Customer Reviews

The Holy Book of Women's Mysteries: Feminist Witchcraft, Goddess Rituals, Spellcasting and Other Womanly Arts ... Complete In One Volume

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is definitely one of the classics when you're talking Goddess spirituality--the fiercely intelligent, fiercely sensual and always feisty Zsuzsanna Budapest's book isn't just a spellbook for today's feminist witch--it's a passionate manifesto for change of all kinds in the world, on all levels. From the political impact of what we eat to the emotional impact of patriarchy, Z leaves few if any stones unturned in her uncompromising, highly principled book. The historical passages detailing the Burning Times (the Inquisition) and their continuing influence on womyn's religion and freedom are particularly moving--also potentially agitating if one's ingrained prejudices are not left aside by the reader in exchange for an open mind. Hypocrites, fence-sitters and apologists will have a particularly hard time--Z Budapest minces no words and makes no apologies for her radical blend of passion, intellect and principle. With the exception of the aforementioned readers, spiritually searching feminist womyn (and men) everywhere will find this book a deeply moving and beautiful clarion call to justice, peace, and spiritual fulfillment in our world, for all.

The Holy Book of Women's Mysteries is an essential read for all pagans, feminists and (dare I say) all spiritual women. This book is not about re-instating a matriarchy or tearing down patriarchy; it is about women's spirituality, and its relationship with politics and lifestyle. It educates the reader as to the reality of patriarchal and paternalistic society in which we live, and how it oppresses both women and men, spiritually and politically. It discusses matriarchal societies to a limited extent, but Z doesn't advocate women taking over - rather it's about restoring a balance of respect & equality between the sexes, particularly at the spiritual level.

There is a lot of invaluable information on Dianic witchcraft and spells, including everyday magick, along with sabbat rituals, divination methods and an interesting section on how vegetarian theories and politics relate to witchcraft and the feminine aspect. There's plenty of information on Goddesses and how the patriarchal religions distorted old myths, as well as the Gods, to serve their own needs. There are also several beautiful Rites Of Passage for men and women that you don't often come across. Z's personal life stories are an equally valuable read.

I highly recommend this book to pagans or anyone interested in learning about the pagan path, particularly as it relates to the feminine and Goddess aspects of witchcraft and wicca. It is a very interesting, intriguing and - most importantly - an educational read, whether or not you ultimately agree with Z's Dianic perspective. Indispensible, though perhaps not a beginners book. Beginners should check out Cunningham, Jennifer Hunter or Fiona Horne (Fiona's books are particularly useful for beginners in the southern hemisphere). This book - along with Starhawk's Spiral Dance - are indispensible resources on the Goddess aspects of paganism.

I think this book is a much neglected gem of the Pagan movement. Dianism (Feminist, Goddess-ony Wicca) has been declining steadily due to lack of good books written on the subject. This book, one of the first of its kind to speak exclusively to women, is still the reigning champion of the Dianic movement.

The book is star studded with some of the most talented Pagan authors of our time, including Starhawk. Spells, herbs, incenses, and colors are all discussed as in the standard Wicca 101 format. The book also offers a unique perspective on Pagan holidays, a different calendar from homogeneous Wheel of the Year literature featured in most books.

Be warned, this book is riddled with historical inaccuracies, if you're a history buff and those sorts of things bug you, you may want to look elsewhere. If you take what is written with a grain of salt, as a "mythic history" and not literal truth, you should weather this well. Also, the book doesn't pull any punches, it can be vicious in its attacks on patriarchy and oppresive culture. Finally, the book will discuss the principle of a "righteous hex", if that really goes against your morals you may want to skip that chapter.

This book was really designed with the Feminist spirit in mind, intended to get women in touch with their own Divinity through their own perceptions. If you are looking for a more balanced non-feminist approach, try anything written by Scott Cunningham.

I found this book relevant to all woman , not just those interested in witch craft or the new age . Don't be surprised if you buy a copy , lend it to a friend and never get it back.A friend of mine borrowed a copy , which she "forgot " to give back , and lent it to me . I consequently sort of forgot to give it back to her for some time . Eventually , my concience got to me and I passed it back . I wonder if she's done the same thing. I loved this book . I'ts got a real sense of femminine pride separate from all that stuff about having to dress like a man and act like a man to succeed in this world. And there's a lot of healthy aggression in it's expression of femmininity. I'm not a witch or a new ageist but I did find this book highly relevant in my own life.Many of the spells and rituals are beautiful and the writer has such spunk!!!!!

dianic witchcraft is the subject, women centered spirituality is the genre, necessity is the mandate. this text is a foundational tome for feminist witches everywhere. when read in context of the period of original writing (late 1970s California), strong emphasis on 'the patriarchy' is put in perspective. however, don't let that mean that you discount Z's perspective on the far reaching tentacles of this dominant global force. excellent spring board to thinking about spell casting and weaving goddess spirituality into your every day life.

This was the first book on Witchcraft I ever purchased, many years ago. It might have been a bit much to take if I'd been younger or more impressionable. The author is uncompromising in her views, which are staunchly Feminist with a capital F, and very Dianic in her Pagan faith. There is a joke which goes "A good witch harms none, a better witch laughs at the good witch"...and Z is a better witch! If you are new to Witchcraft, take this book with a grain of salt; not all Pagans are this "in your face". However, this book contains a wealth of information, and is a far better resource than many of the "fluffy bunny" Pagan & New Age books out there. Combine this author's writings with those of Patricia Telesco, Doreen Valiente, and Scott Cunningham, and you will have a well-rounded Pagan education!

A complete guide to seasonal celebrations, full moons, creating a coven, spellwork, and much more. Oriented towards the Dianic (woman-only) practioner, but excellent for all. This is truly a classic of the women's spirituality movement in the 70's as it grew up.

This is a classic text for all those interested in goddess religion. It is written by one of the founding members of the Goddess Religion Movement. It should be read as a foundation stone and as an example of an "early" work.

I just read it and I think it's great!It's practical and useful,has a strong herstory background and easy-to-follow rituals and Z's writing is very leading.It also give us great ideas of how to celebrate almos forgoten dates,like 1st menstruation,becoming a mother,and so on.It's a must have for so many reasons

Have you read Adler? Starhawk? Well here is the other Wiccan book you MUST have in your library. Why? It's affirming, educational and sensational. The self-love ritual for boosting your self-esteem is worth the price!