Power of the Witch: The Earth, the Moon, and the Magical Path to Enlightenment

I liked this book. The author is very dedicated and the subjects are easy to follow. Why then, you may ask, only three stars? The answer is very easy really. The first reason I gave this book three stars is that it is a bit dated and it's not such a good book that it will always be entirely relavent and exciting to new audiences. The other reason is the history chapters, they are too easy and too speculative for me to just let myself go along for the ride. Once you connect with the age of the book and forgive the short history lesson, however, this book has some real is a of wisdom and the author seems to inspire with her dedication.

The book was out of date when it was written: it relies far too much on the discredited witch cult hypothesis (some would say myth) supported by Margaret Murray and others. It also manages to spread disinformation regarding the ground breaking work of Marija Gimbutas by suggesting that the proto-Europeans had a matrilinear or matri-focal culture -- this is not what the honorable Dr Gimbutas said at all, and is in fact what her detractors said she said in their concentrated effort to discredit her work. Beyond that, its a primer. You can find the same sort of information in any witchcraft primer, but hopefully you can find one with less historical inaccuracy. I also recommend finding another book if you are male. The male bashing in this text is insidious.

It’s hard to take this seriously as the author states at the beginning that she ‘dresses like a witch.’ So basically she dresses all in black and wears a cape. And much of her scholarship is based on debunked Margaret Murray’s theories.

This book came in great shape and in nice packaging. Laurie is very informative about Pegan seasons and teaching one how to go with the flow of their inner Magic. This is a great book for beginners.

One of the two books I bought when I was searching for answers. Ms. Cabot writes well and honestly from her perspective, but I don't find her all that helpful to a newcomer or a seasoned witch. If you wish to follow a narrow path, if you require as much structure as a mainstream religion, go for it. She can guide you well. If you are still exploring, this book is simply one of the many ways to walk the walk of the Witch. Success in the world she has and a well-deserved legacy for all. I simply don't prefer all the structure and expense surrounding witchcraft done this way. To each her own as it harms none!

Can’t put it down. The first couple “chapters” are incredible, so much history & wisdom packed into this book!

This book is worthwhile explains tons about how to manifest create do spells what types of witches there are in an easy read like this what I'm looking for and I got results and I was skeptical which is awesome

I love Laurie Cabot and I have almost every book that she's ever written. I think her book Celebrate the Earth is her best but this is good. I don't sit and read it from cover to cover. I read a chapter, make some notes and then think about it. So it took me about a month to finish it. At her core Cabot is about reconnecting to the Earth and to ourselves. Modern life puts so many barriers between ourselves and our outside selves. We are taught to ignore our instincts, taught to listen to everyone else. It's no wonder that we're all feeling lost and alone and depressed. This is a great place to start.

Open the book to read it and I find this. When an item says new I expect no damage at all. I didn't get around to reading it til months after purchase so no return or refund which is fine. Just hope seller does better job in future

First read this book back in '91. Loved it!! Has a wealth of knowledge that is presented in a simple yet non degrading way. Ms Cabot has a way of reaching the reader. Very empowering book for both sexes and as explained can't have one without the other. So glad this is still in print.

I liked this book. The author is very dedicated and the subjects are easy to follow. Why then, you may ask, only three stars? The answer is very easy really. The first reason I gave this book three stars is that it is a bit dated and it's not such a good book that it will always be entirely relavent and exciting to new audiences. The other reason is the history chapters, they are too easy and too speculative for me to just let myself go along for the ride. Once you connect with the age of the book and forgive the short history lesson, however, this book has some real is a of wisdom and the author seems to inspire with her dedication.

The book was out of date when it was written: it relies far too much on the discredited witch cult hypothesis (some would say myth) supported by Margaret Murray and others. It also manages to spread disinformation regarding the ground breaking work of Marija Gimbutas by suggesting that the proto-Europeans had a matrilinear or matri-focal culture -- this is not what the honorable Dr Gimbutas said at all, and is in fact what her detractors said she said in their concentrated effort to discredit her work. Beyond that, its a primer. You can find the same sort of information in any witchcraft primer, but hopefully you can find one with less historical inaccuracy. I also recommend finding another book if you are male. The male bashing in this text is insidious.

It’s hard to take this seriously as the author states at the beginning that she ‘dresses like a witch.’ So basically she dresses all in black and wears a cape. And much of her scholarship is based on debunked Margaret Murray’s theories.

This book came in great shape and in nice packaging. Laurie is very informative about Pegan seasons and teaching one how to go with the flow of their inner Magic. This is a great book for beginners.

One of the two books I bought when I was searching for answers. Ms. Cabot writes well and honestly from her perspective, but I don't find her all that helpful to a newcomer or a seasoned witch. If you wish to follow a narrow path, if you require as much structure as a mainstream religion, go for it. She can guide you well. If you are still exploring, this book is simply one of the many ways to walk the walk of the Witch. Success in the world she has and a well-deserved legacy for all. I simply don't prefer all the structure and expense surrounding witchcraft done this way. To each her own as it harms none!

Can’t put it down. The first couple “chapters” are incredible, so much history & wisdom packed into this book!

This book is worthwhile explains tons about how to manifest create do spells what types of witches there are in an easy read like this what I'm looking for and I got results and I was skeptical which is awesome

I love Laurie Cabot and I have almost every book that she's ever written. I think her book Celebrate the Earth is her best but this is good. I don't sit and read it from cover to cover. I read a chapter, make some notes and then think about it. So it took me about a month to finish it. At her core Cabot is about reconnecting to the Earth and to ourselves. Modern life puts so many barriers between ourselves and our outside selves. We are taught to ignore our instincts, taught to listen to everyone else. It's no wonder that we're all feeling lost and alone and depressed. This is a great place to start.

Open the book to read it and I find this. When an item says new I expect no damage at all. I didn't get around to reading it til months after purchase so no return or refund which is fine. Just hope seller does better job in future

First read this book back in '91. Loved it!! Has a wealth of knowledge that is presented in a simple yet non degrading way. Ms Cabot has a way of reaching the reader. Very empowering book for both sexes and as explained can't have one without the other. So glad this is still in print.

Really enjoy this book. It's not only informative but a useful tool and reference which I am sure I will go back to many times. If I ever make it to Salem Laurie's store will be on my list for sure. Whether you are a practitioner of the wise, as am I, or are looking to educate yourself beyond that which you are taught through judaic/christian teachings and, wish to get to the real meaning of a witch, pagan or wiccan then pick up this book.

Should be in every pagan bookstore and every pagan should read it.

Great book a wonderful place to start learning enlightenment.

Beautifully written and packed full of helpful information. A must have for any witchy library.

This review has been a long time coming. I will preface this by saying that I am one who does not like to speak ill of others within the Craft. We have had to tolerate others tearing us down for so long, it pains me to see us doing it to our own kind. It is for this reason that you will not see me write a "negative" review, not that I do not have any bad opinions about some of the books that are out there, because I do. It is my personal choice to only write a review about the books that have had a positive impact on me, & books I would recommend to others. That being said, I now come to Laurie Cabot's Power of The Witch. I read this book when it was 1st released many years ago & I find myself re-reading it at least once a year. I absolutely love this book. It remains at the top of my list for books on the Craft. It is actually the 1st book I recomend to any & all newcomers to Witchcraft that I meet. Ms. Cabot gives a great deal of information in a concise, easy to understand way on "Traditional Witchcraft" from her perspective and many years of study & practice. She shows how Witchcraft, from her point of view, is an ancient Art, Science & Religion that has been much misunderstood by the masses for many years. She teaches aspects of The Art to the reader, not readably found in other books on the subject. Her section on Alpha alone makes this book a must have for any Witch not familiar with the technique. She gives an excellent overview of various Craft practices, and instructs the reader in how to apply what they are reading, to their everyday life. Power of The Witch is not just a book to be read (a great read though it is), this is very much a book of practical application to obtain desired results. It will teach the student practices that they will use throughout their life, to great benefit. I personally use (and teach), these same methods that I learned from this book,with excellent results. I highly recommend this book, as well as all of Ms. Cabot's books,to anyone interested in exploring the depths of Witchcraft. Laurie Cabot is a long standing Craft Elder who knows her Craft well. She is an excellent Teacher as her books will attest. She has founded her own Tradition of Witchcraft and for many years she has educated the public at large about the misconceptions many have about Witches. This Lady deserves the utmost respect from all of us. She has dedicated her life to The Craft & to the service of The Goddess. She is a Witch that has put herself on the line time & time again, long before Witchcraft went "mainstream". She has been (and remains), a vocal advocate for our civil rights & freedoms when no one else would speak out for us. She has worked tirelessly to gain Witchcraft the recognition & respect it deserves. Laurie Cabot should be honoured by all within the various Traditions of The Craft for the great Elder,High Priestess,Teacher & Witch that she is, and for all the wonderful work she has done. She truly is a Daughter of The Goddess, and I for one, hope to see more of her wonderful teachings released in print. Five stars simply isn't enough for this great book, if you have not read it yet, I encourage you to do so.

I was really excited about this purchase. I wandered for since childhood wondering why I was different in my beliefs from so many people. Wicca and Witchcraft were not a raging fad at the time and this was my very first exploration and sense of spiritual home coming. My first pagan teacher handed me this book and said "read it" . . then tell me what you think.

The classic.

I had no idea how brilliant Laurie Cabot's book would be, but reading it was not only fascinating, but informative, beyond anything I expected. Well written, I had no issues with it at all, and her take on science and magic is exactly my thoughts, and many other things she expresses probably will touch a lot of people as well. I definitely recommend.

A prized book in my Witch Library... but then one would expect that from Laurie Cabot...

Perfect

In my Wiccan library of nearly 100 titles, this is definitely one of my favorites. Ms. Cabot is knowledgeable, traditional and sometimes downright humorous. I can see why so many still come to her for training. As a forty-something practicing Witch, I have read many of the Wiccan authors out there today. Laurie Cabot is certainly not one to be missed, and this is my favorite title by her.

My favorite Wiccan book! Very powerful!

As a high priestess myself, I applaud Laurie Tabbot for her courage and determination to end the misconceptions of what it means to be a witch. I am not green, with a big nose, and a broom.

In process of reading, recommended by someone.

This book is very informative and well written. If you wish to know more about Wicca and witchcraft this is definitely a book for you.

Luv the way Laurie discloses the history AND science in everything she tells us, very comfortable manner of offering us information on various subjects!!!

Great book, as described and prompt shipping - AAAAA++++++

Great Book. I paid extra for a copy with the authors signature. I will read it again. FIVE STARS!

The epic monument in the witchcraft literature!

Outstanding content. Informative, accurate, well written

Laurie Cabot is fantastic!

I recommend that anyone considering joining a coven read this book before their second esbat (which would have saved me a ton of heartache). Cabot seems to cover all the essential nuts-and-bolts and mechanics, which would leave a prospective novice free to concentrate on the really important part of coven-life (the relationships). My only disagreement with her work is that I would have suggested a chapter dedicated to ethics and morality early in the book. (As a for a solitary such as myself, this book is both invaluable and essential.) I suggest that a prospective novice should read Alexander's (not Singer's) "The Everything Wicca & Witchcraft Book" (2008, not 2002) before their second sabbat, and Cabot's book before their second esbat.

I feel like, even though this book was written in the 90s, its important for women today because it touches on how we became a male dominated society

It's ok as a 101 book, but nothing special. Serious solitaries should look at the inner temple series, i would also suggest Cunningham's wicca for the solitary practitioner over this title.

Always love this book.

If you read only one book on witchcraft, this should be the one! One of the reasons "Power of the Witch" is such a great book, is that it gives a logical and calm presentation. This book does not preach, but deals with certain truths. It is also well documented. It is downright scientific. It is insightful, analytical, intelligent, and historically accurate. "Power of the Witch" opened up an entirely new world of understanding, and revealed FACTS. I thought I knew a lot about this topic, until I read this book! Reading "Power of the Witch" was an enriching and enlightening experience. Higly recommended!

This book is everything its said it is. A clear concise explanation of Witchcraft. It is broken down into chapters and sub chapters which makes it easy to follow past and present uses of the beliefs.

Great Wicca book for beginners. Not really spell oriented until the second to last chapters, more on ideology and spiritual practice.

I found this book when I was younger & just getting into the craft. Some how over the course of blab out 6 years it was either stolen from me or lost. I repurchased when I found it on Amazon, thankfull it was available on here. Laurie gives you an excellent run down of the craft, and of Magick while making you feel like a god/goddess of your own. She explains everything very simply. I use alpha meditation all of them and it works amazingly. I plan on purchasing more books from her. I also love how she explains herself or her persona in this book. Laurie is a very magickal person.

Very helpful and guiding.

I read the reviews on this book and decided to purchase it and couldn't be happier that I did. I love the way the chapters are set up so I could jump around if necessary and I love that it included aspects of Wiccan history and the science behind some practices, which many books don't include. Although it may not include absolutely everything it includes enough of a background on everything to help a beginner start their studies. I would definitely recommend this book it is one of my favorites and up there with Scott Cunningham's work.

One of my absolute favorite books. I couldn't put it down and the condition was good. This book means a lot to me now, it was great to get it at such a great price.

Awesome

ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS OF ALL TIMES.

Very god book!!

this book arrived in perfect condition, and on time. i took my time to read it and understand it, i defiantly recommend this book to anyone who is considering becoming wiccan. great information, a lot of history

Best book

Yes it was the exact copy I had as a child and had been misplaced over the years.

Good book

Love it totally - could not put it down so far

This book is very well written. An interesting read and I look forward to reading more by Laurie Cabot!

Great intro book to the occult student...

Great book@

Very interesting,couldnt put it down got a little deep in parts,but a great book for those that are looking for a first look at what a witch is.

This book was written by one of the greatest beings of our time. She lives totally in the light, helping people and the planet. This book gives you a path in the right direction, a no-nonsense approach to understanding the most misunderstood path, the spiritual, loving path of witchcraft. I give this a big thumbs-up!

OK

I don't know why it took so long for me to buy this book. It pretty much makes all the other books I have purchased useless because it goes way in depth on certain mental states you have to learn to focus yourself into BEFORE attempting to practice any magic. This could easily be the first and last book anyone needs.

A+

I wanted an in debt look at the craft and information on how to apply this knowledge. There was too much history and not enough how to do these practices. The style of writing was antiquated and felt as if the author wanted the reader to believe her because of history and not because she knows what she is doing.

Good beginners book, being a beginner myself it gives you insight. Vague insight, but, it points you in the right direction; Where you should be looking and researching for for this religion. Back to basics.

I almost regret to say that this is one of the worst books on religious witchcraft I've ever read, but I'd rather state my opinion. The beginning 1/3rd of this book is saturated with ramblings on historically innacurate matriarchal mythology of an ancient world where men somehow don't exist, or exist but sit silently at the dge of the city doing nothing, and women dominate everything good and positive in every aspect of life and all bad things and trouble is nonexistent. Until evil all-male intruders come in and make women strap on their armor or else make the silent subservient men step up to the occasion to defend the cities. It's all terrible, cringe-worthy in its far fetched historical interpretation, etc. Thats bad enough, but then Cabot goes on to apply this feminist-nightmare to modern witchcraft and what comes out of it is 4 chapters of pseudoscience mixed with the fluffiest form of Wicca I've ever read about, rivaling even Silver Ravenwolf's "Teen Witch". I went into this book knowing about Laurie Cabot and thinking she was really cool and must have a great tradition to deserve such publicity, but what she wrote about in this book was a confused diluted form of modern witchcraft filtered through a radical feminist's wet dream. I feel very uneasy thinking about how many people Laurie Cabot has taught about witchcraft through this perspective. I would not recommend this book to any members of my coven or anyone interested in any form of witchcraft. In Cabot's favor, she often has creative ideas that are interesting to read about. She also has AWESOME style and is a unique and charismatic figure within the Craft. But that isn't enough.

Great read

I am completely over the top about this book. I have read many books on witchcraft, this one has awakened the witch inside of me.

Great book if you want to know the inner workings of the Craft. Great history and has a lot of things in it to get you started.

Witchcraft is highly misunderstood. The author of this book introduced witchcraft and cleared all fallacies. I highly recommend this for anyone who are beginning to learn about the craft, just as I did. Everything is broken down, and effortlessly executed in a manner that will leave the reader thirsty to continue reading. 5/5 .

One of the best books i have read!

Wonderful and informative. Wish I had gotten this book sooner!

She is awesome. Love her work. Learned a lot from her books and hope she writes more. Very sweet lady.

The best book that I've ever read! I adore Lorie Cabot. It's very informative and useful book. Balance of theory and practice.

no dust jacket included... the book is great and in good shape..; sad there was no cover

Though after all the many years that have now passed, and witchery so very out of the closet now as well...this was a good, useful book. Of course, being a long time Crone..I began my studies in earnest back when there were few worthy books to be had; Sybil Leek, Robert Graves...eventually Starhawk.and on and on. (then it seemed as if everyone had a need to write (practising wotch or wannabe)..though by then I had opened my own witches supply shoppe..and many many books on the Craft were available; well researched or..not! Though Ms. Cabots other books were far too commervial for my tastes and honestly I cannot understand how it is on one hand to write of "free will" and then the next book as all about "love magoc" (no free will in binding another to you Ms. Cabot) still, I did enjoy this book..supplied it in my shoppes for my customers, and have my own.special..hardcover, 1st edition book here in my own private library. I do give much credit to the fact Ms. Cabot refused to hide behind some fake pagan moniker; she IS who and what she is and could not seem to care less that her strolling down the streets of Salem Mass. as "the official witch of Salem" sure helped folks realize we DO still exist...always have; always will. She is part of Salems witchcraft history, and this particular book deserves a special place on it. (though it is my observation there are far more pagan/magickal folks alomg the great lakes region than ever therr was in the town known as Salem). Blessed Be!!!

How overjoyed I am to read this again...as a teenager in the time this was written I found this gem in my local library and read it again and again. It is practical and an easy read for anyone even curious about Wicca (I consider myself a Jesus loving Druid). Tasteful, simple, easy read. Persons of all faiths can take something away from this book.

I got my copy from the local library. I am a bardonist/hermetic who actually studies and practices most of the stuff written and described in this book. After reading many books on mentalism, the mind's eye and spells this book is superb in describing how to get in the zone. The simple alpha meditation and countdown is an easy and powerful way of getting used to meditation. I for one never been big on sitting and meditating. I have used quabbalistic chants, spells and other ways to induce self hypnosis but Cabot's technique is very effective and very useful for the novice and experienced like me. Overall, I like her clear and concise writing style and the book would be a 5-star of she used a little less feminism in her revisionist historical part of witchcraft. This part reminded me the blacks saying that Egyptians were black, along with Jesus of Nazareth. Shamans were guys going back about 100,000 years. Perhaps with an occasional exception. Kahuna's in Hawaii were guys, so Cabot's Goddess theory is coming from a large dose of creative imagination. I understand her point - women got the shaft and many women were persecuted (burnt alive) by a male dominant church/society. I have read the one-star reviews and frankly cannot understand how some people rate books....

While I do not agree with all of the author's claims about Witchcraft being a science on par with physics (see Chapter 5), I must admit that I admire Cabot for a least giving a DETAILED account for her beliefs and practices (I enjoyed reading her account and definitions of the Hermetic Laws). Most entry-level Craft books just give the reader a quickie lesson in Circle-casting, a brief list of popular Deity Names, and a few Moon spells. Cabot actually tries to give evidence in support of her claims. It's up to the reader to decide whether or not he/she agrees with Cabot. I also have to credit the author with being honest and saying that there is no "quick fix" spell that is going to solve a person's problem. Chapter 6, which deals with reaching a state of consciousness termed "Alpha" is actually quite fascinating. Cabot writes that this mental state can also be attained by people of other religions whenever they pray or meditate; AND that it takes more than a couple of attempts to acheive this level of consciousness. Cabot stresses that "going into Alpha" is vital to being successful in practicing the Craft. While others practioners may certainly debate the semantics, visualization of some kind is emphasized in most books on the Craft. Chapter 9, "Witchcraft Tomorrow" is a nice wrap-up to the text. She gives good suggestions for Witches, and others of the Pagan community, to establish a positive public image (i.e. participating in community services; presenting lectures on the Craft and the various branches of Paganism; and inviting theologians of other religions to actually study and talk with members of alternative faiths, etc...) A good book that tries to dig a little deeper into a particular Path.

Laurie Cabot has written a very informed albeit highly condensed book on the topic of modern Witchcraft. Not the best--DRAWING DOWN THE MOON by Margot Adler is the best--but this is almost as good, and in many ways the two books complement each other. Like Adler, Cabot frequently appears on television and radio shows so her voice is attuned to the ear--clear, concise, informative, and articulate. And, she knows her subject. Cabot's history of witchcraft is reasonably accurate, and unlike some, not hysterical, just factual. As a result, she gets the story straight, and considering she wrote her history in the late 1980s, and tons of recent historical research was done in recent years (much of it refutes and/or recasts works which would have been available to her when she wrote the book), she is quite good. Of course Ms. Cabot has other means of "knowing" about the past than by digging through musty tomes. I particularly enjoyed her section on the science of witchcraft. As it happens, my husband has a physics background so I could turn to him and say is this so, and is this so, and is this so...to which he replied yes, yes, and yes. I gained a great deal more insight into the workings of crystals and gems from Ms. Cabot and my husband. Take the clear quartz crystal. She says it emits energy. So I said to my husband, is this true to which he replied, sure, I once built a crystal radio. Quartz is a great conductor of energy (he works at the Patent and Trade Office today and patents computer related thingys, he used to work for AT&T and before that he was with the Army Signal Corps). For years my husband has been reading about the wholistic universe and I figured it was some old scientific fiction junk, and lo and behold, here's Ms. Cabot saying witches knew this stuff all along and it seems science is corroborating it. And, she's on the record as saying so before science "discovered" it. I especially liked the part about the witches and the National Geographic spread. "Witches say Jupiter emits a blue light!" I found a few mistakes--not all individuals have "x" and "y" chromosomes. At least that's not what I learned in biology. Ms. Cabot may be ahead of the times however, who knows. She is correct in saying all individuals have both estrogen and testosterone, however. I remember Dr. Estelle Ramey saying it was too bad men didn't have more estrogen in their systems. Ms Cabot is quite funny in places. And, it is rather awesome how one can conceive and believe and achieve. The really neat thing about witchcraft is that it is open to all. It is our oldest form of religious expression. Why just the other day, they found another 10,000 year old cave painting in Italy. Of course it was a "horned" man. I thought of Laurie Cabot when I read the news.

...and one of my favorites. I've been in the Craft over 21 years now and Power of the Witch is still at the top of my "recommended" list. Laurie Cabot was partially responsible for my realization that magick and Witchcraft were far more than rote words spoken in a ritual aimed at 'changing perceptions'. I couldn't find many books about magick when I first entered the Craft and as a solitary practitioner, I latched onto those few that really *clicked* for me. Now, years later, with a number of books under my own belt, I still haul out Power of the Witch and read through it, and I still recommend it highly as a guide to the Craft. Grounded, non-fluffy, intelligently written, this book is a good reference for anyone who is out to buck the trendiness of modern Wicca, without leaning on the stuffiness that can accompany traditionalist views of the Craft. Yasmine Galenorn--author of Embracing The Moon.

Well written, easy and very practical guide to Witchcraft. Cabot is highly respected in her community and is not 'new' to the growing religion of Witchcraft. In this book, she helps explain without pomp and complexity how to add magic and witchcraft into "EVERYDAY" life without it costing you a fortune in unnecessary items. This was the first book I had read on Witchcraft well over 10 years ago and it still stands above the rest. Cabot is the only female writer of Witchcraft that deserves praise above and beyond her male contemporaries. She doesn't just put pen to paper to make a few $$$, she very much lives the lifestyle, works extensively to dispel the myths surrounding the practice of Witchcraft, works tirelessly for better understanding and rights for those that do practice Witchcraft, Paganism & Wicca. She also explains well how one can be Christian AND practice this noble and ancient religion, it will certainly surprise you! If you are serious about understanding Witchcraft but not sure where to start - this book should be the first on the subject in your library!

Historical inaccuracies, as others have pointed out (Ms Cabot proposes a matrilineal prehistoric society of fertility Goddess worshippers), aside: this book is very anecdotal. Ms Cabot glosses over many fundamentals; only one short page was given to circle casting. There are better objective beginner books out there.

This is not a book for the flighty or the fanciful. It is a thoughtful, well researched and intelligent book, by one who understands the physics behind the magick. Laurie is an excellent author and the genuine article. Since reading her book, over 15 yrs ago, I've met her several times; on my first meeting I was struck by her insight, kindness and authenicity. Laurie's book clarifies the history/herstory, rhetoric, myths and misinterpretations and gives clear guidelines on witchcraft, including the science of it. She also includes a list of suggested readings and authors to augment one's pagan education. A MUST for beginners and a definitive addition to any witch's library. I HIGHLY recommend it, and her other books as well.

I believe that more people, witches or not, should read this book. I just got it the other day (finally!) and haven't been able to put it down. It is extremely informative and historically accurate, and the facts are still being shown as true, even though it came out in the late 80s (which is pretty awesome). This is a great book to give to someone in your family who doesn't "agree" with your religious choice so that they can see, like the Christian did in the first page of the book, what witchcraft really is all about (nothing sinister). I think the only thing I disagreed with Ms Cabot about was her statement of wearing her "traditional" black Witch robes. I don't know if those were ever really "traditional" per say, but I suppose they make for a great conversation starter around Salem.

I picked this book up as almost a joke, because a rather foolish and ignorant "witch" I'd encountered on a message board swore by this book. My thought in buying it was curiosity in why he was so obsessed with the book and Laurie Cabot. Upon first opening it, what caught my eye? Her picture on the inside of the dustcover (I have the hardback edition). Now that really got me thinking, "Oh my...she's just another one of those 'look at me, I'm a spooky witch' types. This is probably going to be a waste of money". Despite my initial reaction, I started reading....and was wonderfully surprised! I could not put this book down. Despite a few occasional snatches of narcissism (of which she is certainly no more guilty of than many other Pagan authors like Starhawk and $RW), I found Laurie's style to be quite refreshing and informed. Of course, one must keep in mind that this book was written in the 80's...before the "millions of witches burned" and the Great Universal Mother Goddess Society theories were refuted, so some historical information is going to be inaccurate. I think she can be forgiven this since she was going by what was known at the time and is not making up stories to support some sort of agenda like some Pagan authors tend to do (Edain McCoy, D.J. Conway, $RW, etc). The usual altar setup, basic circle-casting, and spellcasting information is provided...however, the one difference that makes this book such a treasure is the fact that Laurie not only explains how to do these things, but why they work...complete with actual scientific explanations. I found this a wonderful change from the usual "You do this because that's just the way it's done...and I said so" style that most Pagan authors use. This may seem daunting to the wanna-be witch who just wants to be handed the usual lists of deities and correspondences and lists of tools, but it is a real godsend to those who want the meat of how this all works and ties in together. It was invaluable to me as someone whose left side of the brain is constantly telling me that magic is merely fantasy, that lighting candles and casting circles is useless nonsense. This is the first book on magic (and I own quite a few!) that I have read and come away from actually really believing in the power of magic. An incredible must-read for anyone interested in magic.

From the beginner explorer of alternative spirituality to the seasoned Pagan practicing traditions of old, this book has an easy to follow conservative tone of writing that I would highly recommend every Witch to have in their collection. It contained invaluable information about the Burning Times, the difference between witchcraft and satanism, and Science and Majick that have become a permanent part of my BOS. This was the first book I've ever read about Wicca and it completely changed my life! I couldn't thank Laurie enough for writing this book. It completely got me out of my depression and dark times in my life. I could go on and on about the great info within. Buy this book and discover your true path!

This book is very much a product of its time. It is full of great suggestions for how to begin or enliven a craft practise, but it is also chock full of false history and implications of the "ancient" nature of modern Wicca and paganism. Overall a good read, but treat any and all history with a heaping bucket of salt.

Laurie Cabot is an entertaining person. She has been the Official Witch of Salem for ages, she operates one of the largest Witchcraft stores in the area, and she has been featured on several television shows. She also heads her own coven. So please understand that I'm not suggesting the woman isn't experienced in her own way. My issue with Ms. Cabot's book(s) is that they feature a heavy dose of her own version of "history" -- of which she credits the bulk to past-life regression. She sets this version of history as the foundation of her own witchcraft tradition* even when it contradicts anthropological evidence. Also, she is a proponent of the Great Goddess theory, which basically states that the first religion was a goddess-centered matriarchy. Some of the reasons she gives for this are a little bizarre, such as suggesting that the ancient people believed women were magical vessels for new life (because they didn't understand that sex=baby, despite being agriculturally based societies). This disjoined theme of presenting information runs the course of this book and, although lighter in some areas than others, remains too thick for my liking. Attempts are made to validate the practice of witchcraft through personal stories and anecdotes from Ms. Cabot's own past. She recounts one story in which she did not have enough money to pay for lunch, so she and her daughter (than a child) did some positive thinking and a $10 bill blew on to their table. I have no problem with cute stories like this, but there are way too many -- almost to the point of being filler. Possibly the most useful section of this book is the chapter on meditation, however it is only a chapter and much better books exist that are devoted to the subject.** A bulk of the book is devoted to a description of `witchcraft' that is distinctly Wicca-inspired with some esoteric practices tossed in. There is also the obligatory section about the Wheel of the Year, holidays, the always popular `burning times', etc. If you have no problems with other religions and/or you come from a pantheistic view on the topic, Ms. Cabot's abrasive tone when discussing other faiths (especially Christianity) may be a turn-off. It was to me. All in all, this isn't a book I'd recommend to people seeking to learn about witchcraft as a vocational practice or in part of a religious setting. Remember that Ms. Cabot blazed her own tradition and this book is a description of that, first and foremost. If you are going to buy it anyway, take it with a truckload of salt and don't forget to seek out other source material for your comparison. I'd recommend Marian Green's "A Witch Alone." * The Cabot Tradition, which is both a religion and a practice. ** "8 Minute Meditation," Victor Davich -- great for beginners!

Whitley Streiber was right. Cabot's book is an excellent primer. Especially liked chapters where she discusses the 7 Hermetic axioms, and explains how to enter the "alpha" state. The book covers everything from history, and the wheel of the year to quantum physics in a way that is entertaining and accessible. She also explains some practical spells. Everything you need to start practicing Witchcraft!

I have read many, many books on Beginner's Wicca and WitchCraft and this is one of the best and is the first beginner's book I give five stars. This is a very spiritual book and includes an abundance of information as well as many of Laurie's own personal experiences which I enjoyed. This book contains in-depth historical information. Some people have questioned its' accuracy. I found most of the history to accurate, but no, like one book reviewer said, she doesn't really give a bibliography. After the history, Laurie gets into the Craft of the Wise. This book contains good information on Covens and Solitaries, and also good information on the Pentacle and the Magic Circle. This book contains a section on the Wheel of the Year. I was a bit disappointed on the area where she describes each sabbat, but she includes enough, she wrote a whole book on the Sabbats, that's why I was suprised she didn't write more. There is also good information about altars, crystals, stone circles/sacred sites, herbs, and Divination. The next chapter is excellent. It speaks about the Science of WitchCraft. She explains how magick and items (such as herbs and stones) work (finally, someone does, she also mentions light, and the seven hermetic laws. Her chapter on Alpha is excellent and very accurate. It is also very fascinating. Very well worth your time to give her practices a try. I'm not sure why other Wiccan authors don't get into this area more deeply. Her chapter on everyday magic is good, but she should have mentioned that not all Witches fix their altar like that. I'm afraid mine looks little like hers. Her information on Protection, Prosperity, and Healing magick is good, but her area on love magick (another area she wrote her own book on) was less than appealing, and she forgot to mention you shouldn't target a specific individual although she does speak about that area. There are some great spells in here, just have good luck finding some of those ingredients like wolf's hair, off a live shedding wolf for protection potion. The next chapter is also excellent, it's entitled "A Witch's Life: Milestones". It speaks about such things as marriage, handfasting, a large section on Witch Children, and an interesting section on Death. The final chapter, Witchcraft Tommorow is good, but in a sense, unrealistic. Laurie speaks about her plan to educate others on WitchCraft. Yeah, I liked this book, Yeah, I was very impressed with this book, and if you are a beginner, this is what WitchCraft is all about. Thank you.

Laurie Cabbot is a well known and well respected Witch, and for good reason...She has taken her lumps and then some. She was/is a pioneer in the field of Witchcraft, and the instruction of same. And for that my hat is off to her, for all her hard work and sacrifice....BUT. If I wanted to read a book on Lourie Cabbots 'issues' I would most certainly have bought a book by that title! Thanks but no thanks I've got my own issues, I don't need to spend hours reading about hers...There is some VERY good information in this book...but it is sandwiched in between LARGE sections of venting and angry recountings of history....I get why you are angry Lourie, but I'm looking to make today and tommorrow better...not DWELL in yesterday. Don't misunderstand me..we must learn from yesterday, or tommorrow will look just like it. But I don't need any help living there, thank you. I have avoided books by Lourie Cabbot sinse reading this book. I have picked one up on occation but it seems she is consistant in using her books not only to instruct but to work out her personal issues.. sounds more like a job for a diary, really. Personally I recomend "Green Witchcraft" as well as works by Scott Cunningham and Raymond Buckland. Understanding there are pricipals in Witchcraft that should be strictly followed, there is no reason why they should be impossible ideals. And for goodness sake don't throw your brain in the bin while reading any instructional text in this genre, FEEL while you read, you will know when you have found what you have been looking for!! Blessed Be

I bought this book while going on a kick of learning about Wicca. It was the most informative and easy read of all the books that I got a hold of. Although I am not a practicing Wiccan, I kept this book for furture reference. This book goes into some history, the basis of witchcraft, and how to cast spells. Cabot explains how to use Wicca in every day life, which some I use: placing crystals to enhance energy, etc. She also touches upon enhancing your own psychic energy. It was truly a good read, even for those just wanting to learn more about the religion but not to practice. Would work well as a simple reference too.

I had read a lot of books before "Power of the Witch" made it's way to my desk at work. I was skeptical about it; I was at a point where I had read so much that much of it seemed repetative and bland, but I picked up the book and was almost immediately drawn in by Cabot's powerful writing style! She took information that I had read numerous time before and presented it in such a way that it seemed like the first time I had ever seen it. She's very matter of fact, keeps things simple, and it's all practile. I've learned so much from this book and use so many of the techniques she offers. It's a definate must for any Witch, or anyone who is curious about what WitchCraft is about!

This book is excellent for novice and advanced studies. It covers a wide range of topics, and many of the basics. The book not only helps you with excercises, rituals and spells, it also tells you why and why not you do certain things. Laurie has a captivating style of writing and includes many of her personal experiences, allowing the reader to relate more to the book's content. Wonderful for the scientific aspects to it, it broadens the mind and makes you want to learn more. Laurie provides us with some simple spells, rituals and psychic practices to go through, with a variety of topics. One downside is that many of the spells and potions require ingredients which are not readily available to most. All in all, an enjoyable read, and a must for anyone's library....

Love this book, it is what cast away all the fears, and started me on my path. Very well written, informative and inspiring.

I have only been a Witch for a little over a year, so I still consider myself a begininner. I really liked her section about the science of Witchcraft. It intrigued me so much that I am planning to find out more about it! I don't know if it's the first book people who have just become Witches should read, I think it might be a little too complex for absolute begininners, but it's a great book for someone who already has some basic knowledge about The Craft of the Wise.

This is a perfect first read for any aspiring witch or anyone with a curiousity. It is beautifully simple and straightforward, and Cabot is always honest about who witches are and what they do. She goes into a little background of the craft, as well as the basis for the recent resurgence of positive religions in general. The book is full of personal experiences and general truths. It not only explains Wicca to the observer, but also gives basic "getting started" advice to anyone interested in taking up the craft in earnest. This is wonderfully informative, and leaves one with a feeling of self-empowerment and confidence. Excellent for anyone. When I decided to practice as a solitary, I gave this book to my friends and family to explain what I was doing, and to expel any negative preconceptions that they may have had. It worked like a charm.

Wisdom, wit, and elegance is three words that could easily describe Laurie Cabots beautifully crafted guidebook "The Power Of The Witch." Full of step by step guides to performing incantations, putting together an alter, or even enchanting charms, this book is an absolute leader in it's field. Also, it does an excellent job of laying those old nasty stereotypes to rest by detailing the history of wiccan practices, and gods. Laurie herself offers quick testimonials, in moments where she become slightly autobigraphical, in telling how she, herself, came into her practice, and discovered who she truly was. This book is utterly fascinating, and an excellent tool for anyone interested in practicing, expanding their abilities, or simply easing their curiosity. Truly an enlightening, beautiful experience that anyone can enjoy.

This book is well-written and easy to understand. A friend let me borrow hers, beacause I wanted something basic to explain magic, witches, etc, and she assured me this was the one. The authors don't write so far over my head to lose me, and their terminology is modern and succinct. An excellent introduction book.

This book is definitely worth reading.. not only for its information but for "From one Witch to Another" stories and she also gives you subjects to focus on and even recommends other books to read.. This book is a gem in any witch's bookshelf. I recommend this book highly! Blessed Be :) By the way: I would also recommend that you go to one of her "study groups" meetings!

This is a great author. Just as you shouldn't fall into the trap of being influenced by people who look like the stereotype, you should also be wary of the mind-set that everyone who does not look plain and un-threatening is fake. Many Female practitioners of magic love exotic eye makeup, black velvet and beautiful jewelry. They are proud of the magical tradition and do not care what others think of their dress style or demeanor. I don't care if people think witches are scary. That's their problem, i'm not trying to win them over. The bright light bambi wiccan movement is saddening.

If you don't read another book on the Craft, read this one! "Power of the Witch" gives an excellent overview of this positive spiritual path, going into plenty of depth on the history, practices, and scientific basis for the Craft and dispelling the disinformation that has been spread about its followers. Laurie Cabot's explanations are clear for those with no background in Witchcraft, but are still fluff-free and chock-full of information for those sincerely seeking the roots behind this belief system. I recommend it highly as a "first read" to anyone interested in the Craft, whether for the spiritual seeker or the merely curious. It will give an excellent foundation for all-around understanding, and open the door for further study to become a serious "Witch." I can't describe how much it has opened my understanding, and helped me along my spiritual path! This is the best $13.00 I've spent at the bookstore in a long time!

Countless books by countless authors and never have I ran across a book that has kept me so mesmerized from beggining to end! From page one I was hooked. I usually start in on books about this subject and find myself putting it down to read another, but with this book I could relate to the personal stories it was not just a how to book. So many of the Wiccan books get so wraped up in telling you how to do everything that they don't take time out to share personal enlightenment to inspire you along the way! To all involved in wicca and for those who aren't I truely reccomend this book, Laurie is my role model.

After reading this book, I have found a renewed interest in my spiritual path. Ms. Cabot is an engaging writer, and though she can be somewhat overbearing (i.e. Altar setup), this is an excellent introductory work. She teaches the world history of witches, connects the Craft with scientific principles, and make a believable argument that the original cultures of man were matriarchal and peace-loving. Her accounts of witchcraft as a science are exceedingly vivd and useful. this book is great for beginners, and holds much of value for anyone who is even remotely interested in the Craft as a way of life.

I enjoyed this book, despite the fact that i think Cabot is into it for the fame and fortune, mostly b/c i'm tired of the Wiccan monopoly on the pagan/witch movement. She has good ideas and insights and i found the book empowering. I especially enjoyed her reasoning for using one black and one white candle for her alter candles. It's defiantly worth the read.

This book started me on my hunt to learning the science of witchcraft. If "surrounding yourself with white light" doesn't seem like a good protection spell or you want to know HOW magick works and why.. BUY THIS BOOK!

This book is perfect for someone who has read a little about Witchcraft and magick before because it not only explains what is it, but HOW it works......it talks about the science side of it which is important to know. In order to do something you have to know about it, and that includes knowing how it works and how you have control over it. I'd suggest having a basic understanding of Witchcraft before picking this book up, but I also suggest picking it up

This was my first book of this subject, actually given me by a friend. CAbot's writing is super, and this book taught me a lot. It's informative, instructional, humorous, and very useful to me. Thumbs up ^

I Have met here and know her and as she strives to be accurate in all things, so also with this book. Laurie gives in depth details and scientific explanations of the true working of a Witch.

I expected great things from Cabot's books. I was let down. I did not care for her writing style, nor did I find her information moving or educational. I am genuinely surprised that so many people find Cabot to be a literary value. I just don't see it. I would not recommend Cabot's works to anyone interested in paganism or witchcraft.

I read this when i was very new in wicca and just researching. I thought it was majorly helpful and very interesting. She doesn't just put down facts about wicca/witchcraft, she also adds a personal and spiritual side. Using this book, i learneed how to enter Alpha. I think if you are just starting out, this book is THE BOOK to read!

An excellent book for the begginer or the long time practicing witch. Everyone will find something interesting in here..... Laurie gives insight into history and her life as a witch..She also gives some wonderful exersizes that will be helful to all..A truly great book!

Laurie Cabot is one of the best Authors in the modern Craft. If you are looking at Witchcraft as an art or Science, or a bit skeptical about spells, I highly recomend this book.

Over the past 5 years or so i have read a LOT of books on this subject and this is definately one of the best. Informative, accurate, interesting and in depth, it covers everything from basics, to complex physics. A must have for all those who are interested in pagan based religions.

One of the best book I Have read on witchcraft. Easy understanding. Someone who is just starting out this is one of the book I would recommend.

Very easy read, filled with very interesting info and in great condition. I love it! Recommend this to book to everyone.

I found the power of the witch a very excellent book. A must have for anyone Wiccan or thinking of studying, No matter how set or how secure you are in your path you'll find something in the book that will touch your heart.

i have to say that this is a great book. i have many books and this one is in my top 5. it gives a great inside look on the spiritual side of witches as well as practical. great book highly recomended !

This is quite possibly up there in the top 10 of all time rubbish books on Witchcraft. Laurie Cabot claims to be the Official Witch of Salem and an ordained High Priestess descending fro Celtic ancestry. Dave Lee Roth in gothic drag is closer to the truth. My hackles were first raised by the quoting of the fictional work "Mists of Avalon" as a source - I thought maybe Cabot had borrowed some of the poetry from within the book but as I found no evidence of this I can only presume she considers it a valid reference book. Further on the author refers to her style of dress as "traditional witch clothing", by which she means a black cape and a pentacle - and I thought she just wore it to make money out of visiting tourists!. Cabot then goes on to insult those people who follow a pagan path without practicing magic as "whitelighters", a term she uses for those who "only" do spiritual and devotional work. She also states that witches invented "language, writing, metallurgy, law, agriculture and the arts" - arrghh! Cabot perpetuates the Gimbutas myth of a matriarchal society and then says that there is no evidence of this as the patriarchal society coincided with the start of writing. Convenient for her theory but with no basis in any of the evidence. She also confuses matrifocal, matrilineal and matriarchal societies, seeming to think that a matrifocal or matrilineal society automatically means a matriarchal one. Cabot also comments that the original priesthood (I presume she means of the witches?) were all female. Cabot also mentions something that she'd read in a Book of Shadows from the 12th Century!! If she really has access to such a book then surely she should share it with those academics who are researching the history of witchcraft as it would completely change current academic thinking. On to the Burning Times - that dark period of history much beloved by those who seek to portray themselves as a persecuted minority. Cabot gives one of the highest figures I have seen in print - the usual 9 million gets quoted, but Cabot also says the figure may be as high as 13 million. That's more than half the population of Europe at that time. Cabot also can't seem to get away from the witch equals goddess worshipper either, something that gets more and more irritating throughout the book. The facts were out there in the public domain at the time of her writing the book if Cabot had bothered to research outside of pagan books. Despite living in Salem as their resident witch, Cabot then displays great insensitivity to her forebears. She asks whether those killed at Salem were witches, and surmises that perhaps a couple of them may have been, but witches should claim them for their own as they died for our freedom! The dishonour she shows towards the dead by making this claim leaves me speechless. The book is full of pseudo science, crap "research", and disinformation. I sincerely wish the author took her own advice "It takes more than wishful thinking to become a competent practicing witch".

This book is a MUST. It grounds Witchcraft in both Science AND Image-ination, a balance absolutely necessary for anyone practicing the Magickal Arts. From there on it's up to you, but this book is one of the best ways to start.

This has to be one of the worst books on any form of Witchcraft I've read in a long time. It's bad enough the amount of fluff out there supporting Wicca as the only way for modren witches, but this book has too many harmful ideas to be believed or even to be recommended. Is it a new thing to quote long passages and base a tremendous portion of ones ideas on certain passages and books and not to even give the original authors etc. credit? Many times, Cabot quotes things or references an idea from somewhere, without ever stating were that somewhere is. And with as many unfounded claims and ideas that this woman has, one would really like to know where they're coming from. To not cite, makes me think that she's just creating half this stuff. The ideas, especially at the front half of the book are harmful to many would-be's. Don't read this book! I got it used and it was still a waste of money. It's not going to help you with anything, and may even cloud your mind with unfounded ideas, such as women where the sole inventors of language. Give me a break. Stay away from this book! Even McCoy is better then this dribble. But what can one expect from a woman who runs around in goth, calling it traditinal witch wear. I really feel for her family, espcecially her kids.

It was a very good starter book. This is the first book I really can say that I remember reading of the craft, and I love it. What made me read it was the intro about how different she felt when she was a kid. And I felt the same way. I loved that I was not the only one like that. It just help me along to go down this path of the craft. I loved reading it.

This book is good and i have two, so that i can have one to read and one as a study guide. Laurie gets down to busy and explains things in great detail. I would recommend this book to anyone! 💜🦋💜

Very interesting book

Thank you

love it very detailed