The Elements of Ritual: Air, Fire, Water, and Earth in the Wiccan Circle

With so many beginner books on the market, there is a dire need for a book that goes deeper into the theory, theology, and magick of Wiccan ritual. The Elemets of Ritual by Deborah Lipp is that book, taking you deeply into each phase of ritual. This is not a beginner's Wicca 101. This is Wicca 202, advanced training by an experienced High Priestess. 'The Elemets of Ritual' begins by explaining the elements and their qualities and associations. The remainder of the book is divided into six chapters, by the ritual sequence. Each individual step is also divided by it's elemental quality. From beginning to end, Lipp gives great advice about what to do and what to avoid. She gives at least three examples for each step in ritual, so that the reader may eventually be able to write his or her own rituals. Lipp also gives an interesting and thought provking disscussion on the gods. She describes Their importance in Wiccan, so They must be the center of every ritual. She uses the "Honored Guests Metaphor" to describe how to act and worship in the presence of the gods. She gives her own ritual sequence, based around the gods. Unlike most books, Lipp actually gives gives structure to Wiccan ritual. 'Elements of Ritual' is the first of it's kind becuase Lipp actually tells you the WHY of ritual. Many books tell you how to cast a circle, this book tells you why. Many books give you the ritual for Cakes and Wine, this book tells you when, why, and how. In addition, this book gives you valuble information nessecery to proform a truly effective ritual. The author truly knows her subject well, as seen in her writing. In addition to the other great material, Lipp gives meditaions to create a deeper and more profound ritual experience. Out of all the books I've read on Wicca, 'The Elements of Ritual' has to be one of my favorites. 'The Elements of Ritual' completely outshined all of my expectaions. Buy it or regret it later.

Inevitably, when one studies any area of interest, one accumulates a library of books and other references along the way. After decades of study and practice, I have seen a lot of trash written about Wicca, so finding a well written, useful reference book like this one is a delightfully pleasant surprise.As the title suggests, this book dissects and discusses common Wiccan ritual practices in relation to the four Elements (Earth, Air, Fire and Water). What is particularly nice about this book (as opposed to the average BoS) is that it explains WHY things are done a certain way. (Why do we make offerings to the gods? Why use incense and water to cleanse the circle before casting? Why ground and center before beginning a ritual? etc.) It's kind of like a Wiccan mentor in book form.FWIW, I do not agree with everything Ms. Lipp has to say about Wiccan ritual, or a number of practices she recommends, but that does not make this book a bad reference in the slightest. Her reasons and rationale are well thought-out and expressed, her explanations are reasonable, and her opinions are declared as such. She also includes anecdotes from her own experiences as an HPS, plus examples of chants and invocations in both formal and informal styles that can be used as is or adapted to suit your individual needs and/or preferences.I would highly recommend this book for those who are new to witchcraft, or to any kind of magickal practice, as a teaching reference or even as the focal point for a discussion group because it addresses nearly every aspect of Wiccan ritual. It is a "food for thought" reference, stimulating more questions than it answers for those who are introspective, and answering questions that are commonly glossed over in Wiccan publications.Bright Blessings!

I say that because this is not one that should be put down and dismissed. This is one that I want to refer back to again. If you want more "why we do this" than "this is what to do" She gives a basic ritual outline and discets the why we do it using the symbolism of the elements for each step. She has definate opinions on the way things are done and why while leaving it to the reader to decided how they chose to incorporate (or not!) the information she's given. It is written in an intelligent way, assuming that you've picked up at least one beginner book or that you've done/attended at least one ritual. Even if you haven't don't let that shy you away from this book! It is a breath of fresh air and helped me bring more meaning to my own rituals.

The cover of this book seems to indicate that _The Elements of Ritual_ is merely a book about the four elements--air, earth, fire, and water--but it turns out to be so much more. The author uses the four elements in a metaphorical way, analyzing what goes on during each part of a Wiccan ritual from the practical point of view (earth), the intellectual (air), the mystical (fire), and the mythological and emotional (water). She dissects the entire ritual, from the pre-ritual preparations to the closing of the circle, from these four points of view. For example, when she gets to the part where the gods are invoked, she talks about gods--what are they anyway?--from all four angles. It's very interesting stuff, and makes a lot of sense.She uses her analysis to form opinions about some of the controversies in the Wiccan community. Wiccans are forever arguing about things like when the Cakes and Wine should be done--mid-ritual? afterward for grounding? Lipp has definite opinions about how things should be done, and while you don't have to agree with everything she says, at least it's refreshing to see someone actually say "This is the way to do it" so that you can *choose* to agree or disagree, rather than floundering about in a sea of "do whatever you want" books that leave everybody confused. All of her opinions are backed up by sound arguments. I wish I'd had this book several years ago, when I was just getting into the Craft. With all those contradictory books on the market, how does one know whether one is picking up bad ritual habits that at best waste energy, and at worst anger the gods? I'm glad to see someone take stands and back them up.This is being touted as an intermediate book. I think that's true, in that most Wiccans who've been around a while could still learn something from this book. I know I did. However, don't let that scare you off if you're a beginner! This insightful guide might help you make sense of some of the more confusing books out there. I'd love it if everyone who wrote about Wicca had opinions as considered as Lipp's.