Customer Reviews

The Wiccaning

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

I throughly enjoyed this book. Its reads with warmth and charm and it contains many throughly interesting and informative chapters on getting started, moon magick, herbs,oils and incense and spell work to name but a few. All chapters are generous with their subject matter. What I liked about this book is that it approachs the subject from a spiritual if not metaphysical point of view in some areas, its gentle in its approach and it could easily fit into the same theme "energy vibe" that comes off book catagories that you would find Scott Cunninghams work. Earthy. The sections of Tarot, Chakras and Qabala are very enlightening. A gem of a book for those just starting out and interested in Wicca. The book cover art is beautiful and will appeal to many to pick it up and give it a look through.

This book is full of historically incorrect information; there are no dates or actual references from credible books. She gleams over the inquisition, the burning times and the modern reconstruction of Wicca. This book has the distinct feel like the Author has made up what she believes and thrown into a book, without any research. This is clearly her opinion and what she practises and I can only hope that anyone reading this will use their brain and read other material and make an intelligent decision. Below are some examples from the book of the information that is incredibly questionable. There is at least one piece of dodgy information on every page.

Page 5 "The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that the Wiccans were capable of many different things" Find me a history book that says anything about Wiccans, Wicca and Wiccan are modern terms and using the words interchangeably for historical reference is poor writing.

Page 5 & 6 "The thing most dreaded among the Greeks and Romans during this period was the threat of the evil eye. They accused only the Wiccans of having this power. The evil eye is an intense look or state. It is meant for on e purpose; a warning. The warning is forbearance to refrain from action. Yes the evil eye still exists! The Author then goes on for another page about the subject.

Page 8 "The Black Witch Black Witches are not associated with either Gray or White Witches, or even the Wiccan religion. This is usually due to their affiliation with Satan or other dark forces."

Page 12 "The Book of Shadows must have solid black covers and unlined white paper" Really! Well I know a few Witches and Covens who would have something to say about that.

Page 14 "As long as the person is not married, the field is open for magick" I can not personally believe that this was allowed to be in print, there are a lot of people who are not married and have children and very happy lives. Relationships are sacred things and by saying something as blatant as that in a book like this is a disgrace.

Page 111 "4th Chakra - Pink" Most Eastern philosophy states that the chakra is green, pink is the secondary.

Page 173 "How does one become an Angel? And if out soul reincarnated, then how do you explain Angels? I believe every soul has a destination. It can rest and learn in either Heaven or hell, or even become a ghost on an earthly plane, but all souls have a destination. I believe some souls are older than others. The older, the wiser and the more pure of heart the soul is, the more likely the candidate is to become an Angel." Rest in hell, ok then, Souls becoming Angels? There are a lot of theories about Angels and their origins, I think her explanation is was to simplistic.

Page 173 "not all Witches believe there is a heaven or hell. I believe in both and that there is a ruler in hell, known as Satan. The Dark Forces are mere followers of evil" And that quote takes the cake.

To sum it all up, this book is childish, uneducated, shallow, simple, un-researched and a waste of money. Books that are actually worth reading and buying are: Wicca by Vivienne Crowley, Wicca by Scott Cunningham and The Idiots Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft by Zimmerman.

What an incredible book!! It could be titled, "Everything you ever wanted to know about Wicca but were embarrassed to ask!" I learned all the basics, the background information, and the detailed lists of herbs, oils and spells are the perfect how-to. An absolute must-have for anyone considering the Wiccan religion! (p.s. Don't bother if you're only looking to cast evil spells)

That's all I could think while reading the first few pages of this book. What was this "Sister Moon" thinking when she wrote this hogwash? I'm usually not into writing horribly negative reviews; but if I could give this book -5 stars, I would.

The author makes several ridiculous claims right off the bat: Like, ancient Romans and Greeks lived alongside the Wiccans? Huh? Someone must've eaten too much of the brown licorice at Woodstock.

To all Wiccan authors, PLEASE research your religion before you write a book about it. Remember that many young people these days are searching for answers outside the confines of the bible. Writing a bunch of nonsensical b.s. that has no basis in historical fact is not how you want to portray your religion, is it? Come On!

I am very new at this, and this is the first book I have owned falling under this catorgory, I've read others but they were not as clear to me as this one is. It has explained many things that were unclear to me. For example the history behind wiccaning. A friend of mine even says it is one of the best books she has read explaining the background,history,color, and spells. So far this is the most interresting, easy to follow book I have read. This book sure has helped me to understand more and to take the next steps in my search to learn more about the wiccaning process and the ceremonial rituals. I hope she writes another book that will talk about more spells and answer questions that readers have from the feedback she receives.

This book makes a claim that wicca predates christianity...
Ummm think not... wicca is about 50 years old. Go out and read more solid books.. better yet.. talk to other people who pratise the craft.. rather than just reading about it.

Whoever "Sister Moon" is, I think they need to actually do some research and not rely on granny (providing granny actually exists ...). The errors right from the start makes this book a total joke - on page 7 apparently according to this author Gerald Gardner was responsible for the change to the British Witchcraft Laws .. really??? And the British Parliament claimed Witchcraft to be a legal religion???? I for one would be very interested to find out where this information came cos it is news to me.

Further if this book is supposed to be based on "herediary" Witchcraft, as stated on page 8, why does it contain information found in far better books on Wicca (ie Scott Cunningham) - there is no herediary information in this book.

Page 9 - the author states that the 'average age of a High Priestess or Priest is 36 years' ... really??? Again another assumption that has no foundation or basis ...

Do yourself a favour - avoid this book. There are far better introductory books out there.

I would rate this 1/2 star if I could - what a waste of trees.

I think that the wiccaning is a great beginner book and a fantastic reference for the experienced wiccan. The sections on herbs and stones are supurb. This book has made me want to delve deeper iinto those things that i have had interesty in and no real knowledge , I would and have reccommened this book to others.

This is absolutely one of the worst books I have seen on wicca, after seven years of working in a metaphysical bookstore and having access to just about everything available on the subject. Unfortunately, the book is cleverly disguised as a useful guide, with lists of tools and oils, and seasonal rituals. A novice to the subject would be easily fooled by the look of the book, and may not realize that much of the information is completely inaccurate - and often ridiculous. For example, the author suggests that the ritual for becoming a witch is called a "Wiccaning". However, this term has been used in modern Wicca to refer to a type of baptism for the child of Wiccan parents, not to any kind of initiation. There are several similar incidences where the author misuses terminology or simply makes things up. I've been practicing Wicca for 13 years and have never even heard of some of the things this author has made up and presented as if it were "ancient knowledge" or even common Wiccan practice. At one point, the author suggests that the coven should, in essence, hex any witch who turns to black magick. The ritual for doing so is called "The Darkening"(another made-up term not commonly used in modern Wicca)and is one of the most negative things I have seen in print. It is, itself, the practice of black magick, and involves stabbing a voodoo doll with pins and sealing it in a coffin after stabbing it's chakra points! Yet the author presents it as if it is a neccesary practice for the "white" witch to strip the black witch of their power. And not their power to do evil - their power to do good! She suggests that the person who turns to dark magick cannot turn back to good(so much for free will!)and must be magickaly banned from returning to white magick. There is no logic or ethics involved here. And any true Wiccan knows that you cannot strip the power of magick from anyone - it is neutral and inherent in all beings and cannot be taken away. I would never recommend this book and the store where I work returned it to the distributors so that anyone interested in learning about Wicca would not end up with such misinformation. There are several other books available on the subject which contain real, useful information. This book is not one of them.

This is the first book I wanted to pick up and read through about Wicca. "A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Modern Witch", really caught my eye. I love how simple it is to read. Yet, it makes you feel the serious nature of being Wiccan. It gives you history, incense and oil use, sample spells, explanation of divining, and so much more. The verses opening each chapter are great. I bought this book for me and bought another as a gift for a friend and she loves it too. I like how she wrote this book because it makes me feel confident in her. I hope Sister Moon has more books because I will buy them.