Best of
Wicca

2008

The Rebirth of Witchcraft


Doreen Valiente - 2008
    Initiated by him in the 1950s and for a time High Priestess of his coven, Doreen helped him rewrite his seminal Book of Shadows and establish witchcraft's international reputation. In this intriguing exposé, Doreen provides an insider’s account of the birth and evolution of the contemporary Wicca movement. She recalls her spat with Gardner that eventually split his coven, the controversy surrounding Alex Sanders, "King of the Witches," and many other witches whom she has known, including “Dafo,” Robert Cochrane, Leslie Roberts, and Sybil Leek. She also describes the clairvoyant communications she received purporting to come from John Brakespeare, an 18th-century witch.

The Living Temple of Witchcraft: The Descent of the Goddess (Temple of Witchcraft, #5; Living Temple of Witchcraft, #1)


Christopher Penczak - 2008
    In the fifth installment of the award-winning Temple of Witchcraft series, popular author Christopher Penczak explores the Descent of the Goddess. In the myth of Inanna, the Goddess journeys through seven gates to attain entrance to the Underworld and learn its secrets. In this unique book on witchcraft, you will parallel this descent by journeying through each of the seven chakras, symbolically evolving from survival to a state of divinity. Each lesson has meditations based on the teachings of this journey, as well as an advanced discussion of a key facet of magick or witchcraft often overlooked by intermediate books: A pagan exploration of the Great Ages • The measure of initiationThe reason for being skyclad • Power and the Right and Left Hand PathsThe power of healing • Ethics and codes of conduct • Working with soul history Working with your Master-Teacher • Discovering your own spiritual laws Receiving your secret names of the Goddess and God The Living Temple of Witchcraft, Volume One: The Descent of the Goddess is for solitaries, eclectics, and non-traditional witches who are ready to integrate the mysteries and magick into their ministry and share their gifts with the world.

Wicca Magickal Beginnings - A Study of the Possible Origins of the Rituals and Practices Found in This Modern Tradition of Pagan Witchcraft and Magick


Sorita d'Este - 2008
    Did Gerald Gardner invent the tradition? Is Wicca a survival of a British folk magick system? Could it be a continuation of a European tradition of Pagan Witchcraft? Might it be that it evolved from Victorian ceremonial magick, or perhaps it is the modern manifestation of the medieval Grimoire Tradition? In this book the authors explore the possible beginnings of the tradition by examining the practices in the context of magickal and spiritual thought spanning thousands of years. Through setting aside the endless debates about initiatory lineages, they look beyond the personalities of the people and instead focus on what they consider to be at the heart of the tradition - the practices. Evidence from many previously uncredited and unconsidered sources is examined. This clearly shows how all the significant component parts of Wiccan ritual and practice have roots reaching back, in some instances thousands of years, before its public emergence at the hands of Gerald Gardner in 1950's England. They explore the sometimes surprising antecedents for key practices such as initiation, magick circles, ritual tools, the invocation of the Guardians of the Watchtowers, Drawing Down the Moon and The Great Rite. The precedents for the Book of Shadows, Wiccan Rede and Charge of the Goddess are also considered as part of this groundbreaking work. Wicca Magickal Beginnings may well answer as many questions as it creates about the true origins and nature of what is probably the most influential of the Western Esoteric Traditions today. Through combining scholarly research with practical knowledge, the authors clearly illustrate that the future of the tradition lies in utilising the rich diversity of its past, through the appreciation of its magickal origins and the untapped potential inherent in it. This book will be invaluable to anyone with an interest in the history, practices and beliefs of the Wiccan Tradition - and its links to Paganism, Witchcraft, the British Folk Traditions and Ceremonial Magick.

The Truth About Wicca and Witchcraft Finding Your True Power


James Aten - 2008
    Excellent for the beginner or intermediate practitioner. Explore a little bit of Pagan history. Where does the knowledge come from? Why was it repressed? Discover WHY and HOW Witchcraft works, and why anyone with an open mind can do it. Unlock the secrets of the astral plane and discover your true psychic potential.

Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers: A Celebration of Pagan Festivals, Sacred Days, Spirituality and Traditions of the Year


Carole Carlton - 2008
    This title provides a detailed description of the eight major Pagan festivals as they fall chronologically throughout the year.

Llewellyn's 2010 Witches' Companion: An Almanac for Everyday Living


Llewellyn Publications - 2008
    Get the latest witchy news and gain insights on issues relevant to you. Plus, glean some great tips and ideas for living your craft everyday: My Goddess Body by Gail WoodMystical Lineage by Elizabeth Barrette Flying Solo by Jim Weaver Sustainable Witchcraft by Melanie Harris Giving Back to the Spirit World by Lupa An eclectic mix of provocative and practical articles, essays, how-to's, and lunar information, Llewellyn's Witches' Companion is the perfect complement to our Witches' Calendar and Witches' Datebook. "Something inside for anyone and everyone. A refreshing and enjoyable way to revitalize your daily pagan practices."—Pagan Alliance

The Wiccan Minister's Manual, a Guide for Priests and Priestesses


Kevin M. Gardner - 2008
    The Craft is evolving, becoming more and more accepted by society, and there is beginning to be a definite distinction between Wiccan Laity and Wiccan Clergy. Part One - Guidance - Making the spiritual connection to personal deity through love, prayer, meditation, ritual, and myth and how to guide others to create their own personal connections. Part Two - Wiccan religious philosophy and guidance - How to live a spiritual life in the modern world. Part Three - various methods of healing mind, body and spirit - Including some legal pit-falls to avoid, plus chapter eleven presents an extensive discourse on Pastoral Counseling. Part Four deals with psychic self-defense and rituals of protection. Including House Clearings, Banishings, and Exorcism. Additionally, the author explains what to look for and what to look out for while determining if an exorcism is really needed or if the client is suffering from psychosis and is in need of a professional therapist. Part Five focuses upon the spiritual support roles. It covers, dealing with death and dying, Funerals, Prison Ministry, Legal requirements of doing Handfastings in all 50 states, plus a discourse on whether or not to incorporate. This work begins to fill yet another gap in this area of the Wiccan religious structure as it brings back much of the older knowledge and philosophy that seems to be waning from the collective Wiccan memory. Reviewed by Edain McCoy; "Kevin, I received my copy of "Wiccan Minister's Manual" It's terrific! You cover everything... Personally, I think you did a great job at making your book useful to all trads.

The Only Tarot Book You'll Ever Need: Gain Insight and Truth to Help Explain the Past, Present, and Future


Skye Alexander - 2008
    This easy-to-follow guide provides the insight readers need to develop their intuition, work through personal problems, enhance their connection with the high self, interpret the cards, and understand the deck and symbols.

Wicca 334: Further Advanced Topics in Wiccan Belief


Kaatryn MacMorgan-Douglas - 2008
    Containing twelve new topics and four new "Wicca in Practice" vignettes, 334 is designed for the serious student of Wicca interested in covering controversies, debates and injustices within the religion. Those searching for spells or techniques are not served by this book, which focuses instead on philosophy, Wicca's occasionally strained relationship with other religions and such divisive issues as propaganda and religious imperialism.

Dance Of Stones: A Shamanic Road Trip


Kenn Day - 2008
    Set amidst the backdrop of ancient European sacred monuments, the self revealing narrative invites the reader to join in the spontaneous adventures of a modern shaman, spiced with practical exercises at the end of each chapter.

The Goddess Book of Psalms


Patricia Della-Piana - 2008
    As any dedicant knows, repetition of the words used in worship, regardless of the feeling behind them, can lead to a robotic performance of what was once meaningful and reverent prayer. The poetic spirit in these psalms will resound in your soul, granting a new vision of your veneration, a fresh approach to your communion with the deity of your choice.

Llewellyn's 2009 Witches' Spell-a-Day Almanac


Llewellyn Publications - 2008
    Each spell is categorized by purpose: health, love, money, protection, and more. You'll also find recipes, rituals, and meditations to fortify your daily practice. Perfect for beginning spellcasters, this annual spellbook gives advice on the best time, place, and implements for performing each spell. Astrological data is included for those who wish to boost their magic with planetary energy.

Llewellyn's 2009 Magical Almanac


Llewellyn Publications - 2008
    Featuring articles, grouped by element, on topics ranging from enchanting household items to Goth culture, Llewellyn's 2009 Magical Almanac also includes the Moon's sign and phase, as well as a variety of magical correspondences. A trusted companion for practitioners of various magical paths, Llewellyn's Magical Almanac has been published annually since 1990. "Highly recommended." --PanGaia

Elsie and Pooka Stories of the Sabbats and Seasons


Lora Craig-Gaddis - 2008
    The author's humorous and whimsical approach and lavish color illustrations keep children entertained as they follow the adventures of Pooka through the Wheel of the Year.

Aradia or the Gospel of the Witches


A.J. Drew - 2008
    The words (stories) have become Aradia or the Gospel of the Witches. This manuscript, reportedly handed down in an oral tradition, was later translated and published in the late 1800's. While it is true that Maddelena's involvement with Leland cannot be proven, the fact remains that even with an uncertain origin, Aradia is one of the most important manuscripts available to the Pagan community. It most definitely presents such a powerful message that even today its words are found repeatedly in various literatures. It is the foundation for one of the most powerful and well-known documents in modern Pagan lore, The Charge of the Goddess. With an introduction and new material by A. J. Drew, this is Aradia as never presented before.

Beyond the Broomstick: Thoughts on the Philosophy of Wicca


Morgana Sythove - 2008
    This book debunks some of these views with a glimpse Beyond the Broomstick, to the philosophies behind Wicca, the Old Religion.

When Someone You Love is Wiccan


Carl McColman - 2008
    Because so many Wiccan newcomers are young, it may be understandably worrisome, even frightening, to many of the parents, other family members, friends, and associates of today's witches. This book offers an objective, honest introduction to this newly popular old religion, while providing comfort to worried readers. Non-Pagans will appreciate this fair and responsible overview of one of the most mysterious-and misunderstood-modern spiritual paths.

Passages Pagan Pregnancy: A Spiritual Journey From Maiden To Mother


Arin Murphy-Hiscock - 2008
    Embark on this sacred journey with special guided meditations, affirmations, and rituals. Designed to help you attune to the divine energies of childbearing,"Passages: Pagan Pregnancy" shows you how to: Prepare spiritually for this extraordinary timeConduct rituals to aide conception, safe pregnancy, and easy deliveryPractice responsible magick during these critical nine monthsDeal with unexpected developments as well as miscarriageThe first book of its kind, "Pagan Pregnancy" is the perfect companion to prepare you to take on the most magnificent-and magickal role of your life.Arin Murphy-Hiscock is the mother of one son. She is the author of "Power Spellcraft for Life, Solitary Wicca for Life," and "The Way of the Green Witch." She is the New Age consultant for Provenance Press, the Series Editor for the Passages series, a High Priestess within the Black Forest Clan, and has been active in the New Age community for more than ten years. She teaches a variety of workshops on topics such as designing rituals, spellcasting, and seasonal celebrations. She lives in Montreal, Canada.

Wejees Eclectic Book Of Shadows An Encyclopedia Of Magical Herbs, Wiccan Spells And Natural Magic.: A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner, Green Witch, Wicca Beginners And Adepts Alike.


Raven Starhawk Cunningham - 2008
    Its depth information will inspire you to new heights of creativity and power; this book steps beyond the ordinary with an empowering assortment of everyday tools to not only enhance a magickal practice, but to enhance a magickal life! With methods for incorporating Eastern concepts of the chakras, aura and Reiki into a Wiccan practice, and easy meditations and energy techniques to help you develop the power of the most essential and basic of magickal tools- the spiritual body and mind. This is a book you will want to keep on hand; it is perfect to pack into a purse, backpack, desk or car. It is a modern melting pot of pertinent and practical esoteric information, a handy, compact guide for the progressive and eclectic practitioner of modern magick!

Pagan Poetry for the Seasons and Festivals


Edain Duguay - 2008
    Written by twelve talented authors from around the globe.Ideal for use in personal Festival celebrations and Rituals. A wonderful look at the changing seasons through Pagan eyes.Great to enjoy throughout the year!Excerpt from 'Seasons' by Katy Ravensong: The saffron of the buttercup, the azure of the sky, The crystal of the babbling brook. These bid my spirit fly. The leaf careening lazily to join those below To wait for the winter, to be covered with snow. The pastel summer rainbow, the warm earth tones of fall, The newness of spring greenery, I love them one and all. The stark contrasts of winter, the blossoms when it's gone, The cycles keep repeating. The seasons still move on.

Witch School Ritual, Theory & Practice


Don Lewis-Highcorrell - 2008
    As an additional bonus, WitchSchool.com offers many optional interactive features to enhance your learning experience.Master the Art of RitualFrom the Dance of Death for Samhain to fire jumping for Bealteine, ritual is at the heart of religious devotion. Reverend Donald Lewis-Highcorrell, author of the Witch School series, is back with an in-depth exploration of ritual from a Correllian perspective. The Wheel of the Year is an ideal framework for mastering the art of ritual. Moving through the sabbats, Lewis-Highcorrell covers every step of formal ritual--casting the circle, invoking the quarters, performing the magical working, sharing the offering, and closing the circle. Encouraging improvisation and innovation, Lewis-Highcorrell also offers tips for keeping ceremonies fresh. There are suggestions for decorating, costumes, colors, and props. Sample ceremonies, which can easily be adapted for solitary practitioners, are offered as inspiration for creating your own effective and moving rituals.