Reviews (9)

Great read.
The compelete Idiot's guide to voodoo .... Don't let that name fool you!
Well written, nice overview that shatters misconceptions.
I didn't know anything about voodoo before reading this book besides the stereotypes I've been fed through Hollywood. An excellent introduction
I really don't see where the complaints about sensationalism come from. This book was just the opposite--informative, going over some of the common stereotypes, and a good basic history of Afro-Caribbean religions. As an occultist with a primarily neopagan/Western magckal background, I found this to be a good introduction to this mixture of magick and religion. And anyone who's actually read the book will realize that the references to zombie movies are all at the very END of the book, after all the other chapters and directly preceded by a chapter on theories of what zombis truly are. The movie listing is meant primarly for entertainment (and to show that they're just that--entertainment). As for those who claim you can only learn Voodoo/Vodou from an initiate, well--what about those of uswho don't have access, or just want to get real information about the religion rather than hype and stereotypes? I'd say this is a good reference for that.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cults    2. Ethnic & Tribal    3. Occult Sciences    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Voodoo    7. Voodooism    8. Witchcraft & Wicca    9. Body, Mind & Spirit / General    10. Ethnic or tribal religions    11. Occultism & quasi-religious beliefs   

Reviews (62)

A wonderful first witchcraft book!
This is a wonderful book for any one! It was simply written, cute and UNDERSTANDABLE. We bought a different book ( our first one ) and it was a mistake. It was extremely confusing, having way to much information mixed together. This book has a wonderful author, ( who seems to understand what its like for a beginner trying to read a complecated book ), and she's made the spells simple and easy to follow. Definately a keeper!

Eye candy
Yes, this book is pretty. YES, it is a compilation of spells et al primary designed to show the author's ability to compile things. Lovely and Inspiring
If you are a devotee of Titania Hardie than you will enjoy this book.It shares in common with Hardie's "Enchanted" a beautiful layout, rich illustrations and an overall attention to aesthetic detail.It is a pleasure to hold in the hand and to behold with the eye.Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Charms    3. Incantations    4. Magic    5. Magick Studies    6. New Age    7. New Age (Self Help)    8. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    9. Witchcraft & Wicca    10. Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies   

Reviews (13)

absurd and not absurd
of course to any everday rational person, the world of castenda is absurd. how could it be otherwise? nevertheless, read this book with disbelief suspended, and its a great read. for those who have persevered through the previous volumes of carlos' introduction to the ways of 'power', now comes the nub of the argument. the heart of the matter. all that power-plant taking, ally-mongering and what not of the previous volumes is left behind. what was the purpose ofdon juan's elaborate rituals in the ways of 'power', painstakingly taught to a dense, exasperating carlos? nothing less than a quest for freedom. the practices are not important; what is important is the effect on the practitioner. the world of don juan is entirely re-interpreted for the reader. a completely new framework must be understood. not familiar with the world(s) of don juan and carlos? never mind: this volume, more novel-like and fast moving than the others, reads well as fiction in and of itself, whether or not the reader cares to believe casteneda. comprehending the framework of what casteneda describes is a bonus. casteneda is a quietly skilled writer, who bears re-reading. i recommend reading and understanding all the books in this series, in order. the payoff is for thos who persevere. as for the now eternal question of whether this is true, real, logical, etc., how can the average reader ever know? why worry? as carlos himself was led this way and that by his benefactors, always in a certain direction, tending towards a finer understanding of their realm, so can the reader be led by casteneda.

Least favorite
While i was inspired by all of other castaneda books (i have not yet read second ring of power)this one was my least favorite.It did not have any of the great quotes of don Juan Matus or commical actions of Don Genaro, and it was not inspiring. it did have a few interesting parts here and there, but overall was kinda [crummy] compared to his other books

Eagles and other bogies
Whether or not Casteneda's yarns are authentic representations of what is alleged to be Toltec is beyond comment. However, it is rather curious to reflect that in this system there is an image of the Creator as an Eagle that seems intent upon devouring what it produces. In purely psychological terms, that's an image of the Evil Mother. Besides being a useful go-get-'um, i.e., reason for doing for all the occult gymnastics, the Eagle, in other words, the Mother Complex, is indeed a major challenge in every man's psychological development. However, is the Mother Complex the same as the Creator, or, God? Which brings us to the other side of this Toltec coin: the so-called Human Form, which, don Juan assures us is our idea of God. This may, indeed, be a common idea of God, but it is altogether misleading to call this God, because what is commonly thought of as being God is not God, God having no image or form or name or whatever you want to ascribe to God unless, of course, you are talking about a god. It might be instructive for the credulous readers and fans of this very fascinating writer, Casteneda, to study such sources of the ancient wisdom tradition of the West as the writings of Plotinus or, God forbid, the Kabbalah. Perhaps, in the light of such readings, the wisdom and occult exercises of this don Juan character will appear in a richer and more balanced light. As for occult exercises, it would behoove the serious student of magic to look into the Golden Dawn system or something comparable. By the way, don Juan's virtuoso feat of disappearing into the void is not the exclusive property of the Toltecs or Aztecs. This technique is known in other cultures, even ones that know nothing about devouring Eagles and such. Attachment to such images is a bigger obstacle on the way than the devouring Eagle itself. All that said, there is much that is valuable in Casteneda. Let his readers sort that out for themselves. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ethnic Studies - Native American Studies - Tribes    2. Fiction    3. Indians of Mexico    4. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    5. Religion    6. Spirituality - General    7. Yaqui Indians    8. Body, Mind & Spirit / General   

Reviews (25)

Where's the Dark Magick
I might have been expecting too much, but I was disappointed with this book. I did not learn anything on Dark Magick per se. The first half of the book is about a variety of subjects like, Goths, Vampires, Lost Souls, the Collective Unconscious, Dark Deities, Satanism and some other stuff. The second half is about Magick, but it sounds more like High Magick to me. Where's the Dark Magick?

I like..
I like this. It is good and dark and Taylor Ellwood says good stuff that's true about this. Yup..Dark and good..Exploring all dark paths that many books do not do, not just linked to one dark path. This is good, and his column in New Witch is..also good. Take care, Vanes

Excellent exploration of an all too often taboo subject
Like the title and introduction of the book says, this is an exploration of dark paganism, magic, and also other darksiders in general. Written by a man whose personal aesthetics have been interwoven into his personal spirituality, he has a unique perspective.
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Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. New Age    4. Spirituality - General    5. Spirituality - Paganism    6. Mind, Body, Spirit   

Reviews (12)

Wow!
Another excellent book in the Temple Witchcraft series. I am absolutely loving this! The meditations and homeworks Chris gives at the end of each chapter are so useful. He actually TEACHES you how to be an effective Shamanic Witch. This man has studied many magical traditions, and brings things together beautifully! I must say that I enjoy his inclusion of Greek magical elements a lot!
No nonsense, little fluff.
This is one of the few books on witchcraft that didn't leave me feeling dumbed-down and dizzy. Most Witchcraft 101 books spend a good deal of time going over what have become well-known and relatively obvious facts about pagan deities, nature and its energies, the sabbats, and the very basics of magical tools and techniques. In this book, however, Penczak chooses a few of the more intriguing (and, for beginners, often intimidating) practices and explores them in depth.
The finest teacher of witchcraft out there today
I have read almost all of Mr. Penczak's books, including this one. I can honestly and gratefully say that he has changed the way I think about life. This teacher changed my worldview from something that was a bit closed, to being open and joyful. He is a kind and gifted teacher, and his books reflect that.
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. New Age    3. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    4. Witchcraft    5. Witchcraft & Wicca    6. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    7. Wicca   

Reviews (14)

Excellent beginner's guide to modern shamanic practice
Right from the start we're advised to put aside any thoughts of lifting practices from specific cultures, and instead focus on a contemporary approach to spirit journeys that builds on universal techniques that have worked since the dawn of humanity, along with more contemporary concepts from "modern" religions like Buddhism and Christian mysticism. How much more reasonable could a spiritual practice be? Cowan knows his subject, is an excellent writer, is thoughtful in his approach, and is intellectual, spiritual, and practical in his approach modern shamanism. Sufficiently detailed to hold a discerning reader's interest but presented simply enough to put into practice immediately, this is an excellent beginner's guide to modern shamanic practice.

Solid Foundation
This book should be in every shaman's library. It gives a good overview of many viewpoints, remember to widen your scope is to enlarge your knowledge!.

Excellent
This is an excellent book for those who, like me, are trying to understand what is shamanism, with the eventual perspective of becoming shamanic practitioners. The matter is tidily presented. This book is CLEAR! It was written by a person who has CLEAR ideas in his mind. It delivers knowledge (which doesn't mean it'll make a shaman out of the reader, of course). It explains the difference betweeen a psychotic, a shaman and a shaman pratictioner. It explains why people may want to journey in the non-ordinary reality.It is a book written for the reader. The only criticism I have is that journeying is presented as easy as eating breakfast. Potential problems are totally down-played. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Divination - General    3. New Age    4. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    5. New Age movement    6. Shamanism    7. Spiritual life    8. Spiritualism - General    9. Ethnic or tribal religions    10. Occultism & quasi-religious beliefs    11. Spirituality   

Reviews (7)

OK Basic Book
The Book is more like an introduction to spell making than anything else. It has spells for a variety of situations it is purely of a positive nature, more Wiccan style than anything else. For those looking for a variety of spells from different traditions look for another book. Besides that the book is well put together it has a good intro and good basic nice spells explained carefully and suggesting the best way and time to use them.

Very user friendly, delicious pictures.
I did enjoy this book.
Great, but......
This is a great book, but it is missing some simple instructions. If you are a collector of spells this is great for that. It also is great for giving ideas.
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Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Magick Studies    4. New Age    5. Witchcraft & Wicca   

Reviews (13)

Still digesting everything.
At first, when I skimmed through this, I was not exactly over-impressed. On a second reading, however, I found myself thinking differently. There's a line from a song that goes "You know evil is an exact science, being carefully and correctly wrong." I think this book is an excellent example of that statement. There are bits and pieces and parts that may not be "right", but...as a whole...it's all "exactly correct". No matter how you feel about magic (or magick, or maaijeyckie or however you want to speel it...) this book will definitely make an impression on you.
Be embraced by the dark arms of Set!
One of the most honest and deeply researched Grimoire of LHP Occultism!For those who dares to evolve within the shadow and light!

Superb Grimoire

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Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Bible - Study - New Testament    3. Demonology & Satanism    4. Religion    5. Satanism    6. Witchcraft & Wicca    7. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    8. Body, Mind & Spirit-Satanism    9. Wicca   

Reviews (47)

A Great Vision
_Over the years I have read this book in the wilderness and in the wasteland. Every time that I have reread it I have come away renewed.
Wisdom and Inspiration Abound!
This is an exceptionally moving book for anyone yearning to know more about Native American spirituality. Black Elk was truly a man filled with the holy spirit. It reminds me of the book, Walking the Trail, One Man's Journey Along the Cherokee Trail of Tears. Both are highly recommended.

A Religious Classic?
It says on the jacket of this book that Black Elk Speaks belongs in the company of 'religious classics'.Maybe so, but even if you regard his visions as indicative of a religious experience, the parts of the book dedicated to the description of these visions make for rather tedious reading.The real meat of the book is his decriptions of the last of the major indian battles at Rosebud, Little Big Horn (Custer's Last Stand), and Wounded Knee.Black Elkand his friends were there, and lived through those harrowing days.A must-read book for anyone who wants to know how it really was. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Ethnic & Tribal    5. Ethnic Cultures - Native Americans    6. Historical - General    7. History: American    8. Native American    9. Native Americans - Plains    10. Oglala Indians    11. Religion    12. Teton Indians    13. Biography: general    14. Indigenous peoples    15. North America   

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family/Marriage    3. General    4. Interpersonal Relations    5. Love    6. Love & Romance    7. Love / Sex / Marriage    8. Man-woman relationships    9. Miscellanea    10. Sex Relations    11. Witchcraft    12. Family & Relationships / Love & Romance    13. Magic & alchemy    14. Marriage, family & other relationships    15. Mind, Body, Spirit   

Reviews (22)

Fix the author Credits: It reads Regardie when it is Crowley
This is a very deep book whose values magnifies with one's exposure to Hatha, Gnana and Raja Yoga to name but three disciplines. The student of comparative religions whose background is well-versed in magick, myth and religion (either through a minor in Anthropology as myself and/or continued studies for over a dozen years) will discover that this Onion has infinite layers to peel.
Must Have
This book is a limitless reference for any student of the "Great Work".Also, a riviting first read for anyone interested in philosophy, qabalah, magick, mysticism, and etc.. This book reveals itself in new ways each time it's studied.A very important piece to any collector of Crowley's works.

Should be Called "666"
A by the numbers Aleister Crowley book that is sure to please fans. Half of the book is referances material that doesn't necessarily have to be read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gematria    2. General    3. Judaism - Kabbalah & Mysticism    4. Literary Criticism    5. New Age    6. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    7. New Age / Parapsychology    8. Reference    9. Magic & alchemy    10. Mind, Body, Spirit    11. Wicca   

Reviews (46)

exploring the craft
i am suprised at all the criticism this book got. i became wiccan 10 years ago and this was my first book, and "bible" so to speak. i wanted to come on here and let everyone know how truly great i thought this book was, even for a beginner. yes, there are some "darker" spells, but i just skipped over them and made due with what i could. i'm sure this book might have actually helped people find their path better, because it wasn't all fluff. there are great things in there like charms and what they represent. theres mojo bags, spells, potions, even dream meanings. a little something to make you want to explore the craft further. i found this book to be one of the most explorative when i first started, and it's still one of my favorites today.

Great spellbook for all occasions
This book contains spells for almost any occasion. Beware though, some of the spells seem kind of unethical to me, but then again you can always alter them. Contains folklore, charms, and a few potions. Some of the spells are only a couple of lines long but the whole page is devoted to that one spell. Seems kinda like a waste of paper to me. Overall a good book for spells but if your looking for a religious experience, look somewhere else.

Yet another one...
It seems that all of Gerina Dunwich's books contain the same regurgitated information just presented in a different context and subject form.This book is no exception.Dreadfully dull. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Magick Studies    4. New Age    5. Witchcraft    6. Witchcraft & Wicca    7. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    8. Wicca   

Reviews (4)

Solid prayer resource
Philip Newell has collected (and streamlined) some of the great prayers from the Carmina Gaedelica and intertwined them with bits of Psalm 135, as well as daily gospel and psalm readings to create a really wonderful resource for personal prayer. I have used the book for more than a year in my own devotions, and still find newness and appeal in the selections Newell has made. As is true of the Iona Community, there is no avoidance of social justice, environmental awareness and a deep connection to the Spirit. The book is also beautifully designed in calligraphy.

Good guide for prayer discipline.
I've given away about a half dozen of these books. It is a wonderful way to establish and maintain a discipline of daily prayer. Psalm 139 ties the 12 portions (morning and evening of every day but Sunday) together. Each day corresponds to a theme valued by the Iona Community. The structure of each day is the same, but the prayers and focus are different. The prayers themselves are beautiful.
Entering Into The Flow of Modern Monastic Celtic Life
This book spoke to my Irish heart and a view of Christianity gifted to me by three great-aunts.I was surprised to find thst their earthy familiarity with the Divine had a name and a long tradition.
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Subjects:  1. Devotional    2. English    3. Iona Community    4. Prayer-books and devotions    5. Prayerbooks - Christian    6. Prayers    7. Religion    8. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality   

Reviews (36)

Very Interesting, Very Good
This book was exactly what I was asking for. I've been very curious about summoning spirits for a long time -- not with summoning the spirits of the dead but with summoning spirits who have never been dead. Yes, there are beings that are nonphysical and have alawys been spirits and we can summon them.
Short n Sweet... but Great
This one ain't bad.... it jumps on the exercises needed for summoning spirits (including the greater banishing rituals and the middle pillar ritual). The rituals and exercises are pretty easy to follow, and thats always good. I gave it 4 stars because the majority of the book was ripped from the golden dawn style of practice.... I've read all of this before. I like it for it's organization and simplicity. There's little talking and alot more action. I'd recommend this for those of us who already have a somewhat good amount of information, because this book has little.

That Special Feeling....
I have had this book in my occult library for a number of years,
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Channeling    3. Evocation    4. Incantations    5. Inspiration & Personal Growth    6. Magic    7. Magick Studies    8. New Age    9. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    10. New Age Movement    11. Spirits    12. Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies    13. Magic & alchemy    14. Mind, Body, Spirit    15. Wicca   

Reviews (39)

One of the best in it's genre
This was one of the first books I read when I first started seriously reading into Witchcraft. It really stuck with me in that it discussed subjects which, up to that point, I didn't think were considered possible in the Craft or commonly accepted (such as Shapeshifting). It was a real eye-opener for a newcomer.
Translating the Passion
I have several books on Witchcraft but none have moved me the way this one has. The writing by Ly will invoke in you the reader a true passion for the Craft.
Real witchcraft from down under...
Putting most authors who venture in this subject to shame, Ly De Angeles shines. This book is great for all beginners and intermediaries and shame on yourself if you call yourself advanced! I have been practicing since 1986 and still consider myself a beginner. This user freindly guide makes no apologies about its rich content, and gothic looking cover. I must admit I was a little afraid to pick it up. It looks potent, and is.
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Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Comparative Religion    4. Magick Studies    5. New Age    6. Witchcraft    7. Witchcraft & Wicca    8. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    9. Wicca   

Reviews (19)

INCOMPLETE
I very much enjoyed Mr. Grimassi's "The Wiccan Mysteries" and was looking forward to reading his "Encyclopedia of Wicca and Witchcraft." However, I was very disappointed to find very few of my favorite wiccan authors (i.e. Laurie Cabot, Gerina Dunwich, and other "non-Llewellyns") listed among this who's who of the witchcraft world. In my opinion, to be a definitive encyclopedia of wicca and witchcraft, ALL prominent members of the wiccan community should be included, and not just the ones who write books for Llewellyn. For a more better resource of pagan biographies, I would have to recommend Raymond Buckland's "The Witch Book" (Publisher: Visible Ink Press).

The Best I've Seen
Grimassi's book is unquestionably the ultimate and definitive work on the topic of modern Wicca and Witchcraft.The author covers every relevant topic related to the Craft, and provides the reader with leads to other topics that further enhance one's understanding of Wicca and Witchcraft.No other Wiccan/Witchcraft encyclopedia in print today can match the depth and scope of this single volume. GOOD BUT NOT GREAT
I guess I'm the only one who doesn't think this book is the best thing since sliced bread!Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Encyclopedias    4. Magic    5. Magick Studies    6. New Age    7. Reference    8. Witchcraft    9. Witchcraft & Wicca    10. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    11. Reference works    12. Wicca   

Reviews (5)

Crystal(tarot card deck)
It was a nice set of tarot cards that I bought as a birthday gift for my sister. She has just started to use them.

Great!
This product has a fine quality of impression and an astonishing art work. Really liked it, as I�m fond on work resembling Klimt!

Good deck but not a crystal deck
This is an attractive and useful Tarot Deck but it does not have any art or information related to crystals and stones. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Cards - Playing / Tarot    3. Divination - Tarot    4. New Age    5. Witchcraft & Wicca    6. Women's Studies - General    7. Body, Mind & Spirit / Tarot   

Reviews (14)

Very Aromatic
Love this one also, hard to find book that really breaks everythingdown to the smallest degree to get info across, like all his other info books, very informative, also lets you know some things are toxic and should not be tampered with and how others are irritants.

Magical aroma
Cunningham delves back into his well know research and experience to produce a compendium useful in blending scent and magick. Thorough descriptions of the magical and natural properties of available essential oils, what is most likely to be natural and chemically made or altered, "Magical Aromatherapy" offers the magickal practitioner, student or novice a look into the fascinating world of aromatherapy.

Very very good book
This author is unbelievable. You should definitely get this book if you are interested in aromatherapy. He knows everything. This book is very informative. So useful!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aromatherapy    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Essences and essential oils    4. Magic    5. Magick Studies    6. Miscellanea    7. New Age    8. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    9. Occult science    10. Perfumes    11. Witchcraft & Wicca    12. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca   

Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Ancient - Greece    3. Ancient - Rome    4. Essays    5. History    6. History - General History    7. History: World    8. Jewish - Ancient    9. Ancient Greece    10. Ancient Rome    11. European history: BCE to c 500 CE    12. Hellenistic World; Maccabean Revolution; Jesus; ancient Syria; ancient Egypt; ancient Greece; ancient Rome; Islam; Judaism; Paganism; Christianity;    13. History / Ancient / General   

Editorial Review

Popular demand for this clear-sighted compendium of information about the rebirth of Pagan religions hasn't waned since its initial publication in 1979. Distinguished by the journalism of National Public Radio columnist Margot Adler, Read more

Reviews (112)

First book for would-be Pagans
This is the first book that I usually recommend to people who are interested in modern Paganism. It's a much needed antidote to the idea that most people seem to have that Wicca is the only Pagan game in town, and though it's somewhat outdated and deals only with US Paganism, it's still the best way to get new seekers acquainted with the variety of paths out there. Don't expect this to be an introductory 101 text on how to be a Pagan -- it's not. It's a discussion of many different paths and individuals that gives a feel for the wide variety that makes up Paganism today.

A Highly advised addition to the Magickal Library
Though written in the 70's. This is a stalemate book for Wiccan and Pagan followers. A must for the library. Recent books have become so cheesy that it makes me vomit!! Stick with the tried and true. Enough said!!

A detailed historical snapshot with a limited scope. Practically not very useful, but interesting. Mildly recommended
Drawing Down the Moon is an introduction to the Wicca and Paganism movement circa 1979, the book's original publishing date. As some time has passed since then, the book is now heavily dated. It functions best as a history text, outlining the conception of Wicca and various Pagan religions and creating a snapshot of these religions as they were in the late 70s. The 1986 revision of the book briefly explain the ways in which things have changed in the interviening ten years, therefore emphasizing the book's historical nature. Alder discusses the general nature of pagan/earth-based religions, the formation and primarily features of Wicca (including the role of feminism in Wicca in the 1970s), the formation and role of a few, smaller, non-Wiccan pagan religions (almost all of which are now defunct), and finally the interaction between Paganism and the "material plane." Outside of a few rituals in an appendix, the book contains no information about practicing Wicca, and as such it isn't a beginner's guide to the religion. The 1997 republication contains an updated resource guide (lists of communities and publications), but that guide is now out of date. The concise history of Wicca is readable and perhaps the most useful part of the book, followed up the book's function as a historical snapshot, capturing and explaining Wicca and Pagansim at the time. This is primarily a research resource, not a guide to religious practice. Some readers may not find it useful as a result, but for what it is it serves its purpose fairly well.
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Cults    3. Goddess religion    4. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    5. Religion    6. Spirituality - Women's    7. United States    8. Witchcraft    9. Witchcraft & Wicca    10. Women and religion    11. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    12. Occultism & quasi-religious beliefs    13. USA