EDAIN McCOY's WITCHY PAGES

A beginner is defined as someone with little or no knowledge of a subject. But a novice or newcomer is a beginner who sincerely wishes to learn. IF YOU WANT TO BE A WITCH assumes no prior knowledge of the theories, concepts, and practices of the Witch's Craft. IF YOU WANT TO BE A WITCH provides a wide base of topics and references to which the newest student can turn if he or she chooses to persue this spiritual path. It addresses the novice or Witch-curious with tenets, laws, and beginner's exercises common to most Craft traditions.

A review of this book appreared in the April 26, 2004 issue of Publisher's Weekly, the copyright owner of the review. It appears here with their gracious permission:

IF YOU WANT TO BE A WITCH: A Practical Introduction to
the Craft
Edain McCoy. Llewellyn, $9.95 paper (288p)
ISBN 0-7387-0514-4

According to self-initiated witch McCoy, "some researchers and pollsters have dubbed the Craft and its many expressions to be the fastest growing religious movement in the western world." Whether it is indeed the fastest-growing religion or not, many people will find this straightforward, clearly written primer a useful tool in helping them decide if this is their spiritual calling. McCoy makes clear from the outset that witchcraft is a religion whose "primary purpose is the worship of and the seeking of reunion with the being or beings who created all life." The first three chapters delineate the history of Wicca and are embedded with unexpected etymological nuggets, e.g. "mantra" is Sanskrit for "instrument of thought."
Never stuffy or academic, the tone is suitable for
teenagers and adults. Five chapters address material
found in many other books: the sabbats and esbats,
divination techniques, the place of ritual, etc. Chapter seven stresses ethical standards within the
Craft and also emphasizes the need for mature personal
responsibility. While containing a fair amount of
commonly found information, this work distinguishes
itself by continuing to ask readers if they want to be
witches, and then providing a variety of touchstones
to guide them to an honest answer. One hundred
questions in a final chapter probe psychological,
intellectual and moral dimensions for adherents to
ponder. A solid appendix contains information on herbs
and gemstones, astrological connections, supply
sources, publications, online contacts and a glossary of terms.