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Wicca: A Beginner's Guide to Witchcraft, Spells, Rituals, and Magick
Wicca: A Beginner's Guide to Witchcraft, Spells, Rituals, and Magick is a gentle introduction to this beautiful earth-based religion.
There are many books on this subject, most of which contain lengthy, complex rituals that are difficult to follow and understand. I am a firm believer that simple rituals and spells are just as meaningful and effective as complex ones—if not more so—as long as you have the focus, will, and desire to enact meaningful change in your life.
In this guide, you will learn:
• The basics of Wicca beliefs and values
• Meditation and visualization exercises designed to open your mind and expand your consciousness
• All about the basic Wiccan tools, as well as how to create your own tools inexpensively!
• A simple purification ritual to cleanse all your tools and magickal items
• How to cast a circle simply and effectively
• All about the 8 Wiccan sabbats, complete with a simple ritual or spell to celebrate each one!
• Easy spells for prosperity, success, love, purification, charms, and banishing bad habits
This book also contains a bonus correspondence chapter on colors, herbs, stones, moon phases, and days of the week, designed to help you create your own powerful spells and rituals!
With this guide, you will have all the necessary skills and knowledge to begin practicing Wicca and Witchcraft today!
There are many books on this subject, most of which contain lengthy, complex rituals that are difficult to follow and understand. I am a firm believer that simple rituals and spells are just as meaningful and effective as complex ones—if not more so—as long as you have the focus, will, and desire to enact meaningful change in your life.
In this guide, you will learn:
• The basics of Wicca beliefs and values
• Meditation and visualization exercises designed to open your mind and expand your consciousness
• All about the basic Wiccan tools, as well as how to create your own tools inexpensively!
• A simple purification ritual to cleanse all your tools and magickal items
• How to cast a circle simply and effectively
• All about the 8 Wiccan sabbats, complete with a simple ritual or spell to celebrate each one!
• Easy spells for prosperity, success, love, purification, charms, and banishing bad habits
This book also contains a bonus correspondence chapter on colors, herbs, stones, moon phases, and days of the week, designed to help you create your own powerful spells and rituals!
With this guide, you will have all the necessary skills and knowledge to begin practicing Wicca and Witchcraft today!
- GenresWicca
86 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2015
6 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 10, 2015
Do you fancy being a witch? If so, this book will be very helpful. Cassandra Larsen’s Wicca: A Beginner's Guide to Witchcraft, Spells, Rituals, and Magick is, she says, the book she needed when she first started to practice. “When I first began my journey into this beautiful, soul-fulfilling religion, I remember how confusing and difficult it was. Most of the books I read on Wicca and Witchcraft required expensive tools and lengthy, complex rituals that were difficult to understand or follow.”
Larsen begins by busting a few myths. Wiccans are not satanists, for a start. Rather, they believe in a God and Goddess that “reside in all of nature ... They are in the warmth of the sun’s rays, the exhilaration of the blowing wind, the gentle mist of rain on our skin, the steady earth beneath our feet. They are present all around us all the time and we constantly strive to deepen our relationship with Them.”
I can almost hear Richard Dawkins howling. But in fact the way Larsen explains Wiccan belief makes it sound pretty mainstream. The idea of deities residing in nature has been around for a long time, as has the sanctity of the natural world; as a development volunteer in the Himalayas many years ago, I can remember people picking up branches and plants and taking them to higher altitudes on the grounds that this was helping nature, and smoking was frowned upon as the wanton destruction of a plant. Larsen also points out that if you have ever lit a candle and said a prayer for someone, you have cast a spell. It helps that her explanation of Wiccan belief, though very brief, is clear and courteous; she is not seeking to convert, simply to explain.
The remainder of the book is dedicated to aspects of Wiccan practice; how to cast spells, how to create a charm, herb lore, and the significance of different festivals throughout the year. The latter are rooted in tradition and are not modern Wiccan inventions, although they would not normally be observed in most countries now. For someone just embarking on Wiccan practice, it is all clear, concise and helpful.
In fact this book is of value for two types of reader: the newcomer to Wicca; and readers like me who would not adopt the faith, but would like to know a little about it. If there is a weakness, it is the fact that Larsen does not explain the origins of Wicca, which are within living memory (although said to be based on much older beliefs). Neither does she quote any authority for the information she conveys. However, the latter would be difficult, as Wicca has no central doctrinal body. In any case, this short book is not meant to be a comprehensive survey of Wicca – and Larsen does include a bibliography at the end.
I am a rationalist and would not practice Wicca, but I’m also an agnostic and I don’t need to approve or disapprove of other people’s belief systems – and I suspect Larsen doesn’t either. In fact I found this book straightforward and informative. I also found myself thinking that, while Wiccan ritual may seem odd to some, it is scarcely more so than that of more formal religions that just happen to be more familiar. If you would like to learn more about Wicca, this short but engaging book would be a good place to start.
The author kindly supplied an ebook for review purposes.
Larsen begins by busting a few myths. Wiccans are not satanists, for a start. Rather, they believe in a God and Goddess that “reside in all of nature ... They are in the warmth of the sun’s rays, the exhilaration of the blowing wind, the gentle mist of rain on our skin, the steady earth beneath our feet. They are present all around us all the time and we constantly strive to deepen our relationship with Them.”
I can almost hear Richard Dawkins howling. But in fact the way Larsen explains Wiccan belief makes it sound pretty mainstream. The idea of deities residing in nature has been around for a long time, as has the sanctity of the natural world; as a development volunteer in the Himalayas many years ago, I can remember people picking up branches and plants and taking them to higher altitudes on the grounds that this was helping nature, and smoking was frowned upon as the wanton destruction of a plant. Larsen also points out that if you have ever lit a candle and said a prayer for someone, you have cast a spell. It helps that her explanation of Wiccan belief, though very brief, is clear and courteous; she is not seeking to convert, simply to explain.
The remainder of the book is dedicated to aspects of Wiccan practice; how to cast spells, how to create a charm, herb lore, and the significance of different festivals throughout the year. The latter are rooted in tradition and are not modern Wiccan inventions, although they would not normally be observed in most countries now. For someone just embarking on Wiccan practice, it is all clear, concise and helpful.
In fact this book is of value for two types of reader: the newcomer to Wicca; and readers like me who would not adopt the faith, but would like to know a little about it. If there is a weakness, it is the fact that Larsen does not explain the origins of Wicca, which are within living memory (although said to be based on much older beliefs). Neither does she quote any authority for the information she conveys. However, the latter would be difficult, as Wicca has no central doctrinal body. In any case, this short book is not meant to be a comprehensive survey of Wicca – and Larsen does include a bibliography at the end.
I am a rationalist and would not practice Wicca, but I’m also an agnostic and I don’t need to approve or disapprove of other people’s belief systems – and I suspect Larsen doesn’t either. In fact I found this book straightforward and informative. I also found myself thinking that, while Wiccan ritual may seem odd to some, it is scarcely more so than that of more formal religions that just happen to be more familiar. If you would like to learn more about Wicca, this short but engaging book would be a good place to start.
The author kindly supplied an ebook for review purposes.
June 29, 2016
This is a refreshingly grounded and enjoyable book on witchcraft. In it Larsen provides a categorical and matter-of-fact manual perfect for any newly practicing Wiccan, or even a curious dabbler, interested to find out how the practice resonates with oneself. There are elements of the book I might compare to any discipline (for example the “book of shadows,” as described in this book –or “personal record of spells, rituals…” etc.—is similar to the journal I recommend students keep as a guitar teacher). This idea of results through focus seems at the heart of Larsen’s thesis—that Wicca is a spiritual and traditional discipline from which you can get what you put in, like any other.
Her approach to spell-casting as a practice is also very easy to digest and down-to-earth. Love spells, for example, are not recommended in the sense that we might think of them, for causing someone in particular to fall for the spell-caster. This goes against a basic principle of witchcraft in her view, and will have negative consequences. One should rather cast spells inviting love into one’s life organically. I personally find myself interested to hear stories of the consequences of this other practice, as being what I assume Wiccans refer to as “black magic,” either through historic folk-lore or more recent examples. In any case, this ancient tenant of doing no harm in one’s practice, thereby keeping it in tune with the natural universe, is rock-solid wisdom, and exists, as she points out, in the language of many other spiritual traditions.
Very enjoyable. I was given this book for an honest review, and I’m honestly glad it was in the cards for me. I must be getting old because I also liked the large print pages.
Her approach to spell-casting as a practice is also very easy to digest and down-to-earth. Love spells, for example, are not recommended in the sense that we might think of them, for causing someone in particular to fall for the spell-caster. This goes against a basic principle of witchcraft in her view, and will have negative consequences. One should rather cast spells inviting love into one’s life organically. I personally find myself interested to hear stories of the consequences of this other practice, as being what I assume Wiccans refer to as “black magic,” either through historic folk-lore or more recent examples. In any case, this ancient tenant of doing no harm in one’s practice, thereby keeping it in tune with the natural universe, is rock-solid wisdom, and exists, as she points out, in the language of many other spiritual traditions.
Very enjoyable. I was given this book for an honest review, and I’m honestly glad it was in the cards for me. I must be getting old because I also liked the large print pages.
October 2, 2015
This book is very well written and is a great beginner's guide to Wicca!
I love this book and wish it had been around when I was looking for information years ago!
I really appreciate how Cassandra Larsen makes it very clear up front what Wicca is and is not, including the fact that doing a spell on someone else without their permission is not what the Wiccan philosophy is all about.
The practice exercises are easy to comprehend and Cassandra gives direction on how to take these lessons to the next level so the practitioner can continue to grow. The explanations of the spells and celebrations are simple, yet very beautiful, and she makes it all understandable to even the most uninformed beginner.
The best part of all, Cassandra points out the most important part of any magick isn't all the paraphernalia, words or potions. "The most important part of magick is YOU!"
I love this book and wish it had been around when I was looking for information years ago!
I really appreciate how Cassandra Larsen makes it very clear up front what Wicca is and is not, including the fact that doing a spell on someone else without their permission is not what the Wiccan philosophy is all about.
The practice exercises are easy to comprehend and Cassandra gives direction on how to take these lessons to the next level so the practitioner can continue to grow. The explanations of the spells and celebrations are simple, yet very beautiful, and she makes it all understandable to even the most uninformed beginner.
The best part of all, Cassandra points out the most important part of any magick isn't all the paraphernalia, words or potions. "The most important part of magick is YOU!"
October 7, 2015
This is a practical, non-fiction, concise introduction to the Wiccan religion and practices. It starts by assuring the reader that witches are not evil, but are attuned to the natural world, then goes through a step by step guide on how to be a practising witch, from meditation techniques to specific spells and Wiccan rituals and celebrations.
The meditation techniques are fairly standard, until you are advised to channel and use your own energy and that of other natural objects. Ms Larsen gives instructions on how to create charms and amulets using your energy, how to create your own book of shadows, perform spells and rituals, use cauldrons, wands and yes, even broomsticks. I found it all fascinating particularly the attributes of various plants, stones, colours, phases of the moon and even days of the week for successful spell casting.
The meditation techniques are fairly standard, until you are advised to channel and use your own energy and that of other natural objects. Ms Larsen gives instructions on how to create charms and amulets using your energy, how to create your own book of shadows, perform spells and rituals, use cauldrons, wands and yes, even broomsticks. I found it all fascinating particularly the attributes of various plants, stones, colours, phases of the moon and even days of the week for successful spell casting.
December 2, 2015
(Seriously, wows~ Cassandra, recive my love from México and sorry, this review will be in spanish).
Ok, como parte de mi búsqueda de fuentes para hacer una novela de brujas, me topé con este librito y O-M-G me aclaró muchas cosas y me servirá mucho. Todo está muy bien explicado, y es corto y conciso. Creo que la autora de verdad comprende lo que es esta religión.
Ok, como parte de mi búsqueda de fuentes para hacer una novela de brujas, me topé con este librito y O-M-G me aclaró muchas cosas y me servirá mucho. Todo está muy bien explicado, y es corto y conciso. Creo que la autora de verdad comprende lo que es esta religión.
March 21, 2017
Wicca: A Beginner's Guide to Witchcraft, Spells, Rituals, and Magick
A simple and free, but effective approach to the topic…
Wicca is a belief without many 'rules', so people are relatively free to believe what they believe and do what they do. This book is very much in that spirit. You will not find complicated rituals here that must be obeyed to the letter, or hard and fast, very specific doctrines that must be memorized. Instead the author gives you a broad description of general ideas and practices, and allows the reader to fill in the details according to what is right for them. Also you are free to pick and choose between different ideas. As this is a beginner's book the emphasis is on the simple. The author points out that even with these simple practices you don't have to keep everything exact, and that if you feel you want to add anything (get more complicated) you can certainly do that too.
The book covers:
Basic Beliefs (which as I have already indicated aren't had and fast)
Meditation and Visualization (which is used quite a lot in spell casting) These exercises are simple, but do require just a bit of practice.
Basic Tools, such as a ritual knife (of which you can have as few or as many as you want)
Simple Circle Casting (which uses some of the meditation and visualisation methods mentioned above)
Sabbat Rituals and Spells (a general summary of the important celebration days throughout the year, plus simple rituals you can hold on these days)
And, Correspondences For Ritual Design (the special meaning of and use of colours, herbs, stones, moon phases and days of the week) This section is really for those who want to get a bit more complicated in their practices, but once again the emphasis is on freedom rather than rigidity.
I really liked the author's simple and free approach to this belief and practice. The book's main purpose is to give the reader ideas to get them started. If you want to get complicated you are of course free to do that (as the chapter on Correspondences points out), but the author does suggest that the simple can be just as effective.
I have read quite a few introductions to Wicca and this book was definitely worth a five star rating for its non-rigidity and simplicity, while covering quite the breadth of the topic.
October 13, 2015
I want to start off by saying I have been interested in religion for a long time, and spent many years researching the various types of worship, beliefs, and deities spanning the world both now and in times past. I remember my first approach to witchcraft too, and believe me when I say the literature you can get today is far more accessible than it was twenty years ago, in fact when I was 14 my local bookshop only seemed to carry one title, and truth be told, it wasn't very informative. I wish this book had been around then.
As the name implies this book is for a beginner, or even someone who just wants to expand their knowledge on a religion which has been misunderstood and misrepresented on so many media fronts. The book is user friendly and covers the main topics in a simple, easy to understand manner. In fact, armed with the understanding and techniques provided in this book alone, you pretty much have the perfect starting foundation to build upon with your own experiences and preferences. There was one point the author touched upon, which I feel a number of the books I have read has been lacking, and that is that in magical working, the intention behind something is as important, if not more so, than the rituals themselves.
What I liked most about this book, aside from how easy and accessible it makes important information, is that the author has basically given the reader a huge amount of information, which can be used alone, or researched into further. She touches on candle magic, herbal magic, colour magic, and even goes as far as to explain which days and moon cycles best enhance which types of workings, not to mention the more expected elements such as meditation, visualisation, protection, and spell casting.
All in all I found this a fantastic book, and it is certainly one I would recommend to anyone with an interest in learning about Wicca.
As the name implies this book is for a beginner, or even someone who just wants to expand their knowledge on a religion which has been misunderstood and misrepresented on so many media fronts. The book is user friendly and covers the main topics in a simple, easy to understand manner. In fact, armed with the understanding and techniques provided in this book alone, you pretty much have the perfect starting foundation to build upon with your own experiences and preferences. There was one point the author touched upon, which I feel a number of the books I have read has been lacking, and that is that in magical working, the intention behind something is as important, if not more so, than the rituals themselves.
What I liked most about this book, aside from how easy and accessible it makes important information, is that the author has basically given the reader a huge amount of information, which can be used alone, or researched into further. She touches on candle magic, herbal magic, colour magic, and even goes as far as to explain which days and moon cycles best enhance which types of workings, not to mention the more expected elements such as meditation, visualisation, protection, and spell casting.
All in all I found this a fantastic book, and it is certainly one I would recommend to anyone with an interest in learning about Wicca.
October 13, 2015
Wicca is a great primer for the anyone interested in Wicca and Witchcraft. For those who are merely curious about the religion, such as myself, this book does a great job explaining what exactly Wicca is, and what it is not. It helps dispel myths that we have all been exposed to through various forms of media. It can also provide a particular insight for fantasy fans curious about some of the real life background on the magic and spells and witchcraft they find in their favorite books.
One section that is beneficial to everyone, regardless of their interest in Wicca, is the section on meditation. While it is written for the purposes of being done in Wicca, it can be used by anyone to help calm themselves and work through anxieties they may be experiencing.
Much of the book works as a "how-to" guide of how to practice Wicca and Witchcraft. It is very thorough in its description of certain acts and rituals, which may come off as a bit dry to the casual reader, but invaluable to the Wicca novice seeking guidance on how to perform something. The author also goes into detail about alternative methods and items that can be used for rituals, which I imagine is of great benefit to a new practitioner.
One section that is beneficial to everyone, regardless of their interest in Wicca, is the section on meditation. While it is written for the purposes of being done in Wicca, it can be used by anyone to help calm themselves and work through anxieties they may be experiencing.
Much of the book works as a "how-to" guide of how to practice Wicca and Witchcraft. It is very thorough in its description of certain acts and rituals, which may come off as a bit dry to the casual reader, but invaluable to the Wicca novice seeking guidance on how to perform something. The author also goes into detail about alternative methods and items that can be used for rituals, which I imagine is of great benefit to a new practitioner.
February 1, 2016
Five Category Non-Fiction Rating System:
Accessibility: Star
Writing: Star
Structure: Star
Credibility: Star
Content: Star
-------------------------
Total: 5 Stars
Audience Suitability: Young Adult - mild adult content
This book represents a clear and concise look inside the lifestyle and philosophy of a Wicca practitioner. Easy to read, well structured, and cogently written, it takes the reader through the necessary mindset and basic rituals central to the Wicca belief system in precise detail. Whether the reader is interested in experimenting with Wicca or just gaining a better understanding of what it really is like, I highly recommend this book as an excellent starting point.
Accessibility: Star
Writing: Star
Structure: Star
Credibility: Star
Content: Star
-------------------------
Total: 5 Stars
Audience Suitability: Young Adult - mild adult content
This book represents a clear and concise look inside the lifestyle and philosophy of a Wicca practitioner. Easy to read, well structured, and cogently written, it takes the reader through the necessary mindset and basic rituals central to the Wicca belief system in precise detail. Whether the reader is interested in experimenting with Wicca or just gaining a better understanding of what it really is like, I highly recommend this book as an excellent starting point.
March 3, 2016
An informative, delightful read. I enjoyed it very much!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews