Product Description

Due to the sheer number of Wicca 101 books on the market, many newcomers to the Craft find themselves piecing together their Wiccan education by reading a chapter from one book, a few pages from another. Rather than depending on snippets of wisdom to build a new faith, Wicca for Beginners provides a solid foundation to Wicca without limiting the reader to one tradition or path.
Embracing both the spiritual and the practical, Wicca for Beginners is a primer on the philosophies, culture, and beliefs behind the religion, without losing the mystery that draws many students to want to learn. Detailing practices such as grounding, raising energy, visualization, and meditation, this book offers exercises for core techniques before launching into more complicated rituals and spellwork.


Finalist for the Coalition of Visionary Resources Award for Best Wiccan/Pagan Book

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13186 in Books
• Published on: 2006-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. In her first book-length work, Sabin presents a first-rate, fresh and thorough addition to the burgeoning field of earth-based spiritual practice volumes. Sometimes using examples that young people can relate to (SATs, dying grandmothers), she opens the door to this path for people of all ages who want concrete beginnings to "work actively and spiritually to develop as a person." Sabin covers well the familiar territory of the calendar, circle, pentagram, tools, etc., but she shines distinctively in several areas. The first is in Wiccan history, written in a light, informative style that magically mines depth, breadth and brevity. Another is in the emphasis on personal will and ethical practices that transcend reliance on external paraphernalia. She also deftly shows how the various tools and spells can be put into use, but always encourages practitioners to utilize their own experiences, environment and spiritual intelligence to shape their practice. Especially helpful are the criteria to assess groups and potential teachers, and the volume is capped by a fine bibliography. Sabin advocates consistent study, practice and evolved learning. Gently admonishing her reader not to become a "one-book wonder," Sabin has nearly voided her own advice with this important first effort that is perfect for novice Wiccans. (Apr.)
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Review
"...first-rate, fresh, and thorough...written in a light, informative style that magically mines depth, breadth and brevity." -- Publishers Weekly

"Sabin offers a practical and cohesive look at the earth-centered religion of Wicca...Highly recommended." -- Library Journal

From the Publisher
First-time author Sabin offers a practical and cohesive look at the earth-centered religion of Wicca, offering crisp definitions of what the elements of Wicca practice are (energy, visualization, meditation) and, as important, what they are not (satanic worship, hex making, broom flying). Her explanations of the ethics, philosophy, tools, and types of Wicca reveal a religion that is created by its practitioners as a "path to self-empowerment" through the use of earth-based imagery, the study of deities, and the employment of elemental energies. Readers are treated to a nifty exploration of Wicca's mystical aspects that ties together correspondences, discusses the various deities, dispels myths, and provides historical context for many Wiccan traditions. Sabin's chapter on the eight sabbats (holidays timed with certain celestial points of the year) is especially informative. Another highlight and distinction from other beginner books is a detailed list of the various Wiccan sects and their unique practices. Highly recommended for all public libraries.--Library Journal

Customer Reviews

Wicca for Beginners by Thea Sabin was great.
This book offered me exactly what I have been looking for with regards to learning about Wicca. It was well written, easy and fun to read and very informative. I hope she writes more.

Excellent Book and Highly Recommended
For those of you who feel that Cunningham's book on Wicca were a bit, shall we say too "flowery" for you, then you'll be pleased to discover that this book eschews using anything of the sort.

I think that this would be a worthwhile book for anyone looking to follow the path of Wicca, or for those priests or priestesses looking for a good introductory book for students.

Two thumbs way up for Thea Sabin!

Better than Cunningham
Nothing personal against Scott Cunningham; I'm just not a big fan of his writing style--I got through three of his books in just under twenty minutes; there was nothing to hold my attention or call for deeper reading. I liked this one mch better--well enough, in fact, to loan it to friends. The writing is clear, concise, and informative; this is the best beginners' book I've picked up on the Craft thus far.