The Illustrated Guide To Wicca [Paperback]

Tony Grist (Author), Aileen Grist (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 2000

Through ritual and magic, Wiccans seek to better their own lives and the world. Wicca is a religion--but also a craft, with practical things to do, and the secrets that unfold in this manual show how to activate the powers that lie deep within nature and us all. Here are the history, the ethics, the insights, and the gods and goddesses of Wicca all laid out, accompanied with spectacular images. With the tools of the trade, such as candles, incense, the magical knife, and the all-important wand, the work can begin. Set up a temple, and prepare for initiation, either with a coven or alone. Open the circle, raise the energy, make magic and feasts, conduct invocations and evocations, and carry out spells. And, most important, find your own way within Wicca, for there are no set rules--just a journey on the path that's right for you. 128 pages (all in color), 8 x 10.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

When Gerald Gardner, a retired British colonial administrator, introduced Wicca to the world in the 1950s, he compiled a volume of spells, rituals and magical lore that he called the Book of Shadows. The Grists, a British couple who converted to Paganism (he is a former Anglican vicar, she is a magistrate), offer this pleasant and profusely illustrated volume as a Book of Shadows for a new generation. Unlike Gardner, who emphasized group work, the Grists are concerned particularly with the solitary practitioner. Free of dogma, church and liturgy, Wicca is "a do-it-yourself religion," say the Grists. Although they provide a number of sample rituals, the authors urge their readers to "be quirky" and follow their own paths. This book may serve as a signpost to those paths, with brief discussions of spells, deities, temple architecture, annual festivals and other essential information. Even experienced practitioners will value the Grists' sensible advice. For example, the authors suggest their readers forsake pilgrimages to sacred sites in faraway places and instead make their own neighborhoods enchanted spaces. They also note that Wiccans should not drive home after a ritual until they are fully "earthed," lest the spirits make them reckless. The Grists address other sensitive topics with characteristic good humor. While those seeking to move beyond the basics will need a more detailed road map, this illustrated guide is a fine introduction. (July)

Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (June 30, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806927798
• ISBN-13: 978-0806927794
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,117,945 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't confuse flashy with shallow, April 24, 2000

By 

Barbara A. Bolek - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Illustrated Guide To Wicca (Paperback)

Some of the flashy books coming out lately such as, The Complete Illustrated Guide to the Tarot, Complete Illustrated Guide to the Runes, and the Complete Illustrated Guide to Numerology, though overviews, these books do not skimp on the information they provide their readers.

This book is no exception. The Illustrated Guide to Wicca contains both practical and breathtaking graphics, and just about all the information you need to understand Wicca, from the legends and lore, to all the basic how-to information.

Everything is covered, beliefs, practices, techniques, Wheel of the Year rituals, other ritual ideas including first, second, and third degree initiations.

The authors reveal the diversity among Wiccans by having each Wheel ritual in the book focus on a different pantheon (Yule invokes the energies of Isis and Osiris; Beltane invokes Thor and Sif, for examples). They also include some nice pages devoted to charges and invocations to other deities. It's no great multicultural assortment, but it provides just enough to stimulate the beginner's interests.

The book is ideal for the curious, those at the introductory level and young people. Those beyond being just curious should, of course, supplement this with other books, such as the Spiral Dance by Starhawk, or Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner, by Scott Cunningham.

This book might also be nice for more experienced practitioners to have around, if they need a non-threatening source to answer questions about the craft to those on the outside. This is a nicely organized, carefully constructed, beautifully illustrated resource.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank You For This Highly Informative and Inspiring Book !!!, January 25, 2006

By 

Billy "Billy" (Houston, Texas, USA.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Illustrated Guide To Wicca (Paperback)

Some writers are truly gifted, and know how to simplify a complex topic. For a long time, I've tried to understand 'Wicca', but the more I inquired, the more confused I became, until I picked up this book. Prior to reading this book, I had become disappointed with the confusion, and decided to give up; but, thanks to these demystifying authors, I am now glad to say that I love 'Wicca'. I will now go happily in search of Wiccans in my area who would be willing to help me 'On This Beautiful Path'!! THANKS again!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very unique book, August 25, 2000

By 

"willowhawk" (Burlington, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Illustrated Guide To Wicca (Paperback)

I bought this book, sight unseen and without having any idea what was in it. When it arrived, the graphics stunned me. The book is beautifully laid out, a lot to look at and learn about.

The book is very complete in touching on all aspects of Wicca. The authors were very thorough in their research and writing. This is a book that I would recommend to people beginning on this path, or even the experienced Wiccans that I know. It's a nice addition to my library.