Book of Shadows [Hardcover]

Phyllis Curott (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 6, 1998

"Most people know intuitively that when you fall in love the world is full of magic.  What they don't know is that when you discover the universe is full of magic, you fall in love with the world."

When high-powered Manhattan lawyer Phyllis Curott began exploring Witchcraft, she discovered a spiritual movement that defied all stereotypes.  Encountering neither satanic rites nor eccentric spinsters, she came to know a clandestine religion of the Goddess that had been forced into hiding over the course of history.  Book of Shadows recounts Curott's remarkable initiation into Wicca (meaning "wise one") and shares her insights as a high priestess of an elegant, ancient spirituality that celebrates the magic of being alive.

An Ivy-league graduate and promising lawyer, Curott was a typical young woman in her twenties, determined to forge a law career within the burgeoning, male-dominated music industry.  But when she began having prophetic dreams and mysterious visions of ancient female figures and unfamiliar symbols, she discovered an unexpected world of magic and began searching for a rational explanation.  When her friend Sophia--a practicing Witch--suggested having her cards read by a Wiccan High Priestess, Curott instinctively dismissed the idea, but then forced her natural skepticism aside on the chance that this age-old practice might help her understand the unusual occurrences in her life.

Thus begins her journey into the magical world of Witchcraft, a religion originally practiced by priestesses, shamans, and healers that empowers our lives by working with the natural cycles of nature.  Fascinated by this pre-Judeo-Christian religion that honors women as the embodiment of the Goddess and emphasizes respect and love for the natural world, Curott began attending a local coven's weekly circle to learn the sacred arts.  Her Book of Shadows chronicles her ascent to the position of Wiccan High Priestess and her efforts to reconcile her newfound spirituality with her struggles as a woman rising through the ranks of the corporate world.  Along the way, Curott relates the history of Witchcraft and shares many traditional Wiccan practices, such as casting a circle, drawing down the Goddess, harnessing the powers of the natural world, and casting spells for health, prosperity, and love.

Engagingly written and rich with detailed rituals and techniques, this inspirational book traces a modern woman's spiritual journey into a realm of extraordinary experience and enlightenment.  Book of Shadows provides us with the keys to discover an enchanted world of divine empowerment so as to unlock the power that lies within us all.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Over time, "book of shadows" has come to refer to a witch's journal, a diary of spells, chants, and rituals. Here Curott, a high priestess of the New York City-based Circle of Ara & the Minoan fellowship and a practicing lawyer, uses 13 chapters to tell the story of her personal encounter with the ways of the Goddess, with insight into the contemporary practice of witchcraft, or Wicca. The helpful appendix includes a table outlining the goddesses, gods, animals, and zodiacal signs connected with Wicca; spells, charms, and magical potions; special events of the Wicca year, with a resources section; and a list of books that provide further insight into Goddess and Wiccan practice, witchcraft, and white magic. Libraries seeking current material dealing with modern witchcraft will find this a helpful addition. Though no footnotes support any of the characterizations or opinions offered, the personal story will appeal to some readers.?Leroy Hommerding, Citrus Cty. Lib. System, Inverness, FL
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"This is destined to be a classic. The book is practical while maintaining that Wicca and magic are spiritual paths with a connection to the divine. I can honestly recommend it both for novices and the advanced alike."
--Janet Farrar, author of The Witches' Goddess

"A modern-day Persephone myth full of magic and mystery, Book of Shadows transcends the bounds of its genre."
--Deepak Chopra, M.D.

"An emotionally satisfying, riveting read, arguably the best--certainly the most unusual--memoir of the year. One might even be tempted to call it 'bewitching.'"
--Sonoma County Independent

"An engaging memoir of magic and self-discovery . . . [Book of Shadows] presents some fine insights into the role Witchcraft plays in the complex milieu of American religion."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Wise words from a smart and savvy priestess of the Goddess; the writing is beautiful, the rituals deep and compelling."
--Margot Adler, author of Drawing Down the Moon


From the Trade Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Broadway; 1st edition (October 6, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0767900545
• ISBN-13: 978-0767900546
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (135 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #511,807 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Required Reading, January 6, 2000

By 

E. B. Davis (Maitland, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Book of Shadows (Hardcover)

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.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspires you to question your norm., August 17, 2004

By 

nature girl (washington, dc United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Book of Shadows: A Modern Woman's Journey into the Wisdom of Witchcraft and the Magic of the Goddess (Paperback)

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!

31 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful alternative to "recipe" Craft books..., March 5, 2000

By 

"carey_kat" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Book of Shadows: A Modern Woman's Journey into the Wisdom of Witchcraft and the Magic of the Goddess (Paperback)

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.