The cover art and internal graphics were well done. Ms. Morrison�s book is a good addition to any magickal library.
Reviewer:
Pat Harrison
Seasonal Dance: How to Celebrate the Pagan Year.
Janice Broch, Veronica MacLer.
Samuel Weiser, Inc.: York Beach, ME. 1993. 171p.,
Softcover. $11.95 ISBN: 0-87728-774-0
There are 2 rituals for each Sabbat which opens the door to creativity on the part of the reader.Although the rituals are designed for a crowd and often require a Priest and Priestess to carry out certain functions, there is no reason the Solitary Practitioner can�t borrow from what is presented to create a more personalized version. I would highly recommend this book to anyone just starting on the path as the authors have taken great pains to provide background material on each of the Sabbats to give a greater understanding of the reason for celebrating them.
Reviewer:
Mary Carter-Johnson
Cauldron of Transformation.
Lady Sabrina.
Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN. 1996. 282p.,
Softcover. $16.95. ISBN: 1-56718-600-9
I know, I may not have given this book a fair chance but with some of the comments that were made, I honestly could not even try to go any further than I did.
As a matter of fact, I wasn�t even going to waste the paper to do a review. However, a good friend of mine made the following point: 'What if someone who didn�t have much or any Craft knowledge and this was their first book?' I conceded to her wisdom.
Besides the statement that this 'religion' was 'perfected' (sounds an awful lot like 'the one, true right way' slogan) and all the Wicca bashing that took place just in the preface, I could not tell you anything about this book. I tried reading it 4 times and 4 times I threw it down in disgust.
Reviewer:
Graehawke
Book of Shadows: A Modern Woman�s Journey Into the Wisdom of Witchcraft and the Magic of the Goddess.
Phyllis Curott.
Broadway Books, New York, NY. 1998. 302p.
Hardcover. List price $25. ISBN: 0-7679-0054-5
 |
(This book not readily available in all stores. However, it can be ordered online from Amazon.com for $17.50 +shipping.) |
Beginning with an explanation to the very source of Goddess worship and Wiccan teachings, the author allows us to accompany her on a wonderful spiritual journey.
The books chapters are actually the steps the author progressed through as she evolved from a modern woman confused by visions, to a full-fledged member of one of the oldest religions known to all woman-kind.
The author goes one step beyond most books of this type. She writes in a style that slows the reader to join her in mind and spirit, as she experiences the full measure of Goddess knowledge.
If you truly want to learn about the heart and soul of Wicca, this book is a wonderful place to start. I especially enjoyed the appendix with its tables of spells, charms, and magical potions. In addition, the list of resources includes magazines and newsletters, spiritual organizations, catalogs, and even tours. There is also a list of recommended books. I found this very helpful for the beginning student of Wicca.
Reviewer:
Gwendolyn
Shamanism
The Truth About Shamanism.
Amber Wolfe.
Llewellyn Publications. St. Paul, MN. 1994. 48p.,
Softcover. $2.99. ISBN: 0-87542-889-4
The shamanic journey is a journey of the self. In order to perform any healing, the shaman first has to heal him/herself. This is a necessity. How can a shaman help others find their paths if he/she does not know their own?
In this book, Ms. Wolfe has set down a few guidelines to help any interested parties begin to experience this unique and rewarding path. This book offers information concerning power objects (i.e. animal totems, herbs, feathers, etc.), performing divination with natural elements, and experiencing a shamanic journey.
It is written in a style that is understandable without being insulting. This book is a helpful look into the worlds of shamanism and how they can influence our own journeys.
Great way to introduce this spiritual pathway to someone with questions about shamanism�s role in their life.
Reviewer:
Tielengrae Blackbird
Witchcraft and the Shamanic Journey.
Kenneth Johnson.
Llewellyn Publications. St. Paul, MN. 1998. 262p.
Softcover. $14.95. ISBN: 1-56718-379-4
The author offers exercises at the end of some of the chapters in order for the reader to better facilitate his/her own understanding of how their pagan ancestors accessed the Tree of Life and its many branches.
It was interesting to note just how influential shamanism has been to the development of the many religions in the world. One can find similarities in Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, and even Hinduism.
A great deal of the information, however, comes out of Europe. The reason for this appears to be one of quantity; more supportive information can be found in the European nations than anywhere else.
I found this book to be highly entertaining as well as informative. Definitely a keeper.
Reviewer:
Chuck Lukens
The Native American Sweat Lodge:History and Legends.
Joseph Bruchac.
The Crossing Press, Freedom, CA. 1993. 139p.,
Hardcover, $12.95. ISBN: 0-89594-637-8.
The author is part Abenaki Indian, and so is more than qualified to share the stories and history behind the practice of the sweat lodge.
The author begins by explaining the history of the sweat lodge as it was practiced by early Native Americans as well as other cultures. The next section is devoted to the parts of the lodge.
Each part is given its own chapter so that the reader can more fully grasp the intent and meaning behind the lodge.
The rest of the book is given over to stories and legends from a variety of Native American tribes to explain the origins of the sweat lodge.
This book is definitely recommended for anyone thinking about participating in a sweat lodge. It is also recommended for those interested in learning more about Native American culture.
Reviewer:
Mary Carter-Johnson
Divination
Books
How To Do Automatic Writing.
Edain McCoy.
Llewellyn Publications. St. Paul, MN. 1997. 267p.,
Softcover. $3.99 ISBN: 1-56718-622-9
Ms. McCoy presents a series of exercises that will help lay the groundwork for automatic writing. They are concise, intelligent, and full of common sense. Plus the language is easy-going and fluid.
My only drawback is the amount of typos I encountered along the way. (Simple oversights on the part of the proofreader but annoying nonetheless.)
Overall, I found this book to be beneficial not just for automatic writing but for any task that requires contact with the Higher Self. The meditation techniques are interchangeable and can be adapted to suit any purpose.
The one thing that I really liked about this book was the fact that Ms. McCoy took time to address some of the most commonly asked questions regarding automatic writing.
She handled these with an approach that put the reader at ease, explaining through personal experiences the many joys and pitfalls associated with this type of divination.
This book is humorous, intelligent and above all, easily accessible. A good book for beginners and individuals proficient in the art of automatic writing.
Reviewer:
Chuck Lukens
The Book of Ogham.
Edred Thorsson.
Llewellyn Publications. St. Paul, MN. 1994. 214p.,
Softcover. $12.95. ISBN: 0-87542-783-9
This book is not for beginners. Somewhere along the path of learning, one should pick up some books on Ogham for beginners. One should also pick up some introductory language courses on Old Irish. Being familiar with Celtic mythology would be a plus, too.
I do not doubt for a minute that the author is extremely well-versed and educated in the intricacies of ogham. The way the book is written is proof to that. However, his expertise may be his downfall. It�s very daunting to a reader who feels that a mandatory course in Celtic lore must be taken before this book can be read.
I like the book�s layout. I�m sure the information concerning the divinitory aspects of ogham are very concise. They are just a little too concise for beginners.
Reviewer:
Tielengrae Blackbird
Tarot: Plain and Simple.
Anthony Louis.
Llewellyn Publications. St. Paul, MN. 1997. 322p.,
Softcover. $14.95. ISBN: 1-56718-400-6
After a brief overview of the Tarot, which includes historical background and personal experience from the author, the book moves into the different spreads and how to use them. The author does very well in keeping the language 'plain and simple'. No heavy psychoanalytic phraseology is used. He makes a comment at the beginning of the card descriptions alerting the reader that the descriptions used are his. He has based them on personal studies, but does not claim they are the only interpretations to use. The reader should use his/her own feelings about the cards as well. The author is merely offering suggestions as guidelines.
My only caution would be against trying to read the book from cover to cover. Yes, the language is simple, but there are 78 cards each with their own key words and phrases. The author also includes meanings for the reverse position of each card. Trying to ingest all of the meanings at once could cause burn out.
All in all this is an extremely user friendly book. The illustrations, based on the Robin Wood Tarot, are also easy to read. The images are pleasing, making the symbols easier to see.
Reviewer :
Chuck Lukens
Tools
The Robin Wood Tarot.
Robin Wood.
Llewellyn Publications. St. Paul, MN. 1991. 78 Full-color cards, 56p. instruction booklet.
$19.95. ISBN: 0-87542-894-0
I am delighted with the results I have received working with this deck. They make sense to me. Making sense is half the reading. The other half is personal interpretation which is also simplified with this deck.
Reviewer:
Chuck Lukens
Rune Dice.
Donald Tyson.
Llewellyn Publications. St. Paul, MN. 1997.
Boxed set: 4 wooden dice with 288p. illustrated Softcover book.
$17.95. ISBN: 1-56718-748-X
The book that accompanies these dice is very well written. Mr. Tyson takes a fair amount of time delving into the history of runes. This helps to show the reader how Mr. Tyson came about creating his rune dice. This fascinated me because I like to know the 'wheres' and 'hows' of the divinitory tools I use. Along with the history, Mr. Tyson includes diagrams of different matrices into which the dice may be cast.. There are nine matrices included, each consisting of a large circle. Most of the circles, then have some sort of dividing lines drawn within them. How the rune dice fall within these lines is how they are interpreted. After each matrix, Mr. Tyson includes a sample reading of that particular matrix.
The rune dice, as with any divinitory tool, take time to understand and read. These took longer for me simply due to my linear thinking. I wanted all the interpretations in nice, neat compartments so I could see them more easily. The rune dice do not work in a linear manner. They show the many angles that a situation can take. In the long run, this is better for a total picture. However, for the brain that is used to seeing in straight lines, this takes a lot of convincing. Good peripheral vision comes in handy with the rune dice. If you are looking for a tool that will show a broader picture, buy the rune dice. Because there aren�t any set patterns to learn, they are quite adaptable. Just remember that they are not linear by any stretch of the imagination.
Reviewer:
Chuck Lukens
Fiction
The Last Day.
Glenn Kleier.
Warner Books, Inc., New York, NY. 1998. 609p.,
Paperback. $7.50. ISBN: 0-446-60598-0
People everywhere have been discussing the idea of Christ�s Second Coming. Religious leaders from every corner of the world and every sect known to man have been claiming 'the End is near'. Spiritual individuals have been preparing for the day their Lord will appear and pass judgment upon humanity. Non-believers have been passing it off as a lot of superstitious nonsense. Both views get knocked askew when the storm hits Israel in the book�s beginning. And the earthquakes are only the start of the turmoil. Wait until the reader discovers what the Messiah has in store for the world. I thought throwing the gamblers out of the Temple during the Messiah�s first time on earth was bad. That was just a minor irritation compared to this. This book may start a little slow, but once the initial introduction of plots and characters is over the pace kicks into a heart-stopping roller coaster ride. With a mixture of mystery, political intrigue, romance and spirituality, this book is sure to have readers questioning their ideas about Christ�s Second Coming.
I enjoyed the book. There were a few characters who left like nothing more than filler when I believe they were intended to be more focal. Other than that, the book was entertaining. I like a book that questions the validity of the established and accepted dogmas in religion.
Reviewer:
Chuck Lukens
Beneath a Mountain Moon:
Silver Ravenwolf.
Llewellyn Publications: St. Paul, MN, 1995. 343p.,
Softcover, $15.95. ISBN: 1-56718-722-6
Silver Ravenwolf can add fiction to her list of writing fortes. Her characters are believable. I actually found myself wondering if they were based on real-life individuals and not just creations of Silver's imagination. The story's setting also helped support this. Set in Pennsylvania, Silver mentions such places as York, and Harrisburg, helping to solidify the possibility of the book's basis in reality. But the real reason behind my theory is all of the information pertaining to Wicca. Knowing Silver's background in the Ancient Ways, I found the portrayal of Elizabeyta Belladonna as a priestess in the Craft to be more believable than if the character would have been created by Stephen King.
My only complaint concerns a battle of magics that takes place near the end of the book. While the battle was raging, I found myself envisioning what this battle would look like if George Lucas got his hands on it. I understand that in order to keep the reader's attention, battles between magic users have to be couched in a 'bigger than life' fashion. I was just a little annoyed that realism had to be sacrificed in order to do so. At least, when I've cast a magic circle I haven't had blue fire issuing directly from my fingertips.
This book is highly entertaining and well-crafted (no pun intended). I've read other mysteries involving characters who were supposed to be witches. Most of them have been laughable, if not down-right insulting. Silver maintains authenticity throughout making her characters more credible.
Reviewer:
Chuck Lukens
Calendars and Almanacs
(Editor�s Note: According to a spokesperson with Llewellyn Publications, the Witches� Calendar and the Witches� Datebook are both out of stock. The Almanac and the Astrological calendar are still available through them directly. If interested in either of the Witches� calendars, you may have to hope that your local supplier still has some. I apologize for not putting the calendars and the Almanac reviews in the first issue... my brain was not in this realm at the time. Hiding in chagrin, Tielengrae)
Llewellyn�s 1999 Astrological Calendar.
Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN. 1998.
48p. 13 x 10. 12 full-color paintings.
$12.00. ISBN: 1-56718-946-6
For those of us who are new to this, there is an introduction to astrology on page 27 and this makes up the last part of the calendar. The conversion charts at the end of the calendar will be helpful for timing spells, planting gardens, or just plain knowing where the planets are at the moment. Which for curious people like me, may be all the reason needed to own this calendar.
Reviewer:
Chuck Lukens
Llewellyn�s Witches� Calendar 1999.
Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN. 1998.
36p. 13 x 10. 12 full-color paintings.
$12.00. ISBN: 1-56718-945-8
I found many pertinent pieces of information that will be most helpful in the year to come. I especially liked all the little pieces of trivia on the individual days of the months. This is both entertaining and instructional. Definitely worth the $12.00.
Reviewer:
Chuck Lukens
Llewellyn�s Witches� Datebook 1999.
Llewellyn Publications. St. Paul, MN. 1998.
144p. Wire binding.
$9.95. ISBN: 1-56718-949-0
This little datebook contains a number of articles by some of Llewellyn�s most prolific authors, as well as some new and unfamiliar names. There is artwork and recipes and all-purpose information throughout the book, making it far more interesting than the average, daily planner. The one thing that really struck me as neat was the space in the back of the book for addresses and phone numbers. There was even a spot for e-mails. How�s that for blending the old ways with technology? Just one complaint....not enough pages for the addresses et al. But I guess if I want more space for that kind of information, I can just go buy an address book.
Reviewer:
Chuck Lukens
Llewellyn�s 1999 Magical Almanac.
Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN. 1998.
345p., Softcover. $6.95.
ISBN: 1-56718-940-7
The 1999 Almanac has a new look in regards to the calendar section. In past years the days and dates were blocked off individually. This year, they are free-running with the particular zodiacal sign as well as the month as page headers. They still list colors of the day, incense of the day, and moon phases. They also still list certain celebrations wherever applicable. At the end of each month, there has been added little tidbits of magical information such as 'Scott Cunningham�s Magical Principles' (April), 'High Tides' (June) and 'The 14 Constellations of the Zodiac' (September).
I�ve enjoyed the previous almanacs and hadn�t thought the editors could really improve on an already good idea. The 1999 Magical Almanac has proven to me that there�s always room for making a good thing better.
Reviewer:
Chuck Lukens
The Village Green
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