Year Of Ritual: Sabbats & Esbats for Solitaries & Covens

Book Description

It's easy to lose ourselves in the everyday business of life. One way to bring our bodies, minds, and spirits into alignment is through ritual celebrations. A vital part of Wicca and Paganism, ritual strengthens our connection to nature and helps us enter the realm of the Divine.

For Witches and Pagans of all levels, A Year of Ritual provides ready-made rituals for a full year of Sabbats and Esbats. Groups or solitary participants can use these easy-to-follow rituals straight from the book. Ideas, words, and directions for each ritual are included along with background information, preparation requirements, and themes. This unique sourcebook also explains basic formats and components for creating your own rituals.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful and Soulful.......2005-05-29

I have been a Pagan since I was a teenager in the 1970s. I've dabbled in this, that and the other, and attended lots of festivals in my travels around the U.S. My bookshelves are loaded with volumes on ritual, Wicca and Paganism and so I was somewhat reluctant to buy yet another. I'm glad I listened to that little voice that said I needed this one. I have been following its rituals for nine months now, and it's been a wonderful journey.

The format of the rituals in this book are the way I have done them for years. Sure, from time to time it's fun to do things differently, but I find comfort in familiar things. I also find that my experience is deeper this way. I work mainly on my own, but enjoy ritual with friends when we can manage to synchronize our schedules. It's great to not have to "transpose" everything for solo ritual. Ms. Kynes' intention that the book be used to brainstorm our own rituals has proven to be an incredible catalyst for our group.

I think I am one of the few Pagans not wild about Lord of the Rings, but the Tolkien ritual is very heartfelt. It really illustrates the power of myth and the importance of storytelling -- stuff we've lost in our crazy society. I think it's a nice tribute from one writer to another. The other rituals have a good balance of creativity, history and meaning for today.

This is what I would call a soft and gentle approach to ritual -- not to be confused with fuzzy bunny because that it is not. The rituals are not wild and showy. They have kept me in touch with my inner self and I can feel the cycle of the year in my heart. I recommend this book for anyone who calls themselves a Pagan.

Year of Ritual.......2005-03-18

In "A Year of Ritual: Sabbats & Esbats for Solitaries and Covens" author Sandra Kynes brings the reader through a year of ritual and ceremony just as the title suggests. As an advanced practitioner I felt a desire for less defined structure and more ideas to incorporate into my magical year. This is a good book for those who need total structure because there is not a lot of wiggle room for inserting your own ideas or beliefs. Sandra Kynes is a fine writer with a very concise, somewhat elfish style that is endearing. At the back of the book there is even a glossary and some pronunciations for elfish words, which is a really nice touch.

There's Always More to Learn.......2004-10-26

I thought I had learned a lot about sabbats over the years but this book proves that there is always more to explore. There's plenty of food for thought about ritual itself.

This book is beautifully written and I shall enjoy using these words in my rituals for a long time to come.

A Real Source of Inspiration.......2004-10-22

This is a great book to keep on your shelf because you'll find that it will always be useful and you will keep going back to it.

Starting place for group and individual ritual.......2004-09-23

Ms. Kynes presents to us in this book a basic handbook of very generic rituals focusing on individuals and covens.

The book is broken down into three main parts: The Sabbats, The Esbats and Appendix. Each of these are broken down even further.

The Sabbats and Esbats focus on ritual in two parts, one for covens and one for individuals. After a brief introduction to the Holiday or Moon, and a little background, she goes into themes, preparations, setups, and the rituals. Every ritual is laid out with all the elements of ritual spelled out, all the lines written, and it is a matter of picking up the book and reading through the ritual. No fuss, no muss. Solo Rituals are the same, with everything laid out so all you have to do is read.

The Rituals are specific to the Holiday, or the Moon, and each one is seasonally appropriate, but they all follow the same format. The same holds true for the Solo Rituals, while being specific to the Holiday or the Moon, they are pretty much a format ritual. There is included an 'October: Moon before the Dark' ritual which is based on the J.R.R. Tolkien's version of how the sun and the moon came into being, and it offers some originality but still sticks to the format introduced in the beginning of the book.

The Appendices all contain some basic additional information, regarding: Your Practice, Ogham, Glossary and Pronunciation Guide to Non-English Words, How to Make a Flower Sachet and Preparing for Ritual. These elements are incorporated elsewhere in the rituals in the book, and again give a general overview of the subject.

As you make your way through the rituals in this book, you will learn the meaning of many of the symbols, tools and the origins of the Holidays and Esbats and various traditions. There is some background into the Wheel of the Year and the book is easy to understand and clear in what the author is saying. The book is well written, easy to follow, provides an interesting bibliography and is Indexed.

However, this is not the only way to do things. The book can be used as a basic primer, a pre-Wicca 101 book on ritual if you will, but should be augmented with additional references, study and practice. In the introduction, the author states " Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, sooner or later when putting together a ritual you may not have enough time, or creative inspiration may remain elusive. This book contains rituals that are "ready to go" for both group and solo practices." Indeed, this book almost reads like fast food take out menu with the pre-packaged rituals and repetitive format. I think the experienced practitioner will become bored quickly with the material, if not immediately, and will prefer something with a bit more 'meat and potatoes'.

But for the beginner, this book could be a good tool. If you have never before done ritual, if you are working with a group that is totally unfamiliar with ritual and you need something to get you all started, this book offers ready made, no fuss rituals, with a little fries on the side. This can be a useful tool to the newly forming study group, a solitary practitioner very new to the path, and someone who is teaching beginner groups, or even children, and wants something that sets a simple pace, gives a basic outline and will be augmenting this material with additional reading and learning.

The author does a good job at creating simple rituals, with a repetitive format that will teach by rote how to do ritual, incorporating the very basic Wheel of the Year beliefs so you can add your own belief system without any dogma clashes. The author makes no claim to this being the only way to do ritual and provides a good solid base from which to work. I would also suggest that you might want to experiment with these rituals after you have become familiar with them, dress them up, make them a bit more personal and you may find yourself with some good personal rituals.

This is a good place for starting and learning ritual. It is up to you to expand on it. boudica

The Goodly Spellbook: Olde Spells For Modern Problems

Average customer rating:

Must Have!
Buy it now. Brag about owning the First Edition later.
The MOST DEFINITIVE guide to Magic
And the winner is.....
I've read hundreds, and this is the BEST!

The Goodly Spellbook: Olde Spells For Modern Problems
HPS Lady Passion , and HP, Coven Oldenwilde *Diuvei
Manufacturer: U.S.: Sterling (Italy: Gruppo Editoriale Armenia)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1402700830

Book Description

Here is the thoroughly comprehensive, absolutely definitive guide to spells--the basic handbook for anyone looking to practice some hands-on magic. Delightfully well written and practical, filled with atmospheric illustrations and diagrams throughout, it encompasses all the principles and philosophy of spell casting, and gives recipes for charms to solve common contemporary problems. This offers what witchcraft and Wicca books don't: an in-depth understanding of what's behind the spells and why they work. It's amazing how much magic is in here: Geomancy, Elemental Scrying, Tree Divination, Mystic Dance and Drumming, Kitchen Witchery, and lots more. From healing, protection, and attraction spells to spells for discernment, repulsion, and concealing, not a topic goes uncovered.

Customer Reviews:

Must Have!.......2007-02-16

The problem with most books on paganism is that authors take "mystery religion" as meaning "I can't be bothered to explain why this works". After reading volume after volume of philosophy, correspondences, and spells, all I accomplished was having the ability to rotely repeat things that I did not understand, therefore, felt nothing for. Then this book came along.
I originally bought it for my friend, but decided to pick up a copy for myself. I am -very- glad I did! The "Scope" and "Skills" sections are jam-packed with real information and history that I could finally understand, because they actually explain the how's and why's of the craft, striking a balance between fact and feeling, knowledge and mystery, smarts and spirit. The "Spells" section continues this with a lengthy explanation of where the spell comes from, how it should be accomplished, and -why- it works. Not only that, but there are variations of each spell listed, making magick even more practical and accessible to the average Joe.
From dance to language, healing fevers to shooing your sister-in-law out of your house (BOY that comes in handy!), this book has it. Five Stars, Instant Favourite, Highly recommended!

Buy it now. Brag about owning the First Edition later........2006-07-02

Sometimes, rarely, a classic can be recognized from the moment it is published. "The Goodly Spell Book," like "The Art of French Cooking," or "The Elements of Style," is such a work.
As Julia Child did in the former, Deerman and Rasmussen organize, consolidate and instruct without condescension. And like "Elements" author Strunk, they take refinement of written language to a pleasurable max.
The result is a readable compendium of the dustiest, rarest and hardest-to-fathom old books . It's an instruction manual that takes readers from spellcraft 101 to the outline for their graduate course. And it's a cookbook that can be followed by anyone with a few tools and the daring to try.
"Goodly"'s clear tables and copius footnotes make it an excellent reference for fast look-ups, and an index to the old classic works. Its introduction to magickal principles -- the first half of the book -- makes basic principles clear to any novice, yet covers a breadth that will abash most initiates.
Sections like the correspondences of planets to musical modes and specific sound, make accessible layers of power previously unknown to all but a few.
"Goodly"'s second part is stuffed with historic recipes enhanced by long use, and new spells adapted from time-tested charms. Annotated with shopping lists and "why it works" explanations, it's perfect for browsers-of-oddities and the I-know-it-alls who read books from the back page to front.
For most readers interested in magick, this single title will replace an entire shelf of difficult to read, rambling tomes. The rest -- esoteric wizards and fanatic bibliophiles -- will buy it to be sure their collection is complete.

The MOST DEFINITIVE guide to Magic.......2006-04-25

As I have been a student of Lady Passion's for over five years, I am able to personally attest to the depth of her knowledge and integrity. I recommend this book to everyone, wherever, and whenever I can.

Her teachings are gracious and precise. She is the most learned and most wise woman, teacher, and guide I have encountered. Only superlatives come close to describing her abilities. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to you without apprehension.

This is the REAL thing. She is THE High Priestess of our time.

And the winner is............2006-03-10

Though I have never given out a "Best of" award for anything yet, I could be tempted to do so just to give a "Best General Reference Tome" To Coven Oldenwilde for their Goodly Spellbook: Olde Spells For Modern Problems.

The Goodly Spellbook is one of the best tomes I have seen for intermediate to advanced practitioners that also manage to be easy enough for beginners to work with. Many other books that I have read appear to try to hard to pour the hard study in with the spells in an attempt to force the readers to advance in a certain method. The separation of the skills from the spells in Goodly Spellbook allow beginners to get a little advancement through their practice of the spells while tempting them to examine the skills section more thoroughly without overwhelming them with too much information. I have been using your book as a handy reference tome and teaching aid for some time and absolutely love the thoroughness of your skills section, especially the information on the variety of correspondences to be found in spellcraft. It also makes many needed connections for its readers between the many fields of magic and the many fields of science that were once a part of magic but have since gone their separate ways. I have seen few books that focus on the ever important need to apply a bit of common sense to our spellcrafting, especially in the areas of wortcunning and kitchen witchery.

Not only is Goodly Spellbook a handy Wiccan reference, but for my Romany heart it was almost like finding a kumpa'nia bound as a book. Unlike many other Wiccan reference books I have read, Goodly Spellbook explains a great amount of the precepts of Wicca that are shared by several other Pagan paths. Many of the concepts used in the book I had not seen explained so enjoyably since the days of my own training. It seems too many Pagan authors have lost touch with music other than drumming and its uses in crafting, as well as the variety of somatic (verbal) components and the reasons for rhyming and careful word choice in spells. It is rare to find a tome that provides the variety of uses for correspondences without drowning the reader in a sea of charts that they feel they will never be able to memorize. While providing more that a fair share of traditional correspondences, Goodly Spellbook also shows how many of the older correspondences were attributed and gives readers almost a blueprint for finding personal correspondences as well as the variety of ways in which they can be implemented not only in spellcraft, but in making our lives more magical all around.

Whether you are a new seeker or a long time practitioner of an established path, this book is a must have for your magical library.

I've read hundreds, and this is the BEST!.......2006-02-22

The woman who gave this book 2 stars (below this) can't spell and made up false quotes from it.

I love this book, you've got to buy it! This is the best book I've ever read about magic and I've read hundreds.

Its woodcuts haunt me (like the one of Miles Standish pointing angrily at the pioneer Pagans dancing around a Maypole in early American colonial times).

These people know what they're writing about. Their personal stories of magic experiences, teaching, and helping others are fascinating and inspiring.

They worded the history section (Scope) explaining the class, economic, and political upheavals that caused magic's persecution so well, I can now say I really understand (I never really got it before).

The how-to section (Skills) has stuff I've never seen before. Off the top of my head... I was glad for the Witch dance steps, the secret Witch words. Now I know how to make people mad, sad, or happy using music and how to make my own herbal medicines.

The Spells section has charms that are really useful and make sense because they explain the reasons behind them, instead of just giving the recipes like so many other books. They're real spells from all over the world (some I even recognize from my grandmother).

Average customer rating:

An Excellent Resource
A Very Good Rede!
Good for beginners and curious non-wiccans, too
Good for beginners and curious non-wiccans, too
Not bad, but could have been better

Wiccan Beliefs & Practices
Gary Cantrell
Manufacturer: Llewellyn Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1567181120

Amazon.com

Those who are just starting out in the craft may find this how-to book on Wiccan rituals, spells, and tools useful. Gary Cantrell, author of Out of the Broom Closet?, is the first to admit that this book is geared for beginners and may be redundant for long-time practitioners. That said, Cantrell has done a masterful job of defining the roots of Wicca and helping readers establish their own approach to a diverse and ancient craft. For instance, some may be drawn to the more nature-oriented Celtic traditions, while others may be attracted to the more feminist Dianic approach. He also offers a strong chapter on ethics and purpose, debunking the depraved devil-worshipping, blood-sacrificing, black-magic stereotypes attached to witches. Mostly, Cantrell emphasizes how to get started (suggesting essential tools, such as altar cloths and candles), techniques for purifying an area, and how to conduct an assortment of rites and spells. "The art of working a spell, or casting a spell, or making magick is serious work," he cautions. "It is not something that can be approached lightly, casually, or flippantly ... You will be bending and shaping energies that will, without question, have an impact on the world around you...." Passages such as this one prove Cantrell to be a responsible narrator, someone who is dedicated to offering accurate knowledge while also encouraging newcomers to carefully monitor their Wiccan ethics and intentions. A welcome addition to the voices of Wiccan wisdom.

Customer Reviews:

An Excellent Resource.......2007-05-04

This was the first book I read on Wicca, and it has been an invaluable resource for me. It gives a broad spectrum of information on the religion, without the information being overwhelming.

A Very Good Rede!.......2005-08-10

After reading some of the reviews, I was prepared to be a bit disappointed. I wasn't. The author took a personalist, non-dogmatic, and eclectic look at the Wicca of his experience, and presented it in a very down-to-earth manner. This volume served as an introduction for me, so I can see how those more advanced readers in Wicca might want to go elsewhere. They would miss out on the author's spirit of adventure, as well as his humour and solid common sense, however, and that would be a pity.

A blessing here is that the author was not a pompous windbag, like some religious writers I've come across. Perhaps his career in a scientific industry helped out there. The only downside for me was that, in order to be very clear about what he was explaining, the author was somewhat repetitious in places: I can live with that. The pity of it is that the author has since died (or gone to "Summerland"), and we'll sadly have no more books from him. If someone asked me to suggest ONE (non-flakey)book to read as a good introduction to Wicca today, this would be it.

Good for beginners and curious non-wiccans, too.......2003-12-16

This was my first book on Wicca or paganism as a modern spiritual practice. I was doing religious research when I picked it up; I was not Wiccan and did not become one for quite a while, but this was the book that answered my initial questions and got me started on the path I walk today.

The book covers definitions of Wicca and of Diety and then talks about Wiccan ethics, then ritual preparation, then rituals and holy days themselves, all before a single mention is made of spellcasting. This is the way it should be: Wicca is first and foremost a way of life. Magic(k) is always secondary.

The author shares some personal stories and devotes an entire chapter to "the humorous side," reminding us never to take ourselves too seriously. He also includes a chapter on "coming out of the broom closet," which, though not applicable for everyone, does cover the pros and cons of telling people who you are, and some of the basic legal aspects as well (opposition to pagans, pagan alliances in various communities such as the military, legal protection of Wicca as a religion in the U.S.) These chapters seem to get criticized a lot, but I was grateful for their inclusion (especially when I chose the Wiccan path and needed to worry about those subjects.)

Appendices at the back include two versions of the Rede, the Charges of Goddess and God, some nice examples of ritual invocations (the author encourages writing your own if you can), and a (very) "general dictionary of gods and goddesses." The bibliography includes some good websites (and great books) that can help you network with other pagans.

All in all this book is a great resource (and a very modern one -- 2001), whether you're looking for the right path, already following the Wiccan one, or interested in finding out what it is Wiccans do. It's necessarily more focused on the author's tradition (which is a sort of eclectic), but he stresses that there is no single correct path and encourages experimentation and further reading.

A big plus: the cover and the title aren't annoying or completely stupid like so many of the Pagan/Wiccan books I see. I love to read, but I'm embarrassed to be seen with some of those titles! With this one, no worries.

Good for beginners and curious non-wiccans, too.......2003-03-18

This was my first book on Wicca or paganism as a modern spiritual practice. I was doing religious research when I picked it up; I was not Wiccan and did not become one until I had done further research and meditation, but this was the book that answered my initial questions and got me started on the path I walk today.

Not bad, but could have been better.......2002-04-26

The majority of information contained here was quite good. What stood out in my mind the most was that the author, at the beginning of each new topic, stated that "this was only his way". By the fourth chapter, I wanted to ring him up to tell him never to do that again. It really took away from the book. He could have stated in the introduction -- JUST ONCE -- that this book was about "his" wicca and that would have been fine. It drove me batty.

Book Description

Customer Reviews:

Be careful what you wish for.......2006-06-30

A mysterious little man with curiously snake-like eyes comes to town. His boast is that he can give you anything - anything - that you wish for. Four villagers take him up on his offer, but he leaves them with a warning: "Take great care when you wish. For it will be granted exactly as you ask for it."

One by one, each of the townspeople use their wishes. One by one their wishes go haywire. Soon all of them have only one wish - for their wishes to be undone! Will they be able to find a way to undo their wishes? Or are the stuck forever under the spell cast by the little man with the snake-like eyes. . . ?

the wish giver.......2006-02-22

I like this book because it has magician named Thaddeus Blinn. This book is about three kids who pay $.50 to get whatever they want. One wishes her boyfriend would stay, another wishes for attention, andthe last wishes for water. I like this book because I like magic.

Wishing May not be so Good.......2006-02-21

this story is about three kids who meet a man named Thaddeus Blinn. He gives them each one wish. Each of them say the wrong things and weird things start happening. But in the end they find a way to stop them. I liked it bacause I think magic is cool.

a wish can not always give you what you want .......2006-02-20

The wish giver is about three kids kids who go to a man called Thaudeous Blinn and get a wish card with a spot in the middle. All you have to do is put your thumb on the spot and make a wish. One girl wishes she was popular and got a lot attention. She then later starts to croak. Another girl wishes her boyfriend would plant his roots and stay in coven tree and stay forever. He ends up turning into a tree. A boy wishes his farm would have water throughout the whole farm. His wish goes wrong and the farm gets flooded. I like the book because of the excitment.

THE WISH GIVER.......2005-12-16

It starts out with three kids, Rowena Jervis the love sick person, Adam Fiske the hard working guy,and Polly Kemp the truth teller. They are in a tent with Stew Meat a store owner with Thaddeus Blinn the wish giver.The Wish Giver is an awesome book the highest points are when the wishes come true. Watch out for the short sly man who gives wishes for 50 cents. "Becareful what you wish for!!

Deathwatch: Warrior Coven (Warhammer 40,000 Novels)

Average customer rating:

Warrior Coven Rocks!!
I hope this is not his day job...
Goto is a breath of fresh air in 40K
If you want to read Black Library, ignore CS Goto
Extremely well done!

Deathwatch: Warrior Coven (Warhammer 40,000 Novels)
Cassern S Goto
Manufacturer: Games Workshop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1844163652

Book Description

Second novel of the series. When an ancient pact is invoked, the Deathwatch Space Marines must put aside their prejudices to battle alongside the alien eldar to protect the galaxy from an even greater menace.

Customer Reviews:

Warrior Coven Rocks!!.......2007-06-08

CS Goto is an excellent author, he has really done well with the Deathwatch series of books, mixing action and intrigue. Well worth the read even if you aren't a Warhammer 40K fan.

I hope this is not his day job..........2007-03-28

In short, Goto is a very poor writer. After a few chapters I began to wonder if the author has access to a dictionary. You would think someone who makes a living writing action / war novels would know the difference between "report" and "recoil". His battle descriptions are terrible. As for his dialogue, well, just be glad there isn't much. It is unlikely that I will give him another shot. I hope they keep him out of the Horus Heresy series.

1 star, save your money.

Goto is a breath of fresh air in 40K.......2006-09-13

WH40K can sometimes get tired and a little dull after reading more than a couple of books. Many of the BL authors seem to represent similar stories in the same way, so it is very refreshing to read Goto's interpretation of the 40K universe. He writes fantastically, and is by far the most readable of the BL authors. Warrior Coven is amazing. It provides multiple viewpoints for the narrative, not just the usual Space Marines, but also eldar and dark eldar aliens too. The atmosphere is evocative and the plot intriguing. I know that some die-hard war-gamers have a problem with anything that varies from the game-stats in the rule-books and hence with anything creative in the 40K universe, but this book is a NOVEL not a rulebook. And it is a great novel at that!

If you want to read Black Library, ignore CS Goto.......2006-08-30

CS Goto is a reasonable author. Not great, not horrible, but mediocre. As standalone novels I may even enjoy his books, but in the context of Warhammer and the Black Library his books are less than useless. Having read more than one hundred novels put out by BL I find his books useless, misleading and downright nausea-inducing. Generally it's considered necessary for an author to know... well, at least something about the universe he writes for, if only to prevent his readers from thinking him a fool. Mr. Goto obviously never discovered this step. His books cannot even begin to be considered canonical in the context of the Warhammer 40k universe and are an embarassment to the Black Library. If you enjoy BL books purchase something by Abnett (known for occasional exaggerations, but still a great author and a much better source of information than Goto) or Graham McNeil or any of the other fine stable of authors that BL enjoys. I personally guarantee you that if you read Goto's books and compare them to those of any other author in BL you will find his writings to be nonsensical and possibly offensive.

I beg of you, Mr. Goto, please don't write any more Warhammer 40k books. Think of the trees you'll save. Think, for that matter, of the children who- having read your books as an introduction to the Black Library, will be laughed at and harassed mercilessly for having believed the inane farce that is your current body of work. Think of the players who enjoy the tabletop game so much they want to read stories in the 40k universe and never read another BL novel again after having perused your work. I have no desire to offend you Mr. Goto, but you must understand that you are currently considered a sick joke by what passes as a literary community for your chosen universe.

I beg of you, Mr. Goto, have a conscience. Barring that, if you'd like to make more than a paltry royalty you must write in another universe, either of your own making or borrowed from someone else. I understand that Shatner's Tekworld could use an author of your talents.

Extremely well done!.......2006-08-04

Captain Octavius did such an exceptional performance on the Herodian IV mission, he had become one of the very few Marines to be given the honor of a permanent secondment to the Deathwatch. The captain assembles a new team of battle brothers for a new mission. Though Octavius has already selected a Blood Ravens librarian named Atreus for the team, he is surprised to learn that the Angels Sanguine librarian, Ashok (from the Herodian IV mission), has been called in my one of the lord inquisitors to join the team as well.

This Deathwatch team is to fulfill an ancient pact that had been made between the Ordo Xenos and the eldar aliens. The Eye of Terror is weeping torrents of Chaos into the galaxy. To the naked eye, it resembles a cloud of red mist leaking out of the nebula. The Marines must enter the eldar craftworld of Ulthwé and assist the aliens in dispatching Lelith, the Wych Queen of Strife, before she can complete a daemonic princess's transmigration. This is much easier said than done, however. The darkling wyches who blade dance and spin with breathtaking precision, the darkling raiders, and vicious warp-beasts are only a few of the many forces in which Lelith commands from her arena throne. Captain Octavius and his battle brothers know full well that Chaos minions are not the only form of treachery they must be wary of.

***** An excellent addition to the Deathwatch series. I do not know which story I believe is the best thus far. I found it very interesting to watch warriors from the enemy side team up with the Marines. As the reader, I got to see the fight from the Eldar Warriors' view point, as well as from the Marines'. I could not help but admire a few of them. I hope to see more of them in future W40K novels. Author C.S. Goto has outdone himself! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

The Exile And the Sorcerer (Lyremouth Chronicles)

Average customer rating:

My new favorite lesbian author (Sorry Radclyffe)
Not 'fast food' reading
Waiting for others
Knockout Fiction, Tantalizingly Told, & Beautifully Packaged

The Exile And the Sorcerer (Lyremouth Chronicles)
Jane Fletcher
Manufacturer: Bold Strokes Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1933110325

Customer Reviews:

My new favorite lesbian author (Sorry Radclyffe).......2007-01-05

She is not new but she is new to Bold Strokes Books. I like that because I can read straight trough the whole series.
I just finished this on and was so very happy to finally find a lesbian (sci-fi or adventure) writer that is as good as any main stream author. Reading this book made me think of Robert Jordon's Wheel of Time Series. Not that the books are similar but that they are both awesome authors.
This book was very well written. My escape was total and complete. I couldn't put it down.

Not 'fast food' reading.......2006-09-12

A lot of people swear that Jane Fletcher is the goddess of Sci-fi writing. She seems to almost have a cult following. But whenever I read the synopsis on her book covers, well - they seemed a little too much fantasy. But, on the advice of friends, who assured it wasn't too far into the fantasy realm, I bought the book.

To say her story was good is an understatement. It was good on so many levels. The story flowed smoothly and seamlessly. There was nothing that jarred me out of the story for even a minute. The story caught and held my attention, not in the riveting - edge of your seat sort of way - but just waiting to see what happened next. This story had so many different levels to it.

Without giving away any spoilers:

- it hits home to anyone who -

**grew up without that 'blood is thicker than everything' or 'family must always stand together' belief
**grew up being different - whether it was being gay, too skinny, too fat, too smart, too dumb - or anything that made you feel different
**grew up always being told you weren't good enough, or smart enough
**has ever been truly alone in the world
**has wondered why you are here
**has ever been betrayed by someone you trusted
**has ever been abandoned
**lost your faith in others
***and I'm sure there are other places it hits that didn't touch my soul. Yet it leaves you hoping, believing that goodness and honesty will win.

It doesn't hit so hard it hurts, but it hits hard enough to actually make your heart skip a beat when you recognize yourself; or when you emphasize with the character.

It's not a fast & easy read, as are many lesbian literature books. This isn't 'fast food.' It's a gourmet meal to be consumed, and every bite savored.

Now, of course, I must go out buy the sequel. (and then start on her next series)

Waiting for others.......2006-08-01

Jane Fletcher has again piqued my interesting.

Her characters are believable. Witchcraft for the good is a nice concept.

I felt like I was left wanting. I can't wait for the next book to be published.

Knockout Fiction, Tantalizingly Told, & Beautifully Packaged.......2006-05-02

Tevi is the oldest daughter of Red, who in turn is the daughter of the Queen of Storenseg. In this matrilineal society, the women are the warriors and the men are small, weak, and serve in roles as housekeepers, babysitters, and servants. Tevi does not belong. She is awkward-not good with a sword or any type of weapon-and the leaders of Storenseg do not believe she possesses any useful leadership skills. Her younger sister, Laff, is far better suited for power and ruling. Unfortunately, Tevi makes the mistake of revealing feelings for a woman, and in this profoundly heterosexist society, that is cause for death or exile. Like the ugly duckling, Tevi is a disgrace in the eyes of all her people.

Rather than sentence her own granddaughter to death, the Queen sends Tevi on an impossible mission to recover a chalice stolen under odd circumstances. In anguish, the 19-year-old woman embarks upon a journey to other lands. In classic Quest form, Tevi goes out in the world and this is when the fun starts. While learning new skills and finding talents she didn't know she had, she encounters wayfarers, sorcerers, enchanted castles, witches, wild animals, dwarves, and magic-and Jemeryl, who is a young Sorceress who not only saves Tevi from a terrible fate, but also proves critical in formulating a search for the stolen chalice. As it turns out, Tevi's quest has much further reaching ramifications than anyone back in Storenseg ever imagined.

Originally published as Parts One and Two of Lorimal's Chalice, this new incarnation leads off a series that will include a second book, THE TRAITOR AND THE CHALICE (June 2006), which comprised Parts Three and Four of Lorimal's Chalice, and the all-new third book, THE EMPRESS AND THE ACOLYTE (October 2006).

THE EXILE AND THE SORCERER is a mesmerizing read, a tour-de-force packed with adventure, ordeals, complex twists and turns, and the internal introspection of appealing characters. The author writes effortlessly, handling the size and scope of the book with ease. Not since the fantasy works of Elizabeth Moon and Lynn Flewelling have I been so thoroughly engrossed in a tale. This is knockout fiction, tantalizingly told, and beautifully packaged. It receives my very highest recommendation.

Average customer rating:

great reading
Everyone should be more like Morgan!
The coven.
Morgan returns and the mysteries continue
who am I?

The Coven (Sweep 2)
Cate Tiernan
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0141310472

Book Description

Morgan's powers are stronger than she ever imagined. She has visions, she lights fires with her mind, and her spells work miracles. When her boyfriend Cal, a member of the same coven, insists that witchcraft is in her blood, Morgan is confused. Her parents definitely aren't witches. They do seem to be keeping something secret, though-something about Morgan's past.

Customer Reviews:

great reading.......2005-03-18

I read these books at school, and wow! I fell in love since reading the first one. So far i am on book 6 and i love them! I love the characters and there is always a good plot.

Everyone should be more like Morgan!.......2005-03-16

After 16 years of being a Rowlands, Morgan finds out she's adopted and that her parents have been lying to her all along! But why? Why would they keep such a secret from her, if not for a good reason?

In the week from hell, she breaks ties with Bree over Cal, starting an all-out girl war that splits the coven. Following up on the brief glimpse of her real mother's name on her birth certificate, Morgan embarks on a dangerous journey of discovery. Whoever holds the key to her parents death, will also seal her fate.
Now Morgan has to watch her back, and absorb as much majick as she can in order to defend herself. No easy task, trying to fit Wicca in with calculus, church, an active social and home life.

Tiernan's Sweep novels are carefully crafted to reflect real teenage issues, without being irreverent. Her characters are cast with subtle shades of adulthood and common sense, when put under extraordinary circumstances without the cheesiness of "The Craft". Morgan is a highly likeable heroine, and each reader will rip through each page to get to the next book.

The coven........2003-10-09

It is very hard to type a review for all of the sweep books and try to say something different instead of that it is great! Moprgan and her friends get introduced more into the life of Wicca. This book has romance, suspense and a wild turn at the end that wants you to run to the nearest book store and get the next one.
This book is great and you should read it, along with the others of course.

Morgan returns and the mysteries continue.......2003-07-29

In the first book of the series we saw Morgan become exposed to Wicca and learn that she has strong powers and is a blood witch (witch by heredity).

In this book, Morgan must learn more about herself. During an argument with her parents who want her to stop her Wicca studies, she confronts them with the blood witch idea. They deny it and she finally learns that she was adopted.

The rest of the book has Morgan trying to come to terms with her adoption, the fact she wasn't told about it, her relationship with Cal Blaire and possibly ex-friend Bree. All this while also learning about her powers and that not everyone in the world of magic is friendly.

A very nice book that really surprised me in how well it was written, how the characters act, and some of the subjects brought up. All in all, a very nice book.

who am I?.......2002-09-14

Morgan's life has totally changed. Bree her best friend hates her and now she knows she was adopted. The only good thing in her life is that she is dating Cal. Morgan's power is growing and she has spells come to her from nowhere. Then Morgan finds something and her life changes course again.

Average customer rating:

The Best of the Best
A Great Book That Is A Must!
Looking Back
British Traditional Wicca
Excellent Introduction

What Witches Do
Stewart Farrar
Manufacturer: Phoenix Publishing (WA)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0919345174

Book Description

Behind-the-scenes description of what witches really do. It describes the ancient rituals in a candid and comprehensive way as seen through the eyes of a practicing witch and member of an active coven.

In this account, the author explores the fundamental beliefs and symbology of Witchcraft, presenting the time-honored texts of its rituals and invocations, and describing exactly what happens as his own coven's esbats (meetings), sabbats (festivals), and handfasting (marriage) ceremonies. Stewart Farrar also outlines the way witches raise and apply psychic power to release the forces of healing and protection, etc.

Customer Reviews:

The Best of the Best.......2005-06-19

This book tells the truth of Witchcraft, and is untainted by the revisionist trend of the past few years. I'm surprised that some well-meaning but clueless 20- or 30-something hasn't tried to force the title to become What Wiccans Do. If you want to find the roots of the Neo-Pagan revival, if the word Wiccan used as anything but an adjective offends you, then you need to read this book, and then find a coven that worships the Old Gods as described herein.

A Great Book That Is A Must!.......2004-06-01

Look into the eyes of Mr. Farrar and see how moderen witchcraft was in the Alexandrian tradition (before he discovered Alex's lies). In the book you can see how a moderen coven is working. Mr. Farrar lets all the readers know what truly happened after every chapter and tells the readers what witches truly do through his eyes. This book is well worth the money and time.

Looking Back.......2003-05-25

I really enjoyed this book. It was originally recommended to my by my mentor as a look back to the roots of my coven.

This is a great resource to any budding Wiccan out there, who'd like to take a closer look at some of the history surrounding our faith.

British Traditional Wicca.......2002-04-09

This is the most comprehensive, detailed, and informative book I have ever read and will probably ever read about the British Tradional Wiccan traditons of Wicca. I would guess this will be the most anyone who reads this book will ever know about these oathbound traditions short of joining a British Traditional Coven themselves.

Excellent Introduction.......2001-11-06

This was one of the first books to accurately show how Traditional Wicca operates. Farrar, at the time, was an Alexandrian initiate. While admittedly the work of a stary-eyed newbie initiate who believed Alex Sanders was almost perfect (something many of us downline from Sanders have learned wasn't the case. Alex was brilliant, talented, and flawed), it gives one a good view of the feel of structured Traditional Wicca. Even today, 30 plus years later, it's still a good intro, and much better than much of the eclectic ... put out by Llewellyn. If after reading this you're intrigued by how Wicca is portrayed, then you should look into British Traditional Wicca, i.e. Alexandrian or Gardnerian Wicca.

L.A. Witch: Fiona Horne's Guide to Coven Magick

Average customer rating:

For those of you from Australia, this is a rehash of "The Coven: Making Magick Together"
An inspiring, revealing account evolves
Great insider info

L.A. Witch: Fiona Horne's Guide to Coven Magick
Fiona Horne
Manufacturer: Llewellyn Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0738710342

Book Description

Australia's favorite witch is now on our side of the globe! Leaving behind her successful life Down Under, Fiona Horne made the risky, exciting move to Los Angeles-a city of dreams and glamour-where she was inspired to form her first coven. Bold, sassy, and utterly candid, L.A. Witch documents Fiona's enlightening journey from solitary to shared magickal practice. She makes it easy for beginners to follow in her footsteps by sharing the basics for starting a coven and enhancing it with personal flavor and flair. This lively introduction to the Craft also discusses Witchcraft history, Goddess spirituality, laws and ethics, rituals and spellwork, Wiccan sexuality, magickal excursions, and other fundamentals.

Topped off with diary entries, anecdotes, and Fiona's infectious personality, L.A. Witch brilliantly captures the extraordinary, magickal life of a coven Witch.

Customer Reviews:

For those of you from Australia, this is a rehash of "The Coven: Making Magick Together".......2007-06-17

which was released in Australia in 2003. It is slightly updated and does have extra information inside ("Share the love" and the chapter by Tri Johns are the big differences, though I swear I have read the Tri chapter somewhere else and not from "Pop! Goes the Witch") and you will note that in "The Coven" one of the coven members has a different name from this publication, maybe to protect privacy as "LA Witch" is published in LA?

I found the original "The Coven" inspiring when I read it in 2003, but like "Bewitch a Man: How to Find Him and Keep Him Under Your Spell" I'm a bit tired of the name-dropping that I find in "LA Witch". Nevertheless, if you can get past that, this book is full of tips, suggestions and anecdotes, and yet again you feel like Fiona is talking directly to you.

With the section up the back on health and fresh foods, I wonder if Fiona has thought of delving into making a yummy fresh vegan receipe book, along with some of her food anecdotes and going into the magick of food in more depth?

An inspiring, revealing account evolves.......2007-05-10

Fiona Horne's WITCH: FIONA HORNE'S GUIDE TO COVEN MAGIC comes from a celebrity witch who moved to Hollywood, there to apply her nature-based spirituality to the fast-paced, material culture of Hollywood. WITCH follows her journey, and discusses the basics of how to form a coven that's the right fit for all - even applying modern party basics such as Witch-inspired tea parties and Goddess gatherings to the mix of options. An inspiring, revealing account evolves, perfect for the young modern witch who wants insights into how to form a modern coven.

Great insider info.......2007-04-03

Today you read a lot about solitary wiccans but this one covers more about creating a coven of electic wiccans. This isn't a solid, "this is the way you do it" kind of book but rather , we did it this way and want to show you how it worked, and can work for you. Fiona is inspiring, very wonderful to read her easy style, you feel like she is talking to you at a coffee house and giving you some insider info on her world.

well done, thanks!

Coven Craft: Witchcraft for Three or More

Average customer rating:

Teaching Pagan classes
Helpful but missing something...
Thinking of forming a Coven?
Perfect for any coven member
Essential reading

Coven Craft: Witchcraft for Three or More
Amber K
Manufacturer: Llewellyn Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1567180183

Amazon.com

Covencraft is the most complete book on creating and maintaining a coven written to date, with solid advice on networking, group dynamics, the possibilities of incorporation, community service, open rituals, and so much more. The sheer amount of information in one book is staggering, but the truly amazing part is that all this information is indispensable. One would be hard-pressed to find something that Amber K has missed, but if there is something lacking, she has included enough contact information and reference material to answer any questions that may arise. If you are thinking of starting a coven, Covencraft will smooth the way and point out potential troubles before they can wreck your projects. If your coven is already established, you will wonder how you ever got along without Covencraft. --Brian Patterson

Customer Reviews:

Teaching Pagan classes.......2007-03-31

This is a great book for anyone starting to teach classes on paganism. It is a great guide, it can be a bit confusing as a referance book. Things are not where you would think they would be.

Helpful but missing something..........2006-03-27

I found this book to be a good resource when planning a local group here. A few things more I would have liked to see were regarding group ideas for activities, new coven "drama" dynamics, and ideas for family covens. The crafting she describes seems to be geared towards more traditional lines... and seems to require a core group hat is starting everything.

It does offer excellent advice on classes and worksop ideas, as well as general group dynamics and adaptation as you grow.

I would say it is ideal for a small group of practioners who are looking to grow or branch out.

Thinking of forming a Coven?.......2006-02-06

When I first started out, there was nothing whatsoever that I could turn to for assistance when there were coven problems. The only thing I had to lean on was my background growing up in a Pagan family, a strong negotiational skill or two, and the wisdom of those who ordained Me [who were 6 states away!].

Not long after I began searching, along came a resource which I have found to be a most valuable tool. "Covencraft" by Amber K, published by Llewellyn's [don't hold that against it] is a great resource to jummpstart any HP/s who is having problems sorting out where to begin. It assists you in setting up your bylaws, settling disputes and organizing Eclectic rituals. Of course, you can always add the laws/rites/etc. of your path if your coven members are practicing under one tradition of the same path.

Everything from problem-solving to group rites is there, and everything in between is in this book, including setting up donations to cover costs, fundraising ideas for larger events and choosing Magickal names.

This is probably Amber K's greatest contribution to the world of Paganism, and one which I highly recommend. Any HP/s who is even thinking of forming a coven of her/his own will experience a tremendous eye-opening concerning the duties and responsibilities in forming and maintaining a true working Coven/stead. It is concisely written so that anyone can easily understand the excellent advice it offers.

Also included is a good description of the actual Covenstead itself, and details how far from other covens you should base yourself so as to not begin a petty rivalry among the local Pagan community. This is a valuable asset to My library, and a purchase I've never regretted.

Perfect for any coven member.......2005-12-23

This book is the best out there for anyone wishing to join or create a coven. I highly recommend it! I couldn't have started my group without it. You don't even really need to know anything about paganism, wicca, or magick to understand this book, and I really like that about this book though I do not care for the author.

Essential reading.......2004-08-15

This book is excellent for any Witch thinking of starting, joining, continuing in, or leaving a coven. If you are a student teacher participant or wallflower, this book could be helpful to you. I would also recommend it highly to any solitary who ever works or plays with other Witches, and any non-Witch pagan curious about Witches, circles, covens, etc. I seriously do not think any pagan is more than a beginner without studying this book. So buy it, new or used; read it, alone and/or with friends; talk and think about it with other pagans.

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