Spirit of the Witch: Religion & Spirituality in Contemporary Witchcraft

Although there’s some good material about modern Wicca as a religion - this book starts with one of those “history of witchcraft” chapters that give llewellyn worldwide its bad wrap. It’s sort of a collection of random and unrelated facts that when placed together seem to mean something but they don’t mean when the author implies when pulled apart and researched separately. This trend was very popular in books on Wicca in the 80’s and 90’s but most contemporary readers want to find something a bit more focused and linear.I would have loved to have found this book when I was just starting out twenty years ago, but I sadly don’t think it’s worth the five stars most people give it, which is too bad as I really enjoyed Raven’s “thorn blooded witch” and a few others.Also, like I said, there are some good chapters on contemporary goddess worship. Unfortunately I’m neither a duotheist nor goddess monotheist so this book was simply not useful for me.

The title of this book is "Spirit of the Witch, Religion and Spirituality in Contemporary Witchcraft" written by Mr. Raven Grimassi. No doubt, it is a very impressive title, isn't it? I expected the good explanation(s) of the spirit of the witch in the "contemporary" witchcraft; however it is not about that. First of all, the author was confused by the term "contemporary"; this book is about the Wicca and nothing else. Contemporary would include all other traditions and the paths currently available in the witchcraft all over the world, but unfortunately it is not. In the chapter number one the author is explained the "old ways"...well that is not related and successfully done since Mr. Grimassi probably heard only for British Isle traditions, a little bit about some southern traditions in Europe and that is it. The author of the book was struggled to explain the witchcraft as a religion. The witchcraft was never a religion unless he is talking about Wicca. There is no clear theological concept in the Witchcraft at least not a unique, clear and original concept. If you read the book carefully then you will realized that he is talking about Wicca and nothing else. Mostly, he is using model of the Greek Pantheon to explain some general aspects of the witchcraft and he does not pay attention on the wide panel of traditions and paths since he tried to discuss the religion and spirituality in CONTEMPORARY witchcraft. Contemporary means the currently available paths and traditions, living, practicing, and existing NOW. For example, there are no comments or any information related to Slavic Witchcraft, Gypsy Witchcraft, African traditions and paths... there are missing a numerous traditions and paths currently available in the world. Thus, this is not objective review on the contemporary witchcraft as well as religious aspect and spirituality. The author is using Wiccan Sabbaths to explain religious aspect of the "contemporary witchcraft", where? here in the U.S.A. or England or Europe, obviously it is not Europe, it is about Wicca. There is nothing wrong with that, however, it would be beneficial for readers to know that this is about witchcraft and the witches in the Wicca religion and not about "contemporary witchcraft" what should cover many many... different traditions and paths and not only Wicca. Thus, be very careful what you are buying, read the reviews prior to purchase, think and say loudly what you expect from the title "Spirit of the Witch, Religion and Spirituality in Contemporary Witchcraft". Do you want to read the aspect of the spirit of the witch from the Wiccan prospective or you are the witch in some tradition what does not belong in the Wicca aspect. Save your money...I was inpatient and I spent money for something I did not want to read, at least it was not necessary purchase. This is not a contemporary witchcraft, and there is no clearly explained "the spirit of the witch", what could be done, at last that aspect, if not religious and spiritual aspect of the contemporary witchcraft. It would be beneficial to the author to approach this kind of the complex projects in the team not as a solitary author. This type of a title simply requires a good organized team work, multidisciplinary to make one well done book. Definitely we need books related to the spirit of the witch, some religious and spiritual aspects in contemporary witchcraft, but not as Mr. Grimassi explained in this book.

This is a fantastic read for any level of Spiritual Seeker. This explains what it is that you're doing, and why you're doing it. Reading this text will help you to restore balance to yourself and to the things around you. Read this book for help with your journey. The historical context was incredibly helpful.

If you are looking for information about Wicca then this is the book for you. It is a deep read so don't expect to get through it in a day or two. I am not half done reading it yet. It is full of information and it takes time to get through this. you actually need to stop and think about what you have read before moving forward.I got this book because I have friends who practice and I wanted to know more. I have started to question my faith as a Christian and I wanted to know what Wicca had to offer. I love the fact that this book gives me history of why things are done in a way that they are done. It tells me where things started from and it is amazing to me that some Christian celebrations started from witchcraft or Wicca.This book blows my mind!

In the process of reading but so far I love the information given. The other reviewers are right in saying that this book delivers information that other books on this subject does not. The author delivers this new information in a light, straight-forward and uncomplicated way. I find that much of the information is new but confirming to that which I already knew. This is certainly helping me to build my craft and beliefs especially in the chapter about Deity. If you are knew to witchcraft, need a refresher, or simply want to know more about the craft this book is perfect. Also great for anyone who is about to dedicate themselves to the craft. This is especially for you. Covers rituals, choosing your deity, the tools of the craft, and sets the views about witchcraft only being about magick. Read it.

I love Raven's books. He writes so down-to-earth and is gifted with descriptions that are very accurate. If you are just curious about witchcraft, this book is a must read. The same is true for new Witches. Raven perfectly captures the nuances of the Craft from a broad perspective. Witches are definitely not one-size-fits-all and that is the beauty of the Craft.

For lack of a better term this book has become my Wiccan bible; the book that I turn to when I need an answer to anything to do with 'the craft.' There is something about the way that he explains things that just makes so much sense. I am new to the craft and really needed a book that would put Wicca in the perspective that a christian raised gal could understand. I have read quite a few books now on the subject but this one really worked magic on me. It is the type of book that you read and then go back and re-read certain lines so that you can absorb exactly what was said. I feel safe in saying that it is profound in what it teaches. I can't recommend it highly enough.

I became interested in this area after reading a personal account by an American priestess about how and why she came to the religion of witchcraft. Wanting to know more, I hunted for books that would explain to me how I could incorporate witchcraft as a form of spirituality into my own life. However, all I seemed to find were books that explained the tools, rituals and beginnings of making spells. While how-to books can have their use, I felt a need for a book to explain the spirituality and the religion behind this old tradition. When I stumbled upon Grimassi's book, I thought all my prayers had been answered. Yet upon beginning the book, I quickly discovered that I was finding it hard to be engaged with it. Personally, I think his writing style has much to do with this.I cannot say that I find his style very fluid or interesting. Some parts of it were just down right frudtrating - for example, the section in Chapter 3 where he discusses the festivals. As someone who has a basic knowledge regarding these, I found it very annoying that he did not provide basic information, such as exactly when these festivals were - he mentioned the month, but rarely did he mention the date. For people coming to this book with very little knowledge of equinoxes, for example, would get little out of him saying that Ostara occurs during the Spring Equinox and there is no clarity as to what month Samhain, the beginning of the Witches' year, actually is.On the plus side, Grimassi does manage to dispell many myths regarding witches and what they actually 'are'. For example, he points out that they do not have the figure of a Devil or Satan within their religious belief - the idea that they consort with the Devil is a myth generated around Judeo-Christian beliefs.I would also have to agree with Grimassi's introduction that there are very few books that cover spirituality and religion around this old tradition, so the fact that he has attempted to create one has to be applauded.However, for me, I think this book is let down by his writing. Although I remain eager to learn more about this subject, so that I can then apply the spiritual side to my own life, Grimassi does not ignite my spiritual fire. A shame, I really thought it would.

Very nice book, enjoyed reading this. Book of good quality and very informative

This is another one of raven grimassi 's excellent works If you read this book you will understand the spirit of the witch