![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Before really getting into the meat of the content of the book, I want to discuss the organization of the book. I found the chapters to be logically ordered throughout the book with each chapter seeming to build on the chapters coming before while providing clear transitions to the next chapter. Within the chapters, bolded headings made it easy to have a general guideline of the breakdown of each idea presented while making the chapters infinitely more simple to search. Additionally, each chapter includes exercises to encourage a more complete exploration of the material coved. The exercises look at the ideas presented and offer a choice of multiple methods of exploration, so one can explore things in the method that most appeals and connects with them or with all the exercises presented. These exercises are followed by a list of books recommended if one wishes to further pursue the ideas presented in the chapter. Additionally, choice of vocabulary and the author's writing style makes the book infinitely readable and easily approachable. The appendixes provide valuable references including a master list of all the recommended texts.
As far as the material covered, the book presents an excellent introduction to the basic tenets of successful introduction of magic(k) and magic(k)al practice into one's life. By providing generalized information on the different forms that people use to practice magic(k) the author steers away from presenting one theory as more important than others while stressing that the most important part of magic(k)al development for the practitioner to focus on is the development of the self. She covers many methods used to develop the self and overall presents lessons followed with insightful exercises. Very few of the exercises suggested seemed trite or "busy work".
She presents a believable history for witchcraft that respects generally accepted history without insulting those who may think otherwise. She also incorporates current scientific theory into her explanations of the inner workings of magic(k) in a way that supports both and provides a more comfortable framework for the modern person to use to comprehend the theories presented in the book.
In conclusion, this book presents ideas essential for the new pagan to encounter in their development as magic(k)al persons. I would recommend this book wholeheartedly. While no book is perfect, this book presents many small synopsis of magic(k)al theories and systems with suggestions of where to begin to develop a more complete picture. That alone is worth the price of the book. The exercises just increase the value of this text. And this book could function well in the absence of a individual teacher as well as making an excellent supplement of a developed curriculum.
As far as the material covered, the book presents an excellent introduction to the basic tenets of successful introduction of magic(k) and magic(k)al practice into one's life. By providing generalized information on the different forms that people use to practice magic(k) the author steers away from presenting one theory as more important than others while stressing that the most important part of magic(k)al development for the practitioner to focus on is the development of the self. She covers many methods used to develop the self and overall presents lessons followed with insightful exercises. Very few of the exercises suggested seemed trite or "busy work".
She presents a believable history for witchcraft that respects generally accepted history without insulting those who may think otherwise. She also incorporates current scientific theory into her explanations of the inner workings of magic(k) in a way that supports both and provides a more comfortable framework for the modern person to use to comprehend the theories presented in the book.
In conclusion, this book presents ideas essential for the new pagan to encounter in their development as magic(k)al persons. I would recommend this book wholeheartedly. While no book is perfect, this book presents many small synopsis of magic(k)al theories and systems with suggestions of where to begin to develop a more complete picture. That alone is worth the price of the book. The exercises just increase the value of this text. And this book could function well in the absence of a individual teacher as well as making an excellent supplement of a developed curriculum.
