Customer Reviews

A Witch's Grimoire: Create Your Own Book of Shadows

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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Judy Ann Nock, a priestess of the Fellowship of Isis, has written a thoughtful and truly thought-provoking book about creating your own book of shadows to document your personal spiritual evolution. A Witch's Grimoire is a comprehensive guidebook that will appeal to young and old, novice and advanced practitioners alike.

Nock's book opens with a brief and fascinating history of grimoires, the function of the grimoire, and the options for creating the physical book of shadows itself (from purchasing tablets in art stores to recipes for making your own paper, cover and binding at home!). Then, without wasting your time with fluff, Nock embarks on easy-to-understand instruction for creating your own book of shadows.

Each chapter is a thoroughly thought-provoking journey. Nock methodically approaches each “book” or topic that may be included in your book of shadows (for instance, choosing auspicious days for your Book of Days and creating a trance journey for your Book of Transformation). Within those chapters, Nock provides a brief and illuminating Wiccan history of the topic and then carefully poses questions meant to stir your memories and fire up your imagination. There are blank lines after each question where you can write down your thoughts, feelings and responses so you don’t have to worry about keeping the answers in your head or transferring them right away to a notebook or your book of shadows. Nock also includes invocations, rituals, prayers and useful information in each chapter to help you on your self-exploratory journey.

There’s so much more in A Witch's Grimoire -- it's simply chock-full of information and easy recipes for creating ritual tools at home. This truly is the only book you’ll need to create your own book of shadows. Add to that, this book is gorgeous inside and out (kudos to the publisher for the stunning textured cover, rough-hewn pages and attractive page design). Judy Ann Nock’s A Witch’s Grimoire is a perfect addition to any magickal library.

When ordering this book I figured, due the topic of the book(writing your own Book of Shadows), that it would focus upon organization, consecration and exploring the depth in which one could experiment with making their own book unique. It mentions this at the very beginning. That is the only place. Soon afterwards, the book begins to retort the redundant information, including chakras, days of power(esbats, Shabbats, what the days of the week mean, ect.), circle casting, the Wiccan rede, which nothing is wrong with this but one point: it does not explain how to include, intertwine and cast your own views on such matter to put into your own Book.
While skimming through the book you see there are lines and you think to yourself that, "Oh, goodie, she is going to ask me topics and tell me how to organize my own responses into the ethics of my book." But, sadly, this doesn't occur. The lines are there that you may respond to activities such as, "How did this creative visualization effect you," or "What kind of spells do you think you will cast for the Wort Moon?" Then it just stops with that. It drops with simple questions, such as those, and leaves you hanging with what to do with them.
If you are looking for a book lending options on how to sculpt your own Book Of Shadows do not look towards this one. It is just another book filled with Magick 101.

Most Wicca 101 books are more theory than practical application. A Witch's Grimoire breaks out of that mold with room to spare. Judy Ann Nock takes a novice Wiccan through the steps necessary to create a truly marvelous Book of Shadows from the paper to the entries.

Not only is the book written from a unique perspective, it is beautifully designed. A plain forest green cover with golden type and no picture wraps a rough cut edged book. The book's almost square shape makes it easy to hold and carry along with you.

Ms. Nock starts us out in the first chapter with an explanation and the reasoning behind creating your own Book of Shadows.  With the popularity of some TV shows, what a Book of Shadows really is has been glamorized to mythical proportions. Unfortunately, the success of these popular shows has given rise to confusion as to how one gets a Book of Shadows. Once the reader picks up this book, not only is the confusion alleviated but also the reader is given a practical step-by-step guide with lessons, meditations and thought provoking questions. Some of the meditations are so lovely and peaceful that even a more experienced witch will find something useful in the book's pages.

Chapters are divided into "books" that are themed to the lessons and exercises they contain. There are sections devoted to the days of the week, the Sabbats and Esbats, charkas, candle magic and more.

The visual interruption caused by the question and answer sections with a place to write your answer bothered me. I think the book could have been successful without the few lines after each exercise. The areas provided weren't long enough to do more than jot down a few notes. Perhaps if the book were in a larger, workbook type format, the rules would have made better sense. Another area that I disagreed with was the author's use of the words "must" and "should" in describing rituals. That is a personal pet peeve and really doesn't detract from what I feel is a very good book for a new seeker.

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

"A Witches Grimoire" is an excellent work-book for the beginner, whether solitary or working with a group. Using the book of shadows as a starting point, Rev. Nock goes on to offer a comprehensive review of witchcraft as a spiritual path, including its history, mythology, and practical aspects (ritual, spell craft, meditations, lore, etc). Her approach to the craft is ethical and grounded in a great respect and reverence for the Goddess, and on that basis alone, this book is highly recommended.

I only wish I had been the first person to post a review for "A Witch's Grimoire - Create Your Own Book of Shadows" by Judy Ann Nock, as the previous reviewers used many of the praises and phases that I certainly would have incorporated into my review. Now I have to find other ways of saying that this book is a joy from beginning to end; well-written, thought-out, and organized, sincere and authentic, clear and an amazing guide for Pagan living, and developing your own Book of Shadows. Whether you are new to the craft or an experienced practitioner, I believe this book will serve you well. Step by step Rev. Nock takes you through all the paces necessary for a solid practice and complete Book of Shadows. The look, feel, and size of the book is perfect for what it represents. I could go on..... but the previous reviewers beat me to it!

I found this book as inspiring as it is informative. Judy Ann Nock packs a vast amount of information into a very small space and does so in an entertaining and comprehensive style. Aside from the ancient look and feel of the book, the text, itself, seems magickal indeed. There is a section in the book entitled 'Book of Foundation', but I would have to say that the entire book is an excellent foundation from which to begin one's journey on 'The Path'. I have found the book to be indispensable and keep it alongside my own Grimoire to refer to from time to time. It is so well written I would recommend it for beginner, intermediate and advanced alike. This author has a gift and I look forward to more of her insights and teachings.

Judy Nock has written an ecclectic workbook for the practicing Pagan. If you have read all the "introduction to ..." books, this is a perfect next step to review various traditions and write your way to your own unique spiritual path. It also has a cool "ancient tome" look to it. The photo here doesn't do it justice.

While this book isn't for those intressed in Basic Wicca. It is a very good book for those wanting to take it to the next step, and create a Grimoire or Book of shadows. This is not the here's a bunch of spells type of book, it is a way to find your on voice and create your own spells and rituals, which is a far sight above and beyond most books written on the subject of Witchcraft.

i bought this book as a gift. he absolutely loves it. thank you!

As a practicing solitary for thirty-some years, I am very pleased with my purchase of "A Witch's Grimoire:. ." I love the look of the book and the way the author writes. She teaches not only the how to of writing your own BOS, but also the basics of Wicca. I bought this book for my granddaughter, but I'm very much enjoying it myself.