Witch School Ritual, Theory and Practice by Rev. Donald Lewis-Highcorrell
© 2008 Llewellyn Worldwide ISBN 0-978-0-7387-1339-7 202 pages
Paperback $19.95 (U.S.) $22.95 (Canada)
This is the fourth, and final, book in the "Witch School" series. As the
author explains, it was intended to be a part of Second Degree training in
the Correllian Tradition. Indeed, within the Tradition, it still occupies
that position. Therefore, certain assumptions are made about the level of
experience of the reader. While you don HAVE to have read the preceding
books, it would certainly be beneficial.
Unlike the Degree books, there is no glossary of unfamiliar terms at the
end
of each chapter, since the reader should already be familiar with the
terms
likely to be encountered.
This book provides a variety of rituals, many of which will be familiar to
everyone and some of which are less common. They cover Esbats (both New
and
Full Moon) and the Sabbats. There is a short chapter on ritual theory to
start the reader off and there is enough repetition of basic invocations
and
forms to generate a certain level of familiarity and comfort, along with
reminders that they are intended as templates only.
Even if you haven't read the preceding books (see my reviews at
http://www20.brinkster.com/gleasonreview)
you will find this an inspiring
book. The author makes no attempt to limit the reader's imagination.
There
are multiple forms of circle casting, as well as invocations, blessings,
and
"Acts of Power," or central focus for each ritual, which are sure to
inspire
your own thinking.
Obviously, his Correllian training and orientation show through at
multiple
points, but that is to be expected. It is a pleasure to be able to say
that
he is not dogmatic in his approach. His eclecticism is of an ordered
form.
Although he draws from a variety of sources, he maintains a continuity
within each ritual. This consistency gives a solid feel to the work being
done, which is often missing in "non-traditional" rituals.
While I have no right to voice an opinion on the Correllian Tradition (I
have not undergone its training curriculum), I feel comfortable in
recommending this book and its predecessors. If you are interested in
obtaining a solid foundation in ritual working, this book is a valuable
addition to your library.
|
