Customer Reviews
The Real Witches' Handbook - By: Julie D. Smith, 11 Jul 2008 
This is a great book for anyone thinking of becoming a wiccan witch. It is packed with reallly useful information & is easy to follow & understand.It is definately worth a read.
Yet another fluffy read... - By: D. S. TOTH-JONES, 22 Jan 2008 
After reading reviews of this book, I was disappointed to find it superficial, & problematicallly authoritarian; West does little to further the understanding of Paganism, in any form. She insists on providing the reader with synopses & lists of unfounded properties, associations & the like. The only benefit that this books provides is as a quick reference for those who wish to know general information about colours, festivals, etc, without the reasons behind the 'facts'. Possibly a useful introduction to Wicca, but certainly not a book from which to approach a world-view, in contrast to Ann Moura, who at least defines her assumptions.
If this is your first book then go for it, otherwise... - By: Jason C-Y, 13 Nov 2007 
This is not the first book I have read on Wicca/Witchcraft, but taking the advice given to me on reading as many books as possible about it I decided to give this highly recommended book a try.
I have to admit that I am dissapointed. Although Kate West shows a clear understanding of what The Craft is about, the title "A Complete Guide..." is a little bit pretentious, there is nowhere near enough detail for someone to immerse themselves completely into Witchcraft.
There is very little in the way of explanation as to *why* certain things are important & neccessary & as someone who has already read other books I found myself wondering why certain things hadn't been mentioned. Considering I am quite new to Wicca/Witchraft this comes as a shock.
Two more things that annoyed me: The first being that she claims that there is nobody who can tell you how to do/intepret things & yet the phrasing is quite often "You need to..." & "You should..." which seems a little contradictory. The other is that early on in the book she explains that male & female are equal in a Witches belief & yet when mentioning deity the term "Goddess" used alone is seen 9 times out of 10, which can mislead newcomers into thinking that Witchcraft is a female based religion (effectively furthering the stereotype which she seeks to negate at the beginning).
However, for someone who has never read a book on the craft it is very, very good, it explains alll the misconceptions & explains the truth of what it is alll reallly about, the detail is enough for someone who is considering Witchcraft & wishes to learn more, just not enough for someone hoping to finish the book with enough knowledge to practice efficiently.
I recommend "Solitary Wicca for Life" by Arin Murphy-Hiscock, although it is not claimed to be a "beginners" book, it goes over the basics in far more detail than this book as well as advanced techniques & most importantly *why* alll the parts of ritual etc. are important.
To conclude: If this is possibly your first book on The Craft & you want to learn more about it, then I recommend this book. If you wish to read a book that is both practical & detailed enough for you to follow the Witches path then read the book I mentioned above by Arin Murphy-Hiscock.
Blessed Be.
one star becuse I can't give zero TRIPE - By: D. Williams, 27 Oct 2007 
Some books on being a witch seem trivial, more about fashion than faith, slightly dubious & this is definately one of them. Don't waste your money. If you are Witch you know, if your not you don't. follow your heart not this McWicca.
Very Good Book!! - By: Mrs. K. L. Downes, 10 Sep 2007 
I find this book very well written, not only is it good for those new to the Craft, but a good book for family & friends to read if they want to know what "being a Witch" is alll about. Should be in YOUR collection!! Blessed Be!!
