Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

There are a few things about this book that I found a little different--one is its astrological content, unsurprising since the author is a professional astrologer; another is her inclusion of Christian imagery in her discussion of the Goddess and God, something I've rarely seen elsewhere (I found it a little odd at first but it does show the universality of the archetypes). It seems to be a fairly thorough book on this particular tradition; although many of the rituals are traditional in form (formal language, structured around a High Priestess and Priest), there is a lot here that an eclectic group or solitary could easily adapt for their own use including a fair amount of practical info.

This was one of the first books i actually bought on my wiccan path..It is amazing and i would reccommend this book for anyone new to the path.

I was very impressed with the condition of this book, especially for the price!!! It looked brand new!! The book itself is a boon of information! Love the writing, love the format! Great for beginners as well as the more experienced Witch. My Coven frequently uses this book to assist with our rituals.

I AM NOT PRACTICER OF WITCH CRAFT, BUT I AM CURIOUS AND OPENMINDED. THIS IS AN EXCELLENT BOOK FOR THE CURIOUS OR FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO PRACTICE THE CRAFT. I RECOMMENDED THIS BOOK.

Am I the only Witch who finds the idea of Witches worshipping Jesus illogical? If one believes that Jesus is God, that automatically makes one a Christian. And the Christian religion certainly does not accept Witches! I also find the terms BC and AD offensive. How about using BCE and CE, especially if you're a Witch? If this were the first book someone read on Witchcraft, they would get the impression that Witches worship Jesus and might decide to stop exploring The Craft. The information in this book is pretty basic, although it does cover a wide range of topics. If you want information on basic Witchcraft, then read books by Edain McCoy or Ann Moura's Green Witchcraft series! Don't waste your time or money on this one! One last point: Oh, let's all just be light all the time, which is the attitude of this book, is hardly realistic, and is perhaps even somewhat dangerous!

Like i said this site is good and i would like to have more info about this kind of stuff if you would thanks and gentle brezzes~~~~~~ Love,Mystical Raven.