Wiccan Mysteries: Ancient Origins & Teachings

This book is a thoughtful and detailed examination of the basic themes one finds incorporated into modern Wicca. The focus of this work details how the various elements found in modern Wicca also appear in many ancient civilizations, particularly Greece, Etruria, and Rome. It is the author's opinion that many pagan elements associated with modern Wicca were introduced, or at the very least influenced, by the Romans as they expanded into lands formerly held by the Celts. This is not an unreasonable theory, especially when one considers that Celtic lands were held by Rome for over 200 years.Unlike many modern writers, Grimassi does not avoid controversial material such as the theories of Margaret Murray. Despite those things worthy of discredit in Murray's thesis, there still remains a "core of truth" in her material, as was noted by the respected historian Carlo Ginzburg. Regarding Murray's claims, it is worthy of note to include a statement by historian Gustav Henningsen, in Early Modern European Witchcraft, that there existed in Sicily a "particularly archaic form of Witch-belief, almost identical with the 'witch-cult' that Margaret Murray attempted to demonstrate."Some reviewers here, who apparently took little time other than to skim read this book, have tried to paint Grimassi as alternating between grasping at straws and demonstrating episodes of a self-congratulatory nature. Nothing could be further from the truth. This book is very well researched and supported by the quoted works of many highly respected historians and folklorists. Curiously the critics of this book have conveniently failed to mention these authorities but have instead elected to address only the controversial ones. One reviewer here claims that the Wiccan Mysteries is not the type of book the neo-pagan community wants. However, since this book is in its 5th printing and has won several awards, I think this speaks of the book's popularity and wide acceptance by the community.If you're tired of poorly researched books, and the "traditions-of-the-month" variety, then you owe it to yourself to read this book. One word of caution though, this book needs to be read more than once to fully comprehend it. This is not the typical light and fluffy Wicca book.

This book contains everything you could ever want to know about the whys and wheres of Wiccan origins. If you are looking for cute spells and another book on doing Wicca your own way, this is not it. However, if you are open minded enough to realize that Wicca has been around for more than the last 50 years, you will find a rich and enlightening look at the origins and historical perspective behind the Craft. The Mysteries that this book reveals are nothing more than the origins of the basic tenets and beliefs that modern Wicca is built on. This book is a great companion to the lighter "handbook" style writings that were prevalent in the 80's. Many people seem to think that Grimassi is too preachy and is trying to reaffirm the Gardnerian and/or Alexandrian traditions. A careful read of this book will show that these traditions were structured more closely within the lines of the ancient beliefs and were not based on an eclectic gathering of permissive views. Grimassi is not trying to promote or denounce a particular traditional view, but show the origins of the belief system that became modern Wicca. As he puts it, "Wicca is like a tree,...the old Wiccan ways represent the roots. Neo-Wiccan traditions are like the blossoms...in the spring."

This carefully crafted book (pun intended) is an awesome text that requires at least a second read through each chapter to fully understand its wonders. Some readers may miss the secrets revealed within this book, and for those people I would offer that no mystery is closed to an open mind.Grimassi writes with the knowledge and experience accumulated during his practice, spanning over some 25 years. This book may be uncomfortable for readers who are insecure in their own understandings of Wicca and are afraid of anything that does not conform to their own personal views. It will be particularly difficult for those readers who are heavily saddled with their own personal agenda. Yes, Grimassi writings do expertly challenge our understandings, but without this it is all too easy for us to cling to our current understandings. But the way of the Mysteries is not to teach us what we already believe we know, but instead to point to the difficult path of rising above our own perceptions. Initiation itself is such a challenge. And this book, written by a well-respected award winning author, is the ideal text to carry with us as we enter the Labyrinth.

This is a book on the history and spiritual legacy of ancient pre-Christian religions and their impact on the evolution towards modern Wicca. It is written from the perspective of a long practicing Witch and artfully presents a fascinating micro-history. Modern scholars draw their conclusions concerning Witchcraft largely from material contained in trial transcripts and from writings by various monks and other Church agents who wrote about demonology and satanic worship. The problem with this "official" history of Witchcraft is that few if any people convicted of Witchcraft were actually witches. Therefore the information extracted from them cannot realistically be viewed as representative of the beliefs and practices of Witchcraft. And yet, this information is what scholars use to "prove" the non-existence of Witchcraft as having any credible relationship to the ways of modern Wicca.As a contrast to the Judaic-Christian history of Witchcraft, Grimassi offers the views of those who actually practice the religion of Witchcraft. As Grimassi points out in the introduction he is an initiate of several Witchcraft traditions, and therefore draws from the common elements contained within all of them to reconstruct the tenets of the ancient Mystery Traditions that influenced the evolution of Witchcraft.But the focus of this book is not on history, it's on the spiritual and religious beliefs in modern Wicca and the ancient concepts that contributed to them. Several reviewers have expressed serious questions about many of Grimassi's historical references while at the same time complaining that Grimassi offers no historical support at all. This seems to reflect some personal agenda rather than an authentic criticism of this author's work. If you're genuinely interested in the magick, religion, and spiritually of modern Wiccans and Witches, then buy this book.