Book Description
hese deeply moving novellas offer a unique perspective on infidelity, bringing into sharp focus the complications and consequences created by spouses who-despite their genuine bond of love-are unfaithful to one another. In the first novella, A Married Woman, Caroline, a middle-aged woman, keeps a careful vigil over her husband William's death bed. While frightened by the idea of losing her soulmate and lifelong companion, Caroline confronts another startling reality: she feels a kind of rebirth through his passing. The later years of her marriage were tainted--he had fallen in love with a younger woman but renounced his passions for the sake of the family. In the second novella, A Married Man, David-husband, father, and businessman-finds his sense of well-being and achievement damaged by his wife Marcia's betrayal: a one-night affair, which she regrets but does not conceal from him. When Marcia and David cannot reclaim the daily routine of a happy marriage, they seek help together from a popular television therapist.
Customer Reviews:
The Mysteries of Marriage.......2006-02-04
These two absorbing novellas each revolve around an act of infidelity by one spouse, and the reactions of the other. In the first one, "A Married Woman," a wronged wife struggles silently to keep her marriage together after her husband falls seriously in love with one of their daughter's friends. In the second, "A Married Man," a husband struggles noisily to forgive his wife her single, casual indiscretion, which she unwisely confessed to him. In the second novella, the wife's efforts to win back her husband seem quite a bit over the top, but otherwise this exploration of festering hurt and unforgiving anger on the part of the husband rings very true. Some people really do enjoy being angry and unforgiving, and as a reader I had no trouble relating to that, since I cannot understand how any spouse can ever, under any circumstances, forgive even the most casual infidelity. To me, it would be grounds for immediate divorce, but evidently many people find the condition of marriage so deeply satisfying-- they NEED it so much-- that they are willing to put up with anything in order to keep the marriage intact, in no matter how sadly altered a form. Fleming helps the reader understand the thinking of those marriage-needers, and for this reader, that was no small achievement.
Interesting characters.......2004-05-17
Anne Taylor Fleming is best known to me as an essayist on the News Hour, usually commenting on the world from the perspective of LA, which I don't usually appreciate all that much.
Surprising here, especially considering the subject of infidelity, she manages to lose most of the LA pretentiousness in both of these two short novels, despite the fact that both stories are set in LA. Her characters really care about their marriages, their children, what has happened in their lives up to the time of the infidelity and after. Not that all is well--the wronged parties agonize in ways that are highly recognizable (at least to me) over their partner's respective indiscretions.
Perhaps these novels work because she has imagined or observed the reactions of these wronged spouses rather than actually lived them herself and can, therefore, maintain an appropriate detachment (and humor). At any rate, the characters come off as real and engaging and people you would want to meet yourself, unlike many LA characters I've met in the pages of contemporary fiction.
Well done and recommended!
One of the worst books I've ever read.......2004-02-25
Where do I begin? I only read this book because the back cover contained a good review by Frank McCourt, who must have been either drunk or insane when he wrote it.
The writing in this story is no different from a Harlequin Romance. The characters are unbelievable, the plots are stupid, and the characters are so utterly unlikeable that you actually relish in their misery.
The second novella concerns a raving idiot of a husband who cannot get over his wife's "infidelity". They go for counselling, he ends up on Prozac and Viagra, and acts like a moron every chance he gets. And his wife didn't even have an affair - she had a one-night stand consisting of oral sex.
What this author doesn't know about men is a lot: her male character is essentially a woman named David. No man acts, thinks, or behaves, quite like this. This author is obviously connected - how else can such trite fluff be published?
WOW! Not what I expected...........2003-10-15
I normally don't choose "novellas" to read but the title of this book caught my eye. I was pleasantly surprised by the content of the book and the two "short" stories it contained. The stories are written in a concise, sometimes shocking, intense manner. "A Married Woman" is about a woman married for many years who is recalling the details of her husbands infidelity as she sits by his deathbed.
"A Married Man" is the story of a man who is trying to find forgiveness for his wife's infidelity. It is a heartwrenching story of a father and husband who loves his wife very much but is not able to get beyond her one night affair with an acquaintance.
I think the reader of this book will thoroughly enjoy it. It is a quick read but contains such food for thought.
the marriage-go-round.......2003-06-24
Two views of what damage infidelity within marriages can do.
For readers who relish the complexities of two people making a life together, the dialogues ring true & the situations are both delicately funny & seriously telling.
Anyone who has been espoused will know of what this author writes, & will find some interesting information to take back to their marriage.
Average customer rating:
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Marriage: duet or discord? (A Zondervan paperback)
John W Drakeford
Manufacturer: Zondervan Pub. House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
 Marriage & Family
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ASIN: B0006C5GJM |
Average customer rating:
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Marriage: Duet or Duel
Sylvia Mandelbaum , and
Morris Mandel
Manufacturer: Gefen Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
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ASIN: 965229022X |
Book Description
In addition to rounding up the usual suspects, including the Bell Witch, Borley Rectory, the monster of Glarris Castle, and Gef, the mongoose/poltergeist on the Isle of Man, Steiger has included much that is new for the dedicated ghost aficionado. The photographs alone are particularly fascinating.... Steiger’s new book is a mammoth undertaking that should be taken a few chapters at a time and savored the way one would enjoy a good meal in one of the author’s haunted restaurants. Everyone interested in our final destination, or just in need of a very creepy reading experience, should have a copy. – FATE magazine. This excellent collection of ghost encounters will both warm the heart and scare you out of your wits. – Library Journal. Do ghosts exist? VIP’s newest phenomena(l) offering, Real Ghosts, Restless Spirits, and Haunted Places expertly reports the evidence. Supernaturally written by renowned “ghost-writer” Brad Steiger—whose resume begins where Stephen King’s and Dean Koontz’s imaginations end—Real Ghosts, Restless Spirits, and Haunted Places is more than a collection of true ghost stories. Readers of all ages will find themselves plunked into the middle of the eerie action with captivating stories that would be at home at any midnight campfire. The only difference is these stories aren’t urban legends employing hooks, needles, or long, metal fingernails for their scare. These stories exist outside of the mind and live right next door to every one of us.
Customer Reviews:
Hauntings that are actually scary.......2006-12-07
I own numerous books about ghosts, the unexplained, and the paranormal and a lot of them are tedious to read. Some, have proven down right boring. Others try and make everything seem so realistic and dramatic, that its nothing but awkward to read.
This book is NOT one of those. I got this book as a gift several years ago and have read it multiple times, and each time I get completely spooked and became afraid to turn out the lights. This book isn't filled with photos of "orbs" and stories about cold spots and phantom footsteps. This book features some of the most truely incredible hauntings ever recorded, along with lots of famous photographs.
Brad Steiger is a fantastic author (perhaps the best of the lot in his genre) and this collection of his most interesting cases are a must have for lovers of all things ghostly.
It's a fun read...........2006-09-26
While I enjoyed the stories within, I feel that some of them were stretched a little far, and the photo inclusions were, well let's be nice and say sophomoric. The stories are very engaging and well written, but it was obvious some of them were glorified urban legends. Despite all that, I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to those who enjoy reading about the paranormal.
Durk Simmons
author Strings of Connection: Book 1 of the Witches in America Series
Dreadful, melodramatic, ripped-off flim-flam!.......2006-02-06
I can't believe the audacity of Brad Steiger. It takes a lot of nerve, or very little honor, to publish a tome of obviously fake photos and ho-hum ghost stories that were admittedly lifted off various Internet sites.
Steiger has little respect for his sources: He rewrites their testimony into his own words, so that every single story and anecdote sounds the same. Not only that, but several phrases are used over and over--I lost count of how many times he spells out his wife's entire name instead of merely referring to her as "my wife" or "Sherry."
It's also frustrating reading about some spectacular photo his wife took, or that was given to him, that shows clearly some spectral phenomenon or UFO--and the photo isn't anywhere in the book. The photos that do appear are of the tired and debunked ilk of orbs, double-exposure photos, even one photo of a paper cutout head GLUED to someone's shoulder!
The only thing scary about this book is that it's supernaturally LAME.
The Ghosthunter Gives This One Five Stars.......2006-01-26
Brad Steiger has been a respected name in paranormal research for quite awhile and this book proves that he knows his stuff. It's a great collection of hauntings from all over the world and is a valuable addition to any paranormal library.
I am a Certified Ghost Hunter and writer and this book helped guide some of my own research as I wrote "Ghosthunting Ohio" and "Ghosthunting Illinois." Here's hoping Steiger has something new coming out soon.
IM IN TOUCH.............2005-10-13
Very Good Reading..None Of Us Knows What Is At The Intersection Of Life, Death. Maybe It Is "Dad Saying Hi." Besides, who Hasn't Looked Into The Silence Of A Clear Night Sky and Wondered : Are You Out There, Somewhere? And Do You Miss Me ? Because I' Sure Miss You..
Book Description
Welcome to the year 2072. Earth is under new management.
Possessed of an unnatural and legendary hunger, the Reapers came to Earth to establish a New Order built on the harvesting of enslaved human souls. They rule the planet. They thrive on the scent of fear. And if it's night, as sure as darkness, they will come.
In a valiant rebellion against the half-century Kurian occupation, the newly formed Texas and Ozark Republics have dealt the vampiric aliens their first major defeat. Resistance member David Valentine is revered as a hero, but he has a dangerous enemy within his own ranks, who will have him facing charges for abusing the Quisling prisoners-the human pawns of the Kurians. When fellow freedom fighter William Post is badly wounded, he asks Valentine to find his wife, who has vanished into the darkness of the Kurian Order. But what Valentine finds there will shake his sanity to its very core.
Customer Reviews:
Improvement needed.......2007-06-14
I would have given this 3.5 stars, if I could. I chose 4 over 3 because the series as a whole is worth (I think) at least 4 stars.
General Feeling: Worth reading but unsatisfying in some ways.
I agree with what some of other dissapointed reviewers say, though I actually think the ending was good,it woke me up a bit.
There are a couple of continuity errors and (disagreeing with what someone above said) some plot recipes that reduce the quality of this novel, and the general overall story did not seem to make many advances.
First of all David seems to have lost some of his "Wolf" or "Cat" powers. Specifically the super speed, there were quite some occasions to use it, but he never did (for example in the competition with the worm riders).
The plot recipe (formula) I am referring to is the one where our hero is somehow brought into a "tribal" situation where he has to learn the customs of the new tribe and through his valorous actions becomes a valued member of that tribe. David already did with the Jamaicans, and now with the Worm riders. This formula gets old fast.
I am a fan of Knight but I really felt that not as much happened in this book as in the previous ones.
great book.......2007-05-26
this book is one of a great series. I recommend the entire series to anyone who likes militia type books.
Completely Unpredictable.......2007-05-14
I read this book twice and I NEVER do that. David Valentine is possibly the most "real" character I have ever read about in fiction. He gave his word to find and save wife of a comrade and David Valentine is a man of his word. Problem is, he's been betrayed and it appears he won't live to see his child, or carry out his promise and he won't die fighting the enemy.
The end of this book left me satisfied, but longing for the next all at the same time.
valentine's discovery..........2006-11-10
this is book 5 in the series...all of them have been a progressive discovery of how one discovers what one is made of, i.e., "the right stuff". David Valentine is a man for all times, a philosopher and a man of action and justice. He is challenged by an invasion of earth and the devistation of civilization as we know it, yet he must find a way through it and, at the same time, remain human in the ideal sense of the word...he is judge, jury, and executioner all in one...not only of the "enemy" that has invaded earth, but of his fellow humans who are not up to the challenge of preserving liberty, freedom, and the "American" way of life...this series continues to inspire, impress, and challenge the reader to put him/herself in the position of david valentine and look at today's reality and "what if's". It is an excellent series to share with your children when they are old enough to grasp the philosophical principles involved. I can't wait for book 6 due out in july of '07...thank you e. e. knight
Valentine's Exile.......2006-11-10
I found this to be an excellent follow-on to the first three novels in the series. It is internally consistent with the Author's vision of the post-apocalyptic USA established in the series and was very enjoyable reading. The descriptions and situations were also consistent with a projection of human behavior predictable by survivalist personalities and consequences. Except for the vampire bad-guy it could fit into other novels. The action was also great.
Book Description
If you prefer a solitary approach to worship and Witchcraft, this is the book for you. You need sound guidance and tools as you work alone to deepen your knowledge and strengthen your abilities.
Author Arin Murphy-Hiscock provides you with everything you need to take your spiritual practice to the next level. Solitary Wicca for Life encourages you to reach beyond the ordinary and create a unique path of worship, using techniques that go further than other texts:
Advanced Circle Casting-advanced techniques and applications, plus methods for creating sacred space when a circle isn't necessary
Enriching Ritual-tools and techniques that bring new depth to personal practice, including sacred drama, masks, ritual garb, and symbols
Crafting Liturgy-Wiccan ritual defined stage by stage, as well as guidelines for writing invocations, prayers, meditations, and personalized rituals for esbats, sabbats, rites of passage, and more
Drawing Down Deities-invoking deities for guidance, communion, worship, etc.
Growing as a Solitary Wiccan-the means by which you'll enhance your spiritual growth and reach out to the world at large.
Solitary Wicca for Life is the essential reference handbook you need to reach deeper, go farther, and strengthen your solitary path-one day at a time.
Customer Reviews:
Well rounded book on solitary practice.......2007-08-11
Unlike a lot of people out there exploring wicca for the first time, I have been studying and practicing the craft for over 30 years (I am 55 y/o). This book is well rounded and covers the topics adequately. Wicca is a religion about doing and not just reading books. This book may be too much for the beginner, and they should consider Scott Cunninghams books. This book is more of a refresher for me and is just what I needed.
BTW - Magic is not spelled with a k unless you are at Thelemite (OTO_Crowley). Most magicians in Britain do not refer to magic as magick.
Blessed be,
Bearcraft
Good Book - Clear Details.......2007-05-13
This book is great as a refresher or beginner book. It goes through most of the key elements to solitary practice. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a more grounded review of the wiccan ways.
A gem.......2006-11-18
This book was everything that it is advertised as. There is a shortage of "Wicca 201" books on the market and this was a gem. I used her 'inner temple' meditations the very night after reading that chapter to very good effect. There is also an extensive bibliography that I am very excited to research.
I'm surprised.......2006-10-21
After reading the glowing reviews of this book, I truly expected something special. I was deeply disappointed.
Some of the reviews that praised this book were written by reviewers with whom I almost always agree. I don't know why we had such a radical disagreement on this book.
Personally, I found this book to be contradictory and "preachy". First the author spends a great deal of time talking about how wonderful solitary practice is because it allows you find your own path and walk your own personaly journey. Then she launches into a tirade about all the things you have to do or you are not Wiccan.
The information about the Craft is not always correct and I don't know where some of her information comes from. I don't want to make it sound like the entire book is worthless, I just question a lot of what the author says. I also question her basic editorial approach.
On to the writing: this was the greatest failure of the book to me. I question many of the "facts" presented (poor research or just the desire to be slanted?) in the book, but it was the actual writing itself that truly fell flat. The author clearly believes that she's an awesome writer and researcher, but her work does not support this.
The book contains a lot of instruction ("carefully grind the flowers..."), but very little explanation. There is a lot of "how" but very, very little "why". It really strikes me as a poorly written 101 book although the author spends a great deal of time stating this is not the case. It consists of a lot of recipes for various things but lacks any depth or substance.
Again and again I keep coming back to the poor quality of the writing and research. Perhaps the author had to rush this book to print or something, but the lack of polish is striking. The lack of reasonable consistancy is also a problem.
Even if this were an ordinary 101 book, I would have some complaints. When the author gives instructions, they are incomplete and sometimes downright silly. For example, she gives instructions about creating a magical wash solution. To use it, she says "If you intend to mop your ritual area, add nine drops of this wash to the water. Otherwise, prepare a spray bottle as follows: Add nine drops to a spray bottle of spring water and shake to blend" (p.27). There is no explanation as to why you should do this or how it will help you. How much water should you use? A spray bottle and mop bucket are quite different. If the ratio of "wash blend" to water doesn't matter, why not? Honestly, doesn't this sound like instructions from any run of the mill 101 book? How can the author expect us to view this in any other way? For a book that the author emphatically states is not a 101 book, why would you include such simple silliness? Wouldnt anyone who has moved past the most basic stages of Wicca know how to cleanse a space (and hopefully with a much better technique than this)? To me, this type of instruction (which dominates this book) is more akin to Anna Riva than any legitimate authority on Wicca. Why nine drops? Will it fail to work if you use 6 drops or 12? Again, an ordinary 101 book would get poor marks from me for this type of writing and information, but the author keeps proclaiming that this is not a 101 book. I just can't see how she justifies this belief when the book is page after page of writing like I've quoted above.
In short, as much as I hate to say it, this book simply did not work for me. Perhaps it will for you, but I found the information to be pedestrian at best, explanations inadequate, and the entire book a poorly researched Wicca 101 effort.
I have not given up on this author. Perhaps this wasn't her best effort and her other books will have better research and writing. This book simply did not fulfill its promise. I have already ordered another one of her books (sadly, before I had read much of this one), so I hope she took the time to get a writing coach and a research assistant, or whatever she needed that was missing from the writing of this book.
I will continue to trust the reviewers who praised this book and I'll just assume that this was an instance where they saw something I had missed. The book isnt a total waste of time, but Cunningham and other authors have done a much, much, much better job of presenting the solitary path than this author.
not really for beginners.......2006-05-23
This book is very well organized, clear, and concise, but beware if you are a beginner. The author states clearly in her introduction that her focus is for intermediate and advanced Wiccans who need guidance in their solitary practice. I am a beginner and while this book was somewhat helpful, it is definitely written for someone who already knows the basics of Wicca. I'm sure it will come in more handy for me further down the road.
Average customer rating:
- Nice enough in some ways, but could be better
- A very good 101 book
- If I could leave a zero rating I would.
- Just as bad as her other books?
- One of the best books on Wicca today...
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Wicca: The Complete Craft
D. J. Conway , and
D.J. Conway
Manufacturer: Crossing Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Similar Items:
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Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
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Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner (Llewellyn's Practical Magick Series)
-
A Witches' Bible: The Complete Witches Handbook
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Wicca For Life: The Way of the Craft -- From Birth to Summerland
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Celtic Magic (Llewellyn's World Magic Series)
ASIN: 1580910920 |
Amazon.com
It's hard to imagine a more comprehensive or well-written resource for students of Wicca than Wicca: The Complete Craft. D.J. Conway, whose earlier books include Moon Magick and The Celtic Dragon Tarot, speaks about the Wicca religion with seasoned authority, making this one of the best guidebooks on the market. She begins with an overview of Wicca, explaining its historical roots and dispelling common assumptions. For example, the practice of magic is not the focus of Wiccan religion, just a sideline, she notes. Conway also possesses a strong voice of integrity. Unlike some fad-feeding authors, she discourages teens from becoming involved in Wiccan magic without the explicit approval of their parents. In fact, even advises teens to avoid the practice of magic altogether, since "the vast majority of teenagers lack the life experience or emotional maturity to deal correctly with the ethics involved with magic." This sort of ethical vigilance is carried throughout the book. Conway offers over 500 pages worth of lessons and rituals, including the making of a witch (expect to study at least a year and a day), developing psychic abilities, protection and self-defense, puberty rites, breaking spells, astral projection, magical herbs, and ritual tools. This is the book for beginners, and is certainly a respectable resource for more mature witches. --Gail Hudson
Book Description
Popular pagan author D. J. Conway introduces readers to the religion of Wicca, or witchcraft, and dispels many common misconceptions about it. Conway offers a comprehensive overview of Wiccan philosophy and tenets and provides a useful primer for practicing Wicca as a spiritual guide. Wicca is an ancient nature religion that teaches respect for others as well as responsibility for one's actions. Conway emphasizes that it is not associated with cults, devil worship, or animal sacrifice. Wiccans believe in the sanctity of all life and recognize a dual deity, both a goddess and a god. Included are chapters on sacred space, ritual tools, holy days, meditations and visualizations, spells and the art of spell casting, as well as terms used in Wicca.
Customer Reviews:
Nice enough in some ways, but could be better.......2007-06-08
This book gives an introduction to a broad range of topics. The explanations are complete enough to provide a basic understanding of the topic, without being completely overwhelming. That said, it is not a good teaching tool by itself (I have a Bachelors in Music Education and have taught school K - 12, so I do have some expertise in this area). It seems as if would make a good reference guide, but as a book, it's rather, well, boring. I have little experience with Wicca, so I am not qualified to comment on the factual aspects of the book, but most of what Conway says fits in fairly well with the few other books I have read on the subject; however, certain other aspects of the book cast doubt upon her reliability.
Her historical accuracy, for instance, leaves much to be desired. I am no historian, but many of the assertions the author makes prove to be untrue. For one example, she claims that all truly ancient civilizations were matriachies, but then evil patriarchies invaded and wiped those civilizations from history. To support this, she cites the work of Johann Jakob Bachofen. Bachofen was a sociologist/anthropologist who lived and worked in the nineteenth century, before the debut of modern anthropological tools and methods, and his work has since been refuted or debunked. Nevertheless, Conway uses him as the basis for some of her claims. This is analagous to claiming that the sun revolves around the earth on the basis that Aristotle believed it. This level of stretching for facts is the rule rather than the exception, at least in the historical section. The academic research in this book is a complete joke.
This writing is also strongly biased against men in general and Christianity in particular. In her chapter, "The History of Wicca", she writes that patriarchy - and by extension, men - are responsible for all the ills of society in the entire history of the human race.
When Christianity enters the picture, the book leaves Wicca entirely to spend most of the rest of the chapter blasting Christianity, a theme that continues throughout the rest of the book. This book will take any chance imaginable to blast Christianity - and only Christianity. It is clearly not horribly opposed to monotheism in general; in fact it avoids the subjects of Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and Islam completely. Instead, it says such things as, "The deities and ideas of any ancient culture except Christianity can be grafted onto Wicca, thus forming a legitimate form of Witchcraft." The book only ever refers to Christianity negatively, and never makes any other reference to other monotheistic faiths.
Let me make it clear here that I am not a Christian, and that I bear the religion no love. It has caused more damage in my life than all other influences combined. Nevertheless, a bias like one shown by this book has no place in what claims to be an instructional guide for beginners.
To the author's credit, she states at the beginning that this book reflects only her opinions of Wicca, and that other Witches will have differing opinions. However, while allowing for more flexibility than a book that claims to be complete, undeniable fact, this only grants a certain degree of latitude in the things that can be claimed without falling into the territory of academic dishonesty, and that is this book's major failing.
In summary, this book has some good points, but there are better to be had for twenty bucks.
A very good 101 book.......2006-03-18
This book covers many topics that are important to know if you are beginning your studies into Wicca. Although some of her points are different than others ... a different point of view helps you understand that not all witches follow the same ideas.
I strongly recomend this book to any and all just getting started.
If I could leave a zero rating I would........2003-09-07
This is by far the worst book I have ever read on the craft. With such falsities as wicca being an ancient matriachal religion, and that wicca is goddess based, it is a wonder this hasn't gotten worse reviews. I have read books by this author before and enjoyed them, but if you are looking for a good book about wicca I would suggest Cunningham's guide for a solitary practitioner. When you get past the intorduction about the craft and get into the rest of the book, such as nature spirits and other invisible helpers, and the book of spells the content is more barible, but not deffinatly not worth the price of this book. If you are still interested take a trip to you local book store and read a few sections before you buy it. I wish I would have.
Just as bad as her other books?.......2002-11-20
I picked up a copy of this because of the number of people telling me that this was so much better than Conway's other poorly-done books. After reading it, I strongly disagree!!
Beginning in the introduction, when she incorrectly states that "the words Wicca, Witchcraft and the Craft are actually interchangeable", there is very little here that can't be found in dozens of other phoney McWicca-lite introductory texts.
Her history is based on the myth that there was once a peaceful matriarchy, and everyone worshipped "the Goddess" until evil patriarchy came along and spoiled everything. She would do well to actually read some of the accurate archeological works listed in her bibliography!
She then proceeds to confuse the term "Paganism". In spite of the way she misuses the word, "Paganism" is actually a large group of related, but highly dissimilar religious. It is not a single path "based on a specific pantheon of deities", and there are certainly more than "only a few differences between Wicca and Paganism, besides the difference in their ages". (And NO religion can be dated back to the Stone Age! NO ONE knows what beliefs existed then, what their 'religious' practices were, or even if they HAD any religious beliefs!) She also defines many Traditions within Wicca inaccurately, and shows little understanding of the history of Wicca, or the various practices that define it's many branches.
When speaking of Deities, she first states that Wicca is polytheistic, then proceeds to "explain" that all Gods are a reflection of a single God archetype, and even the Gods are subservient to the Goddess. (That's not polytheism.) She also speaks of Triple aspects of Goddess, saying that this is a universal concept, and that it has been recognized "from the beginning of religion". This is untrue. (She has quite a habit of stating historical "facts" that are contrary to the archeological evidence, without saying where she is obtaining her "information". She also frequently speaks of conclusions of how found items were used or what they signify that are very different from what the scholars who are trained to interpret such finds conclude. Especially when the archeologists determine that NO conclusions can be made from the evidence available.)
In my opinion, Ms Conway's version of "wicca" is a blend of New Age thought, Ceremonial Magic influence, and poor research. While I don't doubt that it could be used to create a viable and valid spiritual path, it bears little relation to actual Wicca. If one wishes to learn about Wicca, I would strongly suggest starting with A Witch Alone by Marian Green, then moving to books such as Gerald Gardner's recently republished classics. No, it won't be as easy as what Ms. Conway has written... but *real* Wicca cannot be condensed into a 400-page how-to manual.
One of the best books on Wicca today..........2002-09-22
I must admit, I've never read any other books by this author, but I found this book to be helpful on more than one occasion! Some of her ideas are somewhat off-the-mark my my eyes, but one of the true lessons of Wicca is to question everything!! :o) Excellent book.
Book Description
Fun, illustrated projects for those who believe in magick.
From sewing, gardening, and jewelry-making, to calligraphy and lotion- concocting, here are Wicca craft projects for everyone. And with the ritual tools, altars, amulets, candles, mirrors, cauldrons, and a deeper understanding of their meanings, new and veteran Wiccans can enrich their ceremonies, from Esbats and Shabats to magical circles, and from kitchen magick to ritual baths.
• For readers of The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Wicca and Witchcraft and The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Spells and Spellcraft
• According to FoxNews.com, Wicca is hugely popular on college campuses, and at least two colleges excuse believers from class on Wiccan holidays
• Ideal for both “sole practitioners” and groups of Wiccans
• Only “make-your-own” book on Wicca crafts
Customer Reviews:
Literal Title.......2005-02-12
Most people will read the title and think it's a 101 book on Wicca or Witchcraft or both. However it's NOT either. Taking the title literally it's a book on CRAFTS. Basically a how-to book on making robes, candles, brooms, wands, crosses, pendulums, smudges, books, athames!!!, holiday related, etc.
So if you really want to learn how to do it yourself for pretty much ANYthing that deals with working magic, ritual and what to do for the holidays this is it.
The only part I found...bad was the athame part. It's almost copy and paste from Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft. Not only that, the book makes it out that every craft is simple and easy to do and everybody can make these out of stuff lying around. I'm sorry I don't have a metal cutter and metal grinder just lying around my house. White glue and newspapers...maybe.
Product Description
Spellbound's Complete Book of Spells, Rituals and Formulas is a comprehensive guide to casting spells, creating magickal essential oil and incense formulas and so much more. This Volume II expanded edition contains the complete Spellbound Formulary and over 300 Spells, formulas and rituals for every situation of life and magick! From the Beginner to the Advanced magician, this is a must have, informative guide. Learn how to cast spells more effectively, using magick that works. Re-think your magick - and use thought, will, desire and action. Learn how to create your own spells, easily and successfully by using elemental correspondences that work. In this more complete Spell Book, the advanced and intermediate magician will find this to be an extremely useful tool in their witch's closet.
Books:
- Morte D'Urban (New York Review Books Classics)
- Mrs. Bridge: A Novel
- Mrs. Ted Bliss (American Literature (Dalkey Archive))
- No One Writes to the Colonel: and Other Stories (Perennial Classics)
- Now And at the Hour of Our Death
- Oh What a Paradise It Seems
- On Being Told That Her Second Husband Has Taken His First Lover and Other Stories
- One, No One, and One Hundred Thousand (Eridanos Library, No 18)
- Oxherding Tale: A Novel
- Pafko at the Wall: A Novella
Books Index
Books Home
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