Customer Reviews
not about candles and incense - By: J. B, 27 Jan 2008 
I was looking for a book like this because as a newcomer to wicca in general & magick in particular I found that 'spell books' with alll their useful instruction & well laid out spells, were not enough. It alll felt empty somehow. I chose this book to try & get a deeper understanding of it alll & thats what I got.
If you're looking for spells or instruction on what a certain colour candle means or the different properties of the crystals then this is not the book for you. If however you're looking for the spiritual 'equipment' necessary for effective magick then this book is ideal for you. The author definately gets you to think more deeply about yourself, others, ethics & karma etc. in relation to spell casting & he doesn't pull any punches, his passion for the subject is obvious. All in alll a good edition to my collection of self help books on this subject
Explains in the simplest form - By: Boudica, 20 May 2004 
Carl McColman offers us a simple, easy to understand book on the ethics, laws & logistics of working & using magic in spells.
The book is well laid out, contains some wonderful pearls of wisdom & some basics that will benefit the beginner & those not acquainted with the practice of magic & spells.
The 'Thirteen Myths of Magic' covers some of the most commonly asked questions from the novice & offers some very basic & practical answers to most of them. While there are one or two points I would question, for the most part the reasoning is good & the approach logical from a simple perspective.
The 'Thirteen Laws of Magic' covers some of the most commonly asked questions from outsiders & novices & again, while a couple of the answers pose more questions than satisfaction, from the novice perspective, the answers are clear & simple.
"The Ethics of Magic' is a good addition to this book & are very well explained & very clear.
The experienced worker of magic will see some flaws in the thinking of some of the material offered here. Things are not always simple & personal approaches to magic & personal paths are not covered in many of the answers Mr. McColman gives. Mr. McColman sees this book from his perspective & offers answers that are on a level that he can answer from his view point. Not alll aspects are covered, not alll situations are explained & the fact that there are many paths that do not believe the fundamentals that Mr. McColman believe in is not even approached in this book.
However, if you look at this book as a very basic primer meant for someone who is not familiar with magic or spell work & who wants something to reassure them that the first steps they are taking are not leading them into danger or off the path of good & right, then this book is a good choice. It would also serve as a 'mostly harmless' type of introduction to spell work for those who are outside our path & looking at what is going on in a very simple & basic way.
Mr. McColman also includes some discussion material on the purposes of spells, on working with Deity & personal spirituality. He offers a few chapters on his ideas of magic & its purpose. He looks at the involvement of Deity & spirituality in magic & alllows the reader to think on this & contemplate higher existence.
There is an appendix of material for study, a virtual 'do it yourself' collection of older books by some authors not well known in our community, with the exception of Robin Wood & her book on ethics. There is also the practical advice on finding a teacher which is good advice in any book. There is a basic glossary of terms & keywords, & an index for quick reference.
For those who have walked their path for many years & are experienced in their own practice or path or Trad, this book will probably not be a good choice. This book is meant for those who have no background. It is a stripped down offering of the simplest & most basic of information & explanations
This is a well thought out book from that perspective, good for those who are still leery of what part magic & spells will play in their spiritual path. It may also be a good tool for those who are unsure if they want to include magic in their path or a basic book for those who have relatives or friends who are not involved in our way of life & are questioning the purpose or ethics of magic by those who do practice. boudica
