Wicca The Complete Craft

by Conway, D.J.; Mclarney, Jeanne

• ISBN13: 9781580910927
• ISBN10: 1580910920
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-10-01
• Publisher: Crossing Press

Summary

This is the ultimate guide to the ancient religion of Wicca by best-selling Pagan author, D. J. Conway. WICCA: THE COMPLETE CRAFT offers a comprehensive overview of Wiccan philosophy, dispels the common misconceptions, and is a useful primer for practicing Wicca as a spiritual lifestyle. Included are chapters on sacred space, ritual tools, holy days, meditations and visualizations, spells and the art of spell casting, as well as terminology.

Author Biography

D. J. CONWAY is the best-selling author of more than 20 nonfiction books and three fantasy novels. Her books have been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Czechoslovakian, Hungarian, and several other languages. An honorary member of the Council of Elders of the Society of Celtic Shamans, she has studied many spiritual paths, including New Age religions, Eastern philosophy, and Wicca, for more than 40 years. She lives in the Pacific Northwest.

Table of Contents

Foreword	vii
Introduction	ix
Part I: What Is Wicca?
What Is Wicca?	3	(5)
The History of Wicca	8	(6)
Modern Wicca	14	(9)
Part II: A Course in Wicca
Words and Terms Used in Wicca	23	(15)
What Makes a Witch?	38	(4)
The Wiccan Rede	42	(4)
Dedication and Initiation	46	(4)
The Threefold Law	50	(2)
The Triple Goddess and the God	52	(5)
Pantheons of Goddesses and Gods	57	(20)
The Eight Holy Days	77	(5)
Powers of the Moon	82	(4)
The Elements and Quarters	86	(7)
Nature Spirits and Other Invisible Helpers	93	(17)
Animal Allies and Familiars	110	(11)
Sacred Space	121	(4)
Ritual Tools	125	(11)
Jewelry, Robes, and Other Paraphernalia	136	(4)
The Magical or Craft Name	140	(2)
Invoking, Evoking, and Banishing	142	(5)
Protection and Self-Defense	147	(3)
The Traditional Salutes and Gestures	150	(6)
Sacred Symbols	156	(10)
Meditation and Visualization	166	(8)
Astral Projection	174	(6)
The Akashic Records, Death, Reincarnation, and Karma	180	(6)
Dreams and Dream Journals	186	(8)
Developing Psychic Abilities	194	(6)
Healing	200	(4)
Magical Stones	204	(5)
Magical Herbs	209	(8)
Writing Your Own Rituals	217	(6)
Part III: The Book of Rituals
The Witch's Book of Shadows	223	(5)
The Mechanics of Casting a Circle	228	(8)
Initiation into Wicca	236	(16)
The Charge of the Goddess	252	(3)
Drawing Down the Moon and Sun	255	(8)
New Moon Ritual	263	(4)
Full Moon Ritual	267	(4)
Imbolc	271	(2)
Spring Equinox	273	(2)
Beltane	275	(2)
Summer Solstice	277	(2)
Lughnasadh	279	(2)
Autumn Equinox	281	(2)
Samhain	283	(3)
Winter Solstice	286	(3)
Naming Ritual	289	(3)
Puberty Rites	292	(4)
Eldering	296	(5)
Handfasting and Marriage	301	(7)
Divorce or Separation	308	(3)
Death or Remembrance	311	(1)
Blessing a House or Property	312	(1)
Protection Ritual	313	(8)
Part IV: The Book of Spells
What Is Magic?	321	(3)
The Art of Spellcasting	324	(2)
Planetary Influences	326	(4)
The Days and Hours	330	(6)
Magical Alphabets	336	(23)
Breaking a Spell	359	(2)
Moon Magic	361	(2)
Sun Magic	363	(3)
Herbal Powders and Brews	366	(35)
Incenses and Oils	401	(31)
Candle Magic	432	(12)
The Knotted Cord	444	(6)
Talismans and Amulets	450	(2)
Poppets	452	(4)
Chants	456	(3)
Other Spells	459	(3)
Bibliography	462	(32)
Index	494