Customer Reviews

Confessions of a Teenage Witch: Celebrating the Wiccan Life

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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I've read the last two books this young lady has put out. You could tell they were leading into something. With this book, Ms. Rain does a fine job at achieving what the previous books were leading up to: a well written and produced teaching book about Teenage Wiccan Practices by a Teenage Wiccan.

Where her previous two books were samplings of her life so far as a Wiccan and a teen, this book puts it all together and blends a nice writing style with a well fashioned book and some handsome graphics.

The book is suitable for the teen starting their path in Wicca. I feel Ms. Rain has achieved what some of the other older writers have failed to do in previous attempts to write for the teen market - write on a level that teens of today will understand and relate to. Ms. Rain has worked out a very satisfying handbook on the Wicca Craft that explains details and goes into depth on many topics.

This is a beginner's book. All the material here is basic Wicca practices. The difference is that Ms. Rain spells it out for you. She goes in depth, working through the various practices, holidays, beliefs and workings of what it is to be Wiccan. Additional excerpts from her personal growth diary (her "Book of Shadows") allow us to observe a young lady growing in spirituality over her early teen years and maturing into a woman filled with her own inner strength and personal spiritual path.

She enlists the aid of several other young teens walking the Wiccan path as well. She introduces them to you, and adds their comments about how they feel in regards to the material being discussed. It is a lovely addition to the book, and it draws the reader in by suggesting that they too can reflect on this material and make decisions for themselves regarding their personal spiritual path.

Topics covered in this book include Wiccan Essentials, Goddess and God, Altar, Circle Casting, Sabbats, Full Moon, Spells and Magic. Each section has tips for doing these activities yourself, ponderings on the meanings of the material discussed, instructions for crafts and celebrations, actual prayers and spells and expanded basic practices.

These are all geared towards the teen practitioner; the student who yearns for something more from a Wicca handbook. This book goes into actual practices with the reasoning behind what we do, and discusses it on a teen level. This is not so much a book about Wicca, but more about who we are and how we practice. The level never leaves the learning stages, but expands the basics from how into why.

The book is peppered with some nice photos in black and white which enhance the material. They are nicely fitted into the discussion, like a picture of hand labeled oil bottles in the essential oils section. Ms. Rain and her mother composed and produced these shots with material that are part of Ms. Rain's practice, and they are a nice compliment to the material presented.

For the teen looking for a book that approaches Wicca on their level and gives more to work with than just correspondence tables and Goddess/God charts, this may be just the book you are looking for to progress further with your studies. This is a very nice book and one Ms. Rain should be proud of. boudica

Many teens are confused when they enter the Craft because there are so many books. They wonder which book is best and what authors can be trusted. In "Confessions of a Teenage Witch", author Gwinevere Rain proves she is a true Witch and authority on the theory and practice of modern Witchcraft.

The book begins with with a number of beginner questions dealing with what Witches believe and what they practice. The the reader is then emersed into the magickal world of Witchcraft as Rain discusses Wiccan ethics, deities, rituals, celebrations, and tools. The text concludes with an indepth guide to crafting and preforming one's own spells.

"Confessions" is different from many other Teen Witchcraft books because it is deey personal. Rain includes excerpts from her own Book of Shadows, or magickal journal, exhibting her own Wiccan journey. What's more, Rain includes thoughts from teen Witches around the world on various Wiccan topics.

Gwinevere Rain takes your hand and guides the reader through what it means to practice Wicca and truly live the magickal life. From creating your own spells, to celebrating the Full Moon, to decorating and celebrating the Sabbats (Wiccan holidays), to connecting to the Wiccan God and Goddess, Ms. Rain creates a thorough guide for teens seeking to learn about and practice the Craft of the Wise.

I originally purchased this book for my children. It did not take long before I realized that Gwinevere Rain would become a favorite author.

I am 41 years old <male> and there are no words to describe my spiritual path other than I find Divinity everywhere. I like to keep an look out for spiritual books that may be of interest to my kids and that I can recommend...which means I always read books I think may be of interest.

I am amazed at the depth of caring and life understanding by Ms. Rain and the many young people from around the world who made contributions to this book.

If only such information and inspiration was available when I was a teenager. Mr. Rain brings the magick of true feeling and contribution to life.

Many on this path are very independent with amazing experiences. When you practice a magical tradition of any path you reach "knowing" and unlike the rest of the world most of which are searching and relying on faith and belief. A certain arrogance can sometimes set in.

"Kids" are the future and many young people are searching and many of traditional religions are scared and contextualize WICCA or neo-paganism in it's many forms as a "war" against them. Many born and raised into fear based command and control belief systems are waking up and often are lead by their children to no longer be afraid; to seek and explore a path of healing and inspiration.

Ms. Rain gives good advice to young people about important topics that they may experience and need to prepare for, advice that applies to anyone and everyone.

I am reminded that young people are amazing and many who are "young" today also have come here with great wisdom; they are teachers, healers and just simply amazing.

5 Stars, highly recommended for ALL ages and genders. I look forward to reading her other books, as well as future works that will reflect an amazing life unfolding.

Harm None - Heal All

Merry Meet

God(dess) Bless

Namaste'

And all that Jazz....

- David

www . thechurchofwhatworks . com
www . healmyenemy . com

Full title of Book: "Confessions of a Teenage Witch - Celebrating the Wiccan Life"
Author: Gwinevere Rain
Review By: Gede
(...)

The third book to come from Gwinevere's pen, and the best of all! Confessions sets the precedent for an entirely new and long-awaited genre of Pagan non-fiction. She transcends the sphere of "beginner" and writes for a young audience of Witches & Wiccans who are seeking to consolidate the intermediary level of Wiccan spirituality.

This 224 page book is divided into two parts - the first dealing with philosophy, theory and other integral aspects of the spiritual craft of Wicca and the second focusing on the practical techniques of the Magickal path.

In Part One Gwinevere discusses the importance of leading an ethical life under the Rede and in respect for the Threefold Law. She also tackles things of a divine nature, the trials and tribulations of the Teen Wiccan life (and how to deal), as well as providing a Q & A format list to familiarise the reader with the bare essentials of the Wiccan craft, and advice on creating and organising your own BOS, finding a suitable Craft name and on using divination. Part Two includes sections on Circle-Casting, the Sabbats, the Full Moon, Spells, Correspondences and Magickal Techniques. There are several sections in Confessions that were covered in Gwinevere's first book Spellcraft for Teens (i.e. Finding a Craft Name); however they are dealt with in greater consideration for a more advanced audience.

Gwinevere's writing style and tone is one of maturity, experience and insight. She has strength of character and consistently relates to the reader, drawing you in with a lyricism many authors can only dream of possessing. Her presentation of the facts and realities does not come across as painfully agonising to read or condescending; it weaves a story of beauty and power, inspiring the teen to act on their inner passions and desires.

The book does succeed in its aim of addressing in depth topics impacting on teen Wiccans today and furthers this resolve by providing a variety of views from teens across the globe. Witchy voices from Australia, Finland, Italy and the US complement each section and help to break up the text (as does the exquisite black and white photography contributed by Gwinevere's own mum!).

The book contains a multitude of inspirational exercises, Rituals and Spells including two male-specific rites - Working with Dragon Energy & the God Within Ritual. The invocations in the back of The Goddess and God chapter are superbly crafted and resonate with a palpable vibrancy of energy.

Gwinevere does not mother the reader either. She offers valuable pieces of advice and wisdom, creating scaffolds for the teen Wiccan through which to reflect and evaluate their individual path. In her Sabbat chapter she outlines a variety of activities and methods through which to explore the seasonal and mythic symbolism behind each festival, including an Advanced Craft for those who wish to integrate a more hands-on approach to celebrating (i.e. For Litha she lays down instructions to make a sunwheel; for Yule, a gingerbread house).

I truly believe that Confessions will be praised and recommended to younger Wiccans by the Pagan community for years to come, and upon reading the first line of Gwinevere's emotionally-charged Preface intuition hit me and I knew that a seed had been sown which would go on to become a tree of radiating beauty:
"I have a confession to make: Being Wiccan is much more challenging than I initially thought."

Confessions of a Teenage Witch: Celebrating the Wiccan Life is the latest addition to Ms. Rain's titles and my; quite an addition it was! The book presented an anticipated step for the Youth of Wicca: an opportunity to progress beyond the 101 boundaries and live their religion more consciously.

Confessions is divided into two integral parts of study. The first provides a basis for understanding the theory and beliefs involved in Wicca. It touches theological, ritualistic and contemporary topics to build a frame for the Wiccan life. While the first part looks at ritual in a theoretical way, part two welcomes us into turning theory into practice. The second part supplies both examples and guidelines into enriching spiritual practices.

Although the concept of `theory and practice' is a common aspect in studying religion, Gwinevere adds two complementary elements to comprehension. Firstly, throughout the pages are excerpts from her Book of Shadows. As an additional bonus, Gwinevere asked several practitioners from all over the globe to add variety. The two are scattered across giving spiritual insight that gives life to the book.

Mature, personal and downright insightful-the book nourishes what the Pagan adolescent library needed; a chance to grow.

This book is far better than Gwen's first book, "SpellCraft for Teens."

It is practical, straight forward, and offers different opinions from real teen Witches. Plus there is nothing about this book that makes it gender specific, like there was with "SpellCraft".

Congradulations to Gwen on this wonderful book. I recommend it to anyone who either is a teen practitioner of Wicca, or is wanting a good book about Wicca to hand to their child or teen student.

Despite it's title, Gwinevere Rain's masterpiece "Confessions of a Teenage Witch: Celebrating the Wiccan Life, is meant for teenagers and beyond. I was eighteen when I first discovered this book nestled in the corner of my college bookstore for a dollar. It would soon become my favorite book on Wicca.

After practicing Wicca for almost three years, I have read many various books on the craft. Not one book has ever inspired me as much as Rain's. I have read it many times--(it is worn now from flipping through it almost daily). I also use it as a reference in my college Pagan group. As Rain explains in the beginning--this book goes beyond the basics and beginner level. If you want to read a book that teachers you how to truly live the Wiccan Life, this is it. It goes beyond outlining rituals and beliefs--like many other Wiccan books. Confessions teaches you how Wicca is a passion.

I think one of the greatest parts of this book is that Rain does not just give you rituals to copy down and use. She outlines and guides you into the creation of your own circles and Full Moon rituals. She offers activity suggestions for Sabbats, and has a libraries worth of Magickal Correspondences nestled in Confession's pages.

I highly recommend this book to both young and old. It will give you passion and will be a guide to creating your own practice, as opposed to giving you a practice to copy. This is my favorite book on Wicca, and everyone--everyone should read it!

Confessions of a Teenage Witch: Celebrating the Wiccan Life is Gwinevere's third book. Her first, Spellcraft for Teens (published by Llewellyn in 2002) opened readers up to the enchanting world of Magick. Her second, Moonbeams & Shooting Stars (Prentice Hall/Penguin 2004) delved into spirituality for teen girls. Now comes her most personalized and wicked book yet Confessions of a Teenage Witch! It's how-to but also contains autobiographical elements (specifically the author excerpts her personal Book of Shadows).

Covering topics of importance to young Wiccans (like Coming Out of the Broomcloset) this new guide is both informative and fun. It is comprised of the following ten chapters;

Chapter One: Wiccan Essentials
Chapter Two: The Good Wiccan
Chapter Three: The Goddess and God
Chapter Four: The Altar
Chapter Five: Life and Wicca


Chapter Six: Circle Casting
Chapter Seven: The Sabbats
Chapter Eight: The Full Moon
Chapter Nine: Gwinevere's Spells
Chapter Ten: Magick Happens!

So, I know what your thinking - what makes this book different from other ones on the market? A few things, first the author doesn't just give a Circle Casting Ritual, she helps you (step by step) create your own! The same goes for writing a Full Moon Ritual and developing your own Magick spells. Next, you'll get opinions and advice from other young adult practitioners, females and males. Finally, Confessions is different because Gwinevere was a teen when she wrote it, it's like she has been in the readers shoes.

Not snobby, not boring, cool pictures, plus thirteen very useful spells! Confessions of a Teenage Witch is a definite must read!

Now that I'm out of high school I can focus on the things I want to focus on, like my religion. When I first saw the book I knew I had to have it, it was just calling out to me! I already had a lot of information on Wicca and knew a fair bit, but I've learned even more from this book than I could ever imagine. My boyfriend is interested in reading it, he's not Wiccan, but he's always open-minded about other religions and studies them to know more about them. I'm hopeing my dad will be interested in reading it too because he's a christian, and at first wasn't open-minded much about Wiccan or the fact that I was one, though, being the good dad that he is, he still wanted to be around me. He's more use to the fact that it's in my life and it's staying, but he never reads any of the books or anything on it, and seeing as this book is great for information, I'm hoping he'll read it to understand why I love Wiccan so much! So thank you, Gwinevere, for writing this book!