Name: The Real Witches' Handbook
ISBN: 9780738713755

Kate West

An accessible introduction to witchcraft offers practical advice on becoming a Wiccan. West explores the myths surrounding witchcraft, its festivals, beliefs, practices and folklore and explains the responsibilities of becoming a witch. 30 line drawings.

A Complete Introduction to the Craft for Both Young and Old

The Real Witches' Handbook

Fiona Coffey

So... I have rather mixed feelings about this book. I liked it- the cover is absolutely beautiful- and I found that it had some really good ideas, but I also found it a little frustrating at times... Here's my thoughts, and why I gave it 3 stars. 

The author's tone felt a bit condescending. I should have probably seen this coming from a book entitled the "REAL" Witches' Handbook", implying that there is some witchcraft that is more 'real' or valid than other witchcraft. Unfortunately I really sort of felt this through the author's way of writing. She tends to imply that the way she is telling you to do things is the 'right way', and that you have to do them that way. For example there is more than just one way to cast a circle, but the way the author tells you to do it leaves very little room for personal touch or interpretation, acting as though if you don't do it her way, you're doing it wrong.

 The book is also heavily focused on Wicca primarily, which I wish had been advertised. It sometimes feels as though the author implies that Wicca is the only 'real' form of witchcraft, or is more valid than other kinds. All of her guidelines are very Wicca centered, referring specifically to the God and Goddess. It's not too hard to substitute for other ideas, and of course, I'm sure if you are incorporating them in your practice these would be useful, however it is just another thing that feels very condescending, or like the author is saying 'this is the right way to do things' when in reality, you do not have to be Wiccan to be a witch.

There are also a few moments where the author contradicts herself. For example, one time she says that it's not a good idea to have a permanent altar, because 'real' witches don't need to prove to anyone else that they're a witch or make a public display of their spirituality (....what?). She later contradicts this by talking about revealing that you're a witch to others by keeping your witchy things on display or leaving them for people to find. Make up your mind Kate! 

I think the main thing that bothered me overall was how the author always seemed to be making grand statements about what the right way to do things was, rather than simply offering one way to do things. It wasn't "here's the way that I like to do it" or "here's one way that you might like to do this, or borrow some aspects of" it was, "this is the right way/only way to do it." I dislike being told what to do, and it puts a bad taste in my mouth, especially since this is a book for beginners, and beginners are more likely to believe everything they read as they have less experience and have done less research on their own.

I did enjoy aspects of the book, and there are certain things that I found useful and that I'll refer to again. I appreciated the breakdowns of the Sabbats, and I found the ideas of alternate rituals to be useful and helpful. I do think it's good for people who want an overview of the Sabbats. I also liked the initiation ritual for the solitary witch. As a solitary witch myself, I haven't really seen anything like that in other books, and I think it's a really cool way to establish the beginning of your path (it is definitely more Wicca centered though). 

All in all, I don't think this is a bad book to read. It did have some really interesting ideas and tidbits here and there that I'll put to use. I don't know who to recommend it to though, as the beginning of the book is definitely for early beginners- I still consider myself to be a beginner witch and I already knew most of the information- but the later half of the book is more suitable for people who have done more research on their own and know better than to take everything that she's saying as the 'one way' to do things. 

If her way of doing things really resonates with you that's awesome! I just want to make a point that if it doesn't resonate with you- you are not any less of a witch for doing things differently than she does.

The Real Witches' Handbook A Complete Introduction to the Craft for Both Young and Old

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