Wicca for Beginners: Fundamentals of Philosophy & Practice

I have been exploring different religions for some time now. I have been having trouble finding anything that did not contradict things that I felt were fundamentally true about the universe and about life. I was reluctant to pick up Wicca because my husband was raised Catholic and his whole family is very religious. This is a fabulous book! And I have found my true religion. The ideas of Wicca coincide with what I have always felt. This book is truly a wonderful resource. It is informative in a gentle way. There is not a lot of bibitty bobbity boo, just good old fashioned facts. The meditation exercises are wonderful. Now, as long as I don't talk about this near my husband and his family, all will be well.

As a new Wiccan with my only pagan friend hundreds of miles away, I was searching for something to help answer many questions I had. Was I on the right path? Did I truly understand where I was going? Something made me click the link to this book and I'm glad I did. I bought the book based on the previous good reviews, and it paid off for me. Thea Sabin starts the book with a wonderful introduction into the history of Wicca. Bits of humor are littered among the facts, keeping it from being too dry (hey, history is boring to me). From there she goes into a full chapter on the principles and ethics...topped off with a great section of "What Wicca is NOT". I appreciated the first two chapters and the scope of what they covered. She made sure to point out that everyone's path is unique and that while you may not practice everything mentioned, it is important to know about it. By the end of the second chapter so many of my questions were answered I was eager to read on. The exercises she gives to help you along are fun and challenging, working your magical muscles in an effective way. For me this book was a great start, and a wonderful accompaniment to the aide of friendship I have in my pagan friend so far away.

As a teacher of Wicca for many years, I'm always looking for better materials to use for training. I am grateful to Ms. Sabin for providing what will undoubtedly be the introductory book I will recommend for the foreseeable future. She presents the basics without pushing any given path or tradition, often presenting varying interpretations and viewpoints in a non-judgemental manner. This is a solid foundation for seekers to use as a springboard to whatever flavor of Wicca they choose to explore. I appreciate that she addresses ethics within Wicca, which many authors seem to avoid, or present in a highly simplistic manner. The book is clearly meant for beginners, hence the title, and is possibly the best overall introduction I have yet seen.

As a Buddhist with Wiccan tendencies, I found that Sabin's thoroughly engaging, witty, non-threatening introduction to earth-based spirituality was just the ticket to satisfy a lifelong curiosity and a nagging sense that modernity and monotheistic religions are strangling our collective connection to the Divine in its feminine and masculine totality. The historical context, the DIY common sense and the conversational style reveal a mystical writer with an academic's intellect and a believer's heart. I've actually used some of the protective skills and guided imagery, and I think that as I become more comfortable with my own skin, I'll explore her teachings in more depth. I highly recommend it.