Editorial Review

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Reviews (434)

First Book
This was the first book I aquired on Wicca.Found it to be very informative, easy to understand.Was a very interesting read.

Solitaries, Here is your Guide
As always, Scott Cunningham comes through with the information that we needed as those on the solitary path. If you can't find what you need in here, you may not really need it.

Wonderful Book for Beginners
This book is a wonderful introduction to Wicca.Scott Cunningham writes in a way that is very understanding and non-threatening, and he makes the reader feel as though it's absolutely okay to follow whatever path they choose because it's their life and no one else's.I am not Wiccan, but I felt the book helped me to appreciate my eclectic pagan path more because of the way he writes.I also recommend Living Wicca.It is a sequel to this book that goes into how to actually apply the concepts in everyday life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Folklore & Mythology    3. Inspiration & Personal Growth    4. Magic    5. New Age    6. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    7. Ritual    8. Witchcraft    9. Witchcraft & Wicca    10. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    11. Wicca   

Reviews (58)

Excellent Compendium of A Wide Variety of Spells
This book almost vibrates with the amazing collection of spells and magic it contains. It is an ultimate reference indeed, drawing from all cultures and magical systems possible to include several options for each catagory of spell. The way it is organized only adds to its usefullness- it is catagorized alphabetically, and makes for and easy flip to whatever type of assitance you feel you need in your workings. With a bonus introduction section that covers spellwork basics, to the formulary in the back describing the concoction of various classic brews, this book is a must-have for any active magical practitioner.

Amazing
I'm going to keep this short and sweet. This book leaves plenty of room for the imagination, but with just a hint of guidance. From one practioner to another, this book is very handy. This has been a splendid add to my collection and I just can't put it down....

Best book ever
Thank you, I am now a creature currently typing this. My back is kind of achey from doing all those somersaults, though. ... Read more

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. Reference works    8. Wicca   

Reviews (63)

Could have been a lot better
The book is separated into 7 chapters, covering a pretty impressive variety of Halloween lore, beleifs and activities.
Halloween Traditions, Divinations, Recipes, Crafts and More
"Harvest moon, velvet sky, pumpkins glowing, children laughing, costumes, candy, snapping breezes...scary stories, Indian corn, haunted houses, smiling scarecrows, blowing leaves...apples, parties, spindly spiders, dancing bats, grinning ghosts, sparkling stars...hayrides, dances, screeching cats, big bonfires...just where did this autumn gaiety begin?" - Silver RavenWolf
My Favorite Holiday
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. In here the history of the holiday Halloween is explored as well as the second half is interesting recipes for Halloween goodies. Halloween is actually a neopagan holiday but a lot don't celebrate it because it scares them. Well it doesn't scare me. Finally a book that is a non-condemning tome about the subject. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americas (North Central South West Indies)    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Divination    4. Halloween    5. History    6. Holidays (non religious)    7. Holidays - General    8. Magic    9. Manners And Customs    10. New Age    11. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    12. Witchcraft    13. Witchcraft & Wicca    14. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    15. Customs    16. Occultism & quasi-religious beliefs    17. The Americas   

Reviews (1)

Both Structure of Magic Books are powerful but: masterpieces, but...
Structure 1 is well written, clear and concise, but Structure 2 is subtle and intense like a slow moving train that gets fast and fun at the pace you like. Both are informative books, don't get me wrong. But Structure 2 shows that communication and movement within communication is thwe basis of life. Whether its commuincating to your muscles to walk or do whatever, talk to another person, whatever requires communication at any level. In fact these books, I'll say are the spirit-voice of what it takes to live efffectively or the beginnings thereof of understanding that. Structure 1 tells you the map is not the territory, structure 2 tells you how to use the territory with the directions if you have the basic understanding given in 1 of what maps and territories are really for. The questions are asked in 1, the queastions are answered in 2. Anyhow, as Arthur C. Clarke said, technology only seems magical, when you haven't developed up to its level yet. That's what it all comes down to, development and The Structure of Magic Books show that. Step by step, understanding by understanding until you can put it together yourself in its proper order within the territory, and not just on a "silly" map. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it. more than that, that's my understanding and I'm growing past it to understand and undertake ever more and ever better. Hats off to Bandler and Grinder and all of their associates, I'm not saying they're the end or the beginnings, but they are an important part of that grand puzzle being solved called "existence and life". But eah person must put it all together for themselves, that's what The Map is Not The Territory means, I know. All right, happy reading if you buy em'!
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Subjects:  1. Magic    2. Psycholinguistics    3. Psychology    4. Psychotherapy    5. Psychotherapy - General    6. Magic & alchemy    7. Mind, Body, Spirit    8. Wicca   

Reviews (57)

Great read
Very good reading. I was impressed by the knowledge. I expected it to more about the show with very little information about wicca.

Charmed: THE BOOK OF SHADOWS
GREAT BOOK!!!First off all,if your a reader & you enjoyed the show Charmed,then I advise you to purchase this book,it goes deeper into the knowledge behind the show & if your a practicing Wicca,like myself then you'll really enjoy this book. There are places within the book inwhich you can write your own experiences & such & there are chapters within the book that help you better understand the knowledge & practices & what made the show such an success!

could have ben better
the book had it's moments however it is mostly about the meaning of of witch craft and a few spells here and there, in which i am not interested in ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Charmed (Television program)    2. Movie / TV Tie-Ins    3. Movie-TV Tie-In - General    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts/Dance    6. Television - General    7. Television - Guides & Reviews    8. Witchcraft    9. Performing Arts / Television / General    10. Television    11. The occult, witches & witchcraft   

Editorial Review

This 1986 classic is not only an excellent introduction to the Wiccan religion and earth-based religions in general, it's also a workbook that can take the serious student to the equivalent level of third-degree Gardnerian. Though Raymond Buckland was a student of the late great Gerald Gardner, this manual does not adhere to a specific branch or denomination of witchcraft, but rather seeks to teach the elements and philosophies common to all, whether Celtic, Saxon, Finnish, or what have you. Buckland is credited with bringing the "old religion" to the U.S., and covens and solitary witches practicing the craft in the U.S. today have him to thank for getting it out of the closet. While Read more

Reviews (281)

A Whichcraft Library "Must Have"
While hardly the "be-all, end-all" of Witchcraft information, Buckland's compiled research is an extremely useful tool, and a must for the foundation of anyone interested in the craft.
an awsome book--- deserves more than 5 stars
i love this book ... my husband loves this book... everyone i know who is pagan loves this book... its great for beginers, but also has a lot of research that is usefull to anyone. Raymond Buckland is a great write. He is professional, open minded, and well informed.. He put alot of the history of magick into this book. Personally I really recomend it. If you don't have it buy it... I spent 20 bucks on it in a book store and it was worth it. So 5 dollars or even more is definately. I love his writing. This was one of the first books i read when i started and the information really stuck..

Informative Wicca
I find this book very informative and well written.The best way to learn about witchcraft ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Comparative Religion    4. Inspiration & Personal Growth    5. Magick Studies    6. New Age    7. Witchcraft    8. Witchcraft & Wicca    9. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    10. Wicca   

Reviews (55)

MORE than 5 stars!
This book is among my favorites in my Pagan library.I have had it since it was published and have over the years bought several copies.It's either been referred to so much it's fallen apart or has been borrowed and never returned.The brilliance of Scott's teachings are that he teaches only what's worked for him but he gives permission to you as Practitioner to evolve into your own Witch - you can tweak the spells so that they work for you and he applauds that and suggests that you do just exactly that.I have always had nothing but respect for the man and his writing - and am sad that he's no longer in this world to write more and share more of his wisdom.
One of my favorites
I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn basics or just nature magick. It's one of the best spell books out there. It also makes a great yule present!

Inspired and Accessible
Earth, Air, Fire & Water is a beginner's guide to practicing spells that utilize the energies found in natural objects. The author calls this "natural magic," although the foundations of this branch of magic are much simpler than the spells he goes on to provide.
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Subjects:  1. Affirmations    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Four elements (Philosophy)    4. Magic    5. Magick Studies    6. Miscellanea    7. New Age    8. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    9. Witchcraft & Wicca    10. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    11. Magic & alchemy    12. Mind, Body, Spirit    13. Wicca   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (100)

Excellent additional learning
Having read Wicca for the Solitary Practioner I found this excellent reinforcement. Plus Scott's attitude is so practical and even.

A Great Addition to the Pagan Bookshelf
This book is great.You don't even have to be Wiccan to appreciate it.I am not, but this book contains a lot of wonderful information about simply living as a Pagan everyday.It explains the basic content of ritual, the importance of prayer, and Cunningham always says to do what is right for you rather than following someone else's "preaching."It goes into more detail than the previous book, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, and actually shows how to apply the concepts of the religion.Living Wicca is a wonderful book.

A Good Guide to Living Wicca
As people are opening up in the millenium, the new age religiins experienced a boom. People don't judge you as much by your religion any more, so much as how much money they make. This is proiven by myself writ ing these reviews online- I go to a kind of famous local division III school, and there were quite a few others interesxted in the craft, though their knowledge was limited. I can testify that this book contains all the bnasic knowledge you need to become a Wiccan or magickal practitioner. Scott Cunningham was a noted authority on the subject and this is one of his most well known books. Though the Wicca craze has died down, it continues still as an alternative religion. Why they stock these in the new age section at chain bookstores I don't know. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Comparative Religion    3. Inspiration & Personal Growth    4. Magic    5. New Age    6. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    7. Ritual    8. Witchcraft    9. Witchcraft & Wicca    10. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    11. Wicca   

Reviews (3)

Practical Planner for the Busy Witch
Again this year we are presented with the Week at a Glance Witches Date book for the busy witch.
Blessed Be All Unorganized Wiccans!
I've bought this book for years. I wouldn't be without it! It's not only a fascinating read, it's a damn good way to keep a busy witch's witchly life organized. I'm thankful to the friend that first introduced the Dateook to me, Jheri...wherever he is...
Good Datebook
This has large spaces for writing and each open page is a week.(m-f on the left side, S-S on the right)
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Subjects:  1. Calendar    2. Calendars & Diaries    3. New Age Movement    4. Non-Classifiable    5. Witchcraft & Wicca    6. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    7. Stationery items   

Reviews (27)

THE be all-end all Thelemic resource
I've owned this book for several years now, and I STILL learn from it everytime I pick it up.This is NOT the right book for someone new to Aleister Crowley's writings - if you're just starting to look into Thelema and Crowley's approach to Ceremonial Magick, buy Lon Milo Duquette's "The Magick of Thelema"(recently re-issued as "The Magick of Aleister Crowley"), or Crowley's own "Magick Without Tears", a compilation of letters between Crowley and a female student regarding various subjects in magickal/spiritual development.Crowley made the mistake of assuming his readership was at least as educated as he was - well, everytime I read either his or H.P. Blavatsky's work, I am reminded how poor the modern public education system has become!This massive tome is worth every penny it costs, and more...It takes time(maybe a lifetime) to absorb, but it is absolutely worth it.Just remember this: Crowley was constrained by the prevailing laws of his time, and as such, was not always LEGALLY able to come out and just say what he wanted.Alot of things are spoken of in allegory and symbolism; and alot of the time, Crowley had his tongue planted firmly in his cheek when making certain statements.The guy had a cRaZy sense of humor!!Crowley was NOT a baby sacrificing monster - he was a misunderstood genius.

Indispensible for Thelemic magicians
One cannot approach Thelemic magick without this book.I have editions of the various parts (Book 4, Magick in Theory and Practice) and they just don't work independently the way the whole volume does.It pulls all of the A.'.A.'. curriculum together and presents it, along with Crowley's examples and commentary, in such a way that a solo practioner might actually be able to make sense of it.
Book 4 Parts I - IV
Having read the lively debate/reviews below, I think some important points have been missed through what appear to be fairly 'knee jerk' reactions.Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Cultism    3. Magic    4. Magick Studies    5. New Age    6. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    7. Occult Sciences    8. Magic & alchemy    9. Mind, Body, Spirit    10. Wicca   

Reviews (126)

A Good Beginning
This is a good book for beginners, those needing a refresher course or for those curious folk who just wonder what witchcraft is about. It is a convinient compilation of several of the Farrar's text that help paint a vivid picture of the craft. Having said that, the reader needs to keep in mind that since this book was originally written some attitudes and ideas have changed. Also, the writting styles of both Janet and Stewart differ greatly and sometimes Stewart's ideas can get away from him. The Farrar's are very open, but this book does contain some blinds naturally, though nothing harmful or that couldn't be remedied through one's own further study.

A Wiches Bible
This book contains a lot of useful information about Wicca and many rituals and ceremonies. It is based on the Gardnerian Tradition, but there is useful information for all Wiccans. This book is not really for beginners, but it is worth having in your collection of books. I would recommend this book, if you are in need of a good reference book for ceremonies and rituals, which it does include.

Great Service
My book was shipped in excellent timing. There was no long delay between the order and receiving which was very impressive. The company made sure that the book was in it's original wrapping so the cover and stuff did not get damaged.
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. New Age    3. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    4. Witchcraft    5. Witchcraft & Wicca    6. Handbooks, manuals, etc.    7. Magic    8. Magic & alchemy    9. Mind, Body, Spirit    10. New Age / Parapsychology    11. Wicca   

Reviews (1)

Annuals from Llewellyn a girl's good friend
Like all the publications from LLewellyn the 2007 Witches' Calendar is filled with colorful graphics and well written words of wisdom. The interesting folklore appeals to anyone interested in the craft, natural remedies, the phases of the moon and keeping track of Mother Earth's yearlong orbit. The easy to understand symbols make it clear the best days to plant, cultivate, harvest and fish. Its almanac qualities and colors of the day, along with the moons position through the zodiac phases can aid in a persons plans to begin, continue or refrain from a new project.
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Subjects:  1. Calendar    2. Calendars & Diaries    3. Non-Classifiable    4. Witchcraft & Wicca    5. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    6. Stationery items   

Reviews (26)

Simply Fantastic
I've read dozens upon dozens of books on Ritual Magick, Occult Sciences and Paranormal Research, and this is by far the most informative piece of material I've ever read.Phil's style of writing is informative and indepth, yet brings the subject into a clear and concise manner.I wish I would've read this book in the beginning of my studies!I highly recommend it!

Not just for begginers
What a great book, I've been practicing magick for quite a few years now and had read this book when I was starting out as a beginner who read more then he practiced. It seemed like an good book at the time.
Review for non-practitioners, by a non-practitioner
You may have noted that all the other reviews of "Condensed Chaos" (at least as of this date) are by practitioners of magick, so their concern is whether the this book helps them advance the state of their art.If you are a non-practitioner, as I am, you might wonder what this book is about and whether these folks are really serious about this magick stuff or whether they are putting you on.Well, here's my take on "Condensed Chaos," from a non-practitioner's point of view.
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies    2. Magick Studies    3. New Age    4. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    5. Magic    6. Magic & alchemy    7. Mind, Body, Spirit    8. Wicca   

Reviews (36)

A Wonderful Introduction
This book, recommended by a friend, was my initiation into the world of shamanism. I think Harner gives a great overall description of what shamanism is and where it comes from. There's no mystical, magical ramblings. It's very straighforward and based upon the research Michael Harner did personally as an anthropologist. He's taken the mystery out of shamanism, and presents it more as a science, or methodology.
The Inner Journey Awaits~"Hail The Goer!"
'The Way of the Shaman' by anthropologist and practicing shaman Michael Harner does an admirable job in presenting core shammanic beliefs, vivid personal experiences with indigenous practicing cultures and how-to-techniques and training for individual and group shammanic journeying.
Read it if you must-but take it from where it comes.
I have been teaching Shamanic workshops, and practicing Shamanic healing for many years ( never charging a penny for my services).
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Subjects:  1. Ethnic & Tribal    2. Healing - General    3. Literature: Folklore/Mythology    4. Mental healing    5. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    6. Shamanism    7. Witchcraft & Wicca    8. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    9. Religion / Ethnic & Tribal    10. Spirituality   

Reviews (114)

The index is very useful
I was disappointed in the superficiality of the descriptions for the herbs and their uses, but the index is very useful. Folk names, common names, and Latin names are all easily found -making it much simpler to track down the plants you want at your local greenhouse.

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (Llewellyn's Sourcebook Series)
This is a great general book. A word to the wise. Some of the herbs that he recommends are posionous and should be not ingested. These herbs are in no way flagged in the book at all. Lily of the Valley, Mandrake, Belladonna are all dangerous and not for use without extensive research. Remember even if you see lots of food on the forest ground not all of it is safe to eat.

practical info for the practicing witch
what I like about this book is not the info on obcure plants that I have to send away for, but the info on things and herbs you can find in the grosery store. like some fruits and spices.
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Subjects:  1. Charms    2. Gardening    3. Gardening/Plants    4. Herbs    5. Herbs (Botany)    6. Magic    7. Magick Studies    8. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    9. Occult sciences    10. Plants    11. Witchcraft & Wicca    12. Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies    13. Complementary Medicine    14. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Reviews (26)

Very complete... but very complex
A excellent and serious book about self initiation in the Golden Dawn magic system. But it's very complex too. This big book will teach you a lot of details about magical things and cosmogony, through a one or two year's "evening class".
Changes and Errors
There are some gross errors in this book (especially in the artwork) that make me wonder as to the real accomplishments and attainments of the authors.The errors are such that I don't believe them to be intentional blinds.The Cicero's have removed nearly all traces of the Judeao-Christian Masonic themes from the Golden Dawn and have emphasized the Egyptian and Neo-Pagan.In doing so, key mystical truths have been omitted.
Self Initiation into the Golden Dawn...
This is a keystone piece of modern literature for the Western Esoteric Tradition.Not for the faint of heart, this tome encloses prodigious knowledge from around the world and throughout the ages.
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn    3. Inspiration & Personal Growth    4. Magick Studies    5. New Age    6. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    7. Occult Sciences    8. Other Religions    9. Personal Growth - General    10. Reference    11. Rosicrucianism    12. Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies    13. Magic & alchemy    14. Mind, Body, Spirit    15. Wicca   

Reviews (37)

golden dawn
Very good book - can be called a bible for humans, who are looking for self-awakening. Many interesting rituals and informations about modern magic and The Golden Dawn louge.

Isreal lives
What can I say..awsome book by one of the Great Magi of our times!Gives you the complete system from top to bottom as far as the Golden Dawn goes.Beginers could use this book...but Id suggest Donald Michael Criegs "Modern magick" first if your realy new to the system!But just to help give you some foundation before you dive into this complete Tome.Suppliment it with some od Isreal's teachings on CD and youll go far.......fast!

An excellent reference, not for beginners
Step by step instruction is lacking and certain fundamental ideas are assumed to be known and understood by the reader...a complete beginner would be lost with this book alone.It is an invaluable reference for someone who has a certain level of practical experience, but a book like Don Kraig's Modern Magick would be preferable to start with.
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Hermetic Order of the Golden D    3. Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn    4. Inspiration & Personal Growth    5. Magick Studies    6. New Age    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. Occultism    9. Rosicrucianism    10. Witchcraft & Wicca    11. Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies    12. Occultism & quasi-religious beliefs   

Reviews (81)

Great book
This book is very useful.Scott Cunningham's books are wonderful.He knew his stuff, and was very thorough when compiling the information.This book tells how to make incense, different oils for ritual, herbal charms, sachets, powders, soaps, and lots of other stuff.It's a great book for the kitchen witch because it's a wonderful reference book.And as with all of his books, he adds charts for substitutions, sabbats, days, seasons, and just correspondences for each oil and herb.I highly recommend this book.

Mother Earth's Majik
I am discovering the enjoyment and knowledge from this book.I think the forklore is interesting, but since I have just begun I feel this book will be a winter project to create some of the oils and such the I would would like to make.

Great Book and Very Informative
I found this book very informative for those wishing to make their own brews and potions. I enjoyed reading it and have put some of the formulas into action. I use the oils and soaps when I'm feeling the need to recharge. Also great information on herbs and such. If you're into making your own things and using them or giving them as gifts then this book is for you. You won't go wrong buying this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Essences and essential oils    3. Folklore & Mythology    4. Incense    5. Magic    6. Magick Studies    7. Miscellanea    8. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    9. Perfumes    10. Reference    11. Witchcraft & Wicca    12. Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies    13. Complementary Medicine    14. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Reviews (61)

always and forever
Ok I got into witchcraft when I was in 6 grade I'm in 12 grade right now and I still love it I bought this book awhile back , I thought it was amazing its just that some of the spells are not what I face in the real world

Just DO it!
I love this book!Colorful, entertaining, powerful, informative... these are all words that describe Charms, Spells and Forumulas by Houngan Rev. Ray Marlbrough.It's been out for a while, but if you don't have a copy yet, get with the program, buy a copy, choose an exercise or spell in the book, and just DO it!-- Mambo Racine

Wonderful!
This book is great! I have used it so much that it is falling apart. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Charms    3. Folklore    4. Folklore & Mythology    5. Folklore & Mythology - Folklore    6. Incantations    7. Inspiration & Personal Growth    8. Louisiana    9. Magic    10. Magick Studies    11. New Age    12. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    13. Witchcraft & Wicca    14. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    15. Magic & alchemy    16. Mind, Body, Spirit    17. Wicca   

Reviews (9)

Great Book
Anyone into Isis spirituality will thoroughly enjoy this book..it's packed with magical info and ritual work that can be used for solitary or group practice...it has become my handbook and reference book for all my workings!

Isis Lives
And this book can help you meet her (or just learn A LOT about her)! As Isis knew both joy and sorrow, she is a goddess that knows love and compassion, and has historically been known as one of the very few deities able to change fate. This book is filled with detailed accounts of her myths, her history, and her followers from all around the world. It also has many Isis-based rituals and meditation that can help you develop a deep relationship with her.

An Excellent Book Even if You're Not an Isiac
I used this book extensively to do some research for a book I'm writing, and it was very useful and inspiring to those ends.Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Comparative Religion    3. Goddess religion    4. Goddesses    5. Inspiration & Personal Growth    6. Magic    7. Magick Studies    8. New Age    9. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    10. Rites and ceremonies    11. Spirituality - General    12. Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies    13. Magic & alchemy    14. Mind, Body, Spirit    15. Wicca