Witchcraft: Theory and Practice

by Lore de Angeles

Book Overview

Are you ready to open yourself to the divine powers in order to bring beauty into your life, happiness to your heart, and strength to your will? Then you'll want to get Witchcraft: Theory and Practice by Ly de Angeles. With more than three decades of experience she has learned how to bring the teachings alive, combining modern with ancient, so you can better understand the true potential and depth of Witchcraft.

Within the pages of this...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 156718782X
• ISBN13: 9781567187823
• Release Date: November 2000
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

I didn't like this book. Was really let down by all the dumbest things written on this book. It's u

It's a well made book, but just terrible read. Just not worth the time or the price. I will definitely not buy any of this again

Beautiful,honest & informative...

This is a beautifully written book,full of rich poetry & a treasure trove of information that is useful for anyone intrested in the craft. Ly has a wonderful gift for delivering information without any kind of sugar coating,egotism,or bull s**t that is so commonly found in witchcraft/wicca books these days! She gets right to the point with no beating about the bush...she writes more in the style of how books about witchcraft were written before it became "cool" , "trendy" or "fun for teens" & so on.... If you are a beginner reading this book,I would say most definitely go ahead,you will learn a lot about the beauty & simplicity of the craft...however,some of the spells may be too advanced for immediate practice (Ly talks about shapeshifting as if it were the easiest thing in the world!).....rather,learn what becomes clear to you on the first read,then continue your research however else you choose to & come back to the book whenever you feel drawn to it.(I find that happens a lot!) As you become more advanced in your skills,the spells will become easier to understand. I highly recommend adding this wonderfully inspiring & empowering book to any collection,or indeed to begin your studies with what I believe to be one of the most straightforward & beautifully written books on witchcraft available today.

BEAUTIFUL, RICH, DELICIOUS

Like good poetry, this book is one to return to over and over again, as each reading yields more meaning not previously gleaned. It does not lay everything out in prosaic terms (as do most Wicca books nowadays), thus leaving the revelation of a lot of knowledge and wisdom up to the reader's psychic expansion. The book's ability to expand along with the reader's growth is a rare quality which so few writers (writing on the same general subject) are able to accomplish. This book calls to one who is drawn to the beauty of mystery. Definitely not for those drawn to the Craft by the gung-ho exhortations of teen wicca books, which for me do not accord the Craft with the proper dignity and degree of seriousness. And contrary to what an earlier review claims, the author does not contradict herself in providing for self-initiation while saying that Witchcraft is in the blood. As she said, one would KNOW('knowing' --- 'wise ones', right?). The self-initiation is a rite with certain consequences, not one of which is the 'creation' of a Witch. Rather, it is more in the concept of setting out on the path that is open to one by virtue of his/her being innately a Witch. I hope the author publishes a new book soon. Hers is a voice that is not carried by the breath of fresh morning air, but by the drafts occasionally echoing through deep, dark caves, issuing from an even deeper source.

Good book...

I found this book to be a refreshing change from the typical books on Witchcraft published over the last 5 years. How many times will authors rewrite Cunningham's and Buckland's works? At any rate, this book is very well written. If I had one complaint is that the author has a VERY good command of the English language and pulls no punches in using it. Not that that's a bad thing but I found myself pulling my dictionary out once or twice while reading it (and stumping me on a word is no small feat). If you're an experienced practitioner of the craft and looking for something that goes beyond your typical "this is Witchcraft" book, this one's for you. I'm glad I bought it...

Definitely in my top ten

Witchcraft: Theory and Practice is actually an expanded version of a book the author wrote as a primer over a decade ago. That book was one of the first that I read on the Path and I am glad to see that it has been expanded. The author stresses the seriousnes of comitting oneself to the Old Religion in a way that makes you understand that this is not a game. There is an entire section devoted to self exploration, including a Book of Elements to help you find an order in those sometimes chaotic personality traits. The work serves as a caveat that the first step taken on the Path is one you can never take back. The first section of the book focuses on fundamentals: self exploration, meditation and visualisation skills, and basic grounding in the thought process of an occultist and Witch. Section two is ritual and religious instruction, and the third part is a collection of unique spells. Kabbalah informs much of the work, although I'm certain many Kabbalists would object to the author's interpretation. There is a series of guided journeys designed to open up understanding of the Spheres for the reader. Finally, the most impressive aspect of this book is its poetic nature. Angeles clearly has the soul of a poet in her, which is far more important, in my opinion, than endless lists of tools and correspondences. Her language drips with imagery, and takes the reader into the realm of the Witch the way few books do. This is a brilliant work. Truly a book one would save if they had to pick their prized possesions on the way out of a burning building.

Return of the "art"

So many new age books on witchcraft and the wiccan beliefs somehow lose something along the path to completion. Not so with this work, it is at once complex and simple. This book will provoke thoughts from both those new, and old to this way of life. If you are just starting out, be ready, this book will demand you THINK, give you some very important tools, but more important, guide you so that YOU learn to use them. If you are one old in knowledge - read with an open mind and remember the night that you rode to the sea, danced under the moon, embraced the flames, or whatever that moment was for you. This is a book I think few who study this way (and aren't we all perpetually "studying" our chosen way?), will not expand from. I found it touching me in ways most only wish to.