When, Why ... If [Paperback]

Robin Wood (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 096529840X | ISBN-13: 978-0965298407 | Publication Date: January 1, 1997

This is a workbook dealing with ethics from a Pagan/Wiccan perspective.

I began writing it several years ago, because folk kept asking me questions about right and wrong. I tried to tell them they should be asking their teachers these questions; but some of them didn't have teachers, and some had teachers who didn't seem very interested in the topic.

So I wrote the book; not to tell you what you should do, but to tell you how you can figure out for yourself which is the best thing for you to do. I'm not a guru, and I don't have all the answers; only you have your answers. And if you work through this book, you may have a better idea what they are.

It has an introduction, 9 chapters (The Beginning, Honesty, Self, Love, Help, Harm, Sex, Will and Ethics,) an Appendix that explains modern Neo-Pagan Wicca in six pages, a glossary of Pagan/Wiccan terms, and a recommended reading list.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Robin Wood Enterprises (January 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 096529840X
• ISBN-13: 978-0965298407
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #127,977 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not your run-of-the-mill Witchy book!, March 9, 2003

By 

Mari Morgan (NH, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: When, Why ... If (Paperback)

"When, Why... If" is the first book I've seen that really tackles the ETHICS of Paganism past the blithe recitations of the Wiccan Rede and the Law of Return. There ought to be more - there are far too many books heavy on the HOW but very, very light on the WHY (or why not!), and living an ethical life without defined rules can be very difficult for some. Wood's book helps you define those rules for yourself. This one was hard to obtain for a while (took me more than a year to get my copy after it was recommended to me by someone I trusted) but I'm very glad it is readily available now. It's somewhat Wicca-oriented, but with the exceptions of the Appendix and the Glossary I didn't find it too intrusive.

This is not a comfortable book to read, and the exercises are rugged. You will have to look at the most unlikable parts of yourself and drag them up into the light of day, and that can be pretty unpleasant - BUT you'll be all the better for it in the end.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Good Starter For the beginner pagan/wiccan, December 2, 2003

By 

Larry M. Smith (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: When, Why ... If (Paperback)

If you are looking for a way to find answers to questions about what is right and what is wrong in pagan/wiccan ethics, then i would tell all beginners (and sometimes the advance) to pick up this book. This book has helped me many times where certain areas that i thought about my self and others get over the wall of life. This book is honest, to the point on subjects of all matter in the pagan/wiccan community. Please remember, that this book doesnt speak for all pagans/wiccans, but, it should have an open view on what is right and what is wrong in dealing with ethics and what not in the craft. Ms. Wood has made a classic and its truly worth time and the money.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute must have no matter what religion you practice., June 16, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When, Why ... If (Paperback)

If you ever heard Robin Wood speak, you will be able to hear her voice in the pages as she tackles issues such as "what is Perfect Love and Perfect Trust??" and how does one really live a Wiccan life. Frankly, this book is a must for all people, whether you are Pagan or not, having "ethics" issues or not (especially if you run a Coven or Circle -- the advice contained within and exercises are invaluable!) If one were to take out the Pagan referances, one would have one of the best books for anyone of any religion. When, Why, If... is written with humor and a converstaional style that is easy to follow, it is filled with anicdotes that everyone can relate to, and each chapter concludes with a series of self examination questions that are thought provoking.