Book of the Week: Book of Shadows

This fortunate library find has become one of my favorite books. Contrary to what its title suggests, this is not a book of spells or even a ‘how to be a witch’ text. Instead, we find the story of the author’s discovery and eventual initiation into the world of Wicca and modern witchcraft.

It takes place in the seventies, and provides those of us who weren’t around then, a rather shocking look at how much has changed in regards to women’s rights in only forty years. Hence, there is a pronounced feminist and environmentalist slant to this book, but if you liked Starhawk (or even if you thought she was a bit over the top), you will love the writings of Phyllis Curott.

One thing I have often found lacking in most books on modern witchcraft is the perspective of a Witch who actually does live in the city.  It is to the point where it seems that many feel that in order to have a connection to the earth, you have to move out to the countryside; and consequently, those of us who cannot do this are doomed to a magically stunted existence.

In ‘Book of Shadows’ we see how even the rooftop of a New York apartment can be a sacred environment, and that city parks are havens for escape from the stresses and pressures of the concrete jungle.

The appendices at the back contain spells (written in recipe style rather than ritual format), correspondences, suggested reading, and scores of Pagan groups and publications from all over the US.

This was an enjoyable read, and I would recommend it to everyone – even those who are not Wiccan. I picked this up at the book store a few years back, and I’ve never been sorry to have it on my bookshelf.