Book of Shadows: A Modern Woman's Journey into the Wisdom of Witchcraft and the Magic of the Goddess (Paperback)

~ Phyllis Curott (Author) "Moonlight filters in through the city skylight..." (more)
Key Phrases: Old Religion, New York, Great Mother (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Over time, "book of shadows" has come to refer to a witch's journal, a diary of spells, chants, and rituals. Here Curott, a high priestess of the New York City-based Circle of Ara & the Minoan fellowship and a practicing lawyer, uses 13 chapters to tell the story of her personal encounter with the ways of the Goddess, with insight into the contemporary practice of witchcraft, or Wicca. The helpful appendix includes a table outlining the goddesses, gods, animals, and zodiacal signs connected with Wicca; spells, charms, and magical potions; special events of the Wicca year, with a resources section; and a list of books that provide further insight into Goddess and Wiccan practice, witchcraft, and white magic. Libraries seeking current material dealing with modern witchcraft will find this a helpful addition. Though no footnotes support any of the characterizations or opinions offered, the personal story will appeal to some readers.?Leroy Hommerding, Citrus Cty. Lib. System, Inverness, FL
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"This is destined to be a classic. The book is practical while maintaining that Wicca and magic are spiritual paths with a connection to the divine. I can honestly recommend it both for novices and the advanced alike."
--Janet Farrar, author of The Witches' Goddess

"A modern-day Persephone myth full of magic and mystery, Book of Shadows transcends the bounds of its genre."
--Deepak Chopra, M.D.

"An emotionally satisfying, riveting read, arguably the best--certainly the most unusual--memoir of the year. One might even be tempted to call it 'bewitching.'"
--Sonoma County Independent

"An engaging memoir of magic and self-discovery . . . [Book of Shadows] presents some fine insights into the role Witchcraft plays in the complex milieu of American religion."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Wise words from a smart and savvy priestess of the Goddess; the writing is beautiful, the rituals deep and compelling."
--Margot Adler, author of Drawing Down the Moon -- Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Broadway (October 5, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0767900553
• ISBN-13: 978-0767900553
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (127 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #153,364 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Required Reading, January 6, 2000

By	E. B. Davis (Maitland, FL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Book of Shadows (Hardcover)

This is the most amazing book on Wicca that I have ever read. I finished it in one sitting and plan to re-read it soon. Book of Shadows affected me on a deep level. After years of reading rather cut and dry (albeit informative) books on Wicca, Book of Shadows is a breath of fresh air.

Most books will tell you which direction to face (north, south, east, or west) while saying specific words and making certain hand gestures. Curott's book goes deeper than this window dressing. She actually describes the emotions and visions a person experiences during a spiritual journey.

I found this book to be spiritually and practically superior to almost everything I have read to date, standing alone with Margot Adler's Drawing Down the Moon.

If there were a Wicca 100 Class. Ms. Curott's book should be required reading. This book captures the essence and feeling of Wicca rather than the mundance aspects.

I wish I were more eloquent so that I could better express how moving, informative, and essential is the nature of The Book Of Shadows.

27 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful alternative to "recipe" Craft books..., March 5, 2000

By	"carey_kat" (Missouri, USA) - See all my reviews

This is not an encyclopedia of spells, or essays of philosophy. This is a touching novel of a woman's personal journey into a misunderstood- and often poorly represented- religion. Moving, enlightening, and inspiring, it is a lovely introduction to witchcraft, and a great read on any level. The downsides: some events are a bit overdramatized to keep the novel 'exciting,' and it does occasionally border on new age fluff, and also touches on gynocentricity and male-bashing. But hey, you read a book written by a woman about a woman-centered religion, working in a male-dominated industry, and you're going to get an opinion or two coming through at some points. I applaud the way she bares her thoughts, her feelings, her experinces, her relationships, and her trials to the public. Ms. Curott is a courageous woman in so many ways, as is clearly shown in this modern-day initiation story. This takes you inside, to see 'what witches do' ...and what they don't. It is a journey of discovery and reclaiming the ancient symbols of women's mysteries. Heartily recommended for the curious, the beginner, the pro, or anyone looking for a touch of the mystical in the corporate world.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most inspirational book I've read, January 9, 2000

By	Andrah (Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America) - See all my reviews

This book has really inspired me to become even more involved with the Craft and with nature in general than I am right now. All the details in this book really created wondrous images and sensations for me. It was so mind-blowing that the moment I opened it I felt compelled to read it every day, every moment I had free. Every time I closed the book I looked forward to my next opportunity to open it and read even further. I was disappointed when I was done reading it because I wished the story would continue; I was hungry to read even more. There is so much information as well as plenty of resources added at the back of this book. I feel this book is a true inspiration for any Witch who is looking for their way in this world. If you don't already have this book, get it, read it, really experience it for yourself and you'll see what I mean.