Wicca: The Complete Guide to the History and Practice of Witchcraft [Paperback]

 

 

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The religion that Vivian Crowley describes in this text is extremely representative of the Wiccan traditions that I have observed and participated in throughout my lifetime. Although people like Buckland and others try to address a more "generic" witchcraft, this text is designed to explain the esoteric craft, its nature and the psychology behind it. A very valuable book for those who wish to learn about the root traditions (Alexandrian and Gardnarian) and understand the psychology and magical theory that exist behind the actions of the outer trappings of the religion.

This book is not so much for those who wish to learn wicca, but for those who wish to understand it. A valuable resource for the student as well as the cultural anthropologist.

I had heard lots of good things about this book so when it was available at the library, I quickly picked it up. This book has a lot of information on the history of Wicca and Witchcraft (she acknowledges that they are NOT the same) and is a very interesting read if you want to know more about how covens work. She thoroughly explains the difference between the first, second and third degrees and also describes the basic rites that you go through to get these degrees.

I had some trouble reading this book. (I'm 19) The text is small and Crowley uses complex wording. It is definitely not the first book you should read on Wicca. I wouldn't really call it a beginner's book but it does have some basic information in it. I would say that you should probably be able to read at the Grade 12 level at least to fully comprehend this book. I often had to re-read a paragraph and you may want to put a dictionary beside you as you read. Despite this, it is very interesting and informative.

It isn't necessary to own this book but it is a good idea to read it thoroughly. What I mean is, you probably won't be going back to it very often once you understand the information in it. It's not a resource.

V. Crowley uses a LOT of quotes from C. Jung and it may be a good idea to read a bit about him yourself, although this is not required.

This book is not a how too book. You won't be able to practice wicca just by reading this book. what it is though is an incredible book on wiccan theory.There are many things about this book that could of turned me off. For instance it is extremely traditional, and is heavy on gender polarity. But in the context of the book, i was not in the least offended (and i am easily offended)The book starts off with a brief discription of the variety of wiccas that are practiced today. this is included mainly to give the reader knowledge that crowley's view is of a particular kind of wicca. it seems to me that she practices a alexandrian form. that said, this book is valuable to any practicioner regardless of tradition.it next gives a very realistic view of the origins of modern wicca. no fantasy here--the real deal.the rest of the book goes through all aspects of coven witchcraft viewed through the lenses of jungian psychology, spirituality, magick and personal experience. the author goes into detail describing exactly what goes on when for instance you are casting a circle or drawing down the moon. she includes what you should be thinking, feeling, and visualizing. this is stuff that is almost never included in wicca 101 how to books. starting out on my own as a solitary 13 years ago, i could have used this information. back than i pretty much went through the motions ignorant--and had to figure all this stuff out along the way. the book does assume prior knowledge of the subject and if you are a beginner i suggest you read a good lewellyn wicca 101 book along with this to learn the "what" along with the how and why that this book provides.i think this book is a good read for anyone regardless of how experienced you are, what your tradition is, or whether you are solitary or in a coven. it really makes you think, and think deeply, about every aspect of the craft. it is based on coven work--but the insights really don't rely on you being in a traditional british coven.if you are used to reading llewellyn books, this book takes a bit more effort, and might be difficult for teenagers. don't get me wrong, i love llewellyn books but they are usually a simple read--a good thing for a how to book. i fouund this easy but i am 29 and an avid reader. i'm not saying this is james joyce or anything but i am trying to write a review that can help everyone--and want to let young people, and people who don't lik to read know what they are in for.for me the jewell of this book was the invocations and charges written by the author. the are very poetic and beautiful. you can tell the writing comes from deep within her soul. i am really glad i read this book and wish i had read it sooner. i wouldn't think i would have liked it so much, its traditional, coven based, and i am very ecclectic and very feminist, so the craft the author practices is not my cup of cocoa. so if i could love it, i think everyone will love it.

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3.0 out of 5 stars Validity of Jungian Wicca?
I question the validity of Jungian Wicca. Jung was essentially an atheist, and back-masking his beliefs in support of one's religion just seems icky to me. Read more

Published on Aug 1 2003 by Kelly Linde

5.0 out of 5 stars Finding the self....
In THE OLD RELIGION IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM: WICCA, Vivianne Crowley suggests Wicca is the religion of the Age of Aquarius. Read more

Published on Sep 22 2002 by Dianne Foster

5.0 out of 5 stars **Vivianne Crowley does Great job!!**
This is one of the best books I have read on Wicca so far. She does a great job of explaining & giving examples. Read more

Published on Mar 16 2002 by brookelynn

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended-- even for non-Wiccans
In a word, this is the best book I have read on "New Age" sprituality. Despite its title, the book is not limited to discussions of Wicca-- rather, it extends its very... Read more

Published on Nov 18 2001 by Jeffrey

5.0 out of 5 stars Truely Excellent Book!!!
There are very few good introductory books to Wicca available about there that really go into the depth of Wicca. Read more

Published on Nov 6 2001 by Troyce Wilson

1.0 out of 5 stars Summary: "Men and Christians are bad"
That's the book in a nutshell. A simple-minded position based on conjecture. Instead of offering a realistic account of this so-called faith, this is a predictable rant against... Read more

Published on Aug 13 2001 by Steve Sikes

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Few I've Bothered to Read Twice
I have more books on the Craft than any sane person would keep. The useless ones I get rid of. This is one of the few I've actually read more than once. Read more

Published on April 2 2001 by Elderbear

5.0 out of 5 stars well-rounded perspective
Vivianne Crowley's background in psychology allows her to offer a view of witchcraft that could appeal to all who think those who engage in witchcraft are fruitcakes. Read more

Published on Mar 11 2001 by kristen voegeli

5.0 out of 5 stars deepened my path
When i first began exploring Wicca i bought every book about it that i could. Most beginning Wiccan books are all the same, sometimes beginning books are all there seem to be :),... Read more

Published on Mar 10 2001 by bearlaurel

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear, concise educating book!
This book was the first book on Wicca that I ordered. It's quite a small little book with loads of information. Read more

Published on Feb 22 2001 by Russell Davis

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