The Craft - A Witch's Book of Shadows Kindle Edition

I purchased this book because it was recommended, and had overwhelmingly positive reviews. I was however, sorely disappointed. There are some nice things about this book, and it could make an almost halfway decent reference book but some of the things it says/claims really rub me the wrong way to the point where it's unforgivable. I'll list some of those below:-It's feels so fluffy to me. It's overly chipper, to the point of being cheesy. It is way too positive and lovey, to the point of being saccharine.-Bad science. I get that we are talking about Wicca here... but jeez, come on! I'll provide some examples. "Each Element also has specific scientific qualities or principles. These are important because they make the Elements pull together as a team. In fact, when all the Elements are used in equal combination, they form static electricity." (p. 20) UMMMMM. Let's break that down shall we? She states that each element has specific *SCIENTIFIC* qualities. If you are referring to elements and science, you damn well be referring to something from the periodic table of elements. While there are certainly elements that can be categorized under these four elements to a certain extent, the only one that is actually an element is water.The rest are vague categories. Right after that she says that it is a *FACT* that the four elements are used in equal combination they form static electricity. WHAT. GTFO. Now you're just pulling words out of your *ahem* to try to strengthen your point.That's fine if you want to eschew the laws of the natural world for your spiritual practice... but please do not state that they are factual, scientific tidbits of information. That is horrid and reading that left a really bad taste in my mouth.-History and Mythos. This is something that runs rampant in many pagan groups (outside of Asatru/Heathenism and some others), the total disregard for actual lore and documented history. The bending of myths and legends to fit into their fluffy worldview. For example, when describing a Samhain ritual, she states, "Then invoke Pan, the Guardian of the Summerland, and bestow blessings upon the Dead..." Woah woah woah.. simmer down there sparky! Where in tarnation did you get this information?! To my knowledge, Pan was a Greek god of the wild, shepherds and flocks, mountains, rustic music and impromptus, and companion of the nymphs. She's just making this stuff up! Why not invoke an ACTUAL death deity? Hella, Hades, Anubis, etc etc etc. There are DOZENS of legitimate death deities, some of them actual guardians of the Dead. Also worth noting, the Summerland is a modern term, it wasn't in use during the time of Pan. The only connection that I could even see close to correlating is an old story where a sailor heard a voice accross the water proclaiming, "Thamus, The Great God Pan is Dead!". It is likely that this was actually a misinterpretation of "The All Great Tammuz is dead(Thamus Panmegas tethneke)!" for the worship of Tammuz was exotic and unfamiliar to those who heard. Not to mention this is a symbolic change of power... the old religion was dead as the new religion was being born (Christianity). Anyways... it's a bit of a stretch from the apparent death of a god making them guardians of the Dead, especially when there are so many legitimate death deities to invoke! This rewriting of history leads me to my next point...-They don't even care if they are inaccurate. In her defense, this isn't her actual saying, but one published by the Council of American Witches. The fact that it is stated in her book, however, is unfortunate and takes even more credibility in her writing away. The Council of American Witches posted 13 Principles of Wiccan Belief. Number 11 states, "As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present, and our future." *facepalm* Do I really need to elaborate?These are just a FEW examples of the blatant misinformation presented in this book. It's a pity, too. I do like a decent amount of what is in there, but I just can't bring myself to look past such fallacies. It's also worth noting that this isn't the only book, or author that does this. This style of spirituality, fluffy, with little regard to history and facts run rampant in many pagan circles today. THIS is why pagans, and especially Wiccans, are so widely disrespected and laughed upon. We need to start getting our facts straight, and stop making up "facts" that suit our needs. We need to have some self respect and critical thinking.

I've been looking for a book like this for awhile. I have found some nice ones but this one covers more than I expected and everything that I have wanted. Tools of the craft are explained, exercises to do weekly with those tools and explanations of the Sabbats. Different appendixes that go over "Deity Associations" and "The Magical Uses of Herbs, Plants, Flowers, and Trees" just to name two of them. This is a one stop shop, you can get what you need to learn about "The Craft" quite well from this book. I also purchased the "The Craft Companion" journal to this book and it is great as well with full blank pages to record experiences and every other page is a Spell. Really happy with both purchases, very happy. I will be purchasing Dorothy Morrison's other books until I have all of them after seeing how nicely these books are put together.

This was the first book on witchcraft I read. I've since read several more but this book was by far the easiest, lightest read and perfectly suits being a good first book to Wicca. And yes, it's definitely about Wicca, not general witchcraft, so be prepared for sugar-coated ritual and philosophies not shared by general witches. Still, I do go back and refer to this book regularly as it is a good, clear reference for things like tools/dates/etc.

This book as a lot of enchanting and knowledgeable information on the subject of the craft! The author clearly explains everything in detail and is encouraging with her words.

This book was written very well. It answered all my questions. I really loved this book.

Dorothy Morrison is obviously very well informed about the subject of her book and as done an excellent job bringing her reader into the world of Wicca and Witch Craft. I found this book both historically and politically correct and an interesting read beginning to end. This book left me wanting for more knowledge and I will definitely buy the rest of Ms. Morrison's books to delve further into this amazing subject. Ms. Morrison has a wonderful talent as a writer and I highly recommend 'The Craft' for the common sense approach the author has taken to this sometimes controversial subject. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for intriguing read that will not be laid down beginning to end.

Great book. If you are interested in Wicca and are a beginner and seriously wanting to start practicing then get this book. This will help you along your journey. I have bought other books as well and use this one the most, but I still reference the others. You can never have to many books!

This is a good book, but the title is a bit misleading. The "Companion" is more of a book of shadows.In any case, good book, good explainations. Might be a tad bit complicated in some area for the novice, but if you really are interested in learning more about The Craft and Wicca, you will persevere in the more "cloudy" area and found this book to be a good tool. But if you are a novice, this book won't be much help without the "Companion" once you've understood and mastered the use of your Craft tools.

A good book with practically everything needed for someone tentatively making their first steps on the pagan path, and a useful reference guide. However, being a hedgewitch for 25 years, and now having a grown up family following the path, I would recommend "Grimoire for the Green Witch" for those solitary witches or those who have families, as it focuses more on family based practise and celebrations. That all being said, this book is a useful tool to have in the bookshelf.

This is s must for anyone starting out in Wicca brilliant book :-) definitely recommend it to anyone :-)

Very straight forward book with information and rituals to start your personal Wicca. Informative and interesting. Even as an address you can write to the author for further info and a reading list in the back if you want to continue studying Wicca.

Interesting but a bit hard going, having to read it very slowly as very involved.

Very fast delivery packed with care thank you