A Witches' Bible: The Complete Witches' Handbook [Paperback]

Stewart Farrar (Author), Janet Farrar (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0919345921 | ISBN-13: 978-0919345928

The Complete Witches' Handbook.Everything you need to know is here! The Sabbats; Casting & Banishing the Magic Circle; The Complete Book of Shadows; The Great Rite; Initiation Rites; Consecration Rites; Spells; Witches' Tools; Witchcraft & Sex; Running a Coven; Clairvoyance;Astral Projection. This collection includes two books in one volume, Eight Sabbats for Witches and The Witches' Way, and is the most comprehensive and revealing work on the principles, rituals and beliefs of modern witchcraft. Over 200,000 sold!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Janet and Stewart Farrar have authored eight books on witchcraft and have traveled globally giving workshops and seminars.

Product Details

• Paperback: 349 pages
• Publisher: Phoenix Publishing (July 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0919345921
• ISBN-13: 978-0919345928
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (173 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,579 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Witchcraft
  • #25 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Wicca

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

353 of 369 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a must-read for all Wiccans and Pagans!, July 13, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: A Witches' Bible: The Complete Witches' Handbook (Paperback)

"A Witches Bible" contains, in one volume, Janet and Stewart Farrar's two books, "Eight Sabbats for Witches" and "The Witches' Way." These two books are classics in the genre of New Age literature and a necessary addition to the library of every Wiccan and Pagan. Together, these two books provide the best published manual on Wiccan practice ever printed.</P>

The first section describes the meanings, history and ceremonies of the Wiccan holidays. The eight Sabbats are described in detail just as they are practiced by the Farrar's coven. To the fragmentary rituals of Gerald Gardner's "Book of Shadows," the Farrar's have added their own material. Based on extensive research and practice, the result is a rich and powerful tradition rooted in the most ancient of lore.</P>

The second section deals with the rest of "The Book of Shadows." The Farrar's detail the initiation rituals, lunar rites and magickal workings which form the core of Witchcraft. Included is extensive material on divination, astral projection and healing. This book also gives important advice on working with others and on running a coven responsibly.</P>

The Farrar's have provided an informative work that is more than just a how-to. They have captured the spirit of "The Old Religion" and it's relevance in helping people to live in better harmony with nature and themselves. This classic helped to establish modern Witchcraft as a religion that focuses on the values of personal growth, sexual equality and love of Nature.</P>

144 of 149 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What the craft is REALLY all about., December 15, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: A Witches' Bible: The Complete Witches' Handbook (Paperback)

I was so pleased to find this book. After pages and pages of the happy-trippy stuff that clogs the market these days, I am simply thrilled with the Farrars' in-depth look at what Wicca is really all about: a religion that demands respect for others and for the world in which we live, as well as personal responsibility for our lives and the decisions we make. (There's also an excellent essay by Doreen Valiente about the search for Dorothy Clutterbuck.)

The Farrars are writing for group practitioners--Wiccans who are in covens, thinking about joining covens or even thinking about starting a coven of their own. I am solitary by choice, with no plans for joining a coven anytime soon, but I still find this book an invaluable resource. Most of the rituals and spells included in the book can be adapted to solitary practice, and it also gives the solitary who has never been in a coven an idea of what to expect. Quite a bit more detailed than the standard beginner books (Ravenwolf, Cunningham et al), but definitely worth reading and keeping on your shelf for consultation.

239 of 260 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Banishes alot of Stereo-types, August 15, 2000

By 

Kris Miller (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Witches' Bible: The Complete Witches' Handbook (Paperback)

I really wish more non-pagans and non-wiccans would read this book. It has a ton of information, yes, it is a little advanced, the first time I had read it though was after 8 years of practicing. There are no spells in there, so its not for someone who is looking for Wicca or paganism as a way to practice magick and be different from their friends, but a look at true religion. It has history, and ethics and practices and beliefs, something everyone should know. Even beginners should read this book. I have never read a book yet that has absolutly everything in one. Though one really good book, and the first I ever read, is the ABC's of Witchcraft. It also gives a ton of great information, in a little bit easier to understand format. But I think everyone should read this book. I agree that the word bible through me off in buying it, only because I didn't want to look like I was trying to be one of the wanna be wiccans who are interested in it because its a big black book with two words that stand out, Witch and Bible. But I am extremly glad that I did buy it. My copy is doggeared and stained and dusty and looks as well used and read and loved as any ritualistic book should. all I can say is buy it, read it, if you don't understand it the first time, read it again. If that still doesn't work, keep it, and read it after practicing longer, and after reading some of the easier to read books. But keep this book. :)