Moving Beyond the Rede - Living an Ethical and Magical Life
Written: Mar 07 '08
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Product Rating:
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Pros: a unique Witchcraft text with the primary focus being on ethics
Cons: the "decorative page edging"
The Bottom Line: If you've moved beyond the Wicca 101 books this might just be your cup of tea. A wonderful exploration of integrating religious faith into daily life.
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| jiastar's Full Review: Marian Singer - A Witch's 10 Commandments: Magicka... |
I have read books on E.S.P. and ghosts since grammar school. I got my first tarot deck as a freshman in high school and I started reading books on spells by my junior year. But, it was not until the age of 18 that I came to Wicca, which for the record was 20 years ago.
What drew me to purchase A Witch's 10 Commandments was, first and foremost, the fact that it was not another book intended for those new to the Wiccan faith. It was a unique Witchcraft text in that the entire focus of the book was to aid one in living a life that embraces a lifestyle that is both magical and ethical.
The book opens with a Preface which gives a general overview of religious ethics using some of the world's religions as examples. This section touches on Christianity, Judaism, Shinto, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and others.
Following the Preface is an Introduction in which the author explains that while she accepts that her thoughts may not be in agreement with every neo-Pagan out there, her goal is to foster in each person some ethical scrutiny. Her hope is that her book will help its readers to "be the best human beings possible. (xxviii)
From there the book is divided so that each chapter that follows focuses on one Commandment at a time.
The commandments are as follows:
- Thou art God/dess
- As Above, so Below; As Within, so Without.
- Spirit Abides in All Things. Names and Words Have Power.
- Maintain an Attitude of Gratitude.
- Honor Thy Ancestors, Teachers, Elders, and Leaders.
- All Life is Sacred.
- All Acts of Love and Pleasure Are Sacred.
- Whatever you send out returns threefold.
- Love is the Law, Love Under Will.
- For the Greatest Good, an' It Harm None.
Each chapter devotes pages to examining some of the most basic beliefs held by Neo-Pagans today. Each chapter encourages not only thought and reflection but provides exercises to bring more spirituality into your everyday life.
Examples of some of the information and exercises inside are:
- basic meditation techniques
- basic ritual format
- making mundane acts, acts of magic
- taking personal responsibility
- living in the moment
- keeping a gratitude journal
This is not a collection of rituals or spells. Nor is it a complete overview of the beliefs of any one Pagan sect. Instead, it is more of a self-help book (written from a Neo-Pagan mindset) intended to be used to help the reader to decide what truths they really hold to in their hearts, minds, and souls. Additionally, it aims to assist the reader in integrating those beliefs into everyday life.
A Witch's 10 Commandments is not a beginner book on Wicca or Witchcraft. The book is accessible only if you already have a basic understanding of Neo-Paganism (specifically the religion of Wicca and the practice of Witchcraft). However, it is not at all dull, boring, tedious, or textbooky. It is an easy read, though the soul-searching it provokes will be less so.
Additionally, Wicca and Witchcraft alone count for a wide variety of religious sects within the larger umbrella of Neo-Paganism. Therefore, not everyone is going to feel the same about these ethical guidelines. However, the book is less about telling you what to believe than it is about encouraging you to determine what you believe.
I would recommend this book for a Witch who has moved beyond being a new student and into serious practice of the faith or for a Witch who has perhaps been going through a rough patch and found their faith a bit shaken. Whether you buy this gift for yourself, or as a gift, I suggest pairing it with a blank journal (a cheap marble notebook will do the trick) so that the reader can pause while reading and write down their own personal thoughts and reflections.
Overall I found A Witch's 10 Commandments to be well worth the purchase price and recommend it for any Witch's bookshelf.
note:
Personally I find the rough decorative edging given to the book's pages annoying and distracting. I assume it was done in order to give the book an old-fashioned flair, but it is more cumbersome than quaint.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
jiastar
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Location: Monmouth County, NJ
Reviews written: 368
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About Me:
A wife ... a mom ... and a Witch
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