In the Circle: Crafting the Witches' Path

by Elen Hawke

Book Overview

Daffodils dance in a chilly spring breeze . . . a butterfly alights on a sunny marigold . . . sleepy autumn energy moves through an apple tree . . . in a winter garden, a redstart greedily strips... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1567184448
• ISBN13: 9781567184440
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
• Length: 175 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

An Excellent intro to Wicca

This book is one of the best and most clearly laid out i have seen, with easy find lists and sections so that you can cross reference as you read. But the real strength of the book is in the depth of knowledge and spirituality and in the beautiful way its written. All the necessary ingredients are there: working with the moon and the seasons; an excellent and reassuring section on magikal equipment; the wheel of the year; goddesses and gods; how to build a shrine and cast a circle. An unusual feature is the section on sacred sites. Though these are mostly British, they are wonderfully describes and show the Celtic basis which after all is important in Wicca, though this isn't a book heavy on Celtic symbolism by any means. if you are looking for a beginners intro to Wicca then this is definitely for you, but don't overlook it even if you have been practising for years as I believe In The Circle will have much to offer and something new for all of us.

A book that finally gets to the heart of witchcraft.

There aren't many books that offer new material on witchcraft, with many authors deciding to rehash the same material, this book has broken that trend and offers not only information but the inspiration to get up and do it. I loved the easy to read style & the sharing of her own experiences of each Sabbat.The volume of information & ideas for celebrating the Sabbats is a rare & pleasing find. This book not only passes on information about the Craft but really helps you understand the cycle of the year that is, after all, at the heart of witchcraft. The book focuses on a natural earthy based witchcraft & offers real suggestions & ideas as to what can be done to follow the path, from the ritual side to more spontaneous simple acts.Gods & Goddesses are rarely covered in the depth that they are in this book, and sacred sites seldom, if ever. Elen has also managed to cover the subject with not only depth but also clarity, something that is again missing in many books.If anyone is looking for a book that will give not only detailed information but also the important get up & go factor then this is definately the book. It far excels what many like to think of as the "standards", including Cunninghams, in that it is enjoyable but detailed, we've had more than enough airy fairy books & it's time more books like this were written.

a rare treasure, inspiring, reassuring, beautifully written

I was at the stage of having read quite a lot about wicca but not yet putting it in to practise when I got this book. I want to say right away that its a lovely book which I believe would appeal to anyone whether or not they understand the subject. Elln's descriptions of the seasons and how to perform lunar rites are easy to follow and give you a real feel for the spiritual coloration of the sabats and esbats. She makes everything seem possible...no more wondering where you can find all the tools you need, she gives you lots of sensible friendly advice. The way the book builds up, weaving in the rituals and the moons with practical chapters about what to do, and sacred sites, and first hand accounts of her coven at work...its very skillfully done...the writing is beautiful. flowing and inspit=res you. Shear poetry. I was sad when the book ebded and would love to read anything she writes in the future.

In the Circle

I loved this book! It offers a more intense view of the theology of witchcraft versus the practice of it. It does have some spells in it, but that is not the main focus of this book. It is also arranged in more of a different order than most books on the subject that I've read. It will have a chapter on a Solstice, then a chapter on sacred sites, then another chapter on a different Solstice. Most books that I have read will have a ll of the Solstices in one chapter. I really like that about this book. Hawke also uses stories from her own practice and her coven's practice to illustrate whatever she is trying to explain. She is witty and informed. Th is is probably one of the best books since Cunningham's Wicca: A Guide for thr Solitary Practitioner.

Everything you need to know to get you started with wicca

I loved this book. It gave me confidence to start doing my own rituals, It explains evrything from basics to quite advanced rituals, magic and so on. There are descriptions of the deities of wicca, the tools you need like a chalice and an athame, how to cast a circle and do seasonal rituals, or work magic with the moons phases. The author gives first hand accounts of rituals and spells, and there are a lot of useful sections like colour correspondances. I loved the chapter on sacred sites. Although anyone could use this book, it gives very clear and useful instructions for people just entering witchcraft and wicca for tyhe first time. It would also be a good guide for working as a solo witch or equally for setting up your own coven. I've read several similar books, and this is the best.but my friend who has been a witch for a long time found the book helpful as well, it's very well written and beautiful.