Customer Reviews

When, Why ... If

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"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.

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.

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.

Excellent and thought provoking are two descriptions that come to mind when reading this book. This honestly is a MUST READ, plus it's a rather quick read as well! Too many books out there gloss over the ethics behind wicca. They may dedicate a paragraph or two, but none delve as deeply into the true honest question of what does it mean to live one's life according to "An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will". She uses very current examples, such as buying a dress in a department store and what to do if a friend is in an abusive relationship. She explores situations as these from an ethical wiccan/pagan perspective. It isn't a running list of dos and don'ts of ethics, but more of a teaching tool, as I said, thought provoking, through her examples. Plus, there is the added benefit of the questions that follow every chapter, questions that make you think hard about yourself, your actions, and your own personal code of conduct. It is a self-realization tool within itself. Furthermore, it lends itself easily to group discussion, which again is a plus for a coven to work through together. I personally am delighted to have happened upon this book and seriously encourage you to read it...for anyone of any skill level...for anyone walking the wiccan/pagan path.

Wow! This book blew me away. A friend recommended it and I was thoroughly impressed after simply reading it through the first time. It discusses the ethics of many aspects of Pagan religions and encourages the reader to ask many questions of him or herself. It made me think more deeply than anything else I've read in the past year and I am truly grateful.

I would highly recommend this long overdue treatise on Pagan ethics; and step-by-step guide to developing a personal awareness of ethical living.The author's witty conversational style of writing makes this step by step handbook an engaging easy read. A must read for anyone with an interest in specific techniques to evaluate their own code of ethics, and ways to clarify that code and apply it to everyday decisions.As the author points out, "You have to think at all times", "And you have to review all the facts honestly, with love", when sorting out ones own ethical standard; but the end result is worth the effort.

Robin Wood, well know illustrator and designer of the Robin Wood Tarot, shows us how to develope a method of ethical judgement to guide us through life and our practices. Besides being a must for anyone in magickal training, this book is very applicable to anyones daily life. Required reading.

Well written and very impressive, this book would serve well as an ethics book for any religion or walk of life. I have purchased a copy for our Public Library as well as a personal copy, so that more people can have access to the useful, friendly, and humorous writing of this amazing lady. Extremely well done. (...)

I would reccomend this book to anyone who was interested in wicca or self help. It focuses on wiccan ethics but I would put it in the self help section as well. At the end of every chapter there are journal writing excerises to get to know your positives and negatives.

"When, Why... If" is probably the only book on spirituality that I've found that dicusses the ethics of magick, and life as well. I've reccomended it to everyone I know, because, even if you're not pagan, its an important book to think on. It certainly helped me out when it came to explaining things to people and to myself.