This month we have several books to tell you about. Most of them are new, but they are, or will be available very soon. We will include all the information you need to either purchase the books directly from the publisher, or to order it from one of your favorite books stores. We will also use a rating scale based on our opinion of these books. The scale is a star rating:
* = Information is not geared toward a general reader audience, is really not applicable for the everyday Solitary Practioner, or is not "suitable for younger Wiccans.
** = Contains some information that can be used, but is still not generally
suitable for all ages or all Solitary Practitioners.
*** = Contains good material and information for Solitary Practitioners
and is worth the investment for a personal library, but may contain material
that is not all age appropriate.
**** = A definite keeper that will provide you with a constant resource that you can use as you grow through your own spiritual life. Can also be used by younger readers as a study and practice guide.
***** = What can you say about anything with a five-star rating except that you will find this worth every penny you spend on it and then some. It will also contain material for all ages and is more or less geared toward the Solitary Practioner. This can also be used as a teaching guide and learning guide for those who are new to Wicca irregardless of their age.
A
Charmed Life: Celebrating Wicca Every Day
by Patricia J. Telesco (New Page Books, September 2000, ISBN # 1-56414-487-9,
192 pages, paperback, $12.99)
Increasingly
the magical community is made up of city-dwelling Witches, Pagans, and
Neo-Pagans. How do these People combine a natural philosophy with
the concrete jungle? This book looks at this issue in a fresh, creative,
and fun way that anyone can apply, whether they live in a high rise or
on a farm. Our times have changed dramatically since Pagans were
"country folk". Those transformations require that we rethink the
way we approach magick so it makes sense within our surroundings and times.
A Charmed Life
advocates a magickal lifestyle that grows and changes with the individual,
society, and the Earth.
A Charmed Life is a transformational book that includes spells, rituals, prayers, incantations, and helpful hints for building self-esteem, banishing fear and blockage, for encouraging love and prosperity, and creating and maintaining a healthy, happy spiritual environment. Better still, it reaches out to the next generation of magickal people, our children, with activities for them and the whole family - activities that accent a variety of lessons and meet various personal needs in a real and effective metaphysical way.
A
Charmed Life advocates
an informed, aware, proactive way of weaving our magick so that spirituality
is no longer secondary to the daily grind. The book is designed in
such a manner to help us positively and magickally rebuild our selves,
our living spaces, and every corner of our workday world without necessarily
upsetting our already time-challenged schedules. "In the pages of
this book, you'll discover that an integrated magickal lifestyle can become
a driving force for making your reality everything you wish it to be -
metaphysically, mundanely, and much more! Magick is accessible to
anyone, and a viable, meaningful means of taking control of today and tomorrow."
(Editor's
Note: Over the past two decades I have seen Wicca grow into an all
inclusive life-style and this book contains rituals, spells, and other
information to help the reader grow in their Wiccan Spirituality.
One of my favorite things about this book is that includes things for the
new generation. If we want our children to explore this spirituality
we need to provide activities to help them. It is also a book written
by a woman who considers herself a "down-to-Earth militant Kitchen Witch"
and Solitary Practitioners of all ages will find this book very informative
and helpful.) Our rating for this book is
Press Release
Another
Book Written by Patricia Telesco is A Witch's
Beverages and Brews
(New
Page Books, December, 2000, ISBN # 1-56414-486-0, 224 pages, paperback,
$12.99)
"Did you ever think of your first cup of coffee in the morning as magickal? Maybe you always use your favorite cup. And, isn't that first sip supernatural?
Think of it: Throughout history and around the world people in all cultures have used beverages and brews as a way to connect with the sacred. In the Wiccan tradition, beverages and brews plays an important part in making magick part of our daily living.
In A Witch's Beverages and Brews the reader will be introduced to the wonderful heritage of beverage making and consuming -- how drinks appeared on altars as gifts to the gods, where toasts come from, and why we pass wine clockwise around the table. All this lore and superstition combines with modern magickal methods and easy-to-follow recipes to help you design beverages that quench both the physical and spiritual thirst completely, while tantalizing your taste buds.
In the second half of this book, each chapter is devoted to a specific theme with a suggested component list, preparation ideas (timing), and a host of recipes for both consumption and spellcraft. This organization allows you to choose a beverage or brew that you find meaningful, pleasing to your taste buds, and appropriate to whatever need you may have. Themes include: "keeping love true," "creating a joyful existence," prosperity potions," "concocting a little luck," and "creating everyday balance." Whether you are creating a drink so you can internalize its qualities for daily living , or making it for a friend, there's something here for all occasions, needs, and tastes. Take part in an ancient custom and empower our daily life with a special drop of magick that begins in the kitchen and ends in your heart!"
**** (Editor's Note: The only reason we did not give this book a 5 star rating was because some of the ingredients are alcoholic and are not appropriate for all ages. However, if you are over 21, this book is definitely a 5-star keeper!)
Press Release
The Witch's Master Grimoire: An Encyclopedia of Charms, Spells, Formulas, and Magickal Rites by Lady Sabrina ( New Page Books, November, 2001, ISBN # 1-56414-482-8, 224 pages, paperback, $12.99)
"Magick...what exactly is magick? According to Lady Sabrina, magick is the art of getting results. It is one of the most effective ways to re-gain control and harmony in your life. Magick unleashes your personal power and can give you the edge in most situations.
Everyone has the power to practice magick. Lady Sabrina teaches that learning to do magick is like learning to drive - you learn by doing it over and over. You take a little time each day to practice, and before you know it your ability to control your life will increase, as will the chances of you getting what you want. The only limitations on magick are those you place upon it.
One of the easiest, most popular, and most convenient ways to begin practicing magick is through spells. Anyone can perform spells since they do not require any specific amount of space, elaborate equipment, or special training. All you need to make a spell work is an open mind and the desire and curiosity to experiment. The Witch's Master Grimoire contains numerous simple and effective spells and magickal rites organized in an easy-to-follow A - Z format. Many of them make use of the power of fire through the flame of a candle. Others rely on the subtle vibrations of herbs, plants, and minerals. Also included are recipes for spells that require special oils or incense.
Want to fall in love, get rich, or see the future? Want to help your friends or loved ones succeed? Want to feel more at peace with yourself and the world around you? Lady Sabrina provides the perfect spell or magickal rite for any situation.
Lady Sabrina also gives tips on the best and most productive times to cast spells. She recommends working with the phases of the moon. The new moon should be used to begin projects, attract money, or regenerate friendships and health. During the full moon you should work on personal success, career, or love and marriage. Lastly, the waning moon phase is the perfect time to get rid of negative influences and bad situations.
The most important thing to remember is not to be disillusioned if your magick does not work immediately. Some spells will take longer to work than others, but if you follow this helpful and informative guide, and have faith in your work, your wishes will come true.
**** (Editor's Note: This again is a book that gets a four-star rating simply because there really isn't anything for children in it. However, I think it would be quite appropriate and helpful to teenagers and adults. Lady Sabrina provides a lot of helpful information for all who want to take spell casting seriously.)
Press Release
"We live in a magickal universe of unlimited potential, a universe comprised of seen and unseen, physical and nonphysical realms. Astrology provides a connecting link between the heavens and earthly experience, giving us a window through which we can glimpse the Divine and see its hand shaping the manifest world.
Magick, which utilizes the energies of the celestial powers, nature, and the human psyche, has woven astrology into its fabric. Indeed, astrologers and magicians know that the heavenly bodies influence everything that happens on this planet. If we understand astrological patterns, we can move in harmony with the rhythms of the universe rather than struggling against them.
Magickal Astrology shows you how to use these cosmic forces to enhance your personal growth and magickal work. In addition to providing an historical overview of astrology's impact on architecture, medicine, music, language, and culture, the book includes detailed information about:
Our ancestors understood the magickal workings of the earth and the cosmos, and how metaphysical forces animate physical existence. Astrology offers us the key to unlock these secrets. If we can rediscover the hidden wisdom that has been lost over the centuries and reconnect with the magickal forces around us, who knows what wonders we might achieve today?"
**** (Editor's Note: We think this book is an excellent resource for beginning to learn the basics of magickal astrology and how we can utilize the energies of the cosmos to optimize our lives and works.)
Press Release
"As the Age of Aquarius dawns in the new millennium, and the world bears witness to a resurgence of Paganism and an ever-growing spiritual reconnection to the Old Ways, an increasing number of persons of all ages and from all walks of life are finding themselves drawn to the magickal arts."
"Gerina Dunwich reveals that casting of spells is an ancient art which can bestow upon us many of the things in life that we need and desire. A spell, sometimes called "a witch's prayer", is not the work of the devil. Nor is it only under the domain of individuals who possess psychic or supernatural powers. Nearly anyone can learn the secrets to casting effective spells. To create and cast spells, one must have an open mind, true desire and will, patience, self-conviction, the courage to follow what is within one's heart, and the maturity to take responsibility for ones' own actions.
Exploring
Spellcraft shows readers how to take this
step by examining in simple language what magick is and how it works.
Learn about:
Exploring Spellcraft also offers an inspiring biographical section of great spellcasters, a directory of resources, an annotated bibliography, and a section on divination t assist readers in discovering the outcome of their spell even before it's been cast.
Aspiring witch? Adept practitioner of the craft? This book is sure to be an invaluable and cherished addition to your magickal library."
****(Editor's Note: You are definitely going to want to keep this book as resource for future and present references.)
All
of the previous books can be purchased directly from the publisher by calling:
1-800-CAREER-1
This page last updated January 24, 2001
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