Principles of Wicca (Thorsons Principles Series) [Paperback]

Vivianne Crowley (Author)

Book Description

Series: Thorsons Principles Series | Publication Date: February 25, 1998

Wicca is the religion of Witchcraft or Wisecraft. Wicca is a magical path which empowers us to grow, change,

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Thorsons (February 25, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0722534515
• ISBN-13: 978-0722534519
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #701,792 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for beginners or those who are curious about Wicca, March 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Principles of Wicca (Thorsons Principles Series) (Paperback)

)0( Reviewed by Lady Rowan of the Midwest )0(

For those who are new to Wicca or who are simply just curious about it, Vivianne Crowley provides a straightforward, easy-to-read book that covers a definition of what Wicca is, how Wiccans perceive the Universe, the magickal realm, the gods, sabbat rites and a section on groups and contacts for readers who want further information.

If you're looking for a detailed, complex treatise on Wicca and its history, this won't be the book for you. But if you're searching for a concise handbook that defines basic tenets and beliefs of Wicca in its purest form, then you may want to add this book to your list.

In clear terms, Crowley describes who today's witches are, more about Wicca's origins and what covens are. Neophytes will find a simple diagram of a pentagram with each element described along with a simple visualization to assist with contacting the elements in nature.

Crowley also gives a simple explanation of the Wheel of the Year and Wicca's eight major festivals, as well as the remaining four festivals. A description of appropriate altar decorations, colors and the type of magick appropriate to each festival is provided, as well.

In the section that covers the magickal realm, Crowley discusses what natural magic is, who does magic and how along with instruction on how to successfully use visualization, feel etheric energy and open the chakras, or special energy centers in the body.

Phases of the Goddess and how She relates to the pentagram makes for an interesting read, as does the relationship of the God to the pentagram, too. Exercises to assist with attuning to the Goddess and the God help readers become more familiar with their relationship to the Divine.

Finally, Crowley's chapters on creating ritual and the sabbat rites pull the book together in a smooth, informative way. For those who wish to go further and learn more, the author also provides additional resources and contact information.

Overall, Crowley's book isn't as detailed and complex as some might want to read - but if you're just testing the waters of Wicca and have a need for a guide that will explain the basics in a reader-friendly way, PRINCIPLES OF WICCA will deliver a concrete foundation upon which to build your beginning path.

Rating: Five broomsticks (out of five possible)

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great basic guide, February 13, 2000

By 

Kwan Yin (the centre of the sun (aaagh it's hot)) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Principles of Wicca (Thorsons Principles Series) (Paperback)

Contrary to the disturbingly ignorant review that someone who obviously has no clue posted below, this is a good, practical book. It serves as a sound introduction to Wicca. However, Crowley always tends to assume that all Pagans are Wiccan and that all Wiccans are British Traditional Witches, which is certainly not the case. However, the British viewpoint can also prove to be very interesting. Best of all are her sections on the Elements. Her chakra exercise is also very effective, and her invocations very poetic. It's a good book, but still not "the only guide you'll ever need" as the cover boasts. It's a good guide, but definitely NOT the only.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A must for beginners!, December 2, 1999

By 

Marrianne (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Principles of Wicca (Thorsons Principles Series) (Paperback)

This is an extremely good book for those that have just started out in wicca and for interested sceptics. It explains a lot of the issues fully and clearly without being patronising. A very good read.