Where to Park Your Broomstick: A Teen's Guide to Witchcraft

I bought this book for myself on my 14th birthday while in Chapters with my friends. I had heard of it before, and I looked through it and decided that maybe it was worth buying.It was!Lauren Manoy has absolutely stuffed this clever, funny, very well-researched book with information presented in an entirely unpretentious and easy-to-understand way, WITHOUT, mind, "dumbing things down". Unlike some certain authors who've penned books for teens *coughsilverravenwolf!cough*, Lauren takes care to include plenty of background information about Wicca as a religion (Gerald Gardner is actually mentioned several times in here ... which is unusual, for whatever reason, for 'teen' Wicca & Witchcraft books ... wow!), as well as comparing it to several other religions. You'll find chapters on *deep breath* history, meditation, visualization, sacred space, ritual tools, celebrations, spell craft, divination, devotions, herbalism, Book of Shadows ... and so on. The Appendices contain lots more websites and recommended reading, so readers of her book can go further and get serious with their Wiccan practice rather than hovering in the "fluffy phase". There are quite a selection of spells here, but at LEAST they don't have cutesy cheezified names.Another admirable side of this book is that Lauren stays well clear of slamming Christianity or any other religion the reader might have come from. She encourages teenagers to explore other religious systems rather than attempting to shove Wicca down their throats. There is no talking down to people to be seen (she's young herself -- twenty-four, when she was writing this book, which was published in autumn 2002) anywhere in the text. Even better -- she encourages taking political action and standing up for your religious, and other, rights.The only nitpick is the ... utterly bizarre cover: a...uh...green and purple sky (is the light green supposed to be a huge surreal moon, and the purple the night sky?), for starters. With what looks like a Latina girl having a bad hair day, standing up on a broomstick (doesn't she know that's dangerous? ;-P) holding up a bottle while various items such as cards, ankhs and pieces of herbs fly around her. Oh, and there's a cat with an abnormally long neck sitting on the broomstick with the girl. Guys might not be especially keen on this strange cover picture! But if you can get past that, this book is a must-read.

Lauren Manoy's book "Where To Park Your Broomstick"(Fireside: Simon & Schuster, 2002), is a great book not just for teenagers but for all those new to witchy and pagan paths. Written in a clear and concise style, it provides an essential basic overview of witchy/pagan ethics, history and techniques without being overbearing or condescending. She bring easy yet highly effective magic into everyday life for all, whether inside or outside the broom cupboard; promoting independant research and experimentation: vital skills for a healthy, imaginative pagan mind. What makes this and excellent book for teens is that it encourages communication with their parents - something which can become strained during adolescent years without even mentioning the words: "Hey Mum, I'm a witch!"! It provides good advise to teenagers on how to approach their parents and broach the subject of their faith in a non-confrontational, adult manner. I especially love the "Fuse Your Faith" sections: great advise for everyone who wants to include non-pagan family and friends in their celebration of life. "Where To Park Your Broomstick" is a practical, no-nonsense guide which deserves a place on any witchy teens bookshelf or broom cupboard shelf - whichever the case may be! Lauren's humour makes it a joy to read. I offer my congratulations to you, Lauren, and wish you much luck on your future writing endevours.

"Where to Park Your Broomstick: A Teen's Guide to Witchcraft" is a very straight forward, down-to-earth guide to exploring the craft. The author has a very laid back writing style, which makes even a beginner very comfortable with trying all techniques explained in the book. It has a very simplistic approach to helping one accomplish something that may seem very difficult.From my first day of reading the book, I knew my path would never be the same. It has simply helped me to bring out the best as I venture into incredible realms of my life! I cannot simply thank Lauren Manoy enough for having the courage to write such an awesome book that better guides the young generation on their path. I would recommend it to all who are interested in pursuing their goals further and need guidance as they travel, or just for reading pleasure; I most definitely enjoyed Manoy's humor.

This book teaches you how to be open minded and different creative ways to practive your beliefs to help them be more fun. She includes many body care recipes, spells, rituals, and health recipes. This book makes your Craft more fun than it already is, a major plus in my views. I felt I was learning with a close friend- rather than someone I have never even met. With encouragement to find your path, ways to get started, and personal experiences, this book changed my views on Wicca- in a good way. She made me realize I don't have to stick with one specific path- experiment with what YOU think feels right, and what you believe in. Lauren Manoy changed my life, and for that I thank you, Lauren.

This is an excellent book! It is full of clever ideas, wonderful spells, interesting information, and tips/hints to make you a better person (and Witch!)! This is a wonderful book for the beginning or intermediate Witch. I have been studying Wicca for a few years and I still found this book to be a refreshing look at the Craft from the teen's perspective. Lauren Manoy has done an awesome job on this book and I highly reccoment it!