What I'm Reading . . .

I just finished reading 'Wicca Demystified' by Brian Lankford. It is a great book for those following the Wiccan path and also to give to family or friends who are open enough to read it and understand what it has to say. The first part of the book describes Wicca and the second part is a question and answer format, which I found helpful and informative. A great read.

I picked this book up last night at Barnes and Noble. Being newly attuned as a Reiki Master I'm finding it fascinating to read about the ascended masters, angels, guides and spirits. It talks about people from the past who were ascended masters and even gives insight into who might be an ascended master today . . . that will have to wait though, I haven't even started reading the book and I don't want to spoil it.

Another book I picked up last night is Spontaneous Evolution. Okay, I'll be honest . . . I loved the cover! However, this book does sound fascinating. It talks about how we, as humanity, are turning towards a more spiritual way of being and that eventually we will evolve enough to live in love all over the planet . . . how awesome is that? I can't wait to delve into this book.

I started reading this book the other night. It's a serious book and I have to admit I'm a little daunted by it. The author makes no bones about sugar-coating anything, which is kind of refreshing, but as I said, daunting. She belongs to a coven and while the book is meant to be a learning manual of sorts, she doesn't give away secrets of the coven. A fine line to draw I think, so it will be interesting to see how she covers the ideas and concepts inherent to Wicca.

So there you have it . . . a few of the books currently on my bedside table. I found myself wishing last night that I was one of those people who could fan through the pages of a book and know all there is to know about the book . . . I even tried laying on my hands, but to no avail. I guess I'll just have to do it the old fashioned way.

Happy Reading!

I am not an idiot . . .

You've seen them in the bookstores. Those yellow and black or orange books that declare you are an idiot and apparently you need a book to tell you so. I jest of course, but why on Earth couldn't they have named them 'The Complete GENIUS'S Guide to . . .' After all, you're buying a book because you don't know everything there is to know about a subject (or you're just looking for some entertainment) and are therefore buying the book to expand your knowledge. Seems pretty smart to me . . . I'm just saying . . .

Feeling better for having gotten that off my chest, I now turn to the real reason for this post . . . a new book I'm reading called, you guessed it, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft. This book is full of great information and whys and what-fors. It covers all the basics like the history of Wicca and Witchcraft, the Wiccan Rede, rituals, Sabbats and esbats and then gets into what magick is and how use it, what supplies are needed, working with crystals, stones, herbs and essential oils.

This book is fantastic for a beginner just setting out on the path and also for someone who's been walking the path for awhile, but for one reason or another has become stuck. What I like best about the book is the inclusion of a Year-and-a-Day study. I've often read that phrase in other books but could never find a source for going about studying for the year-and-a-day. This book has it! It gives short descriptions on different aspects of Wicca which you can expand upon depending on your preferences. It is laid out according to the Wheel of the Year, so you'll be studying on aspects related to Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.

Since we've already waved goodbye to Imbolc and traditionally the best time for new beginnings, there's no time like the present! Personally, I'm going to begin my study at the next New Moon which is Friday, March 4th - a great time for starting new projects and making new plans. That will give me enough time to read the book and prepare myself for going back to school!

So while I've been on the Wiccan path for some time now, have read some great books, done loads of internet research, have set up my Book of Shadows, done ritual and celebrate the God and Goddess, I feel a new surge of excitement in having a clearly defined course of study. One that I can grasp and make my own in whatever way rings true for me. Yay!

I leave you today with a picture of my two little fellows looking out the window . . . the snow is so high I don't think they can really see anything, although they're determined . . .