Encyclopedia of White Magic

If you are lucky enough to find this book, don't pass it by! Although this is a book of Traditional Witchcraft (the Craft before Gardner created his own tradition), and not Wicca, this book can be of great use to either.This is a book of seasonal magick and celebration, not a how-to manual on Witchcraft. Ms. Slade takes you through the celebration of the eight major seasonal holidays, and two more celebrated in her Tradition. (Michaelmas and Midsummer, which she celebrates as a seperate holiday from the summer solstice) For each holiday, she explains the meaning and folklore behind each holiday, magic, animals and herbs associated with it and some of the most beautiful nature photography I've ever seen to set the mood. This is not a book for the newbie Witch. You must already have an understanding of the religion, history and ritual of Witchcraft... especially for the Wiccan student. While most of the lines between Wicca and pre-Gardnerian Witchcraft are blurry or nonexistant, there are a few differences pointed out in this book that can cause some confusion.Over all, I highly recommend this wonderful book... For traditionalists who wish to enrich their practices and for Wiccans to reach a better understanding of the roots of their religion.I found my copy at a close-out bookstore warehouse and I'm still kicking myself in the butt for not having bought an extra copy.