Wild Witchcraft: A Guide to Natural, Herbal and Earth Magic [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Marian Green (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 25, 2003

Filled with practical meditations, visualizations, and spells to help us work in harmony with nature, this book is for those interested in ancient magical lore, as well as those who are desirous of a deeper connection with nature.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Marian Green is a leading authority on Wicca and magic. She is the author of the bestselling A Witch Alone, and is the editor of Quest magazine. She runs courses and workshops on Ceremonial and Natural Magic throughout the UK and Europe.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Thorsons; Rev edition (January 25, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0007145438
• ISBN-13: 978-0007145430
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #877,440 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Stay where you are, November 3, 2003

By 

A. Sentoni (Jersey City, NJ United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wild Witchcraft: A Guide to Natural, Herbal and Earth Magic (Paperback)

Where "A Witch Alone" was a gentle push in the direction of a new freedom in earth-based belief, and "Natural Witchcraft" was a hearty shove to accept responsibility for and development of a personal practice, "Wild Witchcraft" in my opinion, was an inappropriate scolding and a slap-down of anyone who doesn't approach his or her work in the same way as Ms. Green.

The prologue of the book addresses why she feels disinclined to write more "advanced" instructions (or even concepts) around witch-practice. Those reasons are of course valid from her point of view and though I disagree with some of them, she is entitled to withhold her knowledge for her own reasons. My question then, is why publish another volume of basic information that she has covered more fully and more compassionately in her many other books? If "advanced" working in witchcraft is so dangerous (in her opinion) then I suppose she feels justified in protecting us from our own potentials and making that decision for us.

This book surprisingly seemed much more dogmatic, opinionated and intolerant of others' beliefs than her other works: a different tone, several rants, and chapter introductions quoting exclusively Aleister Crowley. Mr. Crowley was not known for being a conservationist, or a "hedge witch" or even a natural witch, but a ceremonial magician. Yes, he wrote some nature-themed materials, but why, if Ms. Green is so vehement about not following the teachings of "supposed high priests or priestesses" would she include these quotes?

Every chapter contained information, a little suggestion, an admonition and a scold. She seems to say that you should learn about your own personal beliefs about nature and that after spending years of searching and practice and examination, you'll believe as she does; if you don't come to that conclusion, then you've probably done something wrong or that you don't have the spiritual strength.

There is no true wild witchcraft in this book, nor is it "A Guide to Natural, Herbal and Earth Magic" as its title claims; it is yet again another preparation (for those Celticly inclined) to learn a greater connection to nature. Fine. It is for those readers who have worked with the teachings from her other books, and who wish to continue to work at their current level of development without growth, without branching out into a deeper realm of witchcraft.

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't find a flaw....except one..., March 28, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Wild Witchcraft: A Guide to Natural, Herbal and Earth Magic (Paperback)

This book has to be the best one I've read since "A Witch Alone." I love the way she places emphasis upon the natural world and the simplicity of life should be. Her techniques are well formed as well.

The only disagreements I have with her is her insistance upon finding a teacher or someone to help you in your practice. Witches of old usually did not have a teacher unless it was their families. I think that being solitary and finding things out for yourself is the most important thing in a Witch's life. Experimenting by yourself is also part of the developmental stages. Making mistakes is very important. And... another thing, this author seems to have an obsession with Crowley, which is fine. He had beautiful poetry and some very valid points, but she quotes him almost every chapter. This got on my nerves a bit.

Other than that, the book is perfect.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Go beyond the basics, March 26, 2006

By 

W. Martin - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wild Witchcraft: A Guide to Natural, Herbal and Earth Magic (Paperback)

There are a great many Wicca 101 books out on the market. This one is by far the best I have ever read. Most books written with a beginner in mind rarely address the deeper issues of being Wiccan or Pagan. They hardly ever delve into the issues surrounding our past or the reasons many of us become and stay witches in the first place.

Ms. Green continues to write a high caliber book with this newest addition to her repertoire. This book goes beyond the basics of spell work found in nearly all beginner books on the market. In fact, spell work takes its rightful place as a minor part of our religion in this book. This book focuses on the reality of magic.

The author helps the beginner explore his or her connection to the Divine with guided meditations and clear concise suggestions on how to become aware of the existence of the Elementals and Divine in our own everyday lives.

This book is chock full of information and suggestions meant to lead a person new to a Pagan path to a better understanding of this Path. It also teaches in a gentle and straightforward manner such things as ethics and manners. Something that is sorely lacking in most Wicca 101 books, and sadly from our daily lives these days.

Even though I am no longer a beginner myself, I will keep this book on my shelves. There are many interesting tidbits of thought and information that reawakened my mind to new avenues to my own connection with the Divine. I especially liked the chapters focusing on the Elementals with their exercises in forming stronger connections to each one.

I highly recommend this book to the newcomer and the more advanced student looking to renew their understanding of the Divine and a magical lifestyle.

W. Lyon Martin Author/Illustrator of An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child