A book that will serve as a tool for parents and family members who seek to appreciate a loved one’s religious choices, and that will help those seeking to separate the truth about modern Witchcraft from centuries of misinformation.
Witches are everywhere! You can find them in your local schools, workplace, or community. They are your friends, colleagues, neighbors, and sometimes family members. But what do you really know about them? Break through your misconceptions with this groundbreaking, comprehensive guide showcasing Wicca and Witchcraft, written in a simple myth/truth format. Three Witches, elders in the pagan community, take on Wiccan-related fallacies still present in society today. They invite Wiccans to come out of the broom closet and they encourage understanding of the tenets of Wicca by those just interested in learning about the basics. This book will serve as a tool for parents and family members who seek to appreciate a loved one’s religious choices, and it will help those seeking to separate the truth about modern Witchcraft from centuries of misinformation.
Professional Reviews
Wicca: What's the Real Deal?
This review was originally published on The Magical Buffet website on 9/1/11.
I first became aware of Patricia Gardner when her apartment exterior was vandalized in 2007. I wrote a little piece about it. What readers don't know is that shortly after I wrote that article I spent an evening with Patricia (High Priestess) and got to meet Dayna Winters (Priestess) and other members of the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven. As I was coming to expect from meetings like this, the group was filled with friendly and sincere spiritual seekers that welcomed me into their gathering with open arms. And this is why I was thrilled to learn that Schiffer Publishing has recently released "Wicca: What's the Real Deal? Breaking Through the Misconceptions" by none other than Patricia Gardner, Dayna Winters, and Angela Kaufman.
These three ladies endeavor to navigate the murky waters of attempting to define and describe Wicca and its practices, which as most of you are aware is a journey fraught with peril as Wiccan practitioner's perspectives and philosophies vary greatly. Overall I think the average Wiccan would feel the book adequately represents them, and at the end of the day, the three authors are Priestesses of their own coven, so it definitely reflects their own beliefs.
The bulk of the book concentrates on the misconceptions about Wicca with the first chapter being "Misunderstood Terminology and Erroneous Perceptions" and the second chapter being "Misunderstood Practices and Historical Misconceptions". These chapters use the simple format of stating the myth, stating the truth, and then offering a detailed explanation. They discuss a variety of myths, such as: "All Witches follow the Wiccan religion", "Wiccan revere nothing", "Tarot cards are evil and their use attracts evil spirits", "Witches use an athame to cut people or animals during their rites", and "The Horned God that Wiccans worship is Satan".
Next they discuss "What Wiccans Do". Here is the basic description of rituals, a listing of holidays and other events like Handfastings and Esbats with a concise overview of each, some discussion of Wiccan tenets and principles, and even a look at the advantages and disadvantages of being a Wiccan. They share the vandalism incident that brought them to my attention within the disadvantages section.
Lastly is a fascinating chapter entitled "When Magick is Sane". Very few books I've come across have so openly and frankly discussed that often times people who believe in magick are considered to be crazy. Since author Angela Kaufman is a licensed clinical social worker with experience working with individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues there is an extra weight of authority behind this chapter. They discuss spirits, divine guidance and hallucinations, a comparison of religion and culture versus diagnosable illness, and the difference between magick and self-delusion. From there it flows neatly into examining teens wishing to study Wicca, handling discrimination and intolerance, and some of the negative behaviors that can be found within Wiccan communities.
"Wicca: What's the Real Deal?" could easily be mistaken as another "Wicca 101' book at first glance, and with most Buffet readers being well versed in Wicca or practicing Wiccans themselves, you may find yourself dismissing this book a bit too soon. With its straight forward myth/truth format and easy to follow explanations of the basics of Wicca and being Wiccan this book is, in my opinion, a must own for many people. High Priests and Priestesses should consider having a copy around for loaning out to concerned family members of those in their coven, or for a teenager interested in pursuing Wicca for them and their family to read together. With its discussion of what Wiccans do and the pros and cons of being Wiccan, anyone considering taking up the study of Wicca would benefit from reading this book. Also, anyone looking for an easy to digest introduction to Wicca would find use in owning this book.
Readers Favorite Book Review
Debunking the myths about Wicca, Magick and all of the related misnomers of the religion, authors Dayna Winters, Patricia Gardner and Angela Kaufman go to great lengths to explain in terms that are easily understood. From the earliest times to present, the reader is guided through traditions, taboos, rituals, spiritual communication, healing and more...Having zero interaction (to the best of my knowledge, anyway) with the Wicca religion, I found each chapter interesting and educational. My favorite part was the myths and truths. It was fascinating to read the different perspectives, followed by the in depth explanations.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the religion or perhaps even just curious."
Reviewer. Brenda Ballard
I was Delighted When "Wicca: What's the Real Deal?" was Released
"As a pagan practitioner & Priestess, I was delighted when “Wicca: What’s the Real Deal?” was released to the public. I’m often asked many questions regarding myths & misconceptions about pagans, witches & the occult in general. As I am always happy to answer questions, I’ve often found myself hoping someone will write a book centered around what it is pagans & witches ACTUALLY do & believe & what many people THINK we do & believe. It amazes me that many people have become so accepting these days of trends or behaviors that were considered wrongful 20 years ago; yet, there’s still persecutions & negative judgments as well as fear & disbelief of their local practitioner who makes healing salves, gives tarot readings & communicates daily with nature. And so now finally there is a book designed to educate not just non-pagans, but existing pagans as well those who have either just begun their spiritual path or who’ve had little formal training because of having to learn without a teacher for guidance.
I found this book easy to read & understand. It’s intelligently written, thus demanding the attention of readers as well as the readers’ respect. It pays a lot of attention to detail; explaining terms & items/tools often used in the craft, and it has a plentiful glossary anyone could understand and retain. The book also refers to other books & authors on the craft. This book has many points of view you normally don’t see in other books. The bold-face format of the myth & truth grabs the reader’s attention at once, explaining the answers in such clear detail that you’ll want to read more & more of this one-of-a-kind literary book of knowledge.
I found “Wicca: What’s the Real Deal? “ to be exactly what every pagan, witch &/or Wiccan & their family members & friends should have in their library. It explains the craft in a non-threatening way, gently coaxing the reader to discover within themselves a new acceptance of anyone in their life who has chosen this spiritual path. Hopefully, it will allow us all to be able to worship freely, with less judgments & hatred from society & the world we strive to coexist in. I would recommend this book for the young adult right up to the experienced practitioner or for an individual new to the craft to help their friends & family understand & see how positive & fulfilling this spiritual path they have chosen can be for them, without the negative judgments of others."
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