Recently I've been writing reviews for the books on Wicca I'm most familiar with for Amazon. I know I certainly read the customer reviews before buying, so I figured why not offer my two cents. I'm re-publishing the reviews here.
To Ride A Silver Broomstick by Silver RavenWolf
***--
Okay, stone me but I kind of liked this book, December 31, 2004 (If you read any other reviews for Silver RavenWolf, you'll understand why I gave this review that title!)
This was the first book I bought for myself about Wicca. The first book I read was Amber K's True Magick. I liked the lessons and the writing exercises. I still have the journal writing I did from it, and it's interesting to look back and see what my thoughts were 6 years ago vs. now. I enjoy the stories and anecdotes about Silver's experiences in the Craft.
I don't think Silver puts it forward as being anything other than a general workbook for beginners. It is not supposed to a book specifically on deities of any pantheon or any method of divination. I found it much more approachable than Buckland's Big Blue Book, and much more informative than Cunningham's Guide for the Solitary Practitioner.
As far as her claiming that Wicca as a religion descended directly from ancient times, I didn't get that impression at all. And if that is implied in the book somewhere one needs to remember that this book was published in 1993. Silver wasn't the only one making that claim at that point. Other authors who get a lot more respect than Silver does were proponents of that theory for years, like Marija Gimbutas and Margaret Murray.
As always, I don't think any one Wiccan author be your sole guide, but I think this book as a lot to offer to beginners in Wicca, especially people starting young. Older readers should start with The Spiral Dance, by Starhawk.
** this review in no way is meant to defend any of Silver's other works, like $ilver's Little Book of Prosperity/Protection/Love Spells, Teen Witch or the Teen Witch Kit**
The Spiral Dance by Starhawk
*****
If I ran a coven and you were in it, I'd have you read this December 31, 2004
Other books set me on the path of Wicca, this is the one that keeps me there. Every time I pick it up I learn something new, I use Starhawk's beautiful poetic invocations regularly in my rituals. Working through this book got me through a very hard time, the first time I went out into the world without my parents or best friends to support me. I cannot overstate how wonderful I find it. The exercises are incredible, both simple and powerful, like the Tree of Life ground. And some are challenging and thoughtful like the Pentacle of Pearl and the Pentacle of Iron.
The only tiny criticism I have is with the 10th and 20th anniversary editions. I wish the notes and additions were added straight into the text rather than in appendices. It's confusing to read the book, see the ** and have to flip to the back to see what Starhawk said 20 years later.
For me this book would be necessary coven reading. It has given me a solid grounding in magical basics and I use the visualizations and exercises nearly every day. I believe you are really missing out if you haven't read this book. Even if you read it and don't find Starhawk's feminist politics to your taste, you will gain something the experience.
Truth or Dare, by Starhawk
****
If you aren't into self-examination, this book isn't for you, December 23, 2004
Truth or Dare is about the roles we play that society places us in. This is constraining to men as it is to women. There are journal writing exercises and rituals designed to help you break from the roles that are given to us and take on powerful roles of our choosing. It is a very challenging and interesting process.
If you aren't into self-examination, this book isn't for you. However, if you are into discovering what makes you tick, and discovering how to make powerful changes in yourself, this book is for you. Like most Craft books, unless you're willing to do the exercises, it won't do you any good. This is not a good first book on Wicca. Spiral Dance is, in fact if I ran a coven it would be on my must-read-to-join list. This book is also not helpful for people who haven't done a lot of group work, because it asks you to examine your place within your coven/circle etc.
So in conclusion, if you aren't sure you want to really make changes in your life or spend a lot of time working on your spiritual path, this book will sit on your shelf and collect dust. However, if you are ready to do some real magick on yourself, this book is a powerful tool for change.
To Stir A Magick Cauldron, by Silver RavenWolf
****
Her Best Book, December 23, 2004
I have owned 3 books by Silver RavenWolf and also read Teen Witch. No matter how many other books on the Craft and magick I buy, I still end up going back to this one every time I plan a spell or ritual. The chapter on casting circles is invaluable, with plenty of examples of different visualizations and good instructions on how to write a circle casting. I use the chapter Conjuring Minor and Major Magicks a lot, especially the planetary hours. I have found using the right planetary hour definitely adds "punch" to a working, especially when you need to work quickly and can't wait for the right day of the week or the right moon phase. I like Silver's anecdotes, they show that she is a practicing witch and I don't feel like she's just pulling things out of thin air. One thing I especially liked was her discussing "correct" behavior at an open circle. I know as a solitary I was intimidated the first time I went to such an event. I did not feel like I was being talked down to, I felt like earned wisdom was being imparted.
I also owned American Folk Magick and To Ride a Silver Broomstick. I gave To Ride to a friend's daughter at her first blood ritual, because it is a good book for beginners, and American Folk Magick to a Christian friend, because the system didn't suit me.
There are things I disagree with the author on, however trying to get Pagans to agree on everything is like trying to herd cats. If you are interested in making Wicca an everyday part of your life, rather than just something to make a big deal out of on Samhain and Beltane, this is a good book. It shouldn't be the first book you buy about Wicca, but it's good to read a year or so into your studies. But especially as a solitary, no one author should direct your studies entirely. Especially not Silver, because if you read all her books you will get confused. This is definitely the high point for her, but I haven't read To Light a Sacred Flame yet.
Hopefully you will find my reviews helpful too. Let me know if you think they could be improved.
Merry Part and Blessed Be
