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The Real Witches' Handbook | 
| Author: Kate West
Publisher: Thorsons
Category: Book
New (4) Used (7) from £5.69
Avg. Customer Rating:  53 reviews
Sales Rank: 52727
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 176
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 8.4 x 6.2 x 0.6
ISBN: 0007105150
Dewey Decimal Number: 133.43
EAN: 9780007105151
ASIN: 0007105150
Publication Date: February 5, 2001
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.co.uk Review
Some books on being a witch seem trivial, more about fashion than faith, slightly dubious. Others ring out with authority. Kate West's The Real Witches' Handbook is in the second category. West has been a witch for over thirty years, is high priestess of her own group of covens and, in a wider context, is former vice president and media coordinator of the well-respected Pagan Federation. She knows what she's talking about. West's book is simple, straightforward and down to earth. She describes what witchcraft is actually about, what witches believe and what they do, and how to make the first steps, whether on your own or with others. She emphasises throughout that this is a spiritual path, and is careful to correct common misunderstandings and to avoid any sensationalism. Although witchcraft, Wicca or the Craft is growing rapidly, and is gaining more acceptance in wider society, many people are still uneasy about it, for all sorts of reasons. West suggests caution and common sense in letting others know that you're a witch, even providing a sample letter as an example of how to explain your beliefs to concerned friends. While this book is written for anyone interested in becoming a witch, West is clearly aware of the growing interest of teenagers in witchcraft. She is very firm about saying that most reputable covens will not accept anyone under 18, and provides guidance on where to go for further information. This is one of the most sound and sensible introductory books on becoming and being a witch, and is highly recommended. --David V Barrett
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| Customer Reviews: Read 48 more reviews...
 The REAL Witches Handbook!!! November 8, 2008
This book is quite positively brilliant! Kate speaks to you as a friend, at no point in the text does she speak down to you, the books purpose is not just to educate the new witch/pagan/wiccan but Kate does a good job educating non-believers as to what the religion is, who they worship and what they are and are not about i.e. devil-worship. I particularly enjoyed the section about the 8 Sabbats which i found to be highly informative. Whether you are new to Witchcraft and looking to be educated in the ways of the craft or somebody who has been following the craft for a number of years and would like a text to go over the basics or even a non-believer wanting to know more about witchcraft, then this book is for you - can't wait to buy Kate West's other books, good job Kate!
The Real Witches' Handbook July 11, 2008
This is a great book for anyone thinking of becoming a wiccan witch. It is packed with really useful information and is easy to follow and understand.It is definately worth a read.
 Yet another fluffy read... January 22, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
After reading reviews of this book, I was disappointed to find it superficial, and problematically authoritarian; West does little to further the understanding of Paganism, in any form. She insists on providing the reader with synopses and lists of unfounded properties, associations and the like. The only benefit that this books provides is as a quick reference for those who wish to know general information about colours, festivals, etc, without the reasons behind the 'facts'. Possibly a useful introduction to Wicca, but certainly not a book from which to approach a world-view, in contrast to Ann Moura, who at least defines her assumptions.
 If this is your first book then go for it, otherwise... November 13, 2007
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
This is not the first book I have read on Wicca/Witchcraft, but taking the advice given to me on reading as many books as possible about it I decided to give this highly recommended book a try.
I have to admit that I am dissapointed. Although Kate West shows a clear understanding of what The Craft is about, the title "A Complete Guide..." is a little bit pretentious, there is nowhere near enough detail for someone to immerse themselves completely into Witchcraft.
There is very little in the way of explanation as to *why* certain things are important and neccessary and as someone who has already read other books I found myself wondering why certain things hadn't been mentioned. Considering I am quite new to Wicca/Witchraft this comes as a shock.
Two more things that annoyed me: The first being that she claims that there is nobody who can tell you how to do/intepret things and yet the phrasing is quite often "You need to..." and "You should..." which seems a little contradictory. The other is that early on in the book she explains that male and female are equal in a Witches belief and yet when mentioning deity the term "Goddess" used alone is seen 9 times out of 10, which can mislead newcomers into thinking that Witchcraft is a female based religion (effectively furthering the stereotype which she seeks to negate at the beginning).
However, for someone who has never read a book on the craft it is very, very good, it explains all the misconceptions and explains the truth of what it is all really about, the detail is enough for someone who is considering Witchcraft and wishes to learn more, just not enough for someone hoping to finish the book with enough knowledge to practice efficiently.
I recommend "Solitary Wicca for Life" by Arin Murphy-Hiscock, although it is not claimed to be a "beginners" book, it goes over the basics in far more detail than this book as well as advanced techniques and most importantly *why* all the parts of ritual etc. are important.
To conclude: If this is possibly your first book on The Craft and you want to learn more about it, then I recommend this book. If you wish to read a book that is both practical and detailed enough for you to follow the Witches path then read the book I mentioned above by Arin Murphy-Hiscock.
Blessed Be.
 one star becuse I can't give zero TRIPE October 27, 2007
3 out of 9 found this review helpful
Some books on being a witch seem trivial, more about fashion than faith, slightly dubious and this is definately one of them. Don't waste your money. If you are Witch you know, if your not you don't. follow your heart not this McWicca.
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