SECTION II - BOOK REVIEWS

13 Lessons for Pleasing the Divine By Lady Raya - Reviewed by ~ G. Rain
Witchcrafting By Phyllis Curott - Review by Lorelei
The Sacred Round by Elen Hawke - Review by ~ G. Rain

13 Lessons for Pleasing the Divine
By Lady Raya
Reviewed by ~ G. Rain

13 Lessons for Pleasing the Divine, a 233-page book and meditation CD, is a unique guide to the Wiccan practice. Lady Raya, the author, is a high priestess and follower of the Elijan tradition. Much in the style of Starhawk's Spiral Dance, 13 lessons provides the practitioner with vibrant, energetic meditations. The enclosed meditation CD moves along with the book, at the readers pace, and discretion.

The lessons are compacted with information, so it is imperative to move slowly. Like other Wicca books, the author dedicates the first few lessons/chapters to the origins of Wicca, common beliefs, and an explanation of ritual tools. Other lessons include topics covering the holidays, mythology, Karma, history of witchcraft, Wiccan Rede, spellwork, divination, dream work, and more!

The author's main focus is on the witch and higher power connection. She is serious, deep, and provocative. However, I found myself often confused by the author's rantings. I also felt that the overall tone of the book was harsh, and unfriendly. For example Lady Raya often utilized pushy words such as, "you need to," "must," and "should." Where as I applaud the author's efforts, 13 Lessons isn't necessarily a book I'd recommend to beginners. There are other books on the market that would benefit the neophyte more so than Lady Raya's 13 Lessons for Pleasing the Divine.

Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 wicked broomsticks.

13 Lessons for Pleasing the Divine: A Witch's Primer
by Lady Raya
ISBN: 1-57863-245-5
$29.95 book/cd set
Available from Red Wheel/Weiser, orders@redwheelweiser.com

Also available: The Book of Dreams and Shadows by Lady Raya.
An almost blank book (two pages of instructions), to be used alone or together with 13 Lessons for Pleasing the Divine. A Witch's Journal, in which you write down pathworking experiences, dreams, and spells.

The Book of Dreams and Shadows: A Witch's Tool
by Lady Raya
ISBN: 1-57863-250-1
$12.95
Available from Red Wheel/Weiser, orders@redwheelweiser.com

Witchcrafting
By Phyllis Curott
Review by Lorelei

Having read Ms. Curott's first book, I was rather expecting a sequel of sorts, and quickly found that this was not the case. This book not only gives you a base to start performing magic, but explains the background, and the why's of what you are doing. She emphasizes thinking and feeling for yourself rather than blindly following; and offers the following definition for magic: "Magic is what happens when you have encountered the Divine."

This book is as easily used by the beginning witch as it is by the experienced practitioner. Instead of simply rehashing the same information that you can find in many books, she offers up exercises that range from simple to somewhat complex, and challenges some of the ideas and beliefs that have become 'dogma' in the Wiccan faith.

This isn't to say that you must be Wiccan to be able to use this book. Much of the book is relevant to anybody who claims the title of witch, and could be put to use in the everyday life of anyone. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and would recommend it to anybody looking for a way to reestablish spirituality in their lives.

I would give this book 4.5 out of 5 cauldrons.

The Sacred Round
by Elen Hawke
Review by ~ G. Rain

Elen Hawke's new book, The Sacred Round is the sequel to her first, In the Circle. Containing the same poetic style and ever helpful guidance, Elen brings the reader deeper into magical study.

The first two chapters recap the advanced practitioner and quickly introduce the novice to basic circle casting, tools, and craft guidelines. Next, chapter three provides an in depth look into the five elements; earth, air, fire, water and ether. The author explains each elements characteristics, spiritual understanding, as well as suggested meditations for each.

Chapter four, "Chakra Work," delves into a somewhat untouched topic. So, Elen carefully breaks down each chakra individually conveying its magical correspondences, and function. By far and large chapter five, "Meditations and Visualization," is the most important one in this book. The author describes meditation as, " . . . an activity that can be an aid to harmony and balance, to spiritual development, or to enhancing visualization and receptivity . . ." pg 75.

The following chapters work with the moon phases, pagan/Wiccan holidays, spellcrafting and divination techniques. Although geared toward the beginner as well as advanced practitioner, I highly suggest the novice read Elen Hawk's first book, In the Circle, and then come back to this sequel. Doing so would help the practitioner progress a bit more smoothly and avoid misunderstandings.

In conclusion, the scared round motivates the read at every turn of the page with fun meditations, simple sells, and easy to understand guidelines. If you thought Elen Hawke was thought provoking in her first book, just wait till you read, The Sacred Round.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Wicked Broomsticks!