Witch Wicca

Learn about being a witch, Wicca, and the Old Ways

   Nov 30

Why to avoid the Picture Book of Devils, Demons and Witchcraft

Picture Book of Devils, Demons and Witchcraft

Bleh. Ick. You’ve got to be kidding me.  Someone actually killed trees to publish this book…?

This absolutely, positively does not compute.

If you just can’t get enough pictorial weirdness about devils, demons, and the hell-and-damnation version of witchcraft… you should probably go to Salem (Massachusetts) during Halloween week.

If that’s not practical, maybe you’ll like this book, the Picture Book of Devils, Demons and Witchcraft.

To me, it looks like someone collected all kinds of grisly, strange and eerie pictures he could label “demonic,” and he threw them into this book.

I really don’t understand why.  Don’t explain it to me, either.  I’m not interested.

Here’s the official description of the book:

This masterwork presents 244 representations, symbols, and manuscript pages of devils and death from Ancient Egypt to 1913.

Fascinating graphics depict demons, witches and warlocks, the Danse Macabre, Hell and Damnation, the Art of Dying, and more.

None of that sounds “fascinating” to me.  In fact, even the cover looks like something out of a nightmare.

This isn’t witchcraft.  It certainly isn’t Wicca.  It’s something dark and strange that has nothing to do with real witches.

However, since someone suggested this as a book we should review, here’s what we say: Don’t bother.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something gruesome to fuel your nightmares, this may be the book for you.  Buy two copies, so you can tear pictures out of one copy and frame them.

Sale Price:$9.43

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   Oct 20

How have movies and TV affected witches?

If you’re a witch or a Wiccan — or know someone who is — the media have influenced how others regard witches, and sometimes how you view yourself, your beliefs, and your practices.

In our current, post-Charmed society, most of the Wicca-as-a-fad trend has faded. (Many breathed a sigh of relief when Wicca stopped being the religion-of-the-month.)

Those remaining in the Craft seem to be people who are committed to their beliefs or seriously exploring their own spirituality.

The following article is a good study — though a little academic — about the effects of popular entertainment and imagery regarding witches and Wicca.

Browse it to see the many media images that may have influenced your beliefs.  This is the kind of study that produces ah-ha! moments among believers and critics alike.

From Jacob’s Ladder (1990) to Charmed, and from Bewitched to The Craft (declared “the worst movie ever made,” by Margot Adler) to Practical Magic, TV and movies have presented lasting images.  Some were accurate.  Most were not.

Despite the cautionary tales, the allure of the occult remained for many years.  Teens and pre-teens were especially vulnerable.  “Magick” offered shortcuts to romance and popularity, and perhaps better grades in school.  If it offended adults, that seemed like a bonus.

Though the Goth (or gothic) lifestyle sprung from a different source, the cultures overlapped in some areas.  That blurry line further confused spectators and critics.

Sometimes, knowing where the stereotypes come from can help you talk to critics and skeptics about witchcraft and Wicca.  Click on the link below to survey contemporary media influences affecting witches, Wiccans, and some Pagans.

Witchcraft in Popular Entertainment: The Craft, Buffy and Beyond

The Pendulum Swings Back

After The Witches of Eastwick in 1987, the Biblical imagery of good and evil that evangelicals brought to public attention seemed to disappear from popular entertainment…

http://www.apologeticsindex.org/2621-chapter-4-witchcraft-in-popular-entertainment-the-craft-buffy-and-beyond

 


   Oct 12

Natural Magic – Review

Natural Magic

Magic?  It’s natural!

Many new witches and Wiccans are discovering the Old Ways. However, some of them don’t realize that the Old Ways — and natural magic — were explored and documented back in the 20th century by people like Doreen Valiente, the author of this important book.

To more fully understand the world around you — and the natural magic in your everyday life — this book is vital.  It’s one of the classics.

Did you know…that the thickness of the layers in a locally grown onion will indicate the severity of the coming winter?  That’s one of many tips in this book that will introduce you to the wise ways of past witches and Wiccans.

Keep the Old Ways alive.  Enrich your life with magic from the natural world around you.

Though I think you’ll want to own this book, even if you can’t buy it right now, see if your public library owns a copy.  (If they don’t, ask if they can get it for you from another library.)

Magic is all around us. All we need is the ability to see it, understand it, and apply it. Natural Magic allows us to do just that, and this book makes it simple.

Sale Price:$20.40

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   Sep 28

The ‘Charmed’ Book of Shadows – Review

The Book of Shadows : The Unofficial Charmed Companion

Though Charmed was fiction, not fact, it introduced many people to the charming world (pun intended) of real magick, witchcraft, and Wicca.

I wouldn’t make this Charmed book of shadows a high priority for beginners or even for advanced students of the Craft.  However, if you were as impressed as I was, watching this dynamic TV series, this book is a must-own.

This ultimate guide to the hit TV series, the “Charmed” Book of Shadows serves as both a book of spells and a key to the mysteries of the show.  Pretty cool stuff, eh?

The Book of Shadows celebrates the best of Charmed, from its roots in the ancient tradition of Wicca, to insider information on the popular TV series and its stars.

It’s not a substitute for real magic or books of shadows, but if you’re a Charmed fan like me… it’s kind of cool.

Look at it this way: You could spend the same money on a couple of magazines that you’ll read and throw out.  Or, you can score the Charmed Book of Shadows and own some great reading (and re-reading) about the Charmed sisters and the magic they wove for us.

My advice?  Get the book.

Sale Price:$7.85

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   Sep 14

Armchair Magician – Book review

Armchair Magician

Now and then, someone recommends a book that isn’t related to witchcraft or Wicca at all.

Armchair Magician is one of those books.

It’s not the “magic” we practice.  In fact, this kind of magic is why a lot of witches (including us, now & then) spell our work differently: Magick… with a K.  We want to be sure people understand we’re not fooling anyone with a stage trick, smoke or mirrors.

Okay, with that out of the way, here’s our review:  It’s a cool book of tricks if you love old-fashioned parlor magic.

Here’s the official description:

The carefully guarded secrets of master magicians, such as Houdini, Harry Blackstone, and Siegfriend and Roy, are revealed in a book of exceptional instruction and magical effects.

Since the book costs only a few dollars, we think it’d be worth owning.  Whether you’re throwing a Halloween (Samhain) party or entertaining little kids that come to your door for Halloween treats, you’ll learn a few fast & easy tricks that will delight aspiring magicians.  And maybe a few witches, too.
Sale Price:$2.02

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