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 . . .
