If You Want to be a Witch: A Practical Introduction to the Craft [Paperback]

Edain McCoy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 8, 2004

Choosing the right book to learn about the Old Religion can be quite challenging. If You Want to Be a Witch  is dedicated to those who want an easy-to-read, yet thorough, introduction to the Craft and its practices.

Filling in the gaps often found in other Wiccan guides, this primer explains the basic tenets of Witchcraft, detailing Wiccan history, philosophy, common traditions, and modern-day ethics. Learn about cyclical time, Wiccan magick and festivals, and how to keep a Book of Shadows. Soon, you'll discover if Witchcraft is the right spiritual path for you and the next steps you can take in the learning process.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

According to self-initiated witch McCoy (Witta; 16 other related titles), "some researchers and pollsters have dubbed the Craft and its many expressions to be the fastest growing religious movement in the western world." Whether it is indeed the fastest-growing religion or not, many people will find this straightforward, clearly written primer a useful tool in helping them decide if this is their spiritual calling. McCoy makes clear from the outset that witchcraft is a religion whose "primary purpose is the worship of and the seeking of reunion with the being or beings who created all life." The first three chapters delineate the history of Wicca and are embedded with unexpected etymological nuggets, e.g. "mantra" is Sanskrit for "instrument of thought." Never stuffy or academic, the tone is suitable for teenagers and adults. Five chapters address material found in many other books: the sabbats and esbats, divination techniques, the place of ritual, etc. Chapter seven stresses ethical standards within the Craft and also emphasizes the need for mature personal responsibility. While containing a fair amount of commonly found information, this work distinguishes itself by continuing to ask readers if they want to be witches, and then providing a variety of touchstones to guide them to an honest answer. One hundred questions in a final chapter probe psychological, intellectual and moral dimensions for adherents to ponder. A solid appendix contains information on herbs and gemstones, astrological connections, supply sources, publications, online contacts and a glossary of terms.
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Review

"McCoy makes clear from the outset that witchcraft is a religion whose "primary purpose is the worship of and the seeking of reunion with the being or beings who created all life." This work distinguishes itself by continuing to ask readers if they want to be witches, and then providing a variety of touchstones to guide them to an honest answer." -- PW "Publishers Weekly"

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications (June 8, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738705144
• ISBN-13: 978-0738705149
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #120,660 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Edain McCoy has written more than twenty books on metaphysical and occult topics since she was first published in 1993. Her popular titles include Celtic Women's Spirituality, Astral Projection For Beginners, How to Do Automatic Writing, Karmic & Past Life Tarot, The Sabbats, Advanced Witchcraft, If You Want to Be a Witch (Llewellyn Worldwide), and The Healing Power of Faery (Adams Media).

An alumnus of the University of Texas with a B.A. in history, she is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts at Butler University. She is affiliated with several professional organizations including the Authors Guild and the American Translators Association. She is listed in the reference guides Contemporary Authors, Who's Who Among American Women, and Who's Who In America, and her articles have appeared in Fate, Circle, Enlightenments, and similar periodicals.

Edain held positions related to education including handscoring standardized testing, substitute teaching, music education, and private tutoring. She spent many years as a licensed stockbroker and financial advisor for several international investment firms before making the leap of faith into her first love--writing full time. In 2006 she was granted a Certificate in Paranormal Investigation from Flamel College, an online institute devoted to training leaders and scientists who study various aspects of the occult. This training assisted her and her expatriate friends in Argentina (visit them at www.TangoWithJudy.com) to investigate haunted sites that have been, and continue to be, denied to other investigators. In December 2008 she completed her studies to become a Reiki Master of the Usui-Rand linage, an intuitive healing art that is still opening new doors to both spirit and spirituality.

She often gives workshops on metaphysical and New Age topics, and has taught the art of guided mediation to many students eager to use this technique for spiritual exploration. Pagan festivals energize her spiritually because she says she learns something wonderful from every person she meets. To view her speaking schedule, learn more about her books, or to find her e-mail address, visit her website at www.EdainMcCoy.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars best beginner book i read, August 6, 2005

By 

J. Malnar (Zagreb Croatia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: If You Want to be a Witch: A Practical Introduction to the Craft (Paperback)

I own a library of three dozen books, and this one is absulutely the best for a beginner. Even explains some stuff that was never clear to me before, and I have read volumes on the subject. A must have.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Answered My Questions, August 25, 2006

By 

K. Wolsey (Arlington Tx) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: If You Want to be a Witch: A Practical Introduction to the Craft (Paperback)

This book was a very easy read. All the millions of questions I had in my head were answered at least in part by this book. She does a great job of taking you through the basics, and at the same time leaving you wanting to do more research. She helps make you feel more confident about selecting other books and resources.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Beginners, April 25, 2005

By 

Medenia (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If You Want to be a Witch: A Practical Introduction to the Craft (Paperback)

This book is one of the best books I have read for beginners are even those that have to step back and review what they have learned to help them on their journey.
I have been practicing since Yule. Here a few weeks ago I was at a stand still and once I picked up this book I was able to understand things better then when I first started. The Author explains things such as the book of shadows really well and also teaches you how to do a basic meditation. I feel everyone sould read this book.