Wiccan Beliefs & Practices: With Rituals
for Solitaries & Covens
by: Gary Cantrell 

ISBN 1-56718-112-0
Price $14.95

At first, I didn't give this book its due and my assessment for this review was going to be something along the lines of "very nice but very typical Wicca 101 book."  It is just that.  Cantrell has an easy writing style that is quite readable and his information is very standard to Wicca starter books.  It's inclusive, providing a full and comprehensive exploration of the tenets and practices of Wicca, as well as ethical consideration, the dispelling of common myths and sample rituals that are adaptable for the solitary practitioner or group coven work.  I did get a little bit lost on his discussion on distinguishing "Witch" from "Wiccan" (I see a distinct difference and he claims that he does, but then goes on to use the words interchangeably.  Meh.  Go figure). 

It is in the last third or so of the book that Cantrell takes the book to a much higher level, by including very atypical segments such as "The Physically Challenged Witch," a very lengthy and heart-felt chapter on "Coming Out of the Closet" and personal anecdotes in "The Humorous Side."  The appendices to the book should be doled out to every card carrying, broom totin' Witch OR Wiccan, offering up beautiful invocations to God and Goddess, as well as the classic Charges of the God and Goddess.  The book is even modernized to include an appendix of popular Pagan websites.

The book would have been a fine addition to the heavily weight shelf of "How To" books, but these extras that have accessorized an otherwise very good effort bring it up to the level of greatness.  This will be on my required reading list for newbies and I might even send it through the veterans for good measure.  Well done, Gary.

Five pentacles out of five

 

Review by Katrina Rasbold