Confessions of a Teenage Witch: Celebrating the Wiccan Life

Many teens are confused when they enter the Craft because there are so many books. They wonder which book is best and what authors can be trusted. In "Confessions of a Teenage Witch", author Gwinevere Rain proves she is a true Witch and authority on the theory and practice of modern Witchcraft. The book begins with with a number of beginner questions dealing with what Witches believe and what they practice. The the reader is then emersed into the magickal world of Witchcraft as Rain discusses Wiccan ethics, deities, rituals, celebrations, and tools. The text concludes with an indepth guide to crafting and preforming one's own spells. "Confessions" is different from many other Teen Witchcraft books because it is deey personal. Rain includes excerpts from her own Book of Shadows, or magickal journal, exhibting her own Wiccan journey. What's more, Rain includes thoughts from teen Witches around the world on various Wiccan topics. Gwinevere Rain takes your hand and guides the reader through what it means to practice Wicca and truly live the magickal life. From creating your own spells, to celebrating the Full Moon, to decorating and celebrating the Sabbats (Wiccan holidays), to connecting to the Wiccan God and Goddess, Ms. Rain creates a thorough guide for teens seeking to learn about and practice the Craft of the Wise.

I originally purchased this book for my children. It did not take long before I realized that Gwinevere Rain would become a favorite author. I am 41 years old and there are no words to describe my spiritual path other than I find Divinity everywhere. I like to keep an look out for spiritual books that may be of interest to my kids and that I can recommend...which means I always read books I think may be of interest. I am amazed at the depth of caring and life understanding by Ms. Rain and the many young people from around the world who made contributions to this book. If only such information and inspiration was available when I was a teenager. Mr. Rain brings the magick of true feeling and contribution to life. Many on this path are very independent with amazing experiences. When you practice a magical tradition of any path you reach "knowing" and unlike the rest of the world most of which are searching and relying on faith and belief. A certain arrogance can sometimes set in. "Kids" are the future and many young people are searching and many of traditional religions are scared and contextualize WICCA or neo-paganism in it's many forms as a "war" against them. Many born and raised into fear based command and control belief systems are waking up and often are lead by their children to no longer be afraid; to seek and explore a path of healing and inspiration. Ms. Rain gives good advice to young people about important topics that they may experience and need to prepare for, advice that applies to anyone and everyone. I am reminded that young people are amazing and many who are "young" today also have come here with great wisdom; they are teachers, healers and just simply amazing. 5 Stars, highly recommended for ALL ages and genders. I look forward to reading her other books, as well as future works that will reflect an amazing life unfolding. Harm None - Heal All Merry Meet God(dess) Bless Namaste' And all that Jazz.... - David www . thechurchofwhatworks . com www . healmyenemy . com

Confessions of a Teenage Witch: Celebrating the Wiccan Life is the latest addition to Ms. Rain's titles and my; quite an addition it was! The book presented an anticipated step for the Youth of Wicca: an opportunity to progress beyond the 101 boundaries and live their religion more consciously. Confessions is divided into two integral parts of study. The first provides a basis for understanding the theory and beliefs involved in Wicca. It touches theological, ritualistic and contemporary topics to build a frame for the Wiccan life. While the first part looks at ritual in a theoretical way, part two welcomes us into turning theory into practice. The second part supplies both examples and guidelines into enriching spiritual practices. Although the concept of `theory and practice' is a common aspect in studying religion, Gwinevere adds two complementary elements to comprehension. Firstly, throughout the pages are excerpts from her Book of Shadows. As an additional bonus, Gwinevere asked several practitioners from all over the globe to add variety. The two are scattered across giving spiritual insight that gives life to the book. Mature, personal and downright insightful-the book nourishes what the Pagan adolescent library needed; a chance to grow.

Full title of Book: "Confessions of a Teenage Witch - Celebrating the Wiccan Life" Author: Gwinevere Rain Review By: Gede (...) The third book to come from Gwinevere's pen, and the best of all! Confessions sets the precedent for an entirely new and long-awaited genre of Pagan non-fiction. She transcends the sphere of "beginner" and writes for a young audience of Witches & Wiccans who are seeking to consolidate the intermediary level of Wiccan spirituality. This 224 page book is divided into two parts - the first dealing with philosophy, theory and other integral aspects of the spiritual craft of Wicca and the second focusing on the practical techniques of the Magickal path. In Part One Gwinevere discusses the importance of leading an ethical life under the Rede and in respect for the Threefold Law. She also tackles things of a divine nature, the trials and tribulations of the Teen Wiccan life (and how to deal), as well as providing a Q & A format list to familiarise the reader with the bare essentials of the Wiccan craft, and advice on creating and organising your own BOS, finding a suitable Craft name and on using divination. Part Two includes sections on Circle-Casting, the Sabbats, the Full Moon, Spells, Correspondences and Magickal Techniques. There are several sections in Confessions that were covered in Gwinevere's first book Spellcraft for Teens (i.e. Finding a Craft Name); however they are dealt with in greater consideration for a more advanced audience. Gwinevere's writing style and tone is one of maturity, experience and insight. She has strength of character and consistently relates to the reader, drawing you in with a lyricism many authors can only dream of possessing. Her presentation of the facts and realities does not come across as painfully agonising to read or condescending; it weaves a story of beauty and power, inspiring the teen to act on their inner passions and desires. The book does succeed in its aim of addressing in depth topics impacting on teen Wiccans today and furthers this resolve by providing a variety of views from teens across the globe. Witchy voices from Australia, Finland, Italy and the US complement each section and help to break up the text (as does the exquisite black and white photography contributed by Gwinevere's own mum!). The book contains a multitude of inspirational exercises, Rituals and Spells including two male-specific rites - Working with Dragon Energy & the God Within Ritual. The invocations in the back of The Goddess and God chapter are superbly crafted and resonate with a palpable vibrancy of energy. Gwinevere does not mother the reader either. She offers valuable pieces of advice and wisdom, creating scaffolds for the teen Wiccan through which to reflect and evaluate their individual path. In her Sabbat chapter she outlines a variety of activities and methods through which to explore the seasonal and mythic symbolism behind each festival, including an Advanced Craft for th

Confessions of a Teenage Witch: Celebrating the Wiccan Life is Gwinevere's third book. Her first, Spellcraft for Teens (published by Llewellyn in 2002) opened readers up to the enchanting world of Magick. Her second, Moonbeams & Shooting Stars (Prentice Hall/Penguin 2004) delved into spirituality for teen girls. Now comes her most personalized and wicked book yet Confessions of a Teenage Witch! It's how-to but also contains autobiographical elements (specifically the author excerpts her personal Book of Shadows). Covering topics of importance to young Wiccans (like Coming Out of the Broomcloset) this new guide is both informative and fun. It is comprised of the following ten chapters; Chapter One: Wiccan Essentials Chapter Two: The Good Wiccan Chapter Three: The Goddess and God Chapter Four: The Altar Chapter Five: Life and Wicca Chapter Six: Circle Casting Chapter Seven: The Sabbats Chapter Eight: The Full Moon Chapter Nine: Gwinevere's Spells Chapter Ten: Magick Happens! So, I know what your thinking - what makes this book different from other ones on the market? A few things, first the author doesn't just give a Circle Casting Ritual, she helps you (step by step) create your own! The same goes for writing a Full Moon Ritual and developing your own Magick spells. Next, you'll get opinions and advice from other young adult practitioners, females and males. Finally, Confessions is different because Gwinevere was a teen when she wrote it, it's like she has been in the readers shoes. Not snobby, not boring, cool pictures, plus thirteen very useful spells! Confessions of a Teenage Witch is a definite must read!