Wicca for Beginners: Fundamentals of Philosophy & Practice (For Beginners (Llewellyn's)) [Paperback]

Thea Sabin (Author)

Book Description

Series: For Beginners (Llewellyn's) | Publication Date: April 8, 2006

"In her first book-length work, Sabin presents a first-rate, fresh, and thorough addition to the burgeoning field of earth-based spiritual practice volumes...written in a light, informative style that magically mines depth, breadth and brevity."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

Due to the sheer number of Wicca 101 books on the market, many newcomers to the Craft find themselves piecing together their Wiccan education by reading a chapter from one book, a few pages from another. Rather than depending on snippets of wisdom to build a new faith, Wicca for Beginners provides a solid foundation to Wicca without limiting the reader to one tradition or path.
Embracing both the spiritual and the practical, Wicca for Beginners is a primer on the philosophies, culture, and beliefs behind the religion, without losing the mystery that draws many students to want to learn. Detailing practices such as grounding, raising energy, visualization, and meditation, this book offers exercises for core techniques before launching into more complicated rituals and spellwork.


Finalist for the Coalition of Visionary Resources Award for Best Wiccan/Pagan Book

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. In her first book-length work, Sabin presents a first-rate, fresh and thorough addition to the burgeoning field of earth-based spiritual practice volumes. Sometimes using examples that young people can relate to (SATs, dying grandmothers), she opens the door to this path for people of all ages who want concrete beginnings to "work actively and spiritually to develop as a person." Sabin covers well the familiar territory of the calendar, circle, pentagram, tools, etc., but she shines distinctively in several areas. The first is in Wiccan history, written in a light, informative style that magically mines depth, breadth and brevity. Another is in the emphasis on personal will and ethical practices that transcend reliance on external paraphernalia. She also deftly shows how the various tools and spells can be put into use, but always encourages practitioners to utilize their own experiences, environment and spiritual intelligence to shape their practice. Especially helpful are the criteria to assess groups and potential teachers, and the volume is capped by a fine bibliography. Sabin advocates consistent study, practice and evolved learning. Gently admonishing her reader not to become a "one-book wonder," Sabin has nearly voided her own advice with this important first effort that is perfect for novice Wiccans. (Apr.)
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Review

"...first-rate, fresh, and thorough...written in a light, informative style that magically mines depth, breadth and brevity." -- Publishers Weekly

"Sabin offers a practical and cohesive look at the earth-centered religion of Wicca...Highly recommended." -- Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications (April 8, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738707511
• ISBN-13: 978-0738707518
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #34,615 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #33 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Witchcraft
  • #33 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Wicca

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

106 of 108 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to Wicca, June 19, 2006

By 

Adona "Adona" (Virginia, MN United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Wicca for Beginners: Fundamentals of Philosophy & Practice (For Beginners (Llewellyn's)) (Paperback)

As a teacher of Wicca for many years, I'm always looking for better materials to use for training. I am grateful to Ms. Sabin for providing what will undoubtedly be the introductory book I will recommend for the foreseeable future. She presents the basics without pushing any given path or tradition, often presenting varying interpretations and viewpoints in a non-judgemental manner. This is a solid foundation for seekers to use as a springboard to whatever flavor of Wicca they choose to explore.

I appreciate that she addresses ethics within Wicca, which many authors seem to avoid, or present in a highly simplistic manner.

The book is clearly meant for beginners, hence the title, and is possibly the best overall introduction I have yet seen.

74 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Satisfies a Lifelong Curiosity, May 31, 2006

By 

Lily Stone (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wicca for Beginners: Fundamentals of Philosophy & Practice (For Beginners (Llewellyn's)) (Paperback)

As a Buddhist with Wiccan tendencies, I found that Sabin's thoroughly engaging, witty, non-threatening introduction to earth-based spirituality was just the ticket to satisfy a lifelong curiosity and a nagging sense that modernity and monotheistic religions are strangling our collective connection to the Divine in its feminine and masculine totality. The historical context, the DIY common sense and the conversational style reveal a mystical writer with an academic's intellect and a believer's heart. I've actually used some of the protective skills and guided imagery, and I think that as I become more comfortable with my own skin, I'll explore her teachings in more depth. I highly recommend it.

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative, June 10, 2007

By 

Tracy McElroy (Louisville,KY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Wicca for Beginners: Fundamentals of Philosophy & Practice (For Beginners (Llewellyn's)) (Paperback)

I bought this book to learn more about the wiccan religion as my girlfriend is wiccan and I had no prior (correct) knowledge of the religion. This book offers an excellent intro to the history, philosophy and basic practices of the religion as the title suggest. Its also doesn't read like a textbook so its fun and to read. In general I would reccomend this book to anyone just starting out who wants to learn more about the religion.