The Witch's Circle: Rituals and Craft of the Cosmic Muse [Paperback]

Maria Kay Simms (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1996

Learn everything you need to know about setting up and running your own Wiccan coven—including how you can use aspects of astrology to help guide you—when you get The Witch's Circle (previously titled Circle of the Cosmic Muse) by Maria Kay Simms.

Although there are many excellent guides to setting up covens, The Witch's Circle is by far the most complete. It covers all of the theory and practice you need to run a coven:

- The New Renaissance of spirituality and how it relates to astrological ages
- The ethics and practice of contemporary Wicca
- Magick: theory, healing, protection, raising energy, and more
- The order and parts of ritual
- Astrology and ritual
- Rituals for the eight Sabbats
- Full Moon rituals for a year: the astrological moons
- Other rituals including: handfasting, memorials, healing, cleansing and charging a place, and more
- How to find or start a circle
- Making ritual accessories including robes, wreaths, masks, and wands
- Herbs and oils
- Music for ritual, including over two dozen songs and chants

The Witch's Circle is a serious Wiccan Book of Shadows that will teach you to incorporate the archetypes of astrology into your practice. Wicca and astrology together create a potent tool for understanding the dualities of the Wheel of the Year—and for expressing them in powerful new ways.

The Witch's Circle is the only book of rituals that uses the deep insights of astrology to unlock the ancient spiritual mysteries of Wicca. This unique joining of Wicca and astrology is key to deciphering the hidden symbolism of Wicca and enriching your spiritual practice.

Written by a High Priestess-astrologer of an active Wiccan coven, the living rituals presented in The Witch's Circle are the first of their kind. You can practice them to express the vital energy underlying each Pagan celebration—and to experience Wicca more fully than you ever have before.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The Witch's Circle (previously titled Circle of the Cosmic Muse) by Maria Kay Simms describes all aspects of a unique system of Wiccan ritual practice enriched by astrological symbolism. Whether you are just learning about Wicca, or have conducted many rituals of your own, The Witch's Circle will help you directly experience what lies at the heart of Wiccan tradition: the connection between your life and the natural cycles of Earth and the heavens.

Everything you need to know to set up and run a Wiccan circle is provided in The Witch's Circle: fully scripted rituals for an entire year of Esbats (the monthly moons associated with the astrological signs) and Sabbats; special rituals for handfastings, dedications, and other occasions; ritual aids such as music, chants, and meditations; and instructions for everything from setting up the altar and making ritual robes to spellcasting.

Use the insights and wisdom found in The Witch's Circle to give an even deeper meaning to your ritual practice and your worship of the Goddess and God.

About the Author

Maria Kay Simms is an author, artist and a professional astrologer of 30 years experience. She is internationally recognized by the astrological community as an author,  former president of Astro Communications Services, Inc. and also for her organizational leadership.  From 1999-2004 she served as Chair of  National Council for Geocosmic Research, Inc.  She is also a member of Association for Professional Astrologers International (APAI), ISAR and AFAN.   

Since first publication of her Llewellyn book, The Witch's Circle: Rituals and Craft of the Cosmic Muse,  Maria has also been widely known as Lady Mari,  High Priestess of Circle of the Cosmic Muse.  Her Circle, an eclectic tradition,  is affiliated with Covenant of the Goddess, through which Maria holds legal ministerial credentials.  Her other Llewellyn book, A Time for Magick, teaches basic astrology for choosing propitious timing for mundane and magickal purposes.  Planetary hour tables are included, plus meditations and rituals for each planet.  

Maria is profiled in various Marquis references, including Who's Who of American Women, Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World.  She currently resides in the seacoast area of New Hampshire.

Product Details

• Paperback: 496 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications; 2nd edition (January 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1567186572
• ISBN-13: 978-1567186574
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #214,895 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfection!, June 28, 2006

By 

Katrina Rasbold (Grizzly Flats, California USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Witch's Circle: Rituals and Craft of the Cosmic Muse (Paperback)

As a practicing Witch of more than twenty years, voracious reader and professional book critic, I have been blessed with the opportunity to enjoy the talent and wisdom of many different authors over the past two decades. I read a book and think, "Oh, this is lovely" or "I like that idea!" or "Good Lord, this is crap!" Seldom do I hold a book to my solar plexus and think, "THIS is a classic."

The first time I read "The Witch's Circle," it was called "Circle of the Cosmic Muse." I am now on my third personal copy, not to mention the many copies I have given as gifts over the years. Inevitably, the copies become dog-eared and highlighted and frayed over years of constant use and reference.

One of the most valuable passages is chapter two; a marvelously intelligent and educated discussion of "the new age," what it is and what it isn't. I have referenced this information repeatedly to both Pagans and NonPagans alike.

The worth of that chapter is complimented beautifully by the other content of the book, which is one of the most concise and complete volumes for the practicing Witch to ever hit the market. In every word, Ms Simms exudes knowledge and extreme graciousness; a quality that is so lacking in society (and in Paganism) these days.

Included in this book are rituals not only for Sabbats and Esbats, but for rites of passage and other purposes. Everything from how to make your own ritual robe to simple magick techniques to Pagan Yuletide carols is included. Literally, there is no stone unturned and no avenue left unexplored.

One of the aspects of this book that I enjoy most from a personal level is complete lack of hesitation Ms Simms displays in including Christian references, as well as nods to other spiritual paths. In my opinion, this only furthers the evidence that she is open minded, extremely literate and deeply in tune with Spirit. Modern Pagans are far too quick to discard the paths that work for others as "less than" theirs or worse "wrong." My experience has taught me that just as there are many languages spoken on this earth, there are many languages with which people speak to Spirit (as below, so above). To denounce others for honoring what blesses other paths is demonstrative of a closed mind and limited experience. The fact that Ms Simms so freely gives honor to other sacred texts and practices only demonstrates how gently in tune she is with the flow of all of nature back to the Divine. It is not a contest. It is a harmonic symphony and Ms Simms is an absolute virtuoso.

While my praise in this review is centered around this specific book, I also have to extend my appreciation to the author as a person. Rarely is a writer so open to their readers as is Ms Simms. I know of several craft folk who have written to her, to express their appreciation for her books or to ask questions. Invariably, she has replied in a remarkably timely manner, exhibiting her characteristic grace and generosity of spirit.

Although I have never personally corresponded with Ms Simms, I have to say she has a fan in me and that is no easy task. As I said, books come and go in my house by the hundreds and many of them are lovely in their own right, as well as competitively in this glutted and overly commercialized market of Pagan literature and resources.

But "A Witch's Circle..." THIS is a classic... with the emphasis on "class."

If you are entertaining "must have" volumes for your Witchy library, this is an absolute necessity.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Welcome Addition to a Burgeoning Field, February 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Witch's Circle: Rituals and Craft of the Cosmic Muse (Paperback)

Maria Kay Simms has produced a book that is thoughtful, well-written, enjoyable, and of immediate use to novice and experienced practitioner alike. This is especially true if one is interested in Astrology as well as Witchcraft. Simms melds the two in a logical progression, from initiation through passings to the summerland. Included are rites, songs, and personal annecdotes that gives the reader a sense of personal contact with the author. The size of the book is intimidating, but the rewards are great, and the love of the author for her subject shines thoughout each page. Carefully illustrated, The Witches Circle is likely to please.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An essential book for Wiccans, May 3, 2006

By 

Thomas L. Canfield (Durham, NH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Witch's Circle: Rituals and Craft of the Cosmic Muse (Paperback)

This book provides extensive information on the rituals and beliefs of Wicca, as well as a correlation to Astrology. In particular, it shows how the Wheel of the Year fits in with lunar cycles. The author has provided rituals for the Sabbaths and given examples of Esbat rituals. There are even practical chapters on robe-making and music. However, the best feature of the book is the author's spiritual quest, which brought her to the realization that there is divine power in all mythology, even the Christian mythology. Though Pagans have been denounced as being "Anti-Christ", the author shows the common spirit that unites all belief systems and promotes the idea that they do not have to be antagonistic towards each other. I recommend the book for thought-provoking ideas about the nature of the divine, as well as the educational value on the basics of Wicca.