Book of Shadows

I was looking for more of a spell book type of thing, but this is just a ficton novel. It was unclear from the reviews and description of the book prior to me purchasing it. It is a good book if youre looking for something to read.

In "Book of Shadows", Phyllis Curott, a well-respected member of the New York City Wiccan community and an internationally-known spiritual activist on the frontlines of defending the religious liberties of Witches, recounts her introduction through initiation in a Witches' coven (contrary to one reviewer's assertion,the word "coven" is mentioned several times throughout the book, see, e.g. p. 50) As a NYC lawyer and a Wiccan priestess for over thirteen years, I was ecstatic to read this book. Reading Phyllis' account brought tears to my eyes, as it reminded me of my own experiences of discovering the Craft. Rather than present a dry, past tense biographical account of her life, Phyllis brings her story to life by making it first-person present novel, thereby allowing the reader to experience this spiritual journey through her eyes. She does not just passively describe what occurs in her circle, she poetically invokes ones senses so that the reader can feel what it was like to be a member of Phyllis' coven. Unlike so many books on Witchcraft, which merely describe magic and Wiccan practices in mechanistic terms, Phyllis shows through her life experiences while training to become a priestess in the Wiccan religion how making magic can be a rewarding spiritual practice. Phyllis does not just describe her coven training, instead she interweaves the parallel story of her rising law career, thus showing how she discovers herself by taking her spiritual beliefs outside of the magic circle, and imbuing them through her entire life.I have read this book several times now (both the hardcover and the paperback) and have put "Book of Shadows" on the top of my required reading list for prospective students. I'm looking forward to the sequel!

This is not an encyclopedia of spells, or essays of philosophy. This is a touching novel of a woman's personal journey into a misunderstood- and often poorly represented- religion. Moving, enlightening, and inspiring, it is a lovely introduction to witchcraft, and a great read on any level. The downsides: some events are a bit overdramatized to keep the novel 'exciting,' and it does occasionally border on new age fluff, and also touches on gynocentricity and male-bashing. But hey, you read a book written by a woman about a woman-centered religion, working in a male-dominated industry, and you're going to get an opinion or two coming through at some points. I applaud the way she bares her thoughts, her feelings, her experinces, her relationships, and her trials to the public. Ms. Curott is a courageous woman in so many ways, as is clearly shown in this modern-day initiation story. This takes you inside, to see 'what witches do' ...and what they don't. It is a journey of discovery and reclaiming the ancient symbols of women's mysteries. Heartily recommended for the curious, the beginner, the pro, or anyone looking for a touch of the mystical in the corporate world.

This book has really inspired me to become even more involved with the Craft and with nature in general than I am right now. All the details in this book really created wondrous images and sensations for me. It was so mind-blowing that the moment I opened it I felt compelled to read it every day, every moment I had free. Every time I closed the book I looked forward to my next opportunity to open it and read even further. I was disappointed when I was done reading it because I wished the story would continue; I was hungry to read even more. There is so much information as well as plenty of resources added at the back of this book. I feel this book is a true inspiration for any Witch who is looking for their way in this world. If you don't already have this book, get it, read it, really experience it for yourself and you'll see what I mean.

This is the most amazing book on Wicca that I have ever read. I finished it in one sitting and plan to re-read it soon. Book of Shadows affected me on a deep level. After years of reading rather cut and dry (albeit informative) books on Wicca, Book of Shadows is a breath of fresh air.Most books will tell you which direction to face (north, south, east, or west) while saying specific words and making certain hand gestures. Curott's book goes deeper than this window dressing. She actually describes the emotions and visions a person experiences during a spiritual journey.I found this book to be spiritually and practically superior to almost everything I have read to date, standing alone with Margot Adler's Drawing Down the Moon. If there were a Wicca 100 Class. Ms. Curott's book should be required reading. This book captures the essence and feeling of Wicca rather than the mundance aspects.I wish I were more eloquent so that I could better express how moving, informative, and essential is the nature of The Book Of Shadows.