|
White Magic for Love and Friendship, School and Home
Conari Press/Red Wheel/Weiser 2004 ISBN #1-57324-959-9 Glancing at the cover, one might smile and think that this was yet another charming little book of spells. To do so would mean missing out on one of the greatest tools of empowerment that I have seen in a long time. While the book is specifically geared towards teenagers, anyone can use it. Abrev's style is gentle, yet firm. Engaging and informative at the same time. And why would it not be - she is a single mother of a teenage daughter, living in Australia. She knows how to talk "to" teens, rather than at them. Her voice is gentle, yet persuasive. She acknowledges who they are, what their concerns are, that these concerns are very real - and then offers them ways to take control of their lives. In return, she asks them to be responsible people and to walk the high road - to work think and act from the positive side of life. Abrev comes from a background of ten years as a practicing solitary Wiccan. In the beginning of the book, she tells the reader that if they use this book wisely, that their dreams will come true. That we are all beings of light, and that all we need to do is to keep a positive attitude to make our lives flow. What comforting words for a teen to hear! These are the years when their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual selves are on a constant roller coaster, when they feel unappreciated and, for the most part, unempowered. The thought is set at the very beginning of the book that if the reader wants to do the spells because this is the current "trendy" thing to do, that they need to move on. They are not mature enough to walk this path. Abrev goes on to talk about positive and negative magic. From the book: "Magic occurs once you set your mind to accomplish a goal in life - it has nothing to do with "Hocus Pocus"." Here is also where she presents the tenet that those familiar with magickal work are so familiar with :"Harm none, for if you do it will come back to you threefold." A very general background is given on witchcraft, and on the God and Goddess. Enough so that the reader will understand where the spells come from, but not enough to overwhelm them. This is a book of charms and spells, not a Wiccan primer. The section on the tools needed for ritual work, and what ritual work is, lays a firm foundation fo the work to follow. Abrev discusses alters, censers and the use of charcoal tablets, essential oils and oil burners, drawstring bags, parchment paper, mortar and pestal, crystals, herbs, candles, astral colors, the moon cycles, and a very simple, yet powerful, prayer of protection. From the book:
Divine Universe forces, The first spells that are worked with are very simple visualizations using color. From the book:
Orange promotes encouragement. You can light an orange candle to meet new friends and communicate well with others. Orange is the color that honors words. Take an orange hankie to the library when you study, adn you will remember the facts you always tend to forget. The next chapter is entitled "Spells To Go", which mean literally that - simple spells that make your needs known to the universe. (Here is also a good place to mention that the small size of this book makes it very easy to carry in a backpack or purse for easy reference. Rather in the line of a good luck charm - giving the person carrying it confidence from the simple fact that they knew that they had a handy reference right with them to help them get through any situation that they would be faced with.) An entire gamet of teen issues is covered here, from "Money For A Date", to "I Am Who I Am", to "Exam Jitters" - and so much more! From the book:
A blue hankie will help keep the jitters away so you can relax and do your best on your exam.
Having problems making decisions? Then light an orange candle and meditate to find the right choice, then act upon it before midnight. Now we move into the good stuff - ritual work! Abrev is an equal opportunity advisor - she addresses the guys issues as well as the girls issues. We see rituals ranging from "Snagging That Hot Babe", to "Attention Seeker", to "Revenge Is Sweet - Not!!!", to "The Truth Must Be Known". I was impressed with the use of color (in candles, flowers and clothing), the work done with crystals and herbs, incense and common items, such as nuts and fruits. These are all powerful items, but we often do not realize that. The teen learns to work with what is available within their environment to achieve their goals - an excellent way to let them know that success really is theirs for the asking! Throughout the book the phrases that were important to a ritual or spell were hughlighted in gray. I found that this worked very well - it fit in with the rest of the text, yet took your eye to what was important immediately. At the end of the book there are two seperate indexes - one for spells, and one for rituals. Any teen (or anyone using this book) will find what they want/need in a jiffy! This is a book that was written with care and caring, and is a wonderful tool of empowerment. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Get this for the teen in your life - and keep a copy handy for yourself!
Bonnie Cehovet
 View My Guestbook Sign My Guestbook
Graphics by Art for the web |
