Healing Traditions & Spiritual Practices of Wicca

This was the first book I read about Wicca. It's OK for someone who knows nothing about Wiccan holidays etc., The problem was that at some point it started to be boring, it starts to be all about Herbalism - with charts and lists. If you are interested in Herbalism - this is a good book for starting off. It didn't live up to it's title.

When I purchased this book it was as a seeker relatively new to witchcraft. I wasn't really interested in the religious aspects of the craft and wanted a better understanding of Wicca and its practice. It was difficult for me to find comprehensive reading material accessable to a non-Wiccan. This book met that need. I highly suggest reading it if you are new to Wicca. Michaud is not a romantic writer, as many Wiccan authors seem to be. As such, this book was a great relief to me. She provides you with a very good analysis of witchcraft in this book without an overemphasis on ritual. Buy it.

Finally a new book on Wicca that is not only worth putting in the bookshelf but also as a recommendation to those just starting out on the path. The author does a glorious thing by not following the thread of the more popular publisher- she does not exploit the magickal side of Wicca over the religious side. Excellent information in a friendly-to-read format!

After spending a lot of time at her website I was happy to see her put forth the same careing effort in her book. Easy to read, with great information and put in such a way that anyone can understand.

After reading this book I will say that I find it both informative and entertaining. It is easy to dump facts on readers but that can be like eating dry crackers, this book, though informative does not do that. This book reads very 'personal' (I can imagine the person behind the words) but 'open' enough that I felt I could apply the facts to my own beliefs and form my own interpretation. Though she does express personal opinion at times it is done in a diplomatic fashion by which one could not imagine any but the most closed minded followers of strict monotheistic religions being in any way 'offended'. Those types often feel anger at those who pose logical alternatives to the dogmas they follow anyway. At times the book seems a bit vague in that there are so many differant topics covered in a short volume but I think it is a good approach as it makes the reader want to learn more about the different areas covered. I believe this book will do well because it does not try to 'force feed' readers Wiccan beliefs or opinions, but instead gives practicality to the Wiccan way of life by showing that it is based on the reality in which we all live and that the 'magick' is not for 'show' but to do positive things like improve upon the health of yourself or others as well as respect for the planet on which we must live together. This book does not say you should convert to the Wiccan way of thinking it just offers a 'what and why' to any who are fortunate enough to allow themselves to be enlightened. Bright Blessings S. +->