The Circle Within: Creating a Wiccan Spiritual Tradition

This is a typical example of a book that literally fell into my hands when I most needed it. I was getting more than a little frustrated with my own progress in wicca, which seemed to slow down after so many esbats and sabbats and nothing more. And behold, in comes this treasure. This book inspired me to set up my own daily spiritual routines, to turn everyday and otherwise mundane things into deeply significant sacred activities. In its inspiring simplicity and its beautiful use of language I found "The Circle Within" a rare gem, and a very good step from the "This is what you do as a witch" to the "This is who you are as witch" stage of development. Highly recommended to all who want to live the life of the witch!

If you've been a witch for as long as I have, you've probably begun to despair of finding books that will help you to grow spiritually. I initially became a witch as a result of reading The Politics of Women's Spirituality, Drawing Down the Moon, The Spiral Dance -- books that grabbed my attention and changed my life. And, of course, there are now hundreds of what I'd call Wicca 101 books which re-hash the basics of witchcraft and then provide what I find to be incredibly boring lists of correspondences, cookie-cutter rituals and spells, bland discussions of ethics, etc. And then, almost nothing. (Ellen Reed Canon is one shining exception.) Until now. Dianne Sylvan has written a delightful book for witches who want to develop a daily spiritual practice. And, also surprising in this genre, she really writes very well; reading her clear lucid prose is a pleasure. Suffice it to say that I've copied quite a few quotes from her book into my journal and loaned this book to others within my circle who have also loved it. In particular, I enjoyed Sylvan's discussion of making one's home a temple.

Ms. Sylvan has written a very personable, enjoyable book. It is a great resource for pagans who are looking to develop a more personal relationship with the Divine. I loved the "Things to think on" at the end of each chapter in which she ask some questions pertaining to how you felt about the information covered in the chapter. I think this would be a great book for covens (or solitaries) to use for discussion and Part 2 "The Book of Moonlight" containing daily prayers and rituals has inspired me to create my own "book of moonlight". I have begun to incorporate several of her suggestions (morning and evening devotionals) into my daily life and I must say that I have really made a difference to me.