Witchcraft: Theory and Practice

I like this book, like not love. I was kind of sort of hoping it would steer out of the Wiccan territory or that it would provide an interesting perspective outside of more easily accessible books on the craft. The author outwardly seems like a very interesting person, so I'm surprised at how average some of the topics she approached were, it's more than likely publisher push than, seemingly, her own individual perspective. Most of the writing seems geared towards Wiccan-style witchcraft, not hedge witchcraft or kitchen craft, just as a few examples. There were only a few places wherein she describes more what I perceive to be shamanistic-witch material sans the Wicca influence, such as conjuring a fetch, developing a familiar spirit, creating a fith-fath, hexing, 'getting' or sympathetic magic, so on and so forth. These passages were far too short for me and left me feeling starved. I'm unsure as to whether or not she does view deity as Lord/Lady or if this was, again, something the publisher felt was something to add in? At times I felt like I was reading two different books instead of one.If you're looking for a craft that blends magic with religion, such as duality in the god-goddess, sabbats, esbats and rituals this is an excellent point a book for those purposes. If you're trying to find a more individualistic voice supplemented by literature, alternate POV's to widen your own perspective, eh, I encourage you wholeheartedly to try it. See for yourself what it means to you. This book wasn't exactly what I was looking for but perhaps others may find it more enriching than I did.

By far and away, "Witchcraft - Theory & Practice" is one of THEE most advanced, straight forward, no BS books I have ever seen. There is no fluffy bunny Wicca here, folks. This is straight up Witchcraft and without getting into a debate over Wicca vs. Witchcraft, I will say this: Prepare yourself for some serious training in Witchcraft. This book means business.The author, Ms. Ly DeAngeles, certainly knows her Craft and she has no qualms in telling you just that. I really wanted to rate this at 4.5 stars but because I can't and was so impressed with the book, I gave it 5 stars. The one thing that sort of left a sour taste in my mouth was the "preachy" and "do it my way or else" writing style this book tends to convey. With that said, this style of writing may have a lot to do with how well Ms. DeAngeles knows her Craft.Overall, this book could easily be adapted as a beginner book for those who are SERIOUS and DEDICATED to the study, training and practice of Witchcraft. I do NOT recommend this book for someone who wants to brush up on the history of Witchcraft or occasionally dabble with a love spell or to see what happens on the night of a full moon. This book is presented to you as a way of life; not as a fair weather friend.One last item of note: I've read some of the other reviews where it says the book didn't go into depth as much as it could have on certain topics such as the God & the Goddess; the Sabbats; ethics, etc. I feel that it should be pointed out that the book encourages the reader to do some of their own research on these "less in-depth" topics, so as to advance and deepen your training. If you don't have enough self initiative to go beyond this book, why bother with making Witchcraft a way of life?

Witchcraft: Theory and Practice is actually an expanded version of a book the author wrote as a primer over a decade ago. That book was one of the first that I read on the Path and I am glad to see that it has been expanded. The author stresses the seriousnes of comitting oneself to the Old Religion in a way that makes you understand that this is not a game. There is an entire section devoted to self exploration, including a Book of Elements to help you find an order in those sometimes chaotic personality traits. The work serves as a caveat that the first step taken on the Path is one you can never take back. The first section of the book focuses on fundamentals: self exploration, meditation and visualisation skills, and basic grounding in the thought process of an occultist and Witch. Section two is ritual and religious instruction, and the third part is a collection of unique spells. Kabbalah informs much of the work, although I'm certain many Kabbalists would object to the author's interpretation. There is a series of guided journeys designed to open up understanding of the Spheres for the reader. Finally, the most impressive aspect of this book is its poetic nature. Angeles clearly has the soul of a poet in her, which is far more important, in my opinion, than endless lists of tools and correspondences. Her language drips with imagery, and takes the reader into the realm of the Witch the way few books do. This is a brilliant work. Truly a book one would save if they had to pick their prized possesions on the way out of a burning building.

I strongly recommend this read. I’ve read a lot of reviews on here stating the de Angeles has a pretentious writing style, or that she has an opinionated perspective on the Craft. Firstly, this author is nearly seventy years old. She has a lot of experience in her work, and perhaps her lens into the world of witchcraft is old fashioned, but it doesn’t make her any less credible. Secondly, this book is very cut and dry. De Angeles emphasizes the seriousness of this path. She doesn’t sugarcoat. You’re not going to find the writings of a witch from Pinterest. This book was eye-opening and laced with discipline! I highly recommend for anyone wanting to truly reflect within themselves and take their Craft seriously.

I was interested in learning more about modern witchcraft so that I had some inspiration for games. Unfortunately, the vibes that I got from this book indicated that Ly de Angeles may be suffering from special snowflake syndrome. 'Witchcraft: Theory and Practice' tries to give a basic insight into the world of witchcraft while at the same time constantly making statements such as "I've met a lot of people who want to be witches, who dress and talk the part, but when you're not, you're not", which infuriated me and made me question the point in selling a book to people who will either: 1) not be able to do much with it anyway, or 2) pick up the things in the book naturally. The writing style was also painfully condescending throughout, and the author quotes more of her own works than anything else, but there are a couple of interesting paragraphs about rituals.

"Witchcraft: Theory and Practice" is a fascinating introduction to a topic that many simply dismiss as stuff and nonsense.The author provides details of basic training for a wannabe witch, the tools required and a self initiation ceremony for those wanting to dedicate themselves to "The Way of the Witch". Visualisation appears to play a central role in witchcraft and there are various exercises outlined in this book to help the reader to develop this skill. Rites instructing the reader on how to use "fith-faths", "fetches" and "hexes" ,amongst others, are shown in some detail by the author.I found certain parts of the book hard to understand however , especially the arcane section about the Qaballah. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in finding out about witchcraft and what witches get up to. However I must add that "Witchcraft: Theory and Practice"is very dark and there is a strong sense of blackness about the whole book.

Here is a Witch that don't put hand's off.it's good reading and i'll like it .buy it. It's good .

Amazing book, it is so detailed and is really interesting, its not an overly easy read but if you love the subject or are just fascinated by its power then give it a read, i'm sure you won't regret it; I didn't.

excellent book, incredibly helpful :)