Rating: 
Summary: Great book; different view.
Review: Of all the books I've read on Witchcraft/Wicca (we're entering the 20's here) I have to say this one was near the top of the list. Yasmine Galenorn writes with a friendly, informative edge and covers many different topics in this book. She also includes some personal experiences which enhance the material she writes about. A witty, fun read that is sure to go by fast and make you thirst for more. Galenorn will easily become one of your favorite authors!
Rating: 
Summary: good read
Review: This is a good book for both beginning Seekers and the more experienced Pagans/Witches who feel they can use a "boost" from time to time. I like the fact that Galenorn also repeatedly stresses the need to lay out a significant amount ot time in order to acheive certain magickal results. The "Morning Ritual" in Chapter 7 ("Magickal Living") is a very useful exercise for those who feel the need to "recharge" their spirit; but the author is honest enough to state that one needs to practice this ritual every day for a solid month. I like her mini-explanations for her various oil recipes; but I agree with others that, in order to get even a portion of the required oils, one needs to make a pretty hefty investment. Then again, this is all just an aid to magick, not a requirement. Including stories about her personal life and occult experience helped make the book more accessible to readers. They can "come along" on her journey for a while and see how her life has shaped her magick. A couple of things that gave me pause were in Section Three, "Shadow Work". In Chapter 14 ("Animal Magick and Shape-Shifting"), Galenorn writes: The other method for shape-shifting is to physically change into that animal. Highly spiritual cultures still exist in which the shamans claim this is possible. I believe them. (pg. 230). All right, which "highly spiritual cultures" specifically? She doesn't bother to name these cultures that still practice shape-shifting. If the author would mention what these cultures are, it would lend credence to her statement. Another strange statement is in Chapter 15 ("Drawing Down the Moon: Goddess Rituals"). The author writes, "It is impossible to say how magick developed during prehistory, but develop it did." (pg. 235). It sounds like the author really wants to believe magickal-based practices existed in the misty depths of pre-recorded history; but she doesn't have any hard evidence to back up the claim. Sure, it could be true; but that is not the same as saying, "It IS true." Still, this is a good and useful text that can aid the reader in finding their Path. Easy to read; but not fluffy and saccharine sweet.
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