After years of work, the well-written and highly informative book The Spell of Making: The Complete Manual for Building Pagan Religious Rituals is now available from its author, Blacksun. Blacksun is a well-known and respected pagan high priest in Seattle. Many of us have collected bits and pieces of this work over the years from attending workshops and rituals he has led. Finally, it is all compiled in one book. In this work, he has condensed the essence of 17 years of leading a coven and practicing Wicca so that others, whether newcomers or experienced practitioners, may have the benefit of his experience and knowledge.
The Spell of Making is a valuable book on many levels. Blacksun's attitude toward the Craft, and life, is well illustrated by the first line after the table of contents: "This book is dedicated to the Lady, and to the priestess who has shown Her to me, my wife."
Throughout the book, a combination of reverence, play, dedication, humor and practical information are used to teach and inspire. Chapters include "Ritual and the Unconscious," "The Eight Steps of Ritual Building," "Be Careful What You Invoke..." and "The Greatest Ritual of All is Called Life!," to name a few.
If I did not find much to criticize, it was because the book is excellent. I have one suggestion: that the book could be bound in better stock. The cover is somewhat flimsy and may not hold up to years of use.
Anyone interested in the practice of the Craft will find The Spell of Making a valuable addition to their library.
The book is available from Blacksun, P.O. Box 30654, Seattle, WA 98103-0654, at a cost of $20 plus $3 postage and handling. The author may also be contacted via e-mail at Blacksun95@aol.com.
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