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Teaching Witchcraft: A Guide for Students & Teachers of Wicca
Fully updated and revised for today's practitioners, this lost underground classic is packed with more than thirty-five lessons and wisdom for both seekers and teachers. Miles Batty presents information on the history and tools of the Craft, spellcasting, ritual procedures, the Wheel of the Year, the principles of Wiccan belief, the four cornerstones of magick, and more. You'll start with the fundamentals and progress through many facets of witchcraft, from divination to ritual construction and etiquette. This book also covers the faces of the goddess, sexuality in witchcraft, correspondences, and magickal ethics. With lessons and study questions for every level of student, this is the essential resource for learning and teaching witchcraft.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published March 8, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 12, 2023
When you visit Salem, Massachusetts, you discover the city has many modern witchcraft shops, especially in the tourist areas of Essex Street and the wharf. It’s odd because the 20 people executed in 1692 for the capital crime of witchcraft were not, in fact, witches.
In Teaching Witchcraft: A Guide for Students and Teachers of Wicca, Miles Batty says witchcraft is not Devil worship or Satanism. Yet that’s what they were convicted of in 1692, even the stoutest of Puritans. The convicted witches were accused of harming people and animals, signing the devil’s book, or even trying to overthrow the Puritan church.
In contrast, present-day witches follow a rule to harm none. They celebrate seasonal changes, nature, the moon and stars, the god and goddess, and/or pre-Christian deities. Despite the blend of pagan ideology, Batty explains, their practices were not passed down through the centuries. Modern witchcraft began in the late 19th century, was influenced in the 1920s by the (largely discredited) works of Margaret Murray, expanded through the teachings of Gerald Gardner, and captured the imagination of the 1960s. Today’s witch has nothing in common with the accused witches of 1692.
Batty provides an interesting overview of religious development from pre-history to monotheism, followed by intentional acts to wipe out Pagans, Druids, heretics, magicians, wisewomen, and witches. What the conquerors couldn’t destroy, they converted for the own use (altars, relics) or absorbed (festivals and celebrations).
A collection of folkways, a lifestyle & philosophy
The second half of Teaching Witchcraft is more like a manual, providing the basics for incorporating different elements into a personal practice, either as part of a group or as an individual. Although designed for classroom or personal study, the book works well for curious readers like me who want to understand Wiccan beliefs, the cornerstones of magick, the meaning of rituals. Interspersed with charts and drawings, the book serves as a guide to the Wheel of the Year, the sabbats and esbats, moon cycles, signs and symbols, stones and crystals, amulets and talismans, auras and chakras.
Teaching Witchcraft is set up as lessons, each one ending with a series of questions and recommended reading. It closes with final exams and teacher resources.
The book is a solid introduction to modern witchcraft, whether you’re on that path or wondering what all those witches do in Salem.
Prerelease book provided by NetGalley and Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd. for review consideration.
In Teaching Witchcraft: A Guide for Students and Teachers of Wicca, Miles Batty says witchcraft is not Devil worship or Satanism. Yet that’s what they were convicted of in 1692, even the stoutest of Puritans. The convicted witches were accused of harming people and animals, signing the devil’s book, or even trying to overthrow the Puritan church.
In contrast, present-day witches follow a rule to harm none. They celebrate seasonal changes, nature, the moon and stars, the god and goddess, and/or pre-Christian deities. Despite the blend of pagan ideology, Batty explains, their practices were not passed down through the centuries. Modern witchcraft began in the late 19th century, was influenced in the 1920s by the (largely discredited) works of Margaret Murray, expanded through the teachings of Gerald Gardner, and captured the imagination of the 1960s. Today’s witch has nothing in common with the accused witches of 1692.
Batty provides an interesting overview of religious development from pre-history to monotheism, followed by intentional acts to wipe out Pagans, Druids, heretics, magicians, wisewomen, and witches. What the conquerors couldn’t destroy, they converted for the own use (altars, relics) or absorbed (festivals and celebrations).
A collection of folkways, a lifestyle & philosophy
The second half of Teaching Witchcraft is more like a manual, providing the basics for incorporating different elements into a personal practice, either as part of a group or as an individual. Although designed for classroom or personal study, the book works well for curious readers like me who want to understand Wiccan beliefs, the cornerstones of magick, the meaning of rituals. Interspersed with charts and drawings, the book serves as a guide to the Wheel of the Year, the sabbats and esbats, moon cycles, signs and symbols, stones and crystals, amulets and talismans, auras and chakras.
Teaching Witchcraft is set up as lessons, each one ending with a series of questions and recommended reading. It closes with final exams and teacher resources.
The book is a solid introduction to modern witchcraft, whether you’re on that path or wondering what all those witches do in Salem.
Prerelease book provided by NetGalley and Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd. for review consideration.
February 20, 2023
Teaching Witchcraft by Miles Batty is a comprehensive guide for both students and teachers of Wicca. This book offers a thorough exploration of the history, philosophy, and practical aspects of Wicca, making it an excellent resource for anyone interested in this ancient tradition.
One of the strengths of this book is its accessibility. Batty writes in a clear and engaging style that is easy to follow, even for those new to the subject matter. He provides definitions and explanations for key terms and concepts, which is particularly helpful for those who may be unfamiliar with the language of Wicca.
Another standout feature of this book is its attention to detail. Batty covers a wide range of topics, including the history of Wicca, the tools used in Wiccan practice, and the different traditions and rituals that make up this diverse religion. He also offers practical advice for those who wish to practice Wicca, including tips for developing a personal practice and finding a community of like-minded practitioners.
As the title suggests, Teaching Witchcraft also includes guidance for those who wish to teach Wicca to others. Batty offers strategies for designing effective lessons and curriculums, as well as advice for working with students of different ages and experience levels.
Even though I have not yet thoroughly studied the book, my brief reading suggests that it is an exceptional resource for the craft. I found the exam sections to be particularly helpful and inspiring, and I believe that a proper study of the book could make it the handbook I have been searching for.
Overall, Teaching Witchcraft by Miles Batty is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about or teaching Wicca. Its engaging writing style and thorough coverage of the subject make it a valuable addition to any practitioner's library. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this ancient and fascinating tradition.
One of the strengths of this book is its accessibility. Batty writes in a clear and engaging style that is easy to follow, even for those new to the subject matter. He provides definitions and explanations for key terms and concepts, which is particularly helpful for those who may be unfamiliar with the language of Wicca.
Another standout feature of this book is its attention to detail. Batty covers a wide range of topics, including the history of Wicca, the tools used in Wiccan practice, and the different traditions and rituals that make up this diverse religion. He also offers practical advice for those who wish to practice Wicca, including tips for developing a personal practice and finding a community of like-minded practitioners.
As the title suggests, Teaching Witchcraft also includes guidance for those who wish to teach Wicca to others. Batty offers strategies for designing effective lessons and curriculums, as well as advice for working with students of different ages and experience levels.
Even though I have not yet thoroughly studied the book, my brief reading suggests that it is an exceptional resource for the craft. I found the exam sections to be particularly helpful and inspiring, and I believe that a proper study of the book could make it the handbook I have been searching for.
Overall, Teaching Witchcraft by Miles Batty is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about or teaching Wicca. Its engaging writing style and thorough coverage of the subject make it a valuable addition to any practitioner's library. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this ancient and fascinating tradition.
February 5, 2023
Amazing Information for Learning Witchcraft
First off, Miles Batty gives a breakdown of how this book is structured. He states that it consists of two parts:
1. Wicca 101- This section delves into the history of Witchcraft and examines the philosophies and ethics of the Craft. This section has sixteen-lesson courses.
2. Wicca 102 - In this section, students examine the inner workings of a typical Witch’s coven, examine the procedure of a ritual, and study spells and spellcrafting. This section hassixteen-lesson courses.
However, he regards both part, collectively, as Wicca 101, the generic term for a Wicca studies class. The author states that the lessons are usually presented once a week, making a total of thirty-eight weeks. Allowing for holidays, delayed classes, and a short break between 101 and 102, the lessons should take about a year to complete.
This is an amazing book for anyone desiring to further their knowledge of the subject of Witchcraft. The author discusses every imaginable topic and provides awe inspiring wisdom. Highly, highly recommend.
Many thanks to Miles Batty for such an extraordinary book.
Thank you.
First off, Miles Batty gives a breakdown of how this book is structured. He states that it consists of two parts:
1. Wicca 101- This section delves into the history of Witchcraft and examines the philosophies and ethics of the Craft. This section has sixteen-lesson courses.
2. Wicca 102 - In this section, students examine the inner workings of a typical Witch’s coven, examine the procedure of a ritual, and study spells and spellcrafting. This section hassixteen-lesson courses.
However, he regards both part, collectively, as Wicca 101, the generic term for a Wicca studies class. The author states that the lessons are usually presented once a week, making a total of thirty-eight weeks. Allowing for holidays, delayed classes, and a short break between 101 and 102, the lessons should take about a year to complete.
This is an amazing book for anyone desiring to further their knowledge of the subject of Witchcraft. The author discusses every imaginable topic and provides awe inspiring wisdom. Highly, highly recommend.
Many thanks to Miles Batty for such an extraordinary book.
Thank you.
February 9, 2023
This Edition of Teaching Witchcraft by Miles Batty is a wonderful update to a much beloved tool of Wiccan and Witchcraft studies.
What I loved
1. Formatting and language use has held up especially well over time
2. The book manages to pack a tone of information in a relativity small amount of space.
3.Rather than offering just the practices of the craft the author offers the history or reasons behind many practices.
What Could Still be done better
1. I would love to see a more extensive further recommended reading list
2. It would be nice to talk in depth in a forward about Wicca and Witchcraft being interlinked but not always being exchangeable words.
3I would enjoy slightly wider margins for note taking in the physical version so I have my fingers crossed for that
What I loved
1. Formatting and language use has held up especially well over time
2. The book manages to pack a tone of information in a relativity small amount of space.
3.Rather than offering just the practices of the craft the author offers the history or reasons behind many practices.
What Could Still be done better
1. I would love to see a more extensive further recommended reading list
2. It would be nice to talk in depth in a forward about Wicca and Witchcraft being interlinked but not always being exchangeable words.
3I would enjoy slightly wider margins for note taking in the physical version so I have my fingers crossed for that
December 27, 2022
This is such a great book with many secrets of witchcraft revealed in plain and easy to understand language. And though some terms and themes could be little better explained and some parts of the book are basic (like the meanings of colours or chakras) still you will find in this text some extremely lucid instructions like super simplified ritual of self-initiation. Basic but in most parts well explained teachings.
March 7, 2023
This was a wonderful all in one book for those who are starting out or wanting to teach the craft to others. I think this author would be great at developing a collection of books on each year of learning the craft. I loved this and can not wait to get a print copy of it.
December 11, 2023
NetGalley review ARC
Recommend to those who practice and follow the practice, the author seemed authentic, and non cultish. It is a lot of repeated material like most these books but non the less a good source.
Recommend to those who practice and follow the practice, the author seemed authentic, and non cultish. It is a lot of repeated material like most these books but non the less a good source.
July 12, 2023
In lessons get study prompts and questions and recommended reading. A quick introduction to a number of topics. Is a book that has Wiccan aspects and a merge of Wicca and witchcraft.
December 24, 2023
A Book Needed for Elders and Teachers in the Magical Community. One of those bedrock books all pagans and Members of our community should Have !
January 16, 2023
I really love learning from others and this book is a great tool for learning and teaching. The guides and exam questions make this a great reproduce and learning tool. You may know quite a bit about the craft, but you will surely learn a thing or two…or twelve…in reading this.
Well written and would make a great book for a coven book club and practice.
Well written and would make a great book for a coven book club and practice.
July 14, 2023
A full curriculum.
Teaching Witchcraft is concise and to-the-point. It gives you everything you need to run a one-year initiation program. Broken into weekly lessons! And while this isn't the most comprehensive guide (though it is better than most), it isn't meant to be. From the very beginning Batty tells you that this tool is to be used as a reference, a jumping-off point for anyone who is interested in learning the craft but unsure where to start. It is meant to inspire curiosity and offer seedlings for future study.
This book is perfect for beginners as well as seasoned witches looking to pass along their craft.
I would call this an educational book of shadows- an invaluable resource worth revisiting time and time again.
I cannot recommend this one enough!
[Thank you to NetGalley and Llewellyn Publications for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
Teaching Witchcraft is concise and to-the-point. It gives you everything you need to run a one-year initiation program. Broken into weekly lessons! And while this isn't the most comprehensive guide (though it is better than most), it isn't meant to be. From the very beginning Batty tells you that this tool is to be used as a reference, a jumping-off point for anyone who is interested in learning the craft but unsure where to start. It is meant to inspire curiosity and offer seedlings for future study.
This book is perfect for beginners as well as seasoned witches looking to pass along their craft.
I would call this an educational book of shadows- an invaluable resource worth revisiting time and time again.
I cannot recommend this one enough!
[Thank you to NetGalley and Llewellyn Publications for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews