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A review by toastx2
Wicca Practical Magic: Getting Started with Magical Herbs, Oils, and Crystals by Patti Wigington
3.0
Wicca Practical Magic: Not about the movie (which I loooooved)
I am not a Wiccan, but I have some tendencies, enough that I accepted a free copy of this book to review. I learned long ago that there is an incredible amount of power in belief alone, so my lack there of should not be a quanitifier of fact or proof.
Growing up in a region with a strong religious presence, I dabbled in anything NOT the norm where I lived. I spent some evenings at the Krishna temple, did some research on Catholicism, and was also a passenger on the Wiccan train. The latter, as you know from the title of this review, is where the emphasis of this review will reside.
I find that people deny the overlap between their beliefs and those of other religions. Ditto where science is concerned. Belief and science are often loving bed partners. For example, In science, we know that the right resonant frequency combined with aerodynamic ‘Flutter’ can shake a bridge to pieces. So why is it negatively reflected when a religion has belief in rocks that react to frequencies or influence humans? Closed minded silliness.
Wicca Practical Magic: The Guide to Get Started with Magical Herbs, Oils, and Crystals (Patti Wigington)
Does spellwork, candle magic, or potions work? I never had much luck with my own tests, but I could never bake a wedding cake, or remove an appendix either. I leave those things to experts and people with a passion I lack. I do believe that mindful meditation should be taught in every school on the planet. Cut out the religion, and just help people center themselves and become more cognizant of self.
Quick Gripe:
Some lawyer placed a disclaimer in the copyright section touting that this book stands by itself in support of it’s contents. This just pisses me off. The same statement would never be placed in a Bible or a Vegan cookbook, or physics overview.. Was it a joyless reminder of social views? Or to cover their bases when a crackpot decides to exclusively self medicate?
About the book:
WPM is built and formatted like a classic field guide. Instead of birds or wilderness training, it presents sections on History, natural ingredients, usage, and even mindful meditation.
Beginning with the history of general Pagan beliefs, Polytheistic lifestyles and fundemental Wiccan info, the space alloted for history can only gloss over the depth of knowledge available. While fascinating, this is a one shot history lesson with minimal repeat value. This section is more likely to drive you down some wikipedia rabbit holes looking for deeper info on topics loosely touched on.
More fascinating was the breakout field guide sections disclosing herbs and plants. The book dictates their use in the creation of potions and ceremony, but more importantly, the disclosure of general herbal info. For example: While touted benefits may exist for things like Basil oil, it can have stimulant effects and pregnant women should be aware of as it can cause contra-indications. Sensible knowledge to share.
Oils and tinctures are discussed with Wicca specific perspective. I am a hardwired disbeliever of oil therapy right up until it benefits me, making it difficult to deny effect. I scoff under my breath until I am in a high priced mall and find peppermint lotions designed to remove headaches; get a bad allergy attack and my wife shares a concoction with me that immediately diminishes the symptoms; experience a bout of gout which gets temporary relief by a mixture of oils I would never think of.
Full circle, the guide returns to crystals used for theraputic and magical value. While the magical aspect is not in my realm of belief, I do believe in resonance of objects and was fascinated by the details contained.
I only glanced over the sections in spellwork and ritual. I have learned over the years that I only have a tourists interest in those topics.
From a field guide perspective, this book can act as a solid primer for anyone looking to begin investigation into Wicca (or looking for an easy reference guide). It is even priced appropriately to not break the bank.
—
Disclosure: This book was provided by the author or publisher for review purposes. I may not be a religious person, but I am a zealot for honestly shared perspectives.
I am not a Wiccan, but I have some tendencies, enough that I accepted a free copy of this book to review. I learned long ago that there is an incredible amount of power in belief alone, so my lack there of should not be a quanitifier of fact or proof.
Growing up in a region with a strong religious presence, I dabbled in anything NOT the norm where I lived. I spent some evenings at the Krishna temple, did some research on Catholicism, and was also a passenger on the Wiccan train. The latter, as you know from the title of this review, is where the emphasis of this review will reside.
I find that people deny the overlap between their beliefs and those of other religions. Ditto where science is concerned. Belief and science are often loving bed partners. For example, In science, we know that the right resonant frequency combined with aerodynamic ‘Flutter’ can shake a bridge to pieces. So why is it negatively reflected when a religion has belief in rocks that react to frequencies or influence humans? Closed minded silliness.
Wicca Practical Magic: The Guide to Get Started with Magical Herbs, Oils, and Crystals (Patti Wigington)
Does spellwork, candle magic, or potions work? I never had much luck with my own tests, but I could never bake a wedding cake, or remove an appendix either. I leave those things to experts and people with a passion I lack. I do believe that mindful meditation should be taught in every school on the planet. Cut out the religion, and just help people center themselves and become more cognizant of self.
Quick Gripe:
Some lawyer placed a disclaimer in the copyright section touting that this book stands by itself in support of it’s contents. This just pisses me off. The same statement would never be placed in a Bible or a Vegan cookbook, or physics overview.. Was it a joyless reminder of social views? Or to cover their bases when a crackpot decides to exclusively self medicate?
About the book:
WPM is built and formatted like a classic field guide. Instead of birds or wilderness training, it presents sections on History, natural ingredients, usage, and even mindful meditation.
Beginning with the history of general Pagan beliefs, Polytheistic lifestyles and fundemental Wiccan info, the space alloted for history can only gloss over the depth of knowledge available. While fascinating, this is a one shot history lesson with minimal repeat value. This section is more likely to drive you down some wikipedia rabbit holes looking for deeper info on topics loosely touched on.
More fascinating was the breakout field guide sections disclosing herbs and plants. The book dictates their use in the creation of potions and ceremony, but more importantly, the disclosure of general herbal info. For example: While touted benefits may exist for things like Basil oil, it can have stimulant effects and pregnant women should be aware of as it can cause contra-indications. Sensible knowledge to share.
Oils and tinctures are discussed with Wicca specific perspective. I am a hardwired disbeliever of oil therapy right up until it benefits me, making it difficult to deny effect. I scoff under my breath until I am in a high priced mall and find peppermint lotions designed to remove headaches; get a bad allergy attack and my wife shares a concoction with me that immediately diminishes the symptoms; experience a bout of gout which gets temporary relief by a mixture of oils I would never think of.
Full circle, the guide returns to crystals used for theraputic and magical value. While the magical aspect is not in my realm of belief, I do believe in resonance of objects and was fascinated by the details contained.
I only glanced over the sections in spellwork and ritual. I have learned over the years that I only have a tourists interest in those topics.
From a field guide perspective, this book can act as a solid primer for anyone looking to begin investigation into Wicca (or looking for an easy reference guide). It is even priced appropriately to not break the bank.
—
Disclosure: This book was provided by the author or publisher for review purposes. I may not be a religious person, but I am a zealot for honestly shared perspectives.