Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation

By Silver RavenWolf

Book Overview

The iconic bestseller that inspired more than 350,000 new witches--and still does--now updated for 2025.

With a new introduction and a foreword by Mat Auryn, this comprehensive classic has everything that a beginning witch could want. Silver RavenWolf presents a magickal cookbook, encyclopedia, dictionary, and grimoire all in one impressive tome. The book is organized into five easy to navigate categories, including:

Shadows of Religion and Mystery Shadows of Objects Shadows of Expertise and Proficiency Shadows of Magick and Enchantment Shadows of Daily Life

This updated edition of Solitary Witch presents a thorough understanding of magick's development in the Western world, the evolution of Wicca as a religion, the theory and practice of both ritual and folk magick, and the spiritual depth of modern Witchcraft.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B007CLMKOE
• ISBN13: 9780738703190
• Release Date: February 2003
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
• Length: 608 Pages
• Weight: 2.83 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 8.0" x 9.9"
• Age Range: 14 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 9 to 12

Customer Reviews

Any questions you may have about this book. I bet the answers are in it.

I am obsessed with it. I've had my eye on it for a while now and never got the chance to read it. Now I can't put it down.

This non-wiccan Pagan dyke loved the book.

I loved the book. Not because I agreed with everything. Not because she wrote everything the way I would have written it. Not because I found every single page useful and relevant. Because I didn't. It is a HUGe book that covers alot of interesting topics. I am really surprised how many bad reviews and angry reviewers there are. Jeez folks lets use our energy to do something positive. Do you really believe Silver is doing more harm than good for young pagans? Things I didn't like were hetero god/goddess focus that almost every neo-pagan book seems to have. Directions for spellwork instead of formulas (although honestly she put in enough information about moon cylces/corresponding days colors ect that people could do this themselves. And lastly the christian references at times turned me off. BUT overall I loved the book she writes things in a clear easy to read/understand manner. I think if you can afford only one book right now to expand your collection this should be it.

All the Basics There are to Know Pressed Between Two Covers

Silver RavenWolf seems to be either loved or reviled. I think perhaps the reviling is based on jealousy. Silver has produced many books that have helped others get a toehold in Witchcraft with books that are easy to read and practical. Solitary Witch is a huge undertaking. Silver explains difficult concepts, addresses the needs of the Solitaire, and provides detailed rituals and explanations that should be useful to anyone who has an interest in Witchcraft but either has to work alone or prefers to. Get over the fact that Silver has been a successful writer about the religion she loves. That's not a crime, you know. Cover up her name if you must and open your mind long enough to take an objective look at what a wonderful resource she has created. I believe this book will still be being used when all of us are dead and gone. "Hi Ho, Silver!!!"

The Ulimate Book of Modern Witchcract

If you are on a budget, or simply don't want to purchase dozens of books on the Craft, this is the book for you! A modern Solitary Witch can practice for a lifetime with only this book for guidance. While I believe that one should read everything one can get on any subject of interest, this book will be my primary source from here on.Let me first say that I have long been a fan of this authors practical, down to earth and open sharing of her practice and experience. I find those who refer to her books in a negative way are usually those who resent her success and her openess in sharing what some would like to use to boost thier own ego by wanting others to think that the practice of the craft is some deep dark secret know only to them and their trad or group.As for me, I will be selling many of the books I have accumulated over many years of practice as a Solitary Witch, as I will be using the spells and rituals in this book instead of digging through a dozen books to find just what I'm looking for. For the record, I am a dedicated servant of the Freya, and I find no conflict with this Wiccan based book and my practice of the Northern Tradition. While I personally could do without reference to Angels and Christian Witchcraft, (I believe Christians can indeed practice a powerful form of magick in the ceremonial tradition, but one cannot be Wiccan AND Christian.), it should be no problem for the readers of this book. Just use what you like, and skip what you don't want. There's such an abundance of information here, that you can easily skip a little and still have more than enough.There is a chapter devoted to the young witch or wizard. If you are a Crone, like myself, don't skip this chapter. Who but us will bring along the next generation? We need to know what is important and practical for the Teen Witch so that we can be better and wiser teachers.Well done, Silver Raven Wolf

I Love This Book

I'm a practicing teenage wiccan who got her start when given Teen Witch by Silver Ravenwolf. I have to say that 4 years and many books later Teen Witch has finally fallen to second place on my list of great additions to a witch's library, but only because Solitary Witch has taken first. This BOS is absolutely glorious. It's true that it's not the best resource for actual spells, but it's jam packed with other information. I mean, this book has background on EVERYTHING. It's wonderful for info on circle casting and rituals, astrology, auras, herbs, stones, elements, runes, healing, tarot, and so much more. I highly recommend you buy this. It's true that Silver does "dumb things down" but I have to say that I've been frustrated with other books when they didn't. I have never been frustrated by Silver's books. This is a perfect stepping stone if nothing else. Great for beginners. I think it's safe to say that you won't regret this purchase.

Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows....

INDEED! This is the ULTIMATE book of shadows! It is comprehensive, in depth and gives one profound insight into The Craft. Silver writes with her usual humor, sincerity and groundedness. As a purveyor of many different "Books of Shadows", and other Pagan and Wiccan authors, I give this one a A++. She goes into depth on many, mnay subjects related to the Craft. It is deep, yet understandable and not at all "wu-wu." The only thing I can't understand is why people think it's mainly for the younger generation. I'm 51 and very well read and I found this masterpiece truly enlightening!Many thanks, kudos and blessings to Silver for helping us all on our individual and sometimes lonely paths!Sincerely,Moonrose (Kathleen Wilson)