What the craft is REALLY all about.December 16, 1997 129 out of 134 found this review helpful
I was so pleased to find this book. After pages and pages of the happy-trippy stuff that clogs the market these days, I am simply thrilled with the Farrars' in-depth look at what Wicca is really all about: a religion that demands respect for others and for the world in which we live, as well as personal responsibility for our lives and the decisions we make. (There's also an excellent essay by Doreen Valiente about the search for Dorothy Clutterbuck.)
The Farrars are writing for group practitioners--Wiccans who are in covens, thinking about joining covens or even thinking about starting a coven of their own. I am solitary by choice, with no plans for joining a coven anytime soon, but I still find this book an invaluable resource. Most of the rituals and spells included in the book can be adapted to solitary practice, and it also gives the solitary who has never been in a coven an idea of what to expect. Quite a bit more detailed than the standard beginner books (Ravenwolf, Cunningham et al), but definitely worth reading and keeping on your shelf for consultation.
This book is a must-read for all Wiccans and Pagans!July 14, 1997 316 out of 331 found this review helpful
"A Witches Bible" contains, in one volume, Janet and Stewart Farrar's two books, "Eight Sabbats forWitches" and "The Witches' Way." These two books are classics in the genre of New Age literature and a necessary addition to the library of every Wiccan and Pagan. Together, these two books provide the best published manual on Wiccan practice ever printed.
The first section describes the meanings, history and ceremonies of the Wiccan holidays. The eight Sabbats are described in detail just as they are practiced by the Farrar's coven. To the fragmentary rituals of Gerald Gardner's "Book of Shadows," the Farrar's have added their own material. Based on extensive research and practice, the result is a rich and powerful tradition rooted in the most ancient of lore.
The second section deals with the rest of "The Book of Shadows." The Farrar's detail the initiation rituals, lunar rites and magickal workings which form the core of Witchcraft. Included is extensive material on divination, astral projection and healing. This book also gives important advice on working with others and on running a coven responsibly.
The Farrar's have provided an informative work that is more than just a how-to. They have captured the spirit of "The Old Religion" and it's relevance in helping people to live in better harmony with nature and themselves. This classic helped to establish modern Witchcraft as a religion that focuses on the values of personal growth, sexual equality and love of Nature.
A must for all would be WiccansJuly 6, 1997 1 out of 2 found this review helpful
An excellent guide to Wicca written by two European witches. It helps to fully explain what witches do. An excellent guide for the beginner and the well informed. I was really moved by this work. It really shows the simplicity of our faith and its beauty. When this book first came out we had few complete works about our faith if any at all
Highly recommended reading for all students of the Craft.December 8, 1996 1 out of 4 found this review helpful
Superb book by the foremost writers on Alexandrian Wicca. Combines two earlier works, EIGHT SABBATS FOR WITCHES andWHAT WITCHES DO, into one comprehensive volume. Easy to read and follow, this book provides information on all aspects of Wiccan ritual and practice. A must for anyone interested in Wicca, Witchraft or Neo- Paganism.
