A Grimoire of Shadows: Witchcraft, Paganism, & Magick [Paperback]

Ed Fitch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 8, 1996

"A Grimoire of Shadows" is one of the great, underground classics of modern Witchcraft. Only now available to the public, this major work has always been much in demand, and it is the sourcebook from which a large number of Wiccan traditions have developed.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ed Fitch is one of the major figures in modern Wicca and neo-Paganism.  He has traveled the world as an Air Force officer, an aerospace engineer and a private investigator.  He spends as much time as possible each year in the California wilderness exploring mines, caves, and old ghost town sites.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications (August 8, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1567186599
• ISBN-13: 978-1567186598
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #545,011 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars for those who like an ordered approach...., January 2, 2000

By 

Kirsten M. Houseknecht "Practice is the midwi... (philadelphia, pa USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: A Grimoire of Shadows: Witchcraft, Paganism, & Magick (Paperback)

"A Grimoire of Shadows" was origionally written as a training book for those just entering the Gardnerian tradition of Wicca. It has been added to, and expanded, for publication, and should prove very useful to the new, or advanced, student. None of the secrets of the Gardnerian tradition are revealed, and this book can stand as a tradition in its own right (and has, many eclectic groups started with this book).

The training excersizes are very good, and it does an excellent job of teaching students how to avoid the common energy working pitfalls. If the suggested training regimen is followed then the student will develop an admirable level of both discipline and control.

If you are looking for a simple spellbook, then this is NOT the book for you. Likewise, if you are not interested in a disciplined approach to magic, or in magical/psychic excersizes which require practice, then your money is better spent elsewhere. If, however, you find clearly written and organized structure and excersizes useful, then you will be very pleased with this book.

The structure and discipline should be able to be incorporated into anyone's practice.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Reading, much information, and some fun along the way., January 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Grimoire of Shadows: Witchcraft, Paganism, & Magick (Paperback)

This book is designed for a beginner, and makes no assumptions as to any previous knowledge the reader may bring to the text. In that sense, Mr. Fitch has produced a remarkable volume. For the more experienced practitioner, however, Mr. Fitch may come across as a bit stiff and stilted. While his Gardnarian influence is ever-present, Fitch avoids the pitfall of saying his methods are the only methods. But one thing is clear. The Craft requires discipline and learning and patience (facets most beginning books on the subject gloss over in their "find your own path" disregard for self-discipline). It is not a perfect book, but it is a great stepping-stone for the curious or novice in the Craft.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic for anyone interested in Witchcraft., September 28, 2005

By 

Richard K. Kostoff "karmarich" (columbus, oh) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Grimoire of Shadows: Witchcraft, Paganism, & Magick (Paperback)

I am a bit appalled by the negative reviewers out there who say mean things about this precious tome of real magick! I suppose "pop wicca" by bestselling authors who know very little about real Witchcraft, the way it was meant to be practiced, is more appealing to these folk! I love this book and use it quite frequently. I feel it is very modern in its approach and contains some wonderful illustrations.

Mr Fitch is a modern guru of Witchcraft that is very underrated in the world of "pop wicca". It is interesting to note that many of his beautiful rituals appear in many other books published by Llewellyn. He is not even given credit! He claims most of these rituals are all public domain. Indeed, they should be.

His magical training section is very difficult and should be at least tried by anyone seriously interested in the craft. He personally invites anyone who masters these techniques to contact him through the publisher. Good luck to all who attempt them! Mastery is surely a sign that one is a real Witch!

Call me old fashioned, I feel this is the way that witchcraft should be practiced. A year and a day passes quickly. Why not savor them with study and reflection? Sadly, this volume has gone out of print. It should be required reading for anyone attempting the path.