Out of the Shadows: Myths and Truths of Modern Wicca

Rating:
Summary: Ain't It the Truth
Review: First of all I think every newcomer to the Wiccan faith should read this book. Know what you are getting into!! Lilith has caputred the essence of the pagan community for better or for worse. I found myself jumping up every so often with "Yes! That's it exactly!!" Witch Wars? Yep, been there done that. Slimy "gurus" out for seduction? Been there too. I also know quite a few people who have Granny's grimoire and whose family has practiced since The Burning Times...yawn. I have even dissed a newbie or two myself...Yet for all of these experiences I, like it appears Lilith does, love my faith along with all it's oddities (well, every religion has them). I haven't found anyone with as much wit or piercing perception since Ellen Cannon Reed's Heart of Wicca. I'm so happy to see books coming out treating Wicca as a religion, not just a system of spellcasting. Rock on!!!

Rating:
Summary: Perhaps a little trite
Review: First the negatives: McLelland's descriptions of modern Wicca include many of the stereotypes she says she is trying to dispel. Well, hers are not the stereotypes of black robes and pointy hats, but they include priests demanding sex for rituals and arrogant priestesses. Sure, there is some truth in all stereotypes, but do we really need another rehash of the worst ones about Wicca? In addition she is much to focused on Salem, MA, for a book of nationwide interest. Yes, it's a "Witch City" tourist trap, and yes, it does get a lot of media attention on Halloween, but no, her local gossip is not relevant to 99% of American Wicca. Her advice to Wiccans not to go to Salem on Halloween and parade for cameras is good. One page included a mistaken lecture on the Old English pronunciation of "Wicca." She apparently read it somewhere, because I've seen the same mistaken rant elsewhere recently.

There is a lot to like in the "Out of the Shadows" too. There is advice on how to meet the media, what to say and wear. Another chapter deals with legal issues that a Wiccan might face at work, and considerations about church deductions and the IRS. One chapter identifies 3 things that Wiccan beginners say which immediately identify them as beginners. One was not to say that your ancestor was burned for witchcraft in Salem. It is my personal gripe that she goes along with the current Salem Chamber of Commerce denial that there were any actual Witches who were victims at the Salem trials. Several of those convicted admitted that they were "witches," but their names have been scrubbed from the current CofC denials. She escapes with a quibble over the definition of "witch." She's probably right though, that living in Salem she probably hears it a lot more than is credible. That again is more applicable to her local area than the rest of America. The other 2 beginner identifiers she lists, "grandmother witch" and "shaman training" are indeed wide spread beginner faux pas.

The chapter on witch wars was a little shallow, although kudos to McLelland for fessing up and admitting her own part in one some years ago.

Overall it's a pretty good book, and will be useful to someone who wants an overall survey about Wicca. It is good too that some of the skeletons in the closet are hung out to wither away in the sunshine of public knowledge.

Rating:
Summary: Perhaps a little trite
Review: First the negatives: McLelland's descriptions of modern Wicca include many of the stereotypes she says she is trying to dispel. Well, hers are not the stereotypes of black robes and pointy hats, but they include priests demanding sex for rituals and arrogant priestesses. Sure, there is some truth in all stereotypes, but do we really need another rehash of the worst ones about Wicca? In addition she is much to focused on Salem, MA, for a book of nationwide interest. Yes, it's a "Witch City" tourist trap, and yes, it does get a lot of media attention on Halloween, but no, her local gossip is not relevant to 99% of American Wicca. Her advice to Wiccans not to go to Salem on Halloween and parade for cameras is good. One page included a mistaken lecture on the Old English pronunciation of "Wicca." She apparently read it somewhere, because I've seen the same mistaken rant elsewhere recently.

There is a lot to like in the "Out of the Shadows" too. There is advice on how to meet the media, what to say and wear. Another chapter deals with legal issues that a Wiccan might face at work, and considerations about church deductions and the IRS. One chapter identifies 3 things that Wiccan beginners say which immediately identify them as beginners. One was not to say that your ancestor was burned for witchcraft in Salem. It is my personal gripe that she goes along with the current Salem Chamber of Commerce denial that there were any actual Witches who were victims at the Salem trials. Several of those convicted admitted that they were "witches," but their names have been scrubbed from the current CofC denials. She escapes with a quibble over the definition of "witch." She's probably right though, that living in Salem she probably hears it a lot more than is credible. That again is more applicable to her local area than the rest of America. The other 2 beginner identifiers she lists, "grandmother witch" and "shaman training" are indeed wide spread beginner faux pas.

The chapter on witch wars was a little shallow, although kudos to McLelland for fessing up and admitting her own part in one some years ago.

Overall it's a pretty good book, and will be useful to someone who wants an overall survey about Wicca. It is good too that some of the skeletons in the closet are hung out to wither away in the sunshine of public knowledge.

Rating:
Summary: Focus on Salem, MA
Review: I thought McLelland is much to focused on Salem, MA, for a book of nationwide interest. Yes, it's a "Witch City" tourist trap, and yes, it does get a lot of media attention on Halloween, but no, her local gossip is not relevant to 98% of American Wicca. Her advice to Wiccans not to go to Salem on Halloween and parade for cameras is good. There is a lot to like in the "Out of the Shadows" too. There is advice on how to meet the media, what to say and wear. Another chapter deals with legal issues that a Wiccan might face at work, and considerations about church deductions and the IRS. One chapter identifies 3 things that Wiccan beginners say which immediately identify them as beginners. One was not to say that your ancestor was burned for witchcraft in Salem. The other 2 beginner identifiers she lists, "grandmother witch" and "shaman training" are indeed wide spread beginner faux pas. The chapter on witch wars was a little shallow, although kudos to McLelland for fessing up and admitting her own part in one some years ago.

Overall it's a pretty good book, and will be useful to someone who wants an overall survey about Wicca. It is good too that some of the skeletons in the closet are hung out to wither away in the sunshine of public knowledge.

Rating:
Summary: Focus on Salem, MA
Review: I thought McLelland is much to focused on Salem, MA, for a book of nationwide interest. Yes, it's a "Witch City" tourist trap, and yes, it does get a lot of media attention on Halloween, but no, her local gossip is not relevant to 98% of American Wicca. Her advice to Wiccans not to go to Salem on Halloween and parade for cameras is good. There is a lot to like in the "Out of the Shadows" too. There is advice on how to meet the media, what to say and wear. Another chapter deals with legal issues that a Wiccan might face at work, and considerations about church deductions and the IRS. One chapter identifies 3 things that Wiccan beginners say which immediately identify them as beginners. One was not to say that your ancestor was burned for witchcraft in Salem. The other 2 beginner identifiers she lists, "grandmother witch" and "shaman training" are indeed wide spread beginner faux pas. The chapter on witch wars was a little shallow, although kudos to McLelland for fessing up and admitting her own part in one some years ago.

Overall it's a pretty good book, and will be useful to someone who wants an overall survey about Wicca. It is good too that some of the skeletons in the closet are hung out to wither away in the sunshine of public knowledge.

Rating:
Summary: A Realistic Look At The Modern Movement.....
Review: I'll admit I'm a bit disenchanted with most of the books I find on Wicca. I'm very skeptical that once again, I'll hear the same information rehashed with slightly different wording. Sound familiar?

So when I sat down to read this book, I found myself pleasantly surprised! McLelland does an excellent job of being honest about the strengths and truths of the modern craft movement in the US. I feel that perhaps a little more nationwide focus would have helped, but she's from Salem and it's one of those witchy hot spots, so I can understand her focus on it.

I like the fact that she does bring up the stereotypes, with but with a slightly different twist. We're not talking about point hats and black cloaks here-this is sexual predators posing as High Priests and egotistical High Priestesses that she's talking about. Granted, most of us have met someone who fits one of those descriptions. One reviewer here states that we don't need to talk about those things, again. I disagree! Of course we need to talk about them!

They are out there, and people need to know. If you've lived in small town "x" all of your life and never connected with anyone who claims to be a HPS of 20 years with a successful coven under her belt....then that's going to sound amazing and interesting to you. And I'd hate to see you end up scrubbing that woman's floors in return for her "magickal knowledge" because you didn't know better.

I've seen it happen within my own circle, so I know those people are out there. And besides, isn't knowledge the best defense?

There is some very solid information in this book, both for the beginner and the more advanced Pagan. As someone who runs the only public circle in my hometown, her tips on meeting with the media (what to say and what not to wear!) were wonderful. There is some great information on how to safeguard your wallet by learning how to tell legitimate Pagan charities and non-profit organizations (those to whom contributions are tax deductible) and those with questionable backgrounds and missions.

Then of course, the things that mark you as a beginner. I had to smile at those, because they are very common amongst the persons who come to my circle. I've heard them all (and was guilty of a few myself in my starting days)!

I loved the fact that McLelland was not afraid to clean out her own broom closet about certain things, like witch wars. We've had taken part in things like that when we really should have minded our own business. Big props to her for being so honest about it! This book is filled with anecdotes about McLelland's years in the Pagan community, and that makes it very easy to read. You feel a connection with her as you learn about the mistakes she'd made (while reliving some of your own, perhaps?).

This is one of the best books I've found recently. It's a no frills, honest look at the modern Pagan movement. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to know a little more than what the correspondences for the color magenta are, and the new way to cast a circle.

Bravo to Ms. McLelland for what has become one of my most recommended reads and references!

Rating:
Summary: A Realistic Look At The Modern Movement.....
Review: I'll admit I'm a bit disenchanted with most of the books I find on Wicca. I'm very skeptical that once again, I'll hear the same information rehashed with slightly different wording. Sound familiar?

So when I sat down to read this book, I found myself pleasantly surprised! McLelland does an excellent job of being honest about the strengths and truths of the modern craft movement in the US. I feel that perhaps a little more nationwide focus would have helped, but she's from Salem and it's one of those witchy hot spots, so I can understand her focus on it.

I like the fact that she does bring up the stereotypes, with but with a slightly different twist. We're not talking about point hats and black cloaks here-this is sexual predators posing as High Priests and egotistical High Priestesses that she's talking about. Granted, most of us have met someone who fits one of those descriptions. One reviewer here states that we don't need to talk about those things, again. I disagree! Of course we need to talk about them!

They are out there, and people need to know. If you've lived in small town "x" all of your life and never connected with anyone who claims to be a HPS of 20 years with a successful coven under her belt....then that's going to sound amazing and interesting to you. And I'd hate to see you end up scrubbing that woman's floors in return for her "magickal knowledge" because you didn't know better.

I've seen it happen within my own circle, so I know those people are out there. And besides, isn't knowledge the best defense?

There is some very solid information in this book, both for the beginner and the more advanced Pagan. As someone who runs the only public circle in my hometown, her tips on meeting with the media (what to say and what not to wear!) were wonderful. There is some great information on how to safeguard your wallet by learning how to tell legitimate Pagan charities and non-profit organizations (those to whom contributions are tax deductible) and those with questionable backgrounds and missions.

Then of course, the things that mark you as a beginner. I had to smile at those, because they are very common amongst the persons who come to my circle. I've heard them all (and was guilty of a few myself in my starting days)!

I loved the fact that McLelland was not afraid to clean out her own broom closet about certain things, like witch wars. We've had taken part in things like that when we really should have minded our own business. Big props to her for being so honest about it! This book is filled with anecdotes about McLelland's years in the Pagan community, and that makes it very easy to read. You feel a connection with her as you learn about the mistakes she'd made (while reliving some of your own, perhaps?).

This is one of the best books I've found recently. It's a no frills, honest look at the modern Pagan movement. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to know a little more than what the correspondences for the color magenta are, and the new way to cast a circle.

Bravo to Ms. McLelland for what has become one of my most recommended reads and references!

Rating:
Summary: Valuable for both novice & seasoned practioner alike
Review: Out of the Shadows is a fantastic foray into the hidden recesses of modern Wicca and Paganism. The author discusses not only the differences between Wicca, Witchcraft and Paganism, but what to look out for when dealing with groups of all kinds.

Focusing primarily on Wicca, Ms. McLelland gives practical advice on how to tell the difference between those groups who are truly dedicated to furthering the worship of the old gods, and those whose leaders are looking only to further their own egos. She also includes specific words of caution to teens exploring Wicca.

One of the most interesting chapters deals with how to safeguard your wallet by learning how to tell legitimate Pagan charities and non-profit organizations (those to whom contributions are tax deductible) and those with questionable backgrounds and missions.

The book is written in a no-nonsense manner, is extremely well researched, and included anecdotal accounts from her nearly 20 years of experience in the Pagan Community. Many ideas and stories taken at face value for years in modern Wicca are explored proven fact separated from unsubstantiated myth. I had always considered myself to be a well-read individual with 20 years of my own experience, but found myself continuously surprised when what I had always thought was true history was shown to have no basis in history at all. Ms. McLelland also shows a great ability to laugh at herself and her own preconceived notions, which made me feel better when dealing with my own.

But if I had to choose one single theme running through this fascinating book as being most important, it would be the author's affirmation that the "truth" about Wicca's past and origins is of secondary importance to it's ability to connect its followers to the old gods through Divine Mystery. And when all is said and done, isn't *that* what is truly important?

Rating:
Summary: Interesting Look at a Wiccan Community
Review: Out of the Shadows: Myths and Truths of Modern Wicca by Lilith McLelland

Here is a book that approaches our modern spiritual path with a bit of wisdom and a background of knowledge that makes this book worth reading.

While this book is a good resource for defining the various spiritual paths within the modern Pagan movement, it also contains well researched information about the history of Wicca. From the various traditions to how Wicca is perceived in the outside public's eye, Ms. McLelland covers the material as only someone who knows the material well could do.

Ms. McLelland has included much of her personal experiences with the growing Wiccan community in Massachusetts, and I enjoyed her frank style and her observations on her community.

Her information about stereotypes, charities, covens and traditions are well put together for the most part, and are well worth reading for the material they cover. Her personal experiences with working within the community are clever at times, and she points out the pitfalls of being too loving and trusting in a community that holds perfect love and perfect trust a bit too close at times.

What I did find, though, was her feeling of disappointment in some of what is going on in the Wiccan Community there. While it is good to impart personal experiences and information about what works and what does not work in the community, her own feeling seemed disheartening and came across in some sections very clearly.

This book has much to say, and if you can understand the feelings of the author on some topics, this book is good in conveying how community can be successful at times and go astray in others.

Rating:
Summary: A book that fills a need
Review: This is the book that I wish was on the shelf when I was recently approached in a bookstore by a person claiming to have a witch lineage going back hundreds of years, psychic powers and a host of other problems and issues. There was a point in the conversation where I felt that I had repeated my advice more times than anyone should have to and if the book had been available I would have, as politely as possible, said "Here, read it!" and walked away.

In my pagan path experience I have come across the stereotypical witch and pagan wannabes, newbies and even older, more seasoned people who should know better, who are your typical "drama queens". Yes this is a religion where you can allow yourself to be dramatic and free-thinking but you should at least try to come off not sounding naive. Chapter 11 "Three Things That Definitely Mark You As A Beginner" had me nodding my head and chuckling in agreement with all that it said.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in a Wiccan/Pagan spiritual path, especially "newbies" (erm, sorry, "seekers"). I think that with anything that you are first learning about, especially Wicca, you have to wade through a lot of schlock to get to the really important details. This book helps to cut through the sea of misinformation or a lack of information and offers sound guidance. I especially appreciated the information regarding tax-exempt status for a coven and how it's a good thing but that it also has its drawbacks. I also appreciated the fact that the author believes that if you're a Wiccan, but you don't raise your children in your faith, then you shouldn't be a pagan at all. A bit harsh sounding, especially because Wiccans are part of a non-mainstream religion, that most people find disturbing, and who wants to constantly deal with the lectures and proselytizing from those who feel you're going to hell? However, if you can't enjoy and share your religion with those you love and care about, especially your children, can you honestly practice your faith?

Lilith McLelland is a witty, straightforward writer. I read the book in a day. The websites list in the appendix is helpful. This is definitely a book I will keep on my shelf as a permanent reference work.