Book Review – Wicca: A Modern Practitioner’s Guide

This week, we take a peek at Wicca: A Modern Practitioner’s Guide by Arin Murphy-HIscock.

This books sets itself up as a guidebook for individuals who are in that awkward intermediate zone. They may have read a few books about Wicca and have been practicing for a number of years, but still have some things to learn. The book does go through some basics, including history and sabbats, but also includes some more advanced craft work including casting circles and ritual work.

Before I go into a full review, I think it helps to have a little background about who is reviewing the book, especially since I am not a practicing Wiccan. If you are a longtime reader, you will know that I self identify as a Witch but not a Wiccan and these are two very different things. But, as many of you know, there is also a lot of overlap between the two so I have that perspective. I have also read numerous Wiccan treaties, particularly the older works (aka, I haven’t read any beginner Wiccan books in over a decade).

With all that said, I would highly recommend this book. And really, I would recommend this book for any practicing Wiccan or Witch – really, anyone involved in energy work.

This book does a fantastic job of describing what Wicca is and what it isn’t. A lot of people have misconceptions on this, and this book states the facts. And, it does so in a way that is honest and does not try to BS its way into stretching the truth. Wicca is a modern religion. One that was hobbled together from various traditions of the past and does not have a lineage extending back centuries. 

A lot of authors (especially those of the early works…I’m looking at you Gardner), try to make arguments that Wicca has existed for centuries, but this is just not the case. And there is nothing wrong with that. The religion I practice started up in the 1920s, the same with many other New Thought religions. 

Another aspect of this book that I LOVED and I think all books on the craft should include is that this author recommends trying out different ways of doing things to see how they work for you. She does not say her way is the right and only way. Instead she suggests changing things up and seeing if your results change or if you can feel any difference. This is soooo important in energy work. We all have different vibrations and tones so not everything is going to work or feel the same for every individual.

Overall, you can probably tell that I really enjoyed this book. Even though I am not an intermediate Wicca practitioner I still found this book refreshing. I would not say that I learned a whole lot from this book, but I did enjoy the different methods suggested for common rituals and practices. 

What is your favorite Wiccan or Witchcraft book? Let me know in the comments! 

*** This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. If you have read my previous reviews you know that I am generally a pretty honest reviewer and will tell you when something stinks. ***