The Witches' Goddess: The Feminine Principle of Divinity (Paperback)

by Stewart Farrar (Author), Janet Farrar (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This book is of great practical value in discovering and celebrating the transforming energy of the Feminine Principle of Divinity. Part I covers the myriad faces of the Goddess revealed, including: Her presence throughout history; Her Earth and Moon symbolism; Her Madonna and Magdalene disguises; Her revelation within the psyche; Her relationship with women; Her influence today; and much more. Part II covers ritual invocations of the Goddess in 13 guises: from Ishtar to Isis, from Hecate to Aphrodite, from Epona to Ma'at. Part III gives an alphabetical listing of more than 1000 goddesses including a brief history and the main correspondences of each. This is an important work by the Farrars providing an indepth exploration of the Goddess in her many aspects at a time when Western culture is awakening to the influence of Feminine Divinity, both individually and collectively. Over 40,000 sold!

About the Author
Janet and Stewart Farrar have authored eight books on witchcraft and have traveled globally giving workshops and seminars.

Product Details

• Paperback: 319 pages
• Publisher: Phoenix Publishing (WA) (August 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0919345913
• ISBN-13: 978-0919345911
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #224,540 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource, May 13, 1997

By A Customer

This book should be on every Witch's shelf. Not only do the Farrars do an in-depth study of the many faces of the Goddess and the archetypes, but also a corresponding ritual for each. Also included is a glossary of many Goddesses for different pantheons. Well worth the money

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential For Every Goddess Follower, July 14, 2000

By	Lady AutumnStar (Ellicott City, Md USA) - See all my reviews

Straightforward, fact-based, packed with information. This book sorts out the fact from the fiction in relation to the Wiccan Belief System. I loved the huge catalog of Goddesses from diverse cultures, and I also liked that this book wasn't full of fluff and pseudo-spellmaking drivel. Really, every beginning witch should read this. The Farrars put this together very well, and they know their topic inside-out!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not for necessarily for anthropology students, but great for inspiration, January 10, 2006

By	Chasmodai "Chasmodai" - See all my reviews

I read the reviews about the historical accuracy of this book, and the one thing that stood out among the naysayers is that no one recommended a more accurate or better book.

There are many books on the Goddess, but few that contain so many in one volume, and few that try to cover a broad range of cultures and themes. For example, you can buy books about Mother Goddesses, or Goddesses of a particular culture. Most books on the Goddess cover fewer Goddesses. In order to rival the information covered in this book, one would need to collect Goddess books for years.

However, if you wish to focus on one Goddess or one culture, this is probably not the most helpful book for that purpose. In my opinion, this is more of a "big picture" book.

Regarding the historical accuracy of the book, my perception is that this book was written through the lenses of the Wiccan belief system, using what historical information was believed at the time.

It was first released in 1987. My copy was printed eleven years ago. Since the first release, there has been a firestorm of debate over the historical accuracy of much of popular Pagan beliefs.

I think that it's helpful to remember that while we do need to understand Paganism with historical accuracy, we also have the power to create a new myth. We just need to understand the difference. Just my opinion.

I think this item is a classic and a staple on nearly every Pagan bookshelf. Even if you don't agree with every single statement made in the book, it's good to read it just to know what the fuss is about.