Crafting Wiccan Traditions by Raven Grimassi © 2008 Llewellyn EAN
978-0-7387-1108-9 288 pages Includes appendices, Recommended Reading,
Bibliography and Index Paperback $15.95 (U.S.) $18.50 (Canada)
In the preface to this work Raven sets out the differences between the
Wicca
of the 1950s through the late '70s, and the Wicca which has become the
"norm" in the past quarter century. As one of the older generation of
Witches I don't happen to like those differences, even as I acknowledge
their existence. I also don't like the loss of those "traditional
teachings" which have disappeared with the advent of personal training by
book and Internet.
The idea of crafting a personal "tradition" seems a bit egotistical to me.
Crafting a personal path is certainly viable but (in my opinion) it takes
far more than one individual to forge a tradition, and that doesn't count
the fact that a tradition should, again in my opinion, exhibit a certain
level of stability and continuity over a period of time measured in years.
Raven Grimassi and I came to the Craft in the same time frame (late 1960s;
early '70s). Does that mean I agree with all of his ideas and statements?
Not by any means. Although we share many commonalities, there are
significant differences in our training and experiences. Still, I can
understand his mind-set to a significant degree.
He carefully looks at both sides of the "traditional" and the "modern"
perceptions. Although he clearly favors the traditional orientation
(reflecting his own initial experiences), he does a good job propounding
both views. While many modern eclectics will, undoubtedly, claim that he
is
too conservative in his approach, many traditionalists will claim he is
too
liberal.
Chapter Nine, which is devoted to the basic correspondences, is one of the
most concise listings I have seen in many years. It does not go into
detail
regarding why the correspondences exist, nor does it convey the impression
that these correspondences are set in stone, but nonetheless it provides
an
excellent basis for the beginning magick worker.
Whether or not a system created by an individual using the information in
this book would be sustainable or not would, in my opinion, be contingent
on
the determination of the individual(s) involved. The author certainly
provides all the basic tools and necessary information. He removes a lot
of
the pseudo-mystery so commonplace in other books without downplaying the
fat
that certain things CANNOT be explained, but must be experienced.
Some readers may be offended by an approach they feel is disrespectful of
established traditions (i.e., YOU decide which realms the deities will
affect, in what manner), but in reality we all do this (although it may
happen on a subconscious level). Raven simply brings the decision-making
to
a conscious level and forces the reader to consider his motivations.
The last third of this book is composed of appendices composed of some of
the "classic" myths, sample rituals (both group and solitary), and very
basic glossary (there are much more extensive glossaries available both in
other books and on-line). A thorough reading of these appendices will be
invaluable to the novice as they have much to offer.
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