Towards the Wiccan Circle - A Practical Introduction to the Principles of Wicca

by Sorita d'Este

Practitioners of Wicca call on the Gods of our ancestors in their rites, they perform rituals to mark the changing seasons of the year and celebrate the Gods in the light of the Full Moon. Wicca provides a system of magick, spirituality and mysticism which allows each individual to develop their own relationship with the Gods and the world around them. Towards the Wiccan Circle was born out of the very popular Avalonia homestudy course of the same name. It was designed by experienced coven leaders to provide a structured course of study for individuals who are interested in Wicca and who want to explore the key principles and practices of the tradition by themselves prior to making a commitment. Likewise, it will benefit individuals who are working by themselves and who are seeking to build a solid foundation from which to further explore the tradition, with or without others. This thoroughly practical self-study course provides an excellent introduction to Wicca as a mystery tradition in seven lessons, each covering a key aspect of the beliefs and practices, these Lesson 1 - Paganism, Witchcraft & Wicca Lesson 2 - Towards an Understanding Lesson 3 - The Gods & Goddesses Lesson 4 - The Four Elements Lesson 5 - The Times Of Magick - Cycles of Nature Lesson 6 - Sacred Space Lesson 7 - Initiation & Rites Of Passage Throughout the book, practical exercises,meditations and simple ceremonies are provided, together with suggestions for further reading. You will learn about the history, whilst exploring the practices and deepening your understanding of the four elements and the natural world, whilst exercising your visualisation skills and building on your understanding of the tradition through an experiential approach.

Genres: Wicca, Witchcraft, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Paganism, Magic, Religion

180 pages, Paperback

First published September 21, 2008

About the author

Sorita d’Este is an author, researcher and priestess who has devoted her life to the Mysteries. She is the author of around 20 books exploring subjects related to the practice and history of magic, mythology, religion, folklore and witchcraft. Her previous books include titles such as Hekate Liminal Rites, Practical Elemental Magick, Visions of the Cailleach, Wicca: Magickal Beginnings and The Isles of the Many Gods. Her latest release is Circle For Hekate: Vol I. She lives on a hill in Glastonbury (Somerset, UK) from where she works as a publisher and writer. She is frequently distracted from her work by her love of gardening, exciting visitors and the promise of interesting esoteric knowledge.

Reviews

[Steve Cran · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your just getting into Wicca and/or Witchcraft then this is one excellent book to start with. Sorita d'Este give a thorough and basic over view for the new comer. Her first discussion starts with an analysis of the difference between Paganism, Witchcraft and Wicca. They're used interchangeably but they are not synonymous. Being a Pagan someone who worship old deities is not the same as a Wiccan who believes in a God and Goddess and honor the divine feminine as well as believing that all Goddesses are one goddess and all gods are one god. Wicca is a religion and it is a form of witch craft. But a witch is not necessarily a Wiccan.

The next over view discusses the definition of magic. Which means to influence reality in accordance with ones will. In this guide one is taught about the beginnings of Wicca and it's origins. There are lessons on how to cast a circle, call the elements and how to reverse the ritual and open your circle.
Each chapter or lesson has written exercises at the end of it along with references for further reading.

This book could be used in tandem with other books or it can be used as a stand alone. It's main strength is that it is simple to read and follow. There is nothing confusing about it in any way shape or form. I feel this would be a perfect book to start with. Further on you could get "Solitary Wicca" and "Living Wicca" by Scott Cunningham. To be honest I think I got more out of Sorita's book then I did with Solitary and Wicca. If you are a beginner then start with this one. Those who are intermediate will probably get a lot out this book as. Great job Sorita this book is excellent. I wish it was the first book that I had read.

[Constantinos Nterziotis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading and practicing Witchcraft for many years, still I consider myself a beginner. I have taught other people spiritual practices including magickal aromatherapy, rituals, ethics, etc. Sorita D'Este writes the same way I speak to others and her beliefs are very well documented from old books and from BTW. She is a well known High Priestess after all.

So, the book is very informative. It is written in small paragraphs with little details, like summaries but it covers many things that a beginner has to know. Book suggestions are very good and it has key points to every chapter, meditation excercises and a really good appendix.

The book is easy to follow, with easy wording. The writer tries to be objective and usually writes both aspects. She also gives a really good perspective on the coven vs solitary witch without saying anything illogical.

[Eirini Tsotsou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for beginners. Great introduction to wicca and its beliefs providing general and more detailed information to make clear some concepts and phrases avoiding the confusion to the reader.

The book is beautifully structured and that makes it easy to follow. Is is consisted of small on point chapters making it easy for the reader το go forth or back to any subject.

At the end of each chapter there are exercises, meditations and references for further reading. There is also a great and helpful appendix.

Great book to start with!

[Courtenay Dubock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good beginners guide

I liked this book as its the first wiccan book I've read and I think it was a good taster of everything to do with the religion and practice.

[Branwen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book which provides an excellent over view for anyone interested in Wicca. Full of practical exercises and good advice, it is easy to read and enjoyable.

[Lisa LaCarrubba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating

I love learning about religions and culture and Wiccan is about as far from mainstream as I feel comfortable. The book is a great overview of the beliefs and rituals for a novice such as myself. I was inspired to read up since learning a friend of mine is Wiccan. I now have a new understanding of her beliefs and some meditative exercises I am trying myself.

[Benjamin Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good book for beginners

I thought this would be a good book to brush up on it was. It seemed to repeat itself about subjects. all in all it is a good book of basics . though it teaches nothing special

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not a Wiccan myself, I found the book helpful in increasing my understanding of the religion. It's basically a short, quick, interesting overview of the beliefs and practices of Wicca.

[Lesley Looper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good intro to wiccan beliefs and rituals. I didn't follow through with the diary or anything, as I was just looking for introductory information.

[Bladestryke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another beginner book but it has lots of information and useful exercises that put what you learned into practice. It is pretty focused on coven stuff but the basics are still interesting.

[Kiyun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to follow and understand.

[Anna Vasalaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise, to the point, very good introduction to wicca.