Synopses & Reviews
Examines Wiccan magic, rituals, traditions, and code of conduct
Get the scoop on this ancient spiritual path
Wondering what it takes to be a Wiccan? This plain-English guide introduces you to the vibrant world of Wicca and the practices of Witchcraft, describing its ancient origins, dispelling stereotypes, and explaining Wiccan beliefs, ethics, rituals, and holidays. You'll see what it means to live as a contemporary Wiccan and how to worship alone or with a group.
Discover how to
- Worship alone or join a coven
- Perform charms, blessings, and spells
- Obtain necessary tools and supplies
- Spot spiritual scams and inappropriate behavior
- Explore a spiritual path guided by nature
A fascinating guide to the fastest growing religion in America
A recent survey found that more than 400,000 Americans identified themselves as Wiccan, making Wicca the country s seventh largest organized religion. Complete with details on how to join a coven and cast charms and spells, this down-to-earth guide delivers the scoop on Wicca, describing its ancient Celtic origins and explaining Wiccan beliefs, ethics, deities, rituals, and holidays.
Diane Morgan (Williamsport, MD) is a Wiccan who teaches religion and philosophy at Wilson College in Pennsylvania.
About the Author
Diane Smith, a writer and editor for more than 20 years, is also an eclectic Witch.
Table of Contents
Part I: Seeing the World through Wiccan Eyes: What Wiccans Believe.
Chapter 1: Believing That Everything’s Connected.
Chapter 2: Believing in Deity.
Chapter 3: Believing in Magic: Where Science Meets the Craft.
Chapter 4: Believing in Ethics, Responsibility, and Personal Relationship with Deity.
Part II: Looking at the Past, Present, and Future: How Wiccans Live.
Chapter 5: Digging into the Past.
Chapter 6: Living Wiccan Today.
Chapter 7: Looking Back to the Future: The Rebirth of the Goddess.
Part III: Coming Home: How Wiccans Become Wiccans.
Chapter 8: Considering the Wiccan Path.
Chapter 9: Going Solo or Joining a Coven: Wiccan Options.
Chapter 10: Making Room for Everyone: Craft Traditions.
Part IV: Following the Sun and the Moon: How Wiccans Worship.
Chapter 11: Setting Up an Altar and Choosing Tools.
Chapter 12: Designing and Performing Rituals: The Heart of Wicca.
Chapter 13: Waxing and Waning with the Moon: The Esbats.
Chapter 14: Turning the Wheel of the Year: The Sabbats.
Part V: Practicing the Craft: What Wiccans Do.
Chapter 15: Making Magic Happen.
Chapter 16: Spellcasting: The Poetry of Wicca.
Chapter 17: Boosting Magic with Fire, Stones, and Herbs.
Chapter 18: Working with Trance and Dreams.
Chapter 19: Daring to Divine.
Chapter 20: Keeping a Book of Shadows, a Sacred Record.
Part VI: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 21: Ten Habits of Effective Wiccans.
Chapter 22: Ten Wiccan Principles of Behavior.
Chapter 23: Ten Warning Signs of a Scam or Inappropriate Behavior.
Appendix A: Wicca FAQ.
Appendix B: Magical Properties of Colors, Herbs, and Stones.