Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft (Llewellyn's Practical Magick)

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 368 pages
• Published by: Llewellyn Publications
• Edition: 2nd Edition September 1, 2002
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0875420508
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0875420509
• Book Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.4 x 0.8 inches
• Weighs: 12.8 ounces

Product Review
This 1986 classic is not only an great introduction to the Wiccan religion and earth-based religions in general, it's also a workbook that can take the serious student to the equivalent level of third-degree Gardnerian. Though Raymond Buckland was a student of the late great Gerald Gardner, this manual does not adhere to a specific branch or denomination of witchcraft, but rather seeks to teach the elements and philosophies common to all, whether Celtic, Saxon, Finnish, or what have you. Buckland is credited with bringing the "old religion" to the U.S., and covens and solitary witches practicing the craft in the U.S. today have him to thank for getting it out of the closet. While Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft is a must-have for any serious Wiccan practitioner, it is full of down-to-earth spiritual wisdom, which makes it a wonderful addition to the library of any broadminded seeker on the path toward the One. --P. Randall Cohan

Book Description
Here is the most complete self-study course in modern Wicca available, written by the human being who first went public with "The Old Religion" in the United States. For group or solitary use, it includes rituals; exercises for developing psychic talents; information on all major "sects" of the Craft; sections on tools, beliefs, dreams, meditations, divination, herbal lore, healing, ritual clothing; and much, much more.

Even those who have practiced Wicca for years find useful information in Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, and many covens are using it as their textbook. Profusely illustrated and full of music and chants.

Reader Reviews
Although Ray Buckland's book lacks a lot of information on the spiritual side of Wicca it is a great reference book. Although very Gardnerian and coven based, the rituals can be easily adapted to fit the solitary practitioner who is of a different tradition. I wouldn't recommend this book for those just starting, but for those that are more familiar with the basics and have had some prior exposure to Witchcraft. I suggest starting out with Scott Cunningham's "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner." If interested in Alexandrian or Gardnerian Wicca, then move on to Silver Ravenwolf, this book, and then try the books by the Farrars. One downside to the book was the quizzes. The quizzes were a bit knit-picky, but they at least helped get some of the information across to the reader. As others have mentioned, Buckland does quote himself quite often, but usually these quotes are in the margin and if they don't reenforce and idea, they at least make for a good laugh. I will give Buckland a lot of credit for not "dumbing-down" the material for the average 13 year old as some writers have. Wiccan books don't always have to be written for the teenager and I'm glad Buckland maintained a writing proficiency level that agrees with most adults. Although not a "complete" book, it is a good starting point for many subjects like talismans, tarot, astrology, and herbalism. Overall, a great book. I recommend it to any student of Wicca, particularly ones interested in Gardnerian and like traditions. Comment | | (Report this)