jiastar's Full Review: Doreen Valiente - An ABC of Witchcraft Past and Pr...
First published in 1973, "An ABC of Witchcraft Past and Present" is an alphabetic listing of over 120 topics of interest to those who follow a Pagan religious path or who simply have an interest in myth and the occult. Each topic is covered in text that ranges from a few paragraphs to a few pages.
Topics include:
- Alphabets (Magical)
- Basic Beliefs of Witches
- Cats as Familiars
- Divination
- Fire Magic
- Green Man
- Halloween
- Incense
- Love Charms
- Reincarnation
- and more
"An ABC of Witchcraft" is a heady book. It is over 300 pages long and each topic is simply put, full of relevant information. However, don't misunderstand me, while each topic is covered completely it is also explained clearly and concicely. Ms. Valiente certainly took a great deal of time and effort to make certain that these topics were described thoroughly without bogging them down in unnecessary "fluff."
This book is best read in chunks and makes a great book to keep next to your favorite chair (or other reading spot) and read it in short segments of time. However, if this book is being used as part of study for one practicing Witchcraft my own suggestion would be for the reader to select a topic or two a day for study, with a highlighter and notebook at the ready soas to be certain not to miss anything.
I have to say that I truly enjoy reading this book. It could have been a very boring text, but it is kept from being dry and dull by Ms. Valiente's conversational tone and by the wealth and breath of research drawn on in its compilation. Scattered within its pages are short spells, simple magicks, folklore and the history of modern Witchcraft.
Additionally, the book is studded with a small collection of art and images, far too few for my tastes, and many topics are enhanced with an excerpt of prose or poetry. These may be quotes from other authors (always credited) or writings of the author herself. But what makes this book shine is when the author puts aside the mere factual recitation and shares her own experiences and memories that correlate to the topic at hand.
I have been a Witch for over 20 years and in that time I have read many books relating to Wicca, Witchcraft, Paganism and the occult. "An ABC of Witchcraft" would be one of the top books I would include on a reading list for a coven or a Pagan study group.
Author info:
Doreen Valiente was born on January 4, 1922. In 1952, she began working with Gerald Gardner and in 1953 received her first degree initiation. She is credited with authoring one of the best loved pieces of Wiccan prose - The Charge of the Goddess.
"I am the Gracious Goddess, who gives the gift of joy unto the heart of man. Upon earth, I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal; and beyond death, I give peace and freedom and reunion with those who have gone before."
She crossed over the the Lands of Summer on September 1, 1999.
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