Product Description

The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation
This book has everything a teen Witch could want and need between two covers: a magickal cookbook, encyclopedia, dictionary, and grimoire. It relates specifically to today's young adults and their concerns, yet is grounded in the magickal work of centuries past.

Information is arranged alphabetically and divided into five distinct categories: (1) Shadows of Religion and Mystery, (2) Shadows of Objects, (3) Shadows of Expertise and Proficiency, (4) Shadows of Magick and Enchantment, and (5) Shadows of Daily Life. It is organized so readers can skip over the parts they already know, or read each section in alphabetical order.

Selling Features
•By the author of the best-selling Teen Witch and mother of four teen Witches
•A jam-packed learning and resource guide for
serious young Witches
•All categories are discussed in modern terms and their associated historical roots
•Includes endnotes and footnotes that cite sources or add clarification
•A training companion to Teen Witch and To Ride a Silver Broomstick

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #18896 in Books
• Published on: 2003-02-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 608 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780738703190
• Condition: USED - VERY GOOD
• Notes:
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

About the Author

Silver RavenWolf (Pennsylvania) is a nationally recognized leader and elder of Wicca, and through her writing has been instrumental in guiding the future of one of the fastest-growing faiths in America today. The author of seventeen books, she has been interviewed by The New York Times, Newsweek Magazine, and the Wall Street Journal, and her work has been featured in numerous publications, including Bust Magazine, the Baltimore Sun, the St. Petersburg Times, the National Review, Publishers Weekly, Body & Soul Magazine, and Teen Lit Magazine. Her many titles include the bestselling Solitary Witch, Teen Witch, To Ride A Silver Broomstick, To Stir A Magick Cauldron, To Light A Sacred Flame, American Folk Magick, Angels: Companions in Magick, Silver’s Spells for Prosperity, Silver's Spells for Protection, Silver's Spells for Love, Halloween, and the Witches’ Night Out teen fiction series. Her new book Hedge Witch is forthcoming from Llewellyn in September 2008.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Blessings Whether you can believe you can do a thing or believe you cantyou are right. Henry Ford Although today many of us dont think about the power of words, sound, or touch, those who have gone before us knew that all these things carried an energy of their own, and to give that positive energy to another was a gift more precious than gold.To bless is to remove any negative energy around a person, animal, place, or thing and instill them with positive energy. To bless another is to empower them. By sound, touch, and thought,we can help the sick, lighten the heart of the troubled, or open a pathway for a better life by removing negative blockages.The mere utterance of a blessing can change the course of a persons life. In our modern world, people often scoff at this idea, not believing that such power could be contained in anything so simple. Many of us are independent individuals, and to think that someone else (by mere word or physical proximity) could alter our pattern of living may seem unthinkable. But they can. In many cultures, past and present, it is customary to leave a blessing at an individuals home when saying farewell. It was believed that a magickal person could make words turn into f lesh, meaning by uttering words with ones magickal voice (SEE PART III, UNDER POW WOW) you could create a physical manifestation. To have your house blessed in such a way by a magickal/ religious person ensured health and prosperity for the occupants for months to come. You too can give such a gift. Dont be shy about it. If you believe you can do it, so shall it be. Sometimes the mere presence of magickal individuals can change the course of ones fate. The more spiritual the person, the more pure the environment. Ive also noticed that if a magickal person is involved in a particular type of study, that study can affect those around him or her. One Witch who steadfastly worked on building her prosperity realized after a few months that every time she walked into a store, especially a deserted one, her energy attracted paying customers off the street. Another Witch who worked on protection experienced the same phenomenon. He could walk into any establishment and if there were negative people around, they would quickly disperse. What you work on in the magickal world will affect the world around you. The mechanism of a blessing is very easy: Think of a white light so powerful that itencompasses your mind, body, and spirit. Move the white light into a mental pictureof the person, place, or thing. In your mind, allow the white light to burstthrough the object (no, this wont hurt anyone). Intone words of blessing or touch theperson, animal, or thing. Seal the blessing with a hand motion ofyour choice while pronouncing aloud It is done. The Thirteen Powers of the Witch When you truly take the power of Witch training into your being and strive to do the best that you can regardless of the situation, the thirteen powers of the universe are given to you. These are either transferred through a religious ceremony by those who have been gifted before you, or they can come about at their own pace as you grow and learn on your own. If a power is abused, it is thought that the gift is taken from you, either for a period of time or permanently. The powers speak of blessings that you can give to others or use for yourself to enhance your own life as well as the lives of those around you. PART I 3 Thirteen powers do the Witches claim their right of lineage by (say the name of your patron god or goddess here)s name. Tie a knot and say the words or hand on headthe blessing conferred. A Witch can give success in love curse or bless through God/dess above. Speak to beasts and spirits alike command the weather; cast out a blight. Read the heavens and stars of the night divine the future and give good advice. Conjure treasure and bring fortune to bear heal the sick and kill despair. This poem can be said as a blessing when giving something to another, and can be included in any spell by adding: This is my birthright to have and to share blessings upon you, (the persons name), may the spirits be fair. This poem itself is very powerful and will create change. Just be careful what you wish for. Bedtime Blessing Close your eyes and breathe deeply three or four times until you feel relaxed and at peace. Imagine that your entire body is filled with brilliant, white light. If you like, hold your hands over your heart, and say: In the still of the night while the world around me sleeps may the angels smile upon me and...(Continues)

Customer Reviews

All ye who enter here are in trouble
I had read some titles by Silver RavenWolf, and purchased this one.

I can NOT recommend this book to anyone is good conscience, and I have so many problems with this book; I hardly know where to begin.

Ms. RavenWolf is into getting you to practise her spells instead of giving you the knowledgs and tools to write your own.

Simply reading the words without your intent and energy behind them; you might as well say Hocus pocus!, Shazam!, Abracadabra!, etc.

I am very disturbed by the fact that the author did not even devote one sentence to discussion of the Rede, and teaching the newbies the "ethics" of magic. All magic has a boomerang effect. What you send out is visited on you.

I need to speak to a few matters in the book.

Page 20: "She is the Maiden, Mother and Crone, Shr is the sacred trinity of all religions, Indeed, She is the Holy Ghost"

I am a devout Pagan, and have no love lost for the religion calling itself "christianity" today. However; this sounds as if the author is trying to confuse young people that Wicca is compatible with "christianity".

Before a person has reached adulthood; Neither I nor anyone else have the right to interfere with the spiritual guidance of your parents or guardians.

Page 122: altar layout illustration

The altar layout is entirely too complex. Many people do not have all of the tools or feel the need for some of them. Do not become concerned that you can't do magick because you do not have hundreds of $ to spend on tools.

Start where you are. Cut a limb from a tree and use it as a wand, use tealight or votive candles, use a kitchen knife for an athame, pick up two rocks to represent the God and Goddess, you might visit yard sales, and pick up ceramic figurines of birds, etc.

Page 173: "Most magical people begin working with totem animals by choosing their favorite creature."

I thought this was to be a book about Wicca instead of a book on Shamanism. Furthermore; the totem animal chould choose to work with you; not the other way around.

Page 320: "Reiki is s channeled form of energy healing that originated in Japan"

I am a Master/Teacher or higher in five different forms of Reiki, and can state categoricaly that Reiki is not part of the Wicca system or vice versa.

Page 372: "To understand where the concept of demons comes from, we have to look deep into history and the split between the Pagan belief system and Christian superstition used as a vehicle to control the people."

I have no use for "christianity", but I am deeply offended that the author gives her belief credence; but relegate "christianity" to superstition.

Page 435: "Citrine Purpose: Anti-nightmare, protection, psychism".

The Author has Citrine and Amethyst confused here. Citrine is healing, and works withthe 2nd and third chakras. Citrine is one of four stones that do not need to be cleansed of negativity. The other three stones are Kyanite, Obsidian, and Selenite

I sincerely recommend that you leave this book on the book shelf.

If you are insterested in Wicca; see my Wicca listmania list, or investigate the writings of Scott Cunningham, Amber K, Marian Green, Paul Tuitean and Estelle Daniels, and Dorothy morrison.

Silver Ravenwolf's Encyclopedia
In the introduction of this book, Silver Ravenwolf states "How you use this book is entirely up to you. Feel free to skip over the parts that you already know, or read each section in alphabetical order - doesn't matter." ... "On the other hand, if you feel the information is too basic, I beg your indulgence - it isn't my desire to insult your intelligence, I'm simply trying to find a happy medium." She does manage to find that happy medium in this "ultimate" encyclopedia.

This is an encyclopedia/dictionary of terms, ideas, celebrations, rituals and Witchcraft in the Tradition of Silver Ravenwolf. She has put together a massive handbook for those who follow her path, and it is just a huge undertaking on her part.

The book is put together in five parts, covering 'Shadows of Religion & Mystery', 'Shadows of Objects and Tools', 'Shadows of Expertise & Proficiency', 'Shadows of Magick & Enchantment' and 'Shadows of Magick and Real Life'. Each section covers elements of the craft and discusses them in modern terms.

This is Silver Ravenwolf's Tradition and her version of the Craft. "Cakes and Ale" are described as "Communion" and Angels are included in "Spirit Guides". All the material echoes her previous works and is meant for the individual who follows this particular path.

Her approach in this huge work is to provide the Solitary Practitioner with reference material to help them along on their spiritual journey. She has gone into great detail, amassing a huge volume of work. The work includes a good table of contents, a bibliography, and is indexed.

The followers of Silver Ravenwolf will find this book to be a complete compilation of her work and a good reference for their work as Solitary Witches.

Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows....
INDEED! This is the ULTIMATE book of shadows! It is comprehensive, in depth and gives one profound insight into The Craft. Silver writes with her usual humor, sincerity and groundedness. As a purveyor of many different "Books of Shadows", and other Pagan and Wiccan authors, I give this one a A++. She goes into depth on many, mnay subjects related to the Craft. It is deep, yet understandable and not at all "wu-wu." The only thing I can't understand is why people think it's mainly for the younger generation. I'm 51 and very well read and I found this masterpiece truly enlightening!
Many thanks, kudos and blessings to Silver for helping us all on our individual and sometimes lonely paths!
Sincerely,
Moonrose (Kathleen Wilson)