Rating: 
Summary: Has a lot of information and is a must read for every witch!
Review: First of all, I have to say that I love this book. Laurie Cabot explains things that the rest of these " white lighters " as Ms. Cabot calls them are afraid to go into. There is no fluff, no fruit and flowery sugargy goo here, Laurie Cabot is straightforward and honest...and almost all of her information is accurate. For those of you who give this book a bad review, I can only say one thing, one persons tradition is not going to agree with someone elses. What you read with Cunningham wont match Starhawk, Silver RavenWolf won't match Gerina Dunwich, Ray Buckland will not match Laurie Cabot. Each witch is different, and you can't expect one witch, or one tradition, or one book to have all the answers. Ms. Cabot has had over 40 yrs. of experience and you have to admit, that is a long time. She gives you the basics, history, spells, explanations, personal stories, examples of circle casting and altar set up. And even the Science part which explains how and why magick works. I will admit, my practice is not identical to hers, but after reading this book I found some new and interesting things to add into my practice. For those of you who reccomend going to Anton LaVey for an accurate look at witchcraft, I can only say one thing. GET REAL! Satanism and Witchcraft are not the same, how long have we been trying to get the point across? Sure, Magick can be dangerous if you don't know what youre doing..which is why Ms. Cabot explains laws and the importance of being " correct and for the good of all people". The point is, Ms. Cabot has done an excellent job of not only providing accurate information, but also bringing Witchcraft into mainstream society. A Very, Very, Very, good book. It's not perfect, but no book or person is. Blessed Be!
Rating:
Summary: Best of them all...
Review: I am convinced, more and more, that this important work found its way to me as the answer to a prayer. Simply because, when I first embarked upon this Path, many of the books spoke of spells in a rather dodgy manner. One "popular" author simply adressed this by staiting, "You have to believe in spells for them to work" and left it at that, without giving the reader any reason "to believe"! How aggrivating! I was almost ready to drop what we call "spells"...at least before this book found its way into my heart. Laurie Cabot uses science and the latest developements in theoretical physics, and physics in general, (which are all proported by such illuminaries as Einstein, Niel Bhor and Stephen Hawking, etc...) to discuss how spells work. Her book describes a Universe which makes sense to the Witch! For this, alone, it is worth the purchase of the book! Her description of The Science Tradition of Witchcraft is fully grounded in fact, as revealed by her bibliography and such authors as Michael Talbot, Fritja Capra, F. David Peat, Itzhak Bentov, PhD. Fred Alan Wolfe and John Gribbin, etc... While her non-"Wiccan" history is certainly very well grounded in fact, her Wiccan history stummbles on the very odd occasion (only once, or maybe twice, as I can currently recall). But, we must take into account the date in which it was printed- in fact, the date in which it was written, as the 2 are usually off by a number of years. She may, very well, have been told something by a Gardnerian Witch, from the Gardnerian Book of Shadows, and neither of them were the wiser. However, 10 years has elapsed since then. She is always very well researched. Interestingly enough, the British version of "Power Of The Witch" is apparently being sold commercially throughout the US as its current printing! Although, I must say, I am a little baffled by the current cover-art. Call me a critic, but...I just don't "get it"! Also, the sub-title is different than the original US publication, which was "The Earth, The Moon, and the Magickal Path to Enlightenment." However, I must admit, I am more partial to "A Witch's Guide to Her Craft". To sum it up, if you have ever wondered how/why spells work- I can't recommend this book highly enough! Also, if you've wished to explain how spells work to a student, using a logical, rational, left-brained approach, the same applies! Because, to briefly quote the author, "The Science Tradition draws on both ancient wisdom and the latest in theoretical physics. Using science as an approach to Witchcraft gives my students a solid grounding on which to stand. Some teachers in The Craft present our practices & beliefs in terms of art or religion or psychology or mythology, and these have their merits, but at some point the student wants to know 'how magick works'. Science is our country, it is where we feel at home. ...Science describes a world that makes sense." Actually, what's most fascinating is that one of the authors whom her Tradition draws upon is F. David Peat, who is reknowned for "Synchronicity", which at its most basic level states, "coincidences that are so unusual and so psychologically meaningful they don't seem to be the result of chance alone." Thus, what I have seen at the tail end of last year, and at the beginning of this year (indeed from various Craft Elders within recent months, whom also happen to teach similarly) is that a variety of Pagan books being published also use quantum physics/mechanics to teach what we refer to as "spells". I haven't seen this since the publication of "Power Of The Witch"! How extraordinary! This book deserves 5-stars, and more!
Rating:
Summary: A Definate Must
Review: I had read a lot of books before "Power of the Witch" made it's way to my desk at work. I was skeptical about it; I was at a point where I had read so much that much of it seemed repetative and bland, but I picked up the book and was almost immediately drawn in by Cabot's powerful writing style! She took information that I had read numerous time before and presented it in such a way that it seemed like the first time I had ever seen it. She's very matter of fact, keeps things simple, and it's all practile. I've learned so much from this book and use so many of the techniques she offers. It's a definate must for any Witch, or anyone who is curious about what WitchCraft is about!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books for beginners.
Review: I have read many, many books on Beginner's Wicca and WitchCraft and this is one of the best and is the first beginner's book I give five stars. This is a very spiritual book and includes an abundance of information as well as many of Laurie's own personal experiences which I enjoyed. This book contains in-depth historical information. Some people have questioned its' accuracy. I found most of the history to accurate, but no, like one book reviewer said, she doesn't really give a bibliography. After the history, Laurie gets into the Craft of the Wise. This book contains good information on Covens and Solitaries, and also good information on the Pentacle and the Magic Circle. This book contains a section on the Wheel of the Year. I was a bit disappointed on the area where she describes each sabbat, but she includes enough, she wrote a whole book on the Sabbats, that's why I was suprised she didn't write more. There is also good information about altars, crystals, stone circles/sacred sites, herbs, and Divination. The next chapter is excellent. It speaks about the Science of WitchCraft. She explains how magick and items (such as herbs and stones) work (finally, someone does, she also mentions light, and the seven hermetic laws. Her chapter on Alpha is excellent and very accurate. It is also very fascinating. Very well worth your time to give her practices a try. I'm not sure why other Wiccan authors don't get into this area more deeply. Her chapter on everyday magic is good, but she should have mentioned that not all Witches fix their altar like that. I'm afraid mine looks little like hers. Her information on Protection, Prosperity, and Healing magick is good, but her area on love magick (another area she wrote her own book on) was less than appealing, and she forgot to mention you shouldn't target a specific individual although she does speak about that area. There are some great spells in here, just have good luck finding some of those ingredients like wolf's hair, off a live shedding wolf for protection potion. The next chapter is also excellent, it's entitled "A Witch's Life: Milestones". It speaks about such things as marriage, handfasting, a large section on Witch Children, and an interesting section on Death. The final chapter, Witchcraft Tommorow is good, but in a sense, unrealistic. Laurie speaks about her plan to educate others on WitchCraft. Yeah, I liked this book, Yeah, I was very impressed with this book, and if you are a beginner, this is what WitchCraft is all about. Thank you.
Rating:
Summary: RhiannonBTaylor
Review: I honestly believe that RhiannonBTaylor is far too harsh on Laurie Cabot and her life-transforming book "Power Of The Witch". Point 1: She did not appoint herself as the "Official Witch of Salem" but was so-appointed by the, then, Gov. of Mass. for her work with dislexic kids. Point 2: Regarding the novel, "The Mists of Avalon", it was based on research regarding the myths of author, and some of the feminist theories of the time (none of which have, according to scholars, been disproven; they are merely unfavourable). It was also Starhawk, author od the acclaimed work, "The Spiral Dance", who had a heavy hand in aiding Miriam Zimmer Bradley in her research. Also, Cabot did not, exactly, turn to it as a source. And, she certainly did NOT, as you seem to infer, "quote" any portion of this title. Having read all the books meantioned, thus far, I can claim this with absolute certainty. Point 3: Frankly, poking fun at the way one dresses or their appearence is unbelievably shallow, and shows merely grammer school mentality. One must also understand that this book is based upon her Tradition, of which she is the Founder (obviously). And, this should have been abundantly clear. So, when she sais it is "traditional Witch clothing," she is speaking about her own Tradition. I feel that this is far more clear in the British subtitle of this book, which is, "A Witch's Guide to Her Craft". Point 4: I feel that you have utterly misread the section wheere she discusses "whitelighters". She does NOT refer to Pagans who doi not practice magick as such, but uses this term to connote those who are all New Agey and "think happy thoughts" and object to using magick for protection (such as bindings), etc... Point 5: She also NEVER stated "that witches invented 'language, writing, metallurgy, law, agriculture and the arts'." I, personally, suggest that you re-read this book with an open mind. Point 6: Regarding the Gimbutas' theories... These are unproven, but they are NOT disproven. And, for the record, they are largely due to schastic misreadings. Gimbutas' NEVER proported a Matriarchal theory. Rather, she proported an equalitarian society. One would be aware of this had one actually bothered to read her books. Also, Gimbutas' theory for a millenium of peace has recently been archaeologically proven by R. Brian Ferguson. Point 7: Granted, Cabot could have researched the Burning Times myth, because it *was* available. However, it was widely inaccessible to most people, until the mid-to-late 90s. One cannot hold a grudge based on a dated book. However, Cabot's feminist stance stems from Starhawk's writings, certainly. But, there is nothing so objectionable in this. One cannot lambaste an author for believing what another author proports, whilst the latter author is supported (ie. Starhawrk) and Cabot is reprimanded. This makes no rational sense! Point 8: The Salem Trials... Actually, she never said what you rather crudely paraphrase. I suggest, again, that you re-read her book. It was fair AND compassionate and showed those who died NO dishonour. Point 9: Actually, this book is most certainly NOT as full of "psuedo-science", "'crap' research" and "disinformation" as you'd like it to be... In fact, her proported science is well supported by the latest physics (called the New Physics) and various acclaimed physicists. I *HIGHLY* suggest that you, and anyone else interested in this, read the works by the following physictcs and science writers: Fritjoff Capra, Michael Talbot, Itzhak Bentov, F. David Peat, John Gribbin, and DEFINATELY Brian Greene! Very few books and authors, these daysm teach one how spells work; Cabot is one of the few authors who does! Because of this, alone, ot remains one of my most highly recommended books...
Rating:
Summary: The best "first read" on Witchcraft around!
Review: If you don't read another book on the Craft, read this one! "Power of the Witch" gives an excellent overview of this positive spiritual path, going into plenty of depth on the history, practices, and scientific basis for the Craft and dispelling the disinformation that has been spread about its followers. Laurie Cabot's explanations are clear for those with no background in Witchcraft, but are still fluff-free and chock-full of information for those sincerely seeking the roots behind this belief system. I recommend it highly as a "first read" to anyone interested in the Craft, whether for the spiritual seeker or the merely curious. It will give an excellent foundation for all-around understanding, and open the door for further study to become a serious "Witch." I can't describe how much it has opened my understanding, and helped me along my spiritual path! This is the best $13.00 I've spent at the bookstore in a long time!
Rating:
Summary: RhiannonBTaylor
Review: If you read only one book on witchcraft, this should be the one! One of the reasons "Power of the Witch" is such a great book, is that it gives a logical and calm presentation. This book does not preach, but deals with certain truths. It is also well documented. It is downright scientific. It is insightful, analytical, intelligent, and historically accurate. "Power of the Witch" opened up an entirely new world of understanding, and revealed FACTS. I thought I knew a lot about this topic, until I read this book! Reading "Power of the Witch" was an enriching and enlightening experience. Higly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Love and Hate It
Review: It's impossible to criticize this book without talking about the amount of good information that is in it. So much, in fact, I feel it deserves five stars and should be a prerequisite to all those studying Witchcraft. It is a MUST for those delving into the physics of magick. This woman is guts incarnate - and carries forth her image of the world powerfully and majestically. It is her personal strength and her unusual approaches in the book itself that impressed me. My problem is not the usual with Laurie Cabot. She does start the book out with something along the lines of, "When you see me walking down the streets, you know I am a Witch. I dress like one." Some people interpret this as fluffiness. It's my understanding though, that her attitude and the attitude of many of the Salemites have created an open atmosphere through this demanding differentness. I see nothing wrong with magickal separatism, in which one diverges from society and chooses to reject the customs of the current age. My main problem is a thread of female chauvanism that is carried from lots of other books into this one. I don't think believing in a prehistoric matriarchy is sexist anymore than believing in a posthistory patriarchy is. It is the manner in which it is approached. And Ms. Cabot approaches witchcraft as a religion centered on women with its roots in cultures she describes as the golden ages many mythologies and fairy tales talk about. She goes on to say these societies had women in positions of power and "men presumably held second-class status." She parades these matriarchies as the absolute creme of the crop of societies without any attention to any downfalls this kind of monogender rule might have. Also, some of the language used ends up showing this same attitude. An example is, "priestesses adorning themselves with crescents and adorning their priests with antlers." As if the priests did not have their own power in the Old Religion. Even in the literal interpretation of the Wiccan History Myth, authors such as Starhawk theorized that Witchcraft was primarily patriarchal in the middle ages, hence Murray's ideas of the "Devil" actually being "the God" or the "Man in Black" so many trials described. It's disappointing because she demonstrates such an open-mindedness about most subjects. She talks about watching out for those in witchcraft who view power as dominance over others. Isn't this sort of extremist feminism the same? Should the female's power come from subjugating the male's? I wish she would have analyzed a way to increase true masculinism rather than droning the echoes of so many books of the past, which wish to stamp it out. I don't view Witchcraft as a women's religion, but as a nature religion which incorporates magick. In nature, there are two forms of everything. Although one side may play a significant role, the other side, no matter how small the role, plays equally significant. God is equally significant to Goddess. Man is equally significant to Woman. Yang is as important as Yin. Also, she gets carried away sometimes, but there is no great genius without a touch of insanity. In short, read this book, but decide which parts are right for you.
Rating:
Summary: The Best
Review: Over the past 5 years or so i have read a LOT of books on this subject and this is definately one of the best. Informative, accurate, interesting and in depth, it covers everything from basics, to complex physics. A must have for all those who are interested in pagan based religions.
Rating:
Summary: ...
Review: This book is excellent for novice and advanced studies. It covers a wide range of topics, and many of the basics. The book not only helps you with excercises, rituals and spells, it also tells you why and why not you do certain things. Laurie has a captivating style of writing and includes many of her personal experiences, allowing the reader to relate more to the book's content. Wonderful for the scientific aspects to it, it broadens the mind and makes you want to learn more. Laurie provides us with some simple spells, rituals and psychic practices to go through, with a variety of topics. One downside is that many of the spells and potions require ingredients which are not readily available to most. All in all, an enjoyable read, and a must for anyone's library....
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