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Three From The Frater's Shelves
Daniel Harms and John Wisdom Gonce III, The Necronomicon Files - The Revised and Expanded Edition (Weiser Books, 2003), paperback, 342 pages, $26.95, ISBN: 1-57863-269-2
At last, a book on that dreaded tome that a) has an ingrained sense of humor, and b) states the obvious - that perhaps no other book, real or imagined, has so fired the occult imagination as the Necronomicon, though Lovecraft's tome is entirely a fabrication of the horror author's dark mind - with a bit of panache instead of overloading the reader with a deluge of scholarly pomposity. Not to say that the work isn't well researched - like Colin Low's outstanding essays, it contains much in the way of liturgical, magickal, historical and cultural insights as well as practical and up-to-date notes, commentary and allusions. So whether you're an experienced ceremonial magickian or simply a fan of enduring fantasy literature, this book belongs on your reading list and will enjoy a special place on your busiest bookshelf.
*****
John Michael Greer, Monsters (Llewellyn Worldwide, 2002), paperback, 282 pages, $19.95, ISBN: 0-7387-0050-9
Unlike most of John Michael Greer's other offerings, this book is so laden with fantasy and conjecture rather than realism and objectivity, it is useful only to the most eccentric investigator. It seems to be at odds with its own identity, warring between being a useful field guide and an Elizabethan bestiary. Though its section "The Compleat Investigator" is quite good, it also features sections on dealing with such creatures through magick alone and on the existence of dragons and mermaids. The open-minded, Pagan investigator might find this book an entertaining addition to their library, but the serious investigator should rank this toward the bottom of his or her reading list.
*****
Jamie Wood, The Wicca Herbal: Recipes, Magick and Abundance (Celestial Arts, 2003), paperback, 274 pages, $21.95, ISBN: 1-58761-169-4
An outstanding work, this herbal features information and historical notes on each herb, its uses, both ancient and modern, magickal suggestions, recipes for incenses, oils, beverages, foods and talismans, correspondences, planting, growing and harvesting tips and cautions and warnings on handling some of the more hazardous plants. An excellent starting point for any Pagan (or non-Pagan, for that matter) interested in herbalism, this volume deserves a place in any book collection alongside such works as Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews and Dugan's Garden Witchery.
Carl McColman, Before You Cast a Spell: Understanding the Power of Magic (New Page, 2003), paper, 190 pp., $13.99, ISBN 1-56414-716-9
This book is a MUST READ for all practitioners of magick. Carl McColman goes far and away above other books of this type, to really drive home, in no uncertain terms, the importance of motive, preparation and ethics in spellwork. Every beginner and experienced follower of the Pagan traditions will benefit from such a book, from the way he dispels the "Thirteen Myths of Magic" to laying out the "Thirteen Laws". The points he details will be ample food for thought for every reader, and provide excellent guidance for those who really want to understand what magickal power is all about. Bravo!
Barbara Ardinger, Finding New Goddesses: Reclaiming Playfulness in Our Spiritual Lives (ECW Press, 2003), paper, 223 pp., $14.95, ISBN 1-55022-524-3
The topic of this book isn't necessarily new - the idea of creating thoughtforms or suitable deities is as old as time. From a 21st century perspective, though, it provides a view of what modern Goddesses would be like, and quite a host of them. The playful element is present, as well, which is needed to keep any religion fresh and vibrant. Taking one's religion, or oneself, too seriously often causes "traditions" to become repetitive and to stagnate. Invoking a new Goddess in ritual isn't such a bad thing, as the author makes clear.
A.J. Drew, A Wiccan Bible: Exploring the Mysteries of the Craft From Birth to Summerland (New Page, 2003), paper, 430 pp., $19.99, ISBN 1-56414-666-9
This book is a faint rip-off of Raymond Buckland's 2001 release Wicca for Life: The Way of the Craft - From Birth to Summerland. Drew also tries to come off as a pseudo-Aleister Crowley, naming each chapter with Latin phrases. He intimates in his Preface that Wicca was not "invented by a man named Gerald Gardner", and there are numerous typographical errors, from the very beginning of the text, which is mostly personal opinion, rather than well-researched fact. Not worth the price tag.
Elen Hawke, An Alphabet of Spells (Llewellyn, 2003), paper, 130 pp., $9.95, ISBN 0-7387-0466-0
This book is very small, in thickness and overall size but, despite its lack, there is a bit of decent information in the pages. The author, in most instances, indicates practical effort prior to spellwork, though in others, seems to prefer doing the spell to doing the work. The approach is ethical, which is good for beginners to the Craft, warning against binding others against their will, or performing love spells on a specific person. A minor consideration should have been placing the "Afterword" - about how to cast a circle - at the beginning of the text. That the contents of the book isn't necessarily worth the price may be another problem for Pagans on a budget.
Kerri Connor, The Pocket Spell Creator: Magickal References at Your Fingertips (New Page, 2003), paper, 160 pp., $9.99, ISBN 1-56414-715-0
While the concept of this book is good, the number of pages either left blank or filled with unnecessary artwork leave little room for actual useful information. The only expansive section is the one containing recipes for oils and incenses, with the rest being faint copies of comprehensive information better found elsewhere. The author should have put more time into research, to create a compact volume of references all practitioners could use, rather than just beginners. The limited scope of the information is a travesty, when so much good could have been accomplished.
Lisa Hunt, Celestial Goddesses (Llewellyn, 2001) hardcover, 122 pp., $24.95, ISBN 0-7387-0118-1
This is a gorgeous book for the coffee table you don''t need to hide from your non-Pagan friends or family. (Unless they are Slavic or Baltic heritage.(:-)} "An illustrated meditation guide", it includes 20 sky Goddesses from 17 cultures: Japanese Ameratsu to Australian Wuriupranili. Use it as a way to nurture a personal relationship with goddess energy by meditating on these mythological archetypes. Each Goddess has a one-page description including short stories and myths followed by a guided meditation, an affirmation and a beautiful color full-page rendering of the Goddess.
The only thing marring this book is the unfortunate Llewellyn trademark poor scholarship. An example is the glaring reference to "Slavic" Sun Goddess Saule` (p.79), who is definitely Baltic Lithuanian, yet even described as wife of Moon God Meness, who is Latvian! Oddly, several years ago Ms.Hunt was on the Baltic and Slavic Pagan e-lists soliciting information on Slavic goddesses. She was told then by Pagan Elders that Slavs and Balts are not the same. Yet she deliberately chose to misrepresent this Goddess. What kind of Goddess energy can you expect when you have gone out of your way to get Her ticked off at you? Be forewarned!
- Bernie Kazlauskas
Spirit Tomes & Treasures
Hammond, IN
Joy Ferguson, Magickal Weddings: Pagan handfasting traditions for your sacred union (ECW Press, 2001), paper, 185 pp., $13.95, ISBN 1-55022-461-1
This book is most useful, because it not only outlines what should be done for a handfasting - including samples of vows and ritual proceedings - but it also offers vital information for planning the date of such a ceremony, with the zodiac influences outlined, along with other pertinent factors. The author has done considerable research, and deals with some of the legalities of handfasting, local laws and procedures, and how best to find someone to legally solemnize a handfasting. For any couple planning to join together in the Pagan tradition, this is an excellent resource.
Yasmine Galenorn, Magical Meditations (Crossing Press, 2003), paper, 207 pp., $16.95, ISBN 1-58091-155-2
The revised version of Galenorn's Trancing the Witch's Wheel, first out in 1997, this is not the standard meditation guide. Instead, it offers guided meditations - suitable for personal or group use - dealing with the Wheel of the Year, the elements, and other spiritual topics. As a way to improve visualization and concentration skills, this form of meditation may appeal to many, and the Guidelines for Use and Suggested Exercises included by the author give practitioners room to grow. Galenorn herself may have become more cynical over the years, as she admits in the Introduction, but this book provides a positive means to make one's life more meaningful in a balanced way.
D.J. Conway, Magick of the Gods and Goddesses: Invoking the Power of the Ancient Gods (Crossing Press, 2003), paper, 437 pp., $19.95, ISBN 1-58091-153-6
This is a reprint of Conway's Ancient and Shining Ones. It is well worth having, to be sure. Extensive bibliographies at the end of each chapter, along with the Endnotes, give readers not just the text present as a resource, but vital keys to finding additional information. Dealing with the subjects of how the deities are viewed in Witchcraft and Paganism, Celtic realms, Indiana, Japan, by peoples of the Pacific Ocean and around the world is impressive. Touching upon the angels, the elementals and the planetary influences rounds out the piece. The "peripheral" facts Conway mixes in - like the costumes of the various cultures - gives readers the chance to add those elements to their own practices.
Denise Dumars and Lori Nyx, The Dark Archetype: Exploring the Shadow Side of the Divine (New Page, 2003), paper, 221 pp., $13.99, ISBN 1-56414-693-6
The subject of this book is a very serious one for most Pagans, and it is sad the authors don't take it all that seriously. They, instead, try to make "light" of this dark topic, to make it less "scary" than they admit in the early pages it really can be. Their research is sound, if limited - so much information is available on many of the deities they describe, for them to use only one or two sources is almost a shame. The style of writing is explainable in that Dumars writes for SageWoman magazine. Though both women claim this book is not for beginners, and they leave out any real description of the "protection" reputedly needed to approach these dark deities, the way they gloss over much of the text and try to make it humorous makes for an unsatisfying read.
This is a comprehensive look at both the practical and magical aspects of modern fraternal lodges - not specifically limited to the Golden Dawn. Greer based his approach on his own membership and interest in such lodges, and presents a method to adapt the lodge structure to most any tradition's needs, or for those who may wish to join such lodges. From examples of the constitutions and by-laws, to chamber layout and sample incorporation papers, history, basic ideas for the various rituals (though actual lodge rituals are bound by oaths of secrecy and not included) and degree systems can be found on these pages, which can make for a very mature basis for many magical groups.
Ann Moura, Witchcraft: An Alternative Path (Llewellyn, 2003), paper, 288 pp., $14.95, ISBN 0-7387-0343-5
What is it with authors being so full of themselves they must include every one of their own works in a listing such as Moura calls "Selected Books for a Witch's Library"? After reading this, it is uncertain any self-respecting seeker on the Wiccan path would want her other texts on their shelves. She includes misinformation not only about the pentagram (representing "elementals" instead of "elements") and the beliefs of witches in regard to deity and nature, but also about the Catholic church and their practices. This is a book for beginners to the Craft, but giving it to such beginners will get them off on entirely the wrong foot. Best to avoid this one.
Cassandra Eason, The Complete Guide to Divination: How to Foretell the Future Using the Most Popular Methods of Prediction (Crossing Press, 2003), paper, 320 pp., $14.95, ISBN 1-58091-138-2
As has been written before, there is a distinct problem when a book is titled "The Complete Guide" to anything. And that problem resurfaces in this text. None of the sections - on the Tarot, the Runes, the I Ching, etc. - are complete. An example is how the Tarot section does not include the basic spreads, such as the Celtic cross or the three card spread. No book can claim to be complete without those. Also, the bibliography is severely limited, and includes many of Eason's own works, rather than definitive writings about the various methods. For instance, the Tao Te Ching is included as a reference for the I Ching, but that book - lauded as it is - in no way describes or reflects upon the I Ching's divinatory techniques. It has to be wondered what Eason was trying to accomplish here, because she falls quite short of anything really useful.
Morven Westfield, Darksome Thirst (Harvest Shadows, 2003), paper, 330 pp., $14.95, ISBN 097417403-3
This is the debut fiction novel from this author. The story is set in the late 1970s, in a southern New England town. Alison Anderson, a computer programmer, begins to experience mysterious events at work that leave her confused and seeking guidance. Matricaria, a newly initiated Wiccan priestess, and members of her coven, then become involved in the chaotic storyline, which follows - in general - a mismatched group of friends and acquaintances being haunted by a mysterious vampire, who makes himself too apparent.
The intermix of witchcraft traditions dispersed throughout the book can be misleading to the uninformed novice, and leaves room for judgment due to the fact the information can be misconstrued. The book lacks fluidity in storytelling, introducing a multitude of diverse characters while continuously dragging the reader on short spurts of adventure which are poorly written and sadly unoriginal. It would be interesting to view the continuation of this series, to see if the author matures and fine tunes her storytelling ability. That said, I am unable to recommend this book as a good read.
- Bella
