Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft (Llewellyn’s Practical Magick)
- ISBN13: 9780875420509
- Condition: New
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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 informati
Rating: 
(out of 328 reviews)
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Review by Matt for Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft (Llewellyn’s Practical Magick)
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Although Ray Buckland’s book lacks a lot of information on the spiritual side of Wicca it is a great reference book. Although very Gardnerian and coven based, the rituals can be easily adapted to fit the solitary practitioner who is of a different tradition.I wouldn’t recommend this book for those just starting, but for those that are more familiar with the basics and have had some prior exposure to Witchcraft. I suggest starting out with Scott Cunningham’s “Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner.” If interested in Alexandrian or Gardnerian Wicca, then move on to Silver Ravenwolf, this book, and then try the books by the Farrars.One downside to the book was the quizzes. The quizzes were a bit knit-picky, but they at least helped get some of the information across to the reader.As others have mentioned, Buckland does quote himself quite often, but usually these quotes are in the margin and if they don’t reenforce and idea, they at least make for a good laugh.I will give Buckland a lot of credit for not “dumbing-down” the material for the average 13 year old as some writers have. Wiccan books don’t always have to be written for the teenager and I’m glad Buckland maintained a writing proficiency level that agrees with most adults.Although not a “complete” book, it is a good starting point for many subjects like talismans, tarot, astrology, and herbalism. Overall, a great book. I recommend it to any student of Wicca, particularly ones interested in Gardnerian and like traditions.
Review by Kashmir White for Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft (Llewellyn’s Practical Magick)
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When I teach beginning students, I give them three books: this one, Cunningham’s Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, and the Farrar’s Witches’ Bible. I have seen a lot of reviewers saying they recommend using Buckland’s book together with Cunningham’s and I think this is excellent advice…the lessons are very good and quite thorough. I know of no other book that covers so many aspects of witchcraft. True, he covers so much ground there’s not much room for depth, but it’s a good starting-off place. He presents all the technical info: tools and divination and herbs and altar furniture and history and circle construction and dreams and meditation — whew! Cunningham is a good balance for the more spiritual aspects. I think this is a good book to read through once or twice, using it as a starting point for further study. I think you’ll also want to keep it on your shelf as a handy reference.As with any book, remember to think for yourself and you’ll get a lot out of it…One last note — the book covers so many different subjects, so many MECHANICS, that I sometimes forget how beautiful his Sabbat rituals are. He has included an entire book of shadows here, including seasonal rites, esbats, even a New Moon Rite. They are well-written and very poetic; for these alone I would recommend the book.
Review by for Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft (Llewellyn’s Practical Magick)
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This book is set up like a workbook. After each chapter is exerices and/or quizes, with the answers in the back of the book.
There is an appendix of Wicca deominations–with a breif history and beleif summery of each, songs, and recommended reading list.This book has all the basics, like the Wheel of the year, basic philosophy, tools, spells, and rituals. It also has some things that are not so basic (and that I don’t recommend and the author strongly cautions!) like what he terms “Witches’ Cradle”, a form of sensory deprivation using a form of binding of the body. There are other historical tidbits as well. This book also has several magickal alphabets, a bit on herbs, a dream interpetaion section I still find very useful, and ideas for covens or solitary practice.This book is for the novice, or a refresher. Would probably be ideal for the person who has ‘looked into witchcraft’, and has decided to start studying in depth. It does make a GREAT refrence book, as Mr. Buckland has provided with extensive basic knowledge with the ‘lingo’ to aid in finding resources for further studies.
Review by Diana for Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft (Llewellyn’s Practical Magick)
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I read this book when I first became interested in the practice of magic. I still refer to it from time to time. It is a good book for learning some of the basics. Please don’t take this book (or any other) as the ‘be all-end all’ on the subject of magic (or any other). One big problem I have with the ‘big blue book’ is its lack of a good index. What’s the deal with that? It’s also very Wiccan in its approach. A good book on magic should not be so narrow.I have seen that some other reviewers blast Buckland personally. I refuse to pile on. I do, however, agree that Buckland’s tone is a little messianic.Speaking of messianic, I’m sure that those interested in reading these reviews would rather that Christians expressed their opinions elsewhere. God(dess) knows there are plenty of Christian forums! This is a collection of book reviews…not a platform for the fundies. That off my chest….This is a pretty good book despite its tone, lack of good index, and narrowness. A WAY better, more ‘complete’ book, you ask? The Magician’s Companion by Bill Whitcomb is much broader, more complete, and…well…bigger (though not blue); yet, still okay for a beginner. Go check out the reviews there. Then decide.
Review by for Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft (Llewellyn’s Practical Magick)
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This book is just what it is supposed to be: a guide and instruction book for those who wish to learn more about Witchcraft. From a very basic view of Witch history to modern Neo-paganism, this book allows the reader to develop their own beginnings in Witchcraft. Buckland “pushes” no one direction or path, but draws upon his own experiences and those of others in order to present a more “politically correct” open-minded lesson book. I enjoyed reading this book, but would like to state that it is not intended for the more advanced practitioner. A great novice or entry level instruction guide…let your heart be your guide. Remember, Wicca is based from within, there is no wrong way to worship the God and Goddess, an’ it harm none. Wicca is a way of life, not just declaring oneself to be a Witch. Blessed be.