Witch's Guide to Life

While at first glance it may look like another hokey teen witch book of spells, I was pleasantly surprised to find it one of the best introductions to witchcraft I have come across. She dispenses with the simplistic fluffy formulas for fixing the tribulations of adolescence in favor of a genuinely honest overview of contemporary witchcraft. (no plastic wrapped spells for getting a hot boyfriend, or curing teen angst with pretty crystals) Instead she presents a philosophy and thealogy that really struck a chord in me: a 38 year old cynic. So many writers of beginner witchcraft books come across as flaky. Kala, on the other hand, is definitely a "hip witch". And, as such, she addresses many serious concerns such as drugs and suicide not found in other books. Witchcraft for real people. This is one of the few basic witchcraft books that I will unhesitatingly recommend to those who are skeptical about witchcraft or cynical about religion in general, yet wish to learn what it is all about.

Thank you, Kala. This is one of the most incredible books I have ever read in my life. You are a true Witch, living the path every moment as it's meant to be. Everyone interested in the Craft on a *deeper* level than the basics, must get this book. It has it all.. and more. This is not a 101.. nor is it a 202 or 303.. It's not a training manual, it's a LifeBook.. it applies ones spiritual Path, which is often dilluted these days by mundanaeity, to everyday life--GROUNDED in Reality. If you are daring to see the underlying truths existing all around you.. and questioning all that you are and all you do in the name of your Path, you must invest in this work of art. It's a gem and continues to be one of the most influential works in my Library and in my Life. Cheers! ~Colin Smith (OakRaven)~

I have been a witch for 14 years and have a problem finding books that are just not a big repeat of ones already purchased. I can highly recommend this book though for new to the craft as well as old. Yes, it covers the usual, but at the same time it is new and refreshing. However, it does cover more intense and topics that are usually not touched on in novice books (such as the Qabbalah) I am pleased to have added this to my own library!

I wasn't sure how I would take this book at first, as it seems packaged for teens and I thought it might be another `Basic Wicca' book. After the first few pages though I felt the author's sincerity shine through and by the time I got to the section `Karma Drama' I was hooked. The best sections are `The Witch and Mental Health' and the part on eating disorders had an especial impact for me. After reading it, as somebody who's suffered from anorexia for the past 2 and a half years, I realized a lot about what these things do to the body and spirit. Not anything I didn't really know inside me already but it's good to see it written down, and in a `Witchcraft' context. More books need to be like this and address the issues many of us have to go through in life at some point. The author doesn't pretend to give any `cures' but she does us a favor by recognizing the facts. She also discusses them in a magickal way. She explains that these things are karmic issues which means they can be positively approached as `learning' processes, perhaps related to other lives as well as to childhood issues, and gives ideas for aiding self-improvement.There is a lot more in the book, it goes on and on, with much knowledge presented on many different subjects. It gets less `personal' as the book goes on, but the first section is very directly aimed at street-level, talking about drugs and drink and depression and other subjects that aren't discussed in other books on the subject that I know of. I found it a good start and when I knew she was on my wavelength I could just get on with the rest of the book! It is big, not a `read thro' but more of a dipper, could last you many years to read!!! I would recommend this book to anybody who isn't perfect, but who is trying to do there best in a 9-5 world, using magick when possible, but basically having to be a *normal* person and live in this world while believing in other things. It also goes into a lot of detail for people who want to dig further into spells and history of Wicca and biographies of magicians & occultists, but its real strength and attraction lies in the first chapters `Philosophy and Ethics'.

Finally a witchcraft book that discusses topics and philosophies beyond the basic Wicca 101. Though there is a lot of 101 material here for the beginner, from spell casting, correspondences and history, it all seems fresh when immersed with some very nontraditional material. Kala Trobe probes all aspects of modern living when looking at things from a witch's perspective. Though she has great suggestions and ideas, never does she suggest she has all the answers, particularly around topics such as health, food, drugs, alcohol, karma, mood swings, jobs, relationships and sex. She encourages the witch to make educated balanced decisions that are correct for the individual. She also encourages the reader to reach out and create the next traditions of magick. She emphasizes spirituality, which is sadly lacking in most Wicca books. The section on teachers and students, and her own experiences with a teacher, is a must read for young witches looking for teachers. It covers some usual topics such as auras, chakras and tarot, but with really comprehensive research and great new twists. The sections on the shape of the aura was new to me, and very enlightening. There's a lot of Qabalistic references throughout the book, which might intimidate some, but its presented in a very easy to understand way, and a comprehensive glossary. Trobe has other experts contribute short sections to their areas of expertise, particularly the health section on exercise was very interesting, though I found myself missing her wonderful tone in those sections. The history and section of biographies is amazing. Trobe is one of the few witchcraft authors to truly appreciate and articulate the tremendous influence the esoteric revival of the Theosophical Society, Alice Bailey and the various members of the Golden Dawn and associated groups have had on witchcraft. All in all, A Witch's Guide is a very honest, comprehensive look at life topics from a smart, hip witch who actually practices what she teaches and encourages others to find their own path in a safe, sane and magical way. A great read for both beginning witches who want some solid philisophical ideas on the craft and where its been and where its going, and for long time witches who want to see things in a new light. I know i did.