This book contains the most sensible advice to beginners I could hope to find. She hits the proverbial nail on the head with Chapters 1, 2, and 4 through 7, which explain what magic (theurgy) IS, and the basics of preparation and readiness for the practice thereof. (Chapter three is fine as well, but I would have preferred it come later in the book. I would also refer seekers to "Drawing Down the Moon" by Adler for more in-depth coverage, after the abovementioned chapters are read.) The rest of the book concerns itself with specifically Wiccan magic, which is fine, and a wonderful case study of the application of magick. I read some other reviews and I have a few comments to make. "this book had a lot of good facts and interesting points, but was not all that entertaining"... This book was not MEANT as entertainment. For that, I refer you to the fiction section of Amazon. :) "I was hoping for some easier reading material that maybe offered some more beginner spells" The material *IS* easy reading, it was offered in a light, easily comprehensible, almost conversational manner, which in no way lessens its effectiveness or diminishes its important message. And I feel the spell level of the book is appropriate, especially for someone who is a raw beginner. True magick comes from within, as she admirably repeats. I would very much advise that you reread the fore part of the book and take those lessons to heart before skipping to the end to get to the spells... you will be thankful you did, and your magick will be much more effective. Bright Blessings! From Amazon.com
I have a lot of mixed emotions when it comes to this. On one hand, it is a decently written book with introductions to varied kinds of magick. It has exercises and general COMMON SENSE (i.e.,: You must take care of your body, etc.), and correspondences for those who are into such things, and a glossary for magickal terms, etc. Still, I can't help but feel as though Amber is forcing her beliefs on organized Wicca (i.e., covens, High Priests, etc.) upon a complete beginner. I first realized this when I lent it to a friend...something was drawing me back. I later realized this was the fact that my friend would think this is the ONLY way Magick can work, despite Amber K's claims to the other extremes. I always felt, while reading this book, that my personal beliefs were being belittled or...that she was asserting her own. To give an example, I'll take the Higher Self, Talking Self, and Younger Self. She has an entire theory worked out about how our minds work, etc. I don't agree with it, but it's ALL OVER THE BOOK. My friend, who has NO knowledge of Wicca or of Magick (and despite the short chapters on other magickal traditions, this book is predominantly about Wicca) might force himself to believe all that is stated. One pet peeve I had is her insistence on spelling everything with a 'k,' particularly "magicKian," which I found incredibly distracting. I DO give this book 4 stars because I assume that those who read this book WILL have a good grasp of their own beliefs. Other then the aforementioned faults, I think this is a good workbook...
From Amazon.com
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