Customer Reviews

Out Of The Shadows: Myths and Truths of Modern Wicca

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I thought this book was great--smart, funny, with savy advice. But I had a really big problem with chapter 3, titled "Deities" and subtitled "If you read only one chapter, read this one"--which i think is unfortunate--since the rest of the book is so good, and that particular chapter is full of misinformation.The problem starts when the author describes Kali as "dancing on the body of the half-dead Krishna" (p48). Kali never dances on Krishna but on Shiva (whose name sounds like the word for corpse). She warns against working with Kali because she is "terrifying" (p48). McLelland doesn't really have an understanding of how Kali is worshipped in India and focuses on the Kali of the tantric path, as apposed to say the Kali that Ramprasad loved.McLelland also warns us against Lilith because she "destroyed her children in order to fight her battles" (p49). I could be wrong, but I believe that in Jewish folklore, it was Yaweh who kills a hundred of Lilith's demon children a day as punishment. (Lilith kills other peoples babies) She also says not invoke her if you want to keep your image as a "sexpot"--but in Jewish folklore that is exactly what Lilith is--she suduces men in their sleep.The author also has some mixed up ideas about the Celtic Deities. She Calls Brigit a form of Dana (she's not, and its actually Danu). She says the Morrigan is three goddesses "the mother goddess Ana, the mother Babd, and the crone Macha". How many crones do you know who can beat a horse in a race while she is nine months pregnant? Sources are inconsistent about what three goddess make up the Morrigu--but one thing is for sure--the Irish did not divide the goddess into maiden, mother, and crone (that was a falacy perpetrated by Robert Graves). Their triple goddesses were made up of either three maidens, three mothers or three crones. and crones could always turn into maidens. Lugh is not a sun god (but everyone makes that mistake, can't fault McLelland here), the sun is a goddess in Ireland--Grian. Also she says that Gwydion is the son of Dana and associated with the Tuatha de Dannan--he isn't he is Welsh, and a son of the goddess Don. Then she goes on to say the Lleu LLaw Gyffes is another son of Dana--he's not nor is he son of Don, he is Arianrhod's son.Well maybe you think i am nitpicking, but since McLelland warns us about getting all our information from Wiccan books--I thought I should mention that this is not the book to learn about pagan Deities. I suggest you leave the new age section and head towards the mythology section.The beginning of the chapter on Deities is actually quite good, and the rest of the book is excellent--so I recommend it highly--just take the information on the gods with a grain of salt.

Out of the Shadows is a fantastic foray into the hidden recesses of modern Wicca and Paganism. The author discusses not only the differences between Wicca, Witchcraft and Paganism, but what to look out for when dealing with groups of all kinds.

Focusing primarily on Wicca, Ms. McLelland gives practical advice on how to tell the difference between those groups who are truly dedicated to furthering the worship of the old gods, and those whose leaders are looking only to further their own egos. She also includes specific words of caution to teens exploring Wicca.

One of the most interesting chapters deals with how to safeguard your wallet by learning how to tell legitimate Pagan charities and non-profit organizations (those to whom contributions are tax deductible) and those with questionable backgrounds and missions.

The book is written in a no-nonsense manner, is extremely well researched, and included anecdotal accounts from her nearly 20 years of experience in the Pagan Community. Many ideas and stories taken at face value for years in modern Wicca are explored proven fact separated from unsubstantiated myth. I had always considered myself to be a well-read individual with 20 years of my own experience, but found myself continuously surprised when what I had always thought was true history was shown to have no basis in history at all. Ms. McLelland also shows a great ability to laugh at herself and her own preconceived notions, which made me feel better when dealing with my own.

But if I had to choose one single theme running through this fascinating book as being most important, it would be the author's affirmation that the "truth" about Wicca's past and origins is of secondary importance to it's ability to connect its followers to the old gods through Divine Mystery. And when all is said and done, isn't *that* what is truly important?

I'll admit I'm a bit disenchanted with most of the books I find on Wicca. I'm very skeptical that once again, I'll hear the same information rehashed with slightly different wording. Sound familiar?

So when I sat down to read this book, I found myself pleasantly surprised! McLelland does an excellent job of being honest about the strengths and truths of the modern craft movement in the US. I feel that perhaps a little more nationwide focus would have helped, but she's from Salem and it's one of those witchy hot spots, so I can understand her focus on it.

I like the fact that she does bring up the stereotypes, with but with a slightly different twist. We're not talking about point hats and black cloaks here-this is sexual predators posing as High Priests and egotistical High Priestesses that she's talking about. Granted, most of us have met someone who fits one of those descriptions. One reviewer here states that we don't need to talk about those things, again. I disagree! Of course we need to talk about them!

They are out there, and people need to know. If you've lived in small town "x" all of your life and never connected with anyone who claims to be a HPS of 20 years with a successful coven under her belt....then that's going to sound amazing and interesting to you. And I'd hate to see you end up scrubbing that woman's floors in return for her "magickal knowledge" because you didn't know better.

I've seen it happen within my own circle, so I know those people are out there. And besides, isn't knowledge the best defense?

There is some very solid information in this book, both for the beginner and the more advanced Pagan. As someone who runs the only public circle in my hometown, her tips on meeting with the media (what to say and what not to wear!) were wonderful. There is some great information on how to safeguard your wallet by learning how to tell legitimate Pagan charities and non-profit organizations (those to whom contributions are tax deductible) and those with questionable backgrounds and missions.

Then of course, the things that mark you as a beginner. I had to smile at those, because they are very common amongst the persons who come to my circle. I've heard them all (and was guilty of a few myself in my starting days)!

I loved the fact that McLelland was not afraid to clean out her own broom closet about certain things, like witch wars. We've had taken part in things like that when we really should have minded our own business. Big props to her for being so honest about it! This book is filled with anecdotes about McLelland's years in the Pagan community, and that makes it very easy to read. You feel a connection with her as you learn about the mistakes she'd made (while reliving some of your own, perhaps?).

This is one of the best books I've found recently. It's a no frills, honest look at the modern Pagan movement. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to know a little more than what the correspondences for the color magenta are, and the new way to cast a circle.

Bravo to Ms. McLelland for what has become one of my most recommended reads and references!

This is the book that I wish was on the shelf when I was recently approached in a bookstore by a person claiming to have a witch lineage going back hundreds of years, psychic powers and a host of other problems and issues. There was a point in the conversation where I felt that I had repeated my advice more times than anyone should have to and if the book had been available I would have, as politely as possible, said "Here, read it!" and walked away.

In my pagan path experience I have come across the stereotypical witch and pagan wannabes, newbies and even older, more seasoned people who should know better, who are your typical "drama queens". Yes this is a religion where you can allow yourself to be dramatic and free-thinking but you should at least try to come off not sounding naive. Chapter 11 "Three Things That Definitely Mark You As A Beginner" had me nodding my head and chuckling in agreement with all that it said.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in a Wiccan/Pagan spiritual path, especially "newbies" (erm, sorry, "seekers"). I think that with anything that you are first learning about, especially Wicca, you have to wade through a lot of schlock to get to the really important details. This book helps to cut through the sea of misinformation or a lack of information and offers sound guidance. I especially appreciated the information regarding tax-exempt status for a coven and how it's a good thing but that it also has its drawbacks. I also appreciated the fact that the author believes that if you're a Wiccan, but you don't raise your children in your faith, then you shouldn't be a pagan at all. A bit harsh sounding, especially because Wiccans are part of a non-mainstream religion, that most people find disturbing, and who wants to constantly deal with the lectures and proselytizing from those who feel you're going to hell? However, if you can't enjoy and share your religion with those you love and care about, especially your children, can you honestly practice your faith?

Lilith McLelland is a witty, straightforward writer. I read the book in a day. The websites list in the appendix is helpful. This is definitely a book I will keep on my shelf as a permanent reference work.

Out of the Shadows: Myths and Truths of Modern Wicca by Lilith McLelland

Here is a book that approaches our modern spiritual path with a bit of wisdom and a background of knowledge that makes this book worth reading.

While this book is a good resource for defining the various spiritual paths within the modern Pagan movement, it also contains well researched information about the history of Wicca. From the various traditions to how Wicca is perceived in the outside public's eye, Ms. McLelland covers the material as only someone who knows the material well could do.

Ms. McLelland has included much of her personal experiences with the growing Wiccan community in Massachusetts, and I enjoyed her frank style and her observations on her community.

Her information about stereotypes, charities, covens and traditions are well put together for the most part, and are well worth reading for the material they cover. Her personal experiences with working within the community are clever at times, and she points out the pitfalls of being too loving and trusting in a community that holds perfect love and perfect trust a bit too close at times.

What I did find, though, was her feeling of disappointment in some of what is going on in the Wiccan Community there. While it is good to impart personal experiences and information about what works and what does not work in the community, her own feeling seemed disheartening and came across in some sections very clearly.

This book has much to say, and if you can understand the feelings of the author on some topics, this book is good in conveying how community can be successful at times and go astray in others.

I have read, or tried to read, dozens and dozens of books about all aspects of Paganism and this was by far the easiest to relate to. It was as if I were sitting in my living room discussing these things with the author over a cup of coffee. I'm not saying that everything in it is 'gospel' (a point she makes early on in the book) but you would be hard-pressed to find a book better written. I liken her to the Hemingway of Pagans ... she's able to say a lot without having to use the volume of words so many others feel necessary. (It's almost as if so many other Pagan authors are just filling up pages to hear themselves speak.)

This is the book I gave my husband to help him understand what I believe and why. I have also shared it with friends who were interested. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

While I consider myself more of a Witch in the classic sense of worker of folk magic, with maybe a few Wiccan tendencies thrown in for good measure, I have experienced many of the things that Lilith McLelland has bravely spoken about in her wonderful, witty expose of the Craft. With a good heart and great sense of humor, McLelland delves into the beautiful nature of the very modern religion of Wicca, while also exposing the underbelly of those who would misuse it for their own ends, which her town of Salem (next door to my own) is full of. While I often cringe at the idea of the airing of dirty laundry, I approve here because it's done with wit and in the style of great political satire and parody. Without coming across as either bitter or resentful, McLelland just lays it all on the line and tells those coming into Wicca what to expect and what to look out for. I wish I had this type of guide 13 years ago when I first explored this often misunderstood but honorable religion. I might have avoided some of the many pitfalls and would have come away with a deeper understanding of all the beauty and richness that Wicca has to offer. Having personally experienced some of the charlatans and tattoed circus sideshow acts to creep across Salem's spiritual landscape, I can honestly say that it was still worth the journey. There is a wonderful community of magical people here, but it takes a sharp eye and an ability not to take oneself too seriously in order to find them.

First of all I think every newcomer to the Wiccan faith should read this book. Know what you are getting into!! Lilith has caputred the essence of the pagan community for better or for worse. I found myself jumping up every so often with "Yes! That's it exactly!!" Witch Wars? Yep, been there done that. Slimy "gurus" out for seduction? Been there too. I also know quite a few people who have Granny's grimoire and whose family has practiced since The Burning Times...yawn. I have even dissed a newbie or two myself...Yet for all of these experiences I, like it appears Lilith does, love my faith along with all it's oddities (well, every religion has them). I haven't found anyone with as much wit or piercing perception since Ellen Cannon Reed's Heart of Wicca. I'm so happy to see books coming out treating Wicca as a religion, not just a system of spellcasting. Rock on!!!

I am not a Wiccan but if I were this is the book that I'd have any new person embarking on the path read. It is a sit down no B.S. talk of the path of Wicca. The myths and realities are all discussed in a clear, kind, humorous, and yet firm way. Before one travels the "Way of the Wise", before any spell or 101 book, I seriously encourage you to read this book cover to cover.

I thought McLelland is much to focused on Salem, MA, for a book of nationwide interest. Yes, it's a "Witch City" tourist trap, and yes, it does get a lot of media attention on Halloween, but no, her local gossip is not relevant to 98% of American Wicca. Her advice to Wiccans not to go to Salem on Halloween and parade for cameras is good. There is a lot to like in the "Out of the Shadows" too. There is advice on how to meet the media, what to say and wear. Another chapter deals with legal issues that a Wiccan might face at work, and considerations about church deductions and the IRS. One chapter identifies 3 things that Wiccan beginners say which immediately identify them as beginners. One was not to say that your ancestor was burned for witchcraft in Salem. The other 2 beginner identifiers she lists, "grandmother witch" and "shaman training" are indeed wide spread beginner faux pas. The chapter on witch wars was a little shallow, although kudos to McLelland for fessing up and admitting her own part in one some years ago.

Overall it's a pretty good book, and will be useful to someone who wants an overall survey about Wicca. It is good too that some of the skeletons in the closet are hung out to wither away in the sunshine of public knowledge.