it really takes to practice magick. Watson's description of what should be sought in a teacher is excellent. Her statements regarding magickal ethics are equally important. A must-have for any practitioner's library.
