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By Marion Weinstein, 2003
US $13.99
New Page Books: Franklin Lakes, NJ
ISBN 1-56414-638-3
223 pages
 I
want to say up front that Marion Weinstein and I practice
very different forms of Witchcraft and hold sharply different
views on many topics; and also, I preferred the earth-brown
and gold mat binding of the older edition. In this revised
edition of Earth Magic, Weinstein has made some good
updates in the way she presents her material. Most noticeably,
the term "Dianic" from the book's subtitle, since
"Dianic" has come to mean working with Goddess energies
exclusively, with no male God influence, and Weinstein include
God workings in her tradition. Her writing style is as good
as it has ever been and in some ways has gotten better, and
the specific workings she recommends are well-organized and
bulleted. Weinstein is undoubtedly the most positively-oriented
Witch publishing today. In her Universe, there is never need
for binding magic or anything of the kind, no matter whether
it is for defense: her concept of "harm none" is
closer to New Age concepts instead of traditional Wicca. She
has some unique and interesting workings, including a spell
for putting out a "coven call" to find an appropriate
group to work with, a "psychic phone call" as it
were. Weinstein's best contribution to modern Witchcraft is
her concept of "Words of Power." More than any other
writer, she advocates the idea that everything we say has
power. This idea goes back to Egypt, and in fact, she brings
in the concept of Ma'at, walking in balance, and marries it
to her Words of Power. She gives a formula for uttering Words
of Power and aligning yourself and your intent with Goddess
and God. This is a powerful magickal concept. Although, as
mentioned, I disagree with some of her philosophy, her ideas
are interesting; she presents them well; and some, such as
the Words of Power, are clearly valuable.
Review by Anna Meadows and Douglas Helvie
Douglas E. Helvie ("Gaelan Firestorm") is a Third Degree
Lord High Priest of Wicca.
Founder of the Eternal Harvest Tradition of Wicca,
he has studied multiple pagan traditions for 15 years and
is also a professional psychic and an initiated Runic Grandmaster.
Anna M. Meadows is a First Degree Priestess
of the Eternal Harvest Tradition of Wicca and has studied
metaphysics for nine years.
A votary of Isis, she holds a B.A. from Duke University
and practices astrology and crystal healing.
Douglas Helvie and Anna Meadows are Priest
and Priestess of the New Bern-based Eternal Harvest Church
of Wicca, an independent church serving the spiritual needs
of area Pagans and Wiccans.
They can be reached at 252-637-2527 or i_amm@yahoo.com.
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