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6th out of 113 books
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111 voters
A Witches' Bible: The Complete Witches' Handbook
The Complete Witches' Handbook.Everything you need to know is here! The Sabbats; Casting & Banishing the Magic Circle; The Complete Book of Shadows; The Great Rite; Initiation Rites; Consecration Rites; Spells; Witches' Tools; Witchcraft & Sex; Running a Coven; Clairvoyance;Astral Projection. This collection includes two books in one volume, Eight Sabbats for Witch...more
Paperback, 349 pages
Published
August 1st 1996
by Phoenix Publishing Inc
(first published April 1987)
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A Witches' Bible is one of the first books I obtained on the Craft. Written by Gardnerian Craft authorities, Janet and Stewart Farrar, it encapsulates much of what the Farrars wrote in previous books, "Eight Sabbats for Witches" and "The Witches' Way". It is a very good overview and outline of how formal covens work, the structure behind them and a basic framework for these Rites within Gardnerian Wicca are included. When I was in a formal tradition, this book was one we referred to often. There...more
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From both a practical and historical standpoint, this is an excellent and essential book. Not only does it provide the coven with a solid working framework for ritual and coven governance, but a realistic context and history of Wicca and modern Witchcraft. Doreen Valiente, who worked very closely with Gerald Gardner and wrote many of his rituals and much of the Wiccan liturgy in use today, worked with the Farrars closely on this book.
And aside from the practicality and historical accuracy, the r...more
And aside from the practicality and historical accuracy, the r...more
When I was 13 and wanting to learn more about Wicca, my mom and I went bookshopping and got this. GAH! Naked old people!
Once I got over that, I realized that what is called "traditional wicca" was not for me, and that neopaganism was more up my alley.
Once I got over that, I realized that what is called "traditional wicca" was not for me, and that neopaganism was more up my alley.
First off, Janet and Stewart were Alexandrian witches to start. Not sure why folks keep citing them as Gards, as they went on to call themselves reformed Alexandrians. (Pg. 25 of their own Introduction!)
More importantly, the meat of the book is interesting. I certainly wish this had been my first or second book read on the craft, though in saying that i would not have had the appreciation for it nor the discernment to pick out details that I now can. I would definitely include it on a list for f...more
More importantly, the meat of the book is interesting. I certainly wish this had been my first or second book read on the craft, though in saying that i would not have had the appreciation for it nor the discernment to pick out details that I now can. I would definitely include it on a list for f...more
Pictures aside, (NUDITY*) it's a good insightful book, a bit of a thick/heavy read, and a little bit dated but much of it still applies or can still be applied to modern variants. It is very traditionalist Wicca and certain-path-specific but still contains good information for the neopagan or eclectic practitioner.
*(Though if I recall it mentions nudity in practices as OPTIONAL, something which maybe the book should have reflected as having a picture less version isn't apparently.)
*(Though if I recall it mentions nudity in practices as OPTIONAL, something which maybe the book should have reflected as having a picture less version isn't apparently.)
This is a phenomenal introduction to modern Witchcraft and Wicca practices. The Farrar's - both practicing witches - give a very detailed description of the philosophy and practices followed by their covens, and provide a voluminous amount of the background history and mythology their religion is based upon.
Janet and Stewart provide in depth instructions on preparing for rites and sabbats, collecting tools and artefacts, and describing the activities that they follow during their own sabbats. Th...more
Janet and Stewart provide in depth instructions on preparing for rites and sabbats, collecting tools and artefacts, and describing the activities that they follow during their own sabbats. Th...more
It's got all the required info and it's concise. It's good for newbies to the practice and those interested in understanding it better. It is essentially a how to guide of traditional Wicca. I have issue with the title but can't fault the content for it's information. Proved to be invaluable in a project for college. For the record I'm an atheist though and was given this as a gift from a pagan who wanted to convert me.
Like a family. I am a loner but I like to keep in touch. This book has a lot of representational information, what it is like for others, so I have it on my shelf. It feels like the other side of Mad Men for reasons I won't explain, since it's purely cultural energetic scintilla.
THE BOOK on Wicca. Its really the only book you need. You may need someone more experienced in Wicca, however, to help you go through it if it is your first time reading it. You WILL understand it, though if you read it carefully, and try the exercises within it.
I think this is a book for anyone as an introduction to Wicca and witchcraft. It isn't a path for everyone, and it's not as simple as waving your arms and chanting some words around in a bedroom. Think about what you want to do and what level of seriousness you wish to go to.
Sep 09, 2011
Emerald Storm
added it
Loved this book! This is an older book and I read it side by side with Progressive Witchcraft. Was nice to see how things were done previously and how much they've changed.
A classic! Wish I still had it, but I moved to vancouver, and had to give up most of my books. Then when I moved back east, had to give up a bunch of books all over again!
A great book for those into hierarchical witchcraft. Not really one for the hedgewitch this. It does have some great information for all you budding pagans though.
Other than the fact that the title is misleading (it is Wiccan, which is not necessarily synonymous with witchcraft) it's a good book for aspiring Wiccans and provides a reasonable amount of useful information.
Early Wicca drew heavily upon Western occultism and Ceremonial Magick, which in turn is made up of Hermetic, ancient Egyptian, Christian and Kabbalistic teachings.
Early Wicca drew heavily upon Western occultism and Ceremonial Magick, which in turn is made up of Hermetic, ancient Egyptian, Christian and Kabbalistic teachings.
Not what I expected. Interesting stuff but it was mainly written for those who study in one particular type of group and not just a general study.
Fantastic book that gives the reader great insight into BTW Craft. This book is a must read for anyone studying Wicca.
Jul 21, 2011
Gwnhwyfer
marked it as looks-interesting
Included in Carl McColman's The Well-Read Witch (2002) - section on Introductory Books on Wicca.
A very well thought out and thorough guide for covens and practitioners, inclusive of several blinds.
Outstanding, & a book that should be in the library of everyone who practices the craft. It covers SO much!
Probably the closest ritual book to what my circle practices...not exact but close.
This is a more personable introduction to Witchcraft(NOT WICCA) in the Garderian Tradition, than Buckland's book.
Aug 12, 2012
Mandi123
marked it as to-read
where can i find this online?? i want to read it but i cant find it. pls help me
Very cool and full of useful and interesting history as well as personal experience
I love this book...I have re-read it many times. I highly recommend.
Well written and concise. A must read for new age practitioners.
3 books combined, a solid basis for Alexandrian Wicca.
Found it on a beach lol but very interesting to read : )
Really didnt like this book
Great for collection!
Kind of a given for a wiccan
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Janet Farrar, along with Stewart, is author of many books on witchcraft, and a well known witch who has appeared frequently in the media. She currently lives in Ireland and regularly tours the U.S.A. giving lectures and workshops.
More about Janet Farrar...
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