Book Review: Crafting Wiccan Traditions by Raven Grimassi

Recently, I finished a book titled Crafting Wiccan Traditions by Raven Grimassi. It's not exactly a book for beginners in the Craft. In fact, if you're a beginner I would not suggest reading this book as it for intermediates. You may find useful information if you are a beginner but if you are looking for information and understanding, I would look for a book such as Scott Cunningham's Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner or Raymond Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft at least to build some sort of understanding of basics.

This book is aimed towards those that are seeking to create their own coven or sect of Wicca and how they can incorporate elements to make that happen. These elements would include, rituals, mythos, Gods and Goddesses, Book of Shadows, initiation, and rites. Each chapter goes into a thorough detail of how you can get your coven or tradition up and running smoothly.

However, I would suggest that before anyone decides to follow the advice in this book to seriously think about their goals, ambitions, intention, and path. I would also suggest that one should have formal training before deciding to just become a High Priest or Priestess of a tradition. It takes more than reading a book or reading things online. It also takes practice, dedication, and commitment.

This book contains many diagrams that clearly explain symbols and their meanings, rituals, altar placements, evoking and banishing pentagrams, positions within the Circle, and much more. This book will definitely give insight to a lot of different elements that are involved in the Craft, however this is for people who have some kind of foundation to build on.

Picture from: http://www.ravengrimassi.net/craftingtrad.html