Before You Cast a Spell: Understanding the Power of Magic

by Carl McColman

This book explains the universal laws and principles that form the foundation of magical practice and will help you find the confidence and skill essential not only to writing and casting your own... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1564147169
• ISBN13: 9781564147165
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: New Page Books
• Length: 190 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Preachy, doesn't really explain much.

This book is essentially just Wiccan dogma. The Rede is mentioned over and over again throughout, and while ethics and what impact the energy you send out might have upon you afterward ARE important things to think of when working with magick, I don't think they deserve an entire book devoted to them. The author also references an alleged incident involving a "name-brand witch" and an off-color joke she made at a seminar. I think his mentioning of her was cowardly, especially since he was obviously being venomous about her, but couldn't muster the guts to name her. If the concept she was supposedly putting forth was against Wiccan ethics, he could've come up with a scenario that was similar, but had nothing to do with the "name-brand witch". I bought this book because it was mentioned by a YouTube witch that glowingly praised it. I don't understand the appeal at all, since this book is about the Rede and almost nothing else. I feel like I wasted my money on it...

Essential reading!!!

This is an excellent book. It is written for people who are new to the world of magic, which the book clearly states. However, I've been involved in Wicca since I was 16, and the book raised some really good points for me. Most people who are new to the craft think that it's all about the spells. I made the same mistake when I started, I think most witches do. But it is about so much more!! If you have been in the craft for many years and have been happy and sucessful in it, I guess this book isn't a must buy. However, I think we all could get something out of it. In my opinion it's not at all "fluffy" to make sure that new witches are very clear about the law of return. It's about making choices and taking responsiblity, which the book does a good job of explaining. If you want to cast a spell on the evil slut who stole your boyfriend, I don't think the 3 days will change your mind. But I wonder how much sucess you'd have at it, since it's so negitive. But if you were clear about what you wanted to do and knew about the consqecuense, well, it's on you. I cast only a few spells a year, most are part of Sabbat rituals. I think that this book makes ethics and vaulues and responsibilty really clear, but the final choices are up to you (and the goddess).

The title tells it all

There ARE *very important* things to know *before* you begin any serious spell working. Sadly, what most 'newbie-pagans' only want are the answers. They aren't patient enough, nor perhaps mature or smart enough, to realise that first you have to know how to ask the questions. (I recommend they read Aesop's fable, "The Tortoise and the Hare") The book is well laid out and appropriately informative.

Step one - know what you are doing...

Here is a book for beginners unlike any other. This small, entertaining and easy to read volume has the odd feature of not containing a single spell. Among the sea of Cast-a-Spell variety books that have little or no information in them about the "why" and "why not" of spell casting this book stands out like a diamond surrounded by coal lumps. Mr. McColman quotes an old proverb that says, "Give a man a fish, and you've fed him for a day. Teach him how to fish, and you've helped him feed himself for a lifetime." In a few short chapters, the author explores the ethics of magic in depth, something that is sadly lacking in other Wicca 101 books. He explodes myths generally assumed by a newcomer and replaces the myth with reality. In several chapters he talks about what magic can and cannot do for you. He also explains why ethical magicians do not cast certain types of spells. He explains what magic is, where it comes from and how it works. He carefully explains why some spells work and others simply won't. He talks about spirituality and a path to a magical life. And he talks about ethics, again. The reader is given a strong foundation on which to base their magical work. Mr. McColman will give the most inexperienced Witch the confidence and skill necessary to apply magic to every area of their lives. W. Lyon Martin Author/Illustrator of "An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child"

Really makes you think about what you are doing and why.

This is one of the best books on Wicca and Witchcraft that I have come across yet - and not a spell in it! Wise words of caution and guidance for beginers and long time practioners. If only the writing style were a bit different...

An Essential Overview of Magic!

BEFORE YOU CAST A SPELL is the book every magical practioner needs to read first -- before they make some of the most basic mistakes. I love the way this book so clearly points out the most common myths about magic, and proceeds to explain what magic is really all about. I especially love the way BEFORE YOU CAST A SPELL outlines the differences between magic, meditation, and ritual, and the way it describes how the way you interact with the chakras in your body make a huge difference in what happens in your life. While BEFORE YOU CAST A SPELL doesn't teach how to practice magic, it is clearly the most essential guide book for anyone beginning a walk down the magical path. I give this book my highest recommendation!Cynthia Sue Larson-- author of "Aura Advantage: How the Colors in Your Aura Can Help You Attain What You Desire and Attract Success"