Product Description

Since Phyllis Currot first published Book of Shadows, the story of her spiritual journey and initiation as a High Priestess in the Wiccan community, Witchcraft has captured America's imagination as a theme for fiction, television shows, and films. Now America's highest-profile Witch returns to dispel more myths and misrepresentations of her faith, and to share a practical guide to the beautiful spiritual rituals and philosophies behind Wiccan tradition.


Rich with enchanting stories from Currot's own experiences and detailed advice for creating potions, working with Nature, and finding the Divine within, Witch Crafting is much more than just another superficial recipe book. Curott's unique guidebook integrates the inspiration of religious wisdom with sound, practical information. Witch Crafting reveals how to: incorporate Wiccan practices into your daily life; master the secret arts of effective spell casting; create sacred space and personal rituals; perform divinations for insight and success; and tap the magical power of altered states, such as dreaming meditation, prayer, and trance.


Perfect for beginners or seasoned practitioners, Witch Crafting is the ideal handbook for anyone seeking to unlock the divine power that makes real magic happen, and to experience the power and gifts of the universe more fully.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #37394 in Books
• Published on: 1999-10-05
• Released on: 1999-10-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

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.

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

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

Customer Reviews

The book was great but not in the condition I thought
This book was excellent but when I went to purchase it it said it was new. When I recieved it there was writing on the inside of the cover and all over the first page and had some markings in the margins. It smelled like a musty basement which bothered my allergies throughout reading the book. At first I was pretty upset that I had bought a book which I thought was new and when recieving it it smelled of a basement and had a bunch of writing in it but I sat down and read the writing and it had Phyllis Currott's phone numbers in it and a bunch of questions for her. It looked like whoever owned this book before me did an interview on her which is pretty interesting.

A Beautiful and Inspiring Journey
I try to be objective and balanced when I type my reviews. Here is a beautiful, inspiring, and deeply spiritual book about the author's personal journey to Wicca.

Now, I am a feminist (I use the definition provided by dictionary.com which basically means it is about women's rights and equality-which for me includes the rights of all peoples regardless of sex, race, religion) but a rational and fair one at that.

One thing I found negative about this book was the unbalanced and in some ways, unfair feminist view. I believe in rationality and realism, but most of all being fair. Her views are understandable and mostly accurate but I did find some inaccuracies in the mix.

What I found to be inaccurate was her history of the Inquisitions and witchcraft. This is mostly a myth or a half-myth in Wicca that more seasoned practioners should know is not fully true.

It was only *partly* true. I believe in honesty and accuracy...


Aside from that, this book has become a favorite of mine. It is beautiful, descriptive, inspiring, and loving when you read about the Goddess.

If you would like to learn more about Wiccan or Goddess spirituality then I recommend you check this book out for a real look at it. Or if you just like reading true spiritual experiences.

I may not agree with all of the author's opinions but she is a fave author of mine. You may like her as well.

Book of Shadows
I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it. I liked it so much because it beautifully describes one woman's journey with both achievements and self doubts. i could really relate to it.