21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A well-written study in witchcraft dedication, December 1, 2008
This review is from: Dedicant: A Witch's Circle of Fire (Course of Study in the Old Religion) (Paperback)
It's a pleasure to be the first to review this book on Amazon. I believe it to be one of the best introductory and informational books on the pagan circuit out there today, and the book's relatively short length packs a solid amount of Craft into an understandable and usable format for anyone willing to take the plunge into the mysteries of witchcraft as a way of life.
As one who scoffs at the current "Wicca colleges" out there circling the Internet, I began this book with a grain of salt. Even a handful. Thuri soon showed me exactly what I had been looking for, and succeeded where so many other "beginner books" have failed. The book focuses on the individual's growth as a person and an up and coming witch (one should not call him/herself a witch before undergoing studies of the craft - understandable, it's good to know what you're getting yourself into before throwing around such a title). Much of the book is focused on monthly "lessons" which allow the beginner to jump on the wheel at any point in the calender year. The lessons provide a well-thought study of witchcraft and allow the dedicant to slowly amass ritual objects and talents to be used when practicing.
It's hard to find bad things to say about this book without being nitpicky, but since I'm reviewing it I had better point out a couple things. Even said, these things are pertinent to my personal viewpoint/opinion and what I've learned on this path.
1. The year-and-a-day dedication should be taken as a guideline, not an absolute necessity and just because you've followed the lessons it does not mean you are now an initiate to the Craft. There is no such thing as self-initation. Dedication (what most of this book is geared toward), however, is completely up to the individual and Thuri does an excellent job in setting you up for that and embarking on the journey toward the initiation tier.
Initiation can only be done by either a coven (in traditional Wicca - see 2) or by the god(s) and goddess(es) themselves. To perform initiation is to ask the Divine if you are ready, and the answer could easily be a no. You'll know when you are, and it may very well take a couple more years of studying. On the flip side, if you've been studying the craft for many years you may have already amassed knowledge and experience enough for initiation before the "year and a day" laid out in this book.
2. I have problems with the word "Wicca." I originally picked up this book because it didn't have "Wicca" in the title. I understand where the author is coming from (wicca being an Old World term for witch, wise one, and the meaning "to bend" among other similar words), but that doesn't change the fact that it arose in the Gardnerian traditional covens and belongs to their tradition of practice. What you see called Wicca in bookstores is "outer court" which may or may not hold true to the practices of those original traditions. Wicca is a new religion - Witchcraft is centuries older. I do not call myself Wiccan and there is nothing wrong with that! :)
In closing, despite my personal nitpicks this book is excellent and highly reccommended. I've been studying and practicing the Craft for 12 years, and now I'm finally taking the plunge and dedicating myself to the mysteries. Blessed be!
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14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dedicant, January 8, 2009
This review is from: Dedicant: A Witch's Circle of Fire (Course of Study in the Old Religion) (Paperback)
Thank you, thank you, thank you. This is an amazing introduction into Withcraft/Wicca. I am an herbal apothecary/metaphysical shoppe owner and though Wicca is not my chosen path, it is the path where I began my search. I wish I had this book at my disposal then!! It is often disconcerting for me to recommend a book on magick and pagan based religions to someone at the dedicant level, because there are hundreds of books to chose from and frankly very few authors who meet the grade. Thuri Califia has done it!!! She's combined theory with practice in an easy and fun to read format. You can actually FEEL the heart and soul she put into words and there is no doubting that she has put into practice what she teaches. I absolutely love how she reiterates Star Hawks words of needing only your breath and body as your tools! So many get hung up on their magickal tools that they forget where the magick really comes from. I also appreciate that this book accommodates the solitary practioner (as well as coveners), because truly, your beliefs and faith are between you and your Gods/essess and only through that connection can a true initiation occur! I am happily anticipating the next book...... thank you, again for your passion and dedication.
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11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Wonderful place to start your witchy ways., January 3, 2009
This review is from: Dedicant: A Witch's Circle of Fire (Course of Study in the Old Religion) (Paperback)
I believe this if the first book that I have read on the subject that so clearly ties the tides of the year into learning the craft of the wise. I have been practicing for over 15 years and in that time have not come across a book that relates so many of the aspects of Wicca/Witchcraft in such a digestible way. I'm often asked about books by people who are just starting down this path or just want to learn more and I would definitely direct them to Thuri Calafia's book. Linking the lessons to the wheel of the year, is what I believe, allows a person to harmonize with the key components of the seasons. I also appreciate her documentation and referencing as it will help people continue their studies. Well done and I'm looking forward to the next books in the series.
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