Customer Reviews

Book of Shadows: A Modern Woman's Journey into the Wisdom of Witchcraft and the Magic of the Goddess

5 star:		(98)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

This is the most amazing book on Wicca that I have ever read. I finished it in one sitting and plan to re-read it soon. Book of Shadows affected me on a deep level. After years of reading rather cut and dry (albeit informative) books on Wicca, Book of Shadows is a breath of fresh air.

Most books will tell you which direction to face (north, south, east, or west) while saying specific words and making certain hand gestures. Curott's book goes deeper than this window dressing. She actually describes the emotions and visions a person experiences during a spiritual journey.

I found this book to be spiritually and practically superior to almost everything I have read to date, standing alone with Margot Adler's Drawing Down the Moon.

If there were a Wicca 100 Class. Ms. Curott's book should be required reading. This book captures the essence and feeling of Wicca rather than the mundance aspects.

I wish I were more eloquent so that I could better express how moving, informative, and essential is the nature of The Book Of Shadows.

Don't let the title throw you!
Even if you are not interested in Wicca, this is a great read. The writing is a little uneven in places, but it's easily forgiven.

On one level, this is an interesting novel about one woman's journey thru life's ups and downs.
On another, its an inspiring biography.
On a third level, its an interesting glimpse into the world of Wicca. The presentation is accessible and suitable for a large audience.

I also recommend this book as a gift for friends that need a gentle reminder that 'woe is me' doesn't solve problems. I found it very refreshing in today's world of 'blame someone else for your unhappiness'.

Ok, now I have to gush a bit: This book really opened my eyes. I'd been stuck in 'woe is me' mode for a couple of years when I stumbled on it. I don't usually read books and then sit and contemplate what I've read. But I did with this one. My life isn't perfect now, but I *was* inspired to take an objective look at myself and identify what was and was not working for me. And make some changes accordingly!

This is not an encyclopedia of spells, or essays of philosophy. This is a touching novel of a woman's personal journey into a misunderstood- and often poorly represented- religion. Moving, enlightening, and inspiring, it is a lovely introduction to witchcraft, and a great read on any level. The downsides: some events are a bit overdramatized to keep the novel 'exciting,' and it does occasionally border on new age fluff, and also touches on gynocentricity and male-bashing. But hey, you read a book written by a woman about a woman-centered religion, working in a male-dominated industry, and you're going to get an opinion or two coming through at some points. I applaud the way she bares her thoughts, her feelings, her experinces, her relationships, and her trials to the public. Ms. Curott is a courageous woman in so many ways, as is clearly shown in this modern-day initiation story. This takes you inside, to see 'what witches do' ...and what they don't. It is a journey of discovery and reclaiming the ancient symbols of women's mysteries. Heartily recommended for the curious, the beginner, the pro, or anyone looking for a touch of the mystical in the corporate world.

This book has really inspired me to become even more involved with the Craft and with nature in general than I am right now. All the details in this book really created wondrous images and sensations for me. It was so mind-blowing that the moment I opened it I felt compelled to read it every day, every moment I had free. Every time I closed the book I looked forward to my next opportunity to open it and read even further. I was disappointed when I was done reading it because I wished the story would continue; I was hungry to read even more. There is so much information as well as plenty of resources added at the back of this book. I feel this book is a true inspiration for any Witch who is looking for their way in this world. If you don't already have this book, get it, read it, really experience it for yourself and you'll see what I mean.

In "Book of Shadows", Phyllis Curott, a well-respected member of the New York City Wiccan community and an internationally-known spiritual activist on the frontlines of defending the religious liberties of Witches, recounts her introduction through initiation in a Witches' coven (contrary to one reviewer's assertion,the word "coven" is mentioned several times throughout the book, see, e.g. p. 50) As a NYC lawyer and a Wiccan priestess for over thirteen years, I was ecstatic to read this book. Reading Phyllis' account brought tears to my eyes, as it reminded me of my own experiences of discovering the Craft.

Rather than present a dry, past tense biographical account of her life, Phyllis brings her story to life by making it first-person present novel, thereby allowing the reader to experience this spiritual journey through her eyes. She does not just passively describe what occurs in her circle, she poetically invokes ones senses so that the reader can feel what it was like to be a member of Phyllis' coven. Unlike so many books on Witchcraft, which merely describe magic and Wiccan practices in mechanistic terms, Phyllis shows through her life experiences while training to become a priestess in the Wiccan religion how making magic can be a rewarding spiritual practice.

Phyllis does not just describe her coven training, instead she interweaves the parallel story of her rising law career, thus showing how she discovers herself by taking her spiritual beliefs outside of the magic circle, and imbuing them through her entire life.

I have read this book several times now (both the hardcover and the paperback) and have put "Book of Shadows" on the top of my required reading list for prospective students. I'm looking forward to the sequel!

The first thing to say about this book is that for the first time in a long time I found myself marking passages where Curott's poetic and melodic phrasing called to my heart and beautifully expressed complicated concepts. There is no doubt that Curott has a poet's heart - I certainly wouldn't hesitate to buy a book of poetry written by her.

The second thing to say about this book is that I completely understand the criticisms levelled at Curott from reviewers. The story is self-indulgent and very ego-centric. Obviously as a fictionalised autobiography (and when you think about it aren't most autobiographies at least partly fiction?) the book is designed to be ego-centric, but Curott is just a touch too self obsessed and self congratulatory.

Additionally, I also agree with some of the criticisms levelled at Curott's explanations of her experiences with the coven. Firstly, Curott continually drives in the point that she is "special" and was "chosen" by these women. This isn't how witchcraft and indeed how covens find members - self determination and personal responsibility is at the heart of every witch's life and these are two things that Curott glosses over.

Secondly, the characters in Curott's book are paper thin and basically a hodge podge of sterotypes - the old wise crone who loves Curott more than the other coven members; the lesbian couple who represent each the warrior and the mother; the friend in a bad domestic violence relationship; her lover the enigmatic Jake; the ex-lover and current boss who still wants Curott and won't take no for an answer. These characters are all "cardboard cut outs" and all basically exist to serve Curott.

I wish we could have seen more of her faults and her shadow side and less of the phrases "ivy league lawyer", "he said I was beautiful", "we have been waiting for you", "you're special", "I knew I was intelligent" and "I was working 15 hour days".

Witchcraft and Wicca has changed immensely since the late 70's and early 80's timeline that this book is situated in. Indeed readers might be surprised to know that Curott is in her 50's now.

The whole first person perspective the book is written in is vaguely successful, but it would have worked a lot better if Curott hadn't packed the entire book full of the knowledge and understanding she gained in the 20 years since the events of the book took place. The result is a weird dicotomy between a naive spiritual awakening and the knowledge gained through 20 years of practice. Sometimes the book is so stuffed with information that four or five pages are spent discussing myths and legends which while interesting, does not fit well with the novel like construction of the book.

Despite my criticisms I have given this book 4 stars because as I said - it has been a very long time since a book has moved me enough to record and preserve pearls of wisdom, passion, thought and belief from its pages.

Read this book, and read the workbook "Witchcrafting". You won't be sorry.

If I could give this book more than five stars, I would! I read through it the first time fairly quickly. The story grabbed my attention and I raced through it, mostly reading for pleasure, as you would a very interesting novel. It is a very well written book, and quite an enjoyable read.

The second time through I read carefully and copied out notes~a notebook worth. There is a lot of solid information woven into the story and I found much of great value to me.

I recommend this book no matter where you are on your path. Perhaps it will be just an enjoyable reading experience ~ or maybe, like me, you'll want to dig out all the nuggets of magical information that this book contains.

Phyllis Currots writing style will captivate you. She is definitely one of my favorite authors, and writing isn't even her profession. Her style of writing is so beautiful, i cannot stress how great of a read this book actully is. This is not a book just compacted with information of tables and spells, it is a story, a true journey filled with information that will inspire you. I have read and re-read this book several times and i highly recommend it. Phyllis Currot's journey from a curious skeptic to a talented beleiver is magnificent.

Phyllis has covered it all. She provides so many great examples of history into the mix. She does not just state her opinions and beliefs, she supplies the readers with hard facts to back them up. I am no longer a skeptic because of this book. Again, i highly recommend it.

Thank You Phyllis, You have opened so many new doors in my life.

In this book, which reads like a novel, Phyllis offers you a glimpse into the world of a coven (I have particularly appreciated guided meditations mentioned) as well as a journey of spiritual growth and transformation along Wiccan path. While the book is a very engaging read and may be of inerest even to non-wiccans, I believe that it is more suitable and meaningful for practicing Wiccans - as they'll have something they can readily identify with.

Part journal, part novel, and part historical text, "Book of Shadows" is the smart, engaging story of Phyllis Curott's personal journey toward the Goddess. More importantly, it's the brave, unflinching documentation of one woman's awakening to Nature, beauty, and spiritual fulfillment.

Or, if you prefer, it's just plain good. I read the (rather lengthy) book in one sitting and then called a friend to recommend it.

Curott is a fine storyteller and an excellent writer. In particular, she does a nice job balancing the descriptive, spiritual passages with the facts and history. As a narrator, she's warm, relaxed and welcoming -- this is her story, but she also allows it to become ours. Despite her impressive education (or perhaps because of it), Curott writes on the reader's level and, unlike many books I've read on similar subjects, does not proclaim to have the final answers. Above all, she stresses the process and the journey.

This is one of the most inspiring and illuminating books I've read this year. I recommend it highly.