WICCAN BELIEFS & PRACTICES: With Rituals for Solitaries & Covens

Despite the growing number of covens and magickal circles, there is still truth in the sociologist Émile Durkheim's famous 1912 statement that "there is no Church of magic." This is due partly to the idiosyncratic nature of paganism. As Cantrell notes, "Your chosen path in the Old Religion must be one that is uniquely suited to you as an individual and one that lets you speak to the Lord and Lady in your own fashion." A Wiccan high priest, Cantrell offers this volume as a general introduction to the Craft, aimed especially at people working individually ("solitaries") or in small groups. He covers a great deal of ground, from the basics—the ritual calendar and standard spells—to more specialized topics, such as the uncertain practicality of replacing the traditional bound grimoire with a Floppy Disk of Shadows. One chapter offers tips for the physically disabled pagan. Another draws upon the conclusions of his earlier book, Out of the Broom Closet?: A Guide to Revealing Your Practice of Witchcraft to Others, pondering that being identified as a witch "was a death sentence only 200 years ago." As the author himself notes, his work relies heavily on classic texts, and old-timers will find little here that is fresh. But Cantrell's engaging style and good sense make this a fine starting place for the novice practitioner. (May)