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Isaac Bonewits, Witchcraft: A Concise Guide (Virtual Publishing, 2001), paper, 196 pp., $15.95, ISBN 1930916-38-8
This book is, indeed, what is purports to be, a short overview of Wicca. This includes Wiccan history - in which the author, by his own account, plays a prominent role, and which he interprets from his own viewpoint - rituals, practices and beliefs. The resource materials are limited to key books, websites and so forth, which is what would be expected in a "concise" text. The unfortunate thing is that the author seems to be critical of all those who do not fall in line with his personal interpretation. He draws conclusions, especially in the history section, that are not necessarily valid, given his research sources. He uses a broad sarcasm, which may make this a difficult read for those seeking a serious volume on the topic.
John Matthews, Taliesin: The Last Celtic Shaman (Inner Traditions, 2002), paper, 357 pp., $16.95, ISBN 0-89281-869-7
This is a revised and updated edition of a volume originally published in 1991. Those with an interest in Celtic beliefs and practices will find a wealth of information here, presented in a scholarly fashion, but not in over-scholarly language. The value of shaman, to teach and guide, and to ensure knowledge is passed from generation to generation, is well presented, and gives credence to how the Celts could have remained such a vital culture through many centuries.
Vivianne Crowley, A Woman's Guide to the Earth Traditions (Thorsons, 2001), paper, pp., $16.95, ISBN 0-00-711699-3
Except for one chapter in this book which deals directly with the feminine in the earth traditions, the material well presented is suitable for reading by both men and women. Crowley deals openly and frankly with the African, Pagan and Celtic traditions, among others. She is honest about how Native Americans see their traditions as being stolen by others, and view this as an "unwelcome intrusion". For those seeking to expand their knowledge of the non-mainstream religions, this is an excellent text.
Kerr Cuhulain, Full Contact Magick: A Book of Shadows for the Wiccan Warrior (Llewellyn, 2002), paper, 272 pp., $14.95, ISBN 0-7387-0254-4
Knowing how hard Kerr Cuhulain works to educate the public about the truth of Paganism - in his book Law Enforcement Guide to Wicca and the series he wrote for The Witches' Voice website - this book is something of a disappointment. A follow up to his book Wiccan Warrior and a predecessor for a book of rituals (for which he announces he is collecting ritual submissions), Full Contact Magick has the potential to confuse those who may not understand the basic concepts of Wicca.
Using the five elements (spirit, earth, air, water, fire) to divide the text seems, in this instance, perplexing. The process of growing into the Wiccan beliefs is illogical in places, as when the author describes sending energy in a chapter before describing how to draw energy. He instructs readers to write certain things in their Book of Shadows on certain pages, including a "Charge of the Goddess" which is reprinted in the text, but is not the only one extant. Overall, Cuhulain takes the ideas of Wicca and adds his own practices - which is what every practitioner will ideally do - and then implies this is the only way to be a Wiccan Warrior. This does a tremendous disservice to those who may wish to take some of his ideas and leave others, yet still seem themselves in this light.
The redeeming qualities come in the bibliography and the glossary, both quite thorough and informative, almost moreso than the actual text.
Amber Laine Fisher, Philosophy of Wicca (ECW Press, 2002), paper, 268 pp., $19.95, ISBN 1-55022-487-5
While the author makes some good points in this book - such as not all Wiccans practice witchcraft, and not all practitioners of witchcraft are Wiccans - there are also some disturbing points made. She cites, "The energy that created the universe and everything in it is the Divine Force I will call G!D." This may be due to her extensive study of Judaism, in which God is written G-d. But she follows this by over emphasizing the Goddess in the rest of the text, despite her statements that balance is key in life.
Fisher's statement that the Rede "is not a rule that is supposed to be implemented every moment of every waking day," will strike many as problematic. The author contradicts herself only a paragraph later, writing that the Rede "is a guideline for life in general." For those who seriously pursue the path of Wicca, "life in general" is synonymous with "every moment of every waking day", because of the heightened awareness which comes from faith.
Lastly, the butchered transformation of the Christian "Lord's Prayer" into a hymn to the Goddess may be offensive to some. Overall, this book should be taken with a grain of salt.
While the prospect of reading about "daimons" might attract some darker souls to this book, the subtitle should clearly dissuade anyone who is simply looking for a book about the ways daimons manifest or cause trouble. This is a very academic, in-depth look at how a person's own "inner daimons" can wreak havoc with his or her life through what the author terms "imaginal reality" and various states of consciousness. The author herself has experienced this, and the challenge of working through this turmoil led her to research and write the book. For those who seek a deeper self-knowledge, this would be a text worth careful reading, but for most individuals, the majority of the problems listed are - thankfully - non-existent.
Gail Fairfield, Everyday Tarot: Using the Cards to Make Better Life Decisions (Weiser, 2002), paper, 154 pp., $12.95, ISBN 1-57863-268-4
Described as "a choice-centered book", this text lacks, firstly, a bibliography. It is hard to tell where the author obtained her knowledge of Tarot. She does commit the common error of listing "general" meanings for each card, regardless of the type of deck one selects. She assumes the reader will accept her interpretations, using them not only for divination but for psychological enlightenment. It has been proven, however, each individual has his or her own subtle variations of the meaning for the cards, and to presume one interpretation will be sufficient is off the mark.
Fairfield does offer a good review of some aspects which will guide a person's selection of a particular deck, and the descriptions of some standard layouts. She also gives some guidance regarding creating one's own layout. Yet, the drawback remains how - if this is a book for beginners - she encourages reading for others, which should never be done until a person has considerable experience with the cards, their interpretation and the way of the world.
This third edition, "revised and enlarged" from the original 1974 edition, will take those readers with a serious interest in Kabbalah deep into the study of the Tree, and the history of the four worlds, with strong emphasis on its Jewish origins. The author deals in the last section with psychological aspects of Kabbalah, and the only place things really "fall apart" in the text is with the information she presents on the Kabbalistic rituals.
Pagan Kabbalists may find much useful information in this book, if frequent mention of the Judeo-Christian God is not too offensive. Ceremonial magickians will probably want a copy to use as a reasonably valuable resource.
John J. Coughlin, Out of the Shadows: An Exploration of Dark Paganism and Magick (1st Books Library, 1997, 2001), paper, 263 pp., $18.67, ISBN 1-58820-801-X.
Finally! A work that offers a solidly original philosophical base with magickal content that doesn't rise above the dregs of ham-handed offerings by standing on the shoulders of other authors and/or their previous works. As the author notes, his efforts are not aimed at forging a new tradition, but rather "to encourage you - if not challenge you - to personalize your own belief system." His inspiration? Simply put, everyone has dark aspects to their being, no matter what the form. And as magick is based on balance, despite the endeavors of much of modern Paganism to minimize such shadowy hues (all the while stressing the importance of the Greek axiom "Know thyself" - ironic, isn't it?), the "dark side" must be acknowledged and incorporated into the whole, as both are part of the spiral strand of existence. This book stands alone among tomes on the darker aspects of Paganism (and please don't confuse this with self-centric left-hand path pursuits) because it allows itself to, based on its own merits, without bending to satisfy any pop-culture appetites. Gone are do-it-yourself spells, replaced by insights on the energies behind such exertions. Gone are rituals, replaced by theory and methodology, answers to the "why" instead of the "how". Definitely a book for the thinking Dark Pagan.
*****
Aleister Crowley and Evangeline Adams, The General Principles of Astrology (Weiser, 2002), hardcover, 596 pp., $80.00. ISBN 0-87728-908-5.
This voluminous offering - though originally published by Adams herself in several segments but, in truth, penned by Crowley - showcases the true, albeit rebelliously original in terms of established astrological theory, depth of Aleister Crowley's knowledge of the subject, presented in a style that is totally approachable and comprehensible to the layman. Along with an excellent essay detailing Crowley's method of interpretation, the book features both basic and advanced information on the principles, aspects and signs of astrology, but also lengthy studies of the planets and their influences and symbology. An impressive presentation of additional tables and diagrams - Tarot correspondences, classical attributions, elemental relations, etc. - and an amazingly diverse collection of single and multiple reference charts fill out this cornerstone of the starry science. It is an invaluable addition to any astrologer's - or Crowleyite's - library.
*****
Joseph H. Peterson, The Lesser Key of Solomon: Detailing the Ceremonial Art of Commanding Spirits Both Good and Evil (Weiser, 2001), hardcover, 284 pp., $35.00, ISBN 1-57863-220-X.
Its name arises from a poor Latin translation, but the Lesser Key, here in its complete five-part form, fills out the Solomonic tradition of Ceremonial Magick begun in the Key of Solomon. A text known and utilized by Agrippa, drawing heavily from the earlier works of de Abano, Trithemius and Paracelsus, it stands as an archetypal work in the tradition of ceremonial magick. An excellent translation, laden with elucidating footnotes, it also includes Weyer's Pseudomonarchia daemonum, a catalog of malignant spirits echoed in the Goetia but with more ancient origins, as well as several pages of alternate talismanic and ritual diagrams from similar grimoires. As every Ceremonial magickian worth his water knows, the text versions of innumerable grimoires are available in myriad forms. This volume presents a rare treasure, the finding of which can be like pulling dragon's teeth: the complete illustrations for each of the sections. Enlightening and impressively inclusive, Peterson's version of the Lemegeton is a diamond that reflects the many necessary facets of this example of occult esoterica.
*****
Edward Hoffman, The Kabbalah Deck (Chronicle, 2000), 35 cards and paperback, 148 pp., $19.95, ISBN 0-8118-2732-1.
An excellent aid to the ritual/ceremonial magickian who is trying to master the intricacies of the Hebrew alphabet and basic Kabbalistic concepts, the thirty-five tiles - covering the twenty-two Hebrew letters, the Sephiroth on the Tree of Life and three blank tiles for multiple letter spellings - make great flash cards. The set itself, however, is keyed to the traditional Judaic Kabbalah and not the practical or mystical Kabbalah outlined by the likes of Godwin and Crowley. The book features a detailed historical and cultural overview of the Kabbalah, along with twenty-five guided teachings, meditations and spiritual activities for inner growth, but nothing on Gematria, Notariqon or Temura or the synthetic principles of the mystery-based modern Kabbalistic models. An interesting set, but better viewed as an illuminating outgrowth of the Judaic faith.
*****
Eliphas Levi, The Mysteries of the Qabalah (Weiser, 1974, 2000), paper, 286 pp., $18.95, ISBN 0-87728-940-9.
A vital player in Rosicrucian, Masonic and modern magickal history, Eliphas Levi contributed many notable volumes to the occult canon; this volume is undoubtedly the weakest (in fact, there is some credence to the claim that Levi himself, for whatever reason, never wished it to be published). Nonetheless, it still contains many of the seeds of the magickal methodology of today, both in terms of textual content and illustrations. Utilizing a detractingly kitschy layout style - odd for Weiser, who is still one of the finest publishers of scholarly occult works available today - the tome reflects the subjectively tainted metaphorical style that characterizes most of Levi's works. His intention, the combining of mysticism and modern religion, of magick and sleek, refined prophecy, is realized in obscure stylistic fits and starts that preceded such visionaries as Aleister Crowley and Manly P. Hall. "Visionary" - as states the endorsement in the original foreword, which contrasts Levi's book with the purely "intellectual" products of the ancient Hebrew scholars - is an appropriately ambiguous description of the work. The Qabalistic completist may want to give it a read; the curious should stick to the work of Mathers, Fortune, Fuller and Regardie.
Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon the King (Weiser, 1995) paper, 134 pp., $16.00, ISBN 0-87728-847-X
Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, The Key of Solomon the King (Weiser, 2000), paper 127 pp., $14.95, ISBN 0-87728-931-X
While editions of these two major works of Ceremonial Magick are available on the internet, those versions aren't "all there". The artwork and layout of these Weiser editions is far more readable and thorough than anything on the web. Those who may not follow the path of Ceremonial Magick might not understand the intricacies of the symbols, talismans and descriptions in the books, but for those familiar with the path, these books are a "must have", and these editions are the best available.
Ellen Cannon Reed, Circle of Isis: Ancient Egyptian Magic for Modern Witches (New Page Books, 2002), paper, 319 pp., $14.99, ISBN 1-56414-568-9
This is a difficult book to categorize, as the majority of Wiccans would not be able to incorporate its concepts into their coven or private rituals without major adjustments, and those who follow a Kemetic path, honoring the ancient Egyptian rites in their traditional form, might well be offended by the liberties taken here.
The author relates how her Wiccan coven was founded in the late 1970s around the Egyptian pantheon. Thus, their practices were a blend of old and new, from the start. That Wicca, in recent years, has been portrayed as more eclectic, bringing in Celtic, Roman and/or Greek deities for a variety of purposes during the year's rituals, makes this strict following of the one pantheon difficult.
The rituals and other practices, also based on Egyptian tradition, would be hard to adapt to any other style. Overall a book full of information, the question remains: are enough people interested?
Patricia Telesco, Ghosts, Spirits and Hauntings (The Crossing Press, 1999), paper, 156 pp., $10.95, ISBN 0-89594-871-0
Here is yet another typical production piece from Telesco, short on substance, and overly-simplistic to the point of being inaccurate in many instances. In addition to her claims - cited in other works - of her experience and knowledge of Wicca, she now purports to be an expert on things otherworldly. Most of the evidence provided about the various types of hauntings or spirits comes from stories provided by others, while the author's explanations lack any serious depth. There are far better books on the market for those interested in this topic.
Phyllis Curott, Witchcrafting: A Spiritual Guide to Making Magic (Broadway Books, 2001), hardcover, 352 pp., $25.00, ISBN 0-767-90825-2
D.J. Conway, Wicca: The Complete Craft (Crossing Press, 2001), paper, 460 pp., $22.95, ISBN 1580910920
These two books are being reviewed together because they are simply additional volumes in the long line of Wiccan instructional texts that rehash the same material over and over. And it's really too bad. That Conway continues Margaret Murray's erroneous claims of Wiccan history dating to Pre-Christian times sets the whole tone for that book. The chapters are far too short to make this a "complete" guide to the Craft. The "required" spells and rituals are included, without any real depth or proper explanation. There is, fortunately, one good warning among many pages of cliches: beginners should not try evocation. That beginners should not really try anything in this book is not mentioned.
Curott, at least, gives her work an honest effort. The "basic" and "advanced" exercises have some potential to assist readers, but their focus is too narrow. That "visualization" is emphasized, rather than letting the reader determine which sense is strongest for themselves is a shame. There just isn't enough in either book to indicate to readers that even the "tradition" of Wicca leaves much flexibility for each individual to determine his or her own path.
John Bonner, Qabalah: A Magical Primer (Weiser, 2002), paper, 216 pp., $19.95, ISBN 1-57863-211-0
It may be difficult for American readers to grasp the concepts included in this book, because the author is British and his style of writing scholarly. The detailed chapters on each Sephira contain descriptions of the correspondences and meanings, with other chapters covering the remaining details of the Tree of Life. It remains a worthwhile addition to the serious Qabalist's library.
Sheena Morgan, The Real Halloween: Ritual and Magic for Kids and Adults (Barron's, 2002), paper, 128 pp., $14.95, ISBN 0-7641-2222-3
Briefly, this is a full-color, coffee-table style book filled with facts, myths, games, recipes and other holiday lore. Though most of the research could be found in other volumes, this is worth a look for those who plan Samhain parties, or wish to teach their children about the Sabbat with an added bit of fun.
Lon Milo DuQuette, The Chicken Qabalah of Rabbi Lamed Ben Clifford (Weiser, 2001), paper, 234 pp., $16.95, ISBN 1-57863-215-3
There aren't enough words of praise available to offer for this phenomenal book. It is obvious Lon DuQuette has experienced that about which he has written. In the realm of Qabalistic texts, this one sums the concept up concisely: peeling back the layers of "reality" to reveal the true, invisible reality at the center. Other authors would add layer upon layer, correspondence upon correspondence, forcing student to memorize seemingly unrelated lists (and, often, move further and further from that very center). But the object of the exercise is to achieve the realization all is connected. It is complex, yet it is simple. DuQuette presents this complexity in its simplicity, and with laughter along the way. For, even that is related to everything else. From the Ten Command-Rants to the "screenplay" on the Four Qabalistic Worlds, these pages contain treasures of spiritual insight unrivaled by similar works.
Sandy Robertson, The Illustrated Beast: The Aleister Crowley Scrapbook (Weiser, 2002), paper, 127 pp., $21.95, ISBN 1-57863-258-7
Despite the sensationalist trappings, this volume does present several valuable bits of Crowley minutiae, including "A Memoir of 666" by Alan Burnett-Rae (a glimpse into Crowley's life in the 1930s), "The 'Rosicrucian' Scandal" by Leo Vincey, one of Crowley's countless pseudonyms (a bit of caustic satire aimed at his former mentor MacGregor-Mathers), and a fairly comprehensive index of Crowley's cloaked appearances in fictional literature. Though not an essential addition to a magickian's library, any Crowley completist will want it for what it has to offer: rare photos, pop culture homages and a nice selection of hard to find complimentary Crowleyana.
*****
Jean Markale, The Pagan Mysteries of Halloween: Celebrating the Dark Half of the Year (Inner Traditions, 2001), paper, 154 pp., $14.95, ISBN 0892819006
A dogged and exhaustive tracing of the high Pagan holiday from its Celtic roots to its attempted sterilization by the Christian church to its eventual diffusion to foreign shores, most notably ours. As a tool for understanding the depth and subtleties of the much maligned holiday, Markale's work is without compare. But be warned - if you're looking for party ideas, ritual instructions or spells that are most effective during the dark half of the wheel of the year, look someplace else. There is nothing candy-coated about this phenomenal scholarly work.
*****
Day of the Dead Box Set, design by Aletha Morrison, text by Gina Hyams, photos by Masako Takahashi (Chronicle Books, 2001), hardback (book), 96 pp. (includes skeleton figure and display altar), $22.95, ISBN 0-8118-3051-9
Though our Day of the Dead has been whitewashed into the second most commercially successful holiday on the temporal, non-cyclical western calendar, just south of the border, the day has lost none of its original zeal. Punctuated with stunning photography, the small book (which is, for the true taphophile, worth the cost of the set entire) does an excellent job of elucidating the origins and customs of the three-day holiday, which are an often confusing tangle of ancient Mexican beliefs and Spanish Catholic modifications. Also included are methods of altar construction, graveside preparations and traditional recipes, some solemn, some playful. As Juan Rulfo noted: "Life and death are not contrary worlds. We are a single stem with two twin flowers." Our society needs to re-embrace that fact.
*****
Konstantinos, Nocturnal Witchcraft: Magick After Dark (Llewellyn, 2002), paper, 229 pp., $14.95, ISBN# 0-7387-0166-1
How would one ascertain a dark Pagan (please, no George Lucas quotes; the emphasis here is benign essence rather than malevolent motivation)? "Do you dress in black? Favor silver jewelry?" So begins this tome and so is presented the initial depiction of those who wish to "embrace the powers of the night". It is certainly more a commercial, pop culture definition than a spiritual one. Clothes do not make the magickian; if only knowledge of the self would be considered fashion etiquette.
This book seems to encourage those who are trying to form a dark self-concept in terms of presence - without sacrificing the elements of New Age positivism, hence the concept of "good-dark" - to fill out that image instead of exploring and utilizing the much deeper and much more valuable aspects of self-realization that truly define those drawn to nocturnal pursuits. Taking Wicca, suggesting wardrobe styles, injecting hip, modern catch phrases and touting nightly practice does not create an "alternative spirituality", just as repainting a car does not render it, in reality, a new car. Redefining it in terms of spiritual balance (ie. Paganism can't all be rainbows, bunnies and huggable trees) in the effort to recast certain aspersions and stereotypes - the pat metaphor of light=good, dark=bad comes to mind - about such elements as lunar consciousness and the influences of night's embrace would. In terms of the latter, this book falls far short.
*****
Konstantinos, Gothic Grimoire (Llewellyn, 2002), paper, 182 pp., $14.95, ISBN# 0-7387-0255-2
As for this sequel (to the previous volume), only two comments can be made: 1) why can no modern writer or publisher realize the extent and effect of a complimentary volume? Spending a third of the book restating what was presented in the first book is a bit much. And 2), why is the package still so preconceived in terms of what will sink and what will float in today's market? Are there good points contained within? Of course. Is it like sifting for diamonds with blackened hands? Yeah, that fits the mold. Why not a book that encourages people to move beyond the poppy parameters? That would be more than a bit worthwhile.
*****
Francis Melville, The Book of Alchemy (Barron's, 2002), hardcover, 128 pp., $16.95, ISBN 0-7641-5462-1
This book is "pretty" in its design, but not just for show. The contents are well constructed, dealing with the history, myths and great names of alchemy, with details about the Great Work, the elements, the planetary attributes and much more. Some of the techniques and beliefs about the alchemical sciences may be "obsolete", due to the vast advances in technology over the past century, but much can be learned about life, the universe and magick from this slender volume.
Marilyn F. Daniel, Kitchen Witchery: A Compendium of Oils, Unguents, Incense, Tinctures & Comestibles (Weiser, 2002), paper, 288 pp., $24.95, ISBN 1-57863-189-0
This is an excellent reference for those interested in making their own magickal tools. I am impressed by the volume of recipes included. The author gives a great number of recipes for special use oils, incenses, salts, soaps, tasty foods, etc.; lists magickal coorespondences and substitutions for ingredients; gives tips for safety and clearly identifies illegal and poisonous ingredients. I plan to use this for many years to come in my own workings.
I do not, however, recommend it for beginners. A description of how to conduct a ritual starts off the book but the author seems to assume that the reader already knows how to visualize and work with energy (ie: "...visualize a blue-white light penetrating your body, spirit, mind and psychic areas, bringing protection, purification, and an abundance of energy. Actually feel this energy entering through your crown-chakra point and engulfing you.").
- Lynn Grate
As a fan of Dr. Faulkner's translations of the ancient texts, this book was quite a delight, made all the better by the inclusion of the entire text in it's original language and all illustrations. Due to the very nature of the texts, some parts can be a bit confusing for those with little or no knowledge of Ancient Egyptian cosmology and mythology, but the texts are still very beautiful and extremely cryptic. I highly recommend this one for even the most casual student.
- Shemsu-Ankh Meteruaset