| THE REAL WITCHES' HANDBOOK Kate West This is one of those books that I am not sure if I like or not... It contains some great information, and is a good starting point for anyone who has just begun the Path of the Witch. It is based on Wicca Witchcraft, and the author is a long-practising Witch who not only is vice-president and media co-ordinator of The Pagan Federation, but is also High Priestess of the Hearth of Hecate. Kate West writes well for the Solitary Witch, but in this book suggests that any Witch in a coven needs to gain permission from the High Priestess before doing ANY solitary workings. Many people in covens may agree to this, but I find it quite annoying. Being a Witch, one needs to feel close and become a true part of Nature. I feel that this is done best in solitary meditation ~ sometimes a person needs to be alone, with the solitude and peace of nature ~ to be wrapped in the arms of the Spirit to fully commune with the forces around us (or the Lady and Lord...whatever and however you percieve them). Okay, so it's a small peeve to have about this book. This book does not discriminate against the Solitary practitioner, and reading it is almost like being taken by the hand and led, step by step, through the joys and learnings of Wicca. It is a wonderful introduction to the Craft, for those who would like to follow a Path similar to that of Kate West. Wiccan, Solitary, and Beginner..?? Best buy this book. |