Customer Reviews

The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft, and Wicca

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Rosemary Ellen Guiley is a foremost authority on the paranormal and the author of 31 non-fiction books on paranormal topics. In "The Encyclopedia Of Witches, Witchcraft & Wicca" she draws upon her many years of expertise and study to compile a comprehensive encyclopedia of information in a newly revised, updated and expanded third edition which features more than 480 separate entries, making it a key reference on the subject of witchcraft principles, practices, and history, as well as its modern incarnation as the Wiccan religion. This new edition features updated information on the treatment of women accused of being witches by the Inquisition, amulets, charms, spells, familiars, biographies of contemporary Wiccans, and more. Of special note is the updated information about the portrayal of witches in such popular entertainments as films, television, stage plays, and novels. An impressive and definitive compilation of information, "The Encyclopedia Of Witches, Witchcraft & Wicca" is strongly recommended for personal, academic, and community library Metaphysical Studies and Wiccan Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

This encylopedia is wonderful and one of her biggest. Everything you ever wanted to know about witches, the craft, and wicca is fully explained in here along with famous witches, locations, rituals, and more. The book goes into the different types of witchcraft from white to dark, and I love the amount of history included as well. All of her encylopedias read like a book rather than just a boring dictionary. Two thumbs up!

I own several of Rosemary Ellen Guiley's books, mostly on the paranormal and supernatural as I not only have an interest in the subject but also use it for research purposes. This title, "The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft, and Wicca" is another well-researched title for those interested in the subject or keen to use the contents for research and academic purposes.

The book contains over 480 entries spanning witchcraft practices all over the world, across different time periods, the practice of witchcraft in societies, etc. The entries are by no means comprehensive, but they are detailed and what makes this book a valuable tool of research and knowledge is the suggestions for further reading which enables readers to look up other works on the subject to widen their knowledge.

I was particularly interested in the folklore relating to witchcraft and its practices around the world, as well as the coverage on the notorious Salem witch trials as well as other historical cases of witchcraft trials, e.g. the Island Magee Witch Trials in Ireland in 1711. The encyclopedia also has extensive entries on various places on interest such as the Witchcraft Museum in Cornwall, England. All of the entries are arranged in alphabetical order. There is also an extensive bibliography at the end, followed by an index for cross-referencing. Recommended!

I've got a few other encyclopedias like this one -- "The Witch Book" by Buckland, "An Encyclopedia of Occultism" by Spence, and "The Encyclopedia of Witchcraft and Demonology" by Robbins. All of these are great to decent books on the topic, but this is probably my favorite.

I've found that too many books on this topic either focus obsessively on witch trials, prominent names in the witchcraft community or they're what I can only vaguely term "new age wishy-washy." Guiley isn't guilty of any of these, she really gives a traditional view of the beliefs and old-time superstitions about witches and witchcraft. This is NOT a how-to book. That being said, she does leave room for some big names and covers many of the trials in detail -- which are pretty interesting. Plenty of illustrations fill the book and following each section she gives a brief bibliography where more information can be found.

This is a great Pagan Wiccan and Occult Themes Reference Book and regardless of one's beliefs systems and/or social affiliations.
Rosemary Guiley's works have always been a delight and quite a gift of unbiased/well-informed erudition...
I do have other books by her and I assure you - "This sweet lady does know her stuff - a great writer!"
I've purchased her "The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft, and Wicca - 3rd Edition" and I do love this reference book.
I recommend it.
Sky a.k.a. JD Aeon - GLBT MTF Pagan Wiccan Witch Shaman & Occultist

I did not read the first copy of this original edition's pressing.Now,her encyclopedia of witchcraft is expanded upon and up-to-date.My one grievance with this book,is that it's not a practical resource for quickly checking a wiccan topic.Yet,for in-depth reading about the history of witches and the Craft,it has a wealth of occult information.There's many interesting sketches and photos throughout the encyclopedia,currently and through the centuries.This edition also has many current web-sites listed.I have read quite a few books on the history of wicca,and this is another great resource to turn towards also.It's a fact that witchcraft is alive and here to stay.Through the centuries,both christians and communists have tried to eradicate the cunning folks of the good Earth.All efforts have ended in failure.So,if you have already read books like,'Being a Pagan',this book also has excellent information on the elders ,who have crafted the 'Craft'.Fellow occultists will enjoy this book.Satantism is discussed ,yet for what it is.Satanism is the flip-side of Christianity.So,if you are a christian,you're more prone to becoming a Satanist,as well.Earth-based neo-pagan witches have been demonised by the modern media machine.True pagans do not fetter themselves with christain-satanism.For those who are yearning for a foul book on devil-worshipping,would be disappointed with this one.This is another great wiccan reference book ,from the research work of RoseMary Guiley.

Length:: 1:45 Mins

a must for every magical library!