This 1986 classic is not only an excellent introduction to the Wiccan religion and earth-based religions in general, it's also a workbook that can take the serious student to the equivalent level of third-degree Gardnerian. Though Raymond Buckland was a student of the late great Gerald Gardner, this manual does not adhere to a specific branch or denomination of witchcraft, but rather seeks to teach the elements and philosophies common to all, whether Celtic, Saxon, Finnish, or what have you. Buckland is credited with bringing the "old religion" to the U.S., and covens and solitary witches practicing the craft in the U.S. today have him to thank for getting it out of the closet. While Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft is a must-have for any serious Wiccan practitioner, it is full of down-to-earth spiritual wisdom, which makes it a wonderful addition to the library of any broadminded seeker on the path toward the One. --P. Randall Cohan


Book Description
Here is the most complete self-study course in modern Wicca available, written by the person who first went public with "The Old Religion" in the United States. For group or solitary use, it includes rituals; exercises for developing psychic talents; information on all major "sects" of the Craft; sections on tools, beliefs, dreams, meditations, divination, herbal lore, healing, ritual clothing; and much, much more. Even those who have practiced Wicca for years find useful information in Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, and many covens are using it as their textbook. Profusely illustrated and full of music and chants.


About the Author
Raymond Buckland has been interested in occult and metaphysical subjects for fifty years; has been actively involved in various aspects of the subject for forty years; and has writing about it for nearly thirty. He is the author of more than twenty-five books, including such best-selling titles as Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, Gypsy Dream Dictionary, Practical Candleburning Rituals, and Witchcraft from the Inside. Ray has lectured and presented workshops across the United States, and has appeared on major television and radio shows nationally and internationally. He has also written screen plays, been a technical advisor for films, and appeared in films and videos. Ray comes from an English Romany (Gypsy) family and presently resides, with his wife Tara, on a small farm in central Ohio. Beyond writing, Ray's other passion is homebuilt airplanes.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

With the discovery that neo-Witchcraft - or Wicca - is not devil-worship, thousands of religious seekers around the world have finally come to realize that this earth religion may well be the answer to their needs. Yet it has been almost impossible to gather all the ingredients that go to make up this religious practice; particularly in addressing specific personal needs.

Now along comes Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft; one volume that brings it all together. In it Ray Buckland teaches the history, practice, composition, formulae, the mechanics of magick, herbology, divination . . .in short, each and every aspect of the practice of Wicca. And he doesn't just present one tradition. He takes a nonsectarian approach, and he also shows how you can structure the religion to suit your particular needs. He instructs on the composition of rituals, the establishment of a coven(group), the putting together of a system to suit you personally. He also addresses Solitaries - those who would rather work alone - and encourages and instructs them in the practice of the Old Religion.