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(More customer reviews)This book opens with the lesson of the Cauldron of Cerridwen. Each person who looks into Her cauldron sees the wisdoms they will need to follow the "Path of the Wise". This book takes a very unique look at a persons dedication to this path by creating a day to day guide for the dedicating solitary to learn the wisdoms they will need to follow the Wiccan path. Yes, this book focuses on the practicing solitary and is intended as a training guide to help you through the sometimes tough initial "Year and a Day" dedication that so many books only suggest you do. This book actually takes you there.
Timothy Roderick is a British Traditional Wiccan, who's previous books cover many aspects of Wicca, including working with the dark of the moon as well as familiars. He is a teacher of the occult, shamanism and mysticism. He is the founder of the "Earthdance Collective", a Wiccan community where he has been their spiritual director for over a decade. He comes to this book with some very impressive credentials and it shows in his work.
The book's layout is quite simple; it goes by each day. The exercises are not long or drawn out, but rather simple, concise and yet they cover much information. Day 1, for example, discusses Earth-Centered Spirituality, covering a little history, a simple exercise in connecting with the earth, and a simple set of questions designed to explore the exercise as well as exploring yourself. There are also little "dialogue boxes" designed to anticipate some questions or create a "sidebar" discussion for you to ponder further. Following "Day 1" is a list of items you will need for the next 30 days; a shopping list if you will of basic supplies.
Each day unfolds with a new topic, a new aspect or some new exercise to explore or think about. As I wandered through the material presented, I liked the way it was laid out, each day setting up for another lesson further along. Discussing words, discussing symbols, building on these words, finding acceptance in your own life for these words and symbols. It seems very basic and yet it is necessary when you are looking at a completely new spiritual path and new structure for your life.
The lessons become more advanced yet never too long or too boring. The material is very expertly explained, broken down to its simplest form, allowing the reader to keep up with the material without experiencing an information overload. Every month there is a "Contemplative Day" for the reader to experience, to explore and digest the material learned.
There are Devotional Days, honoring specific Deities, learning their stories, exploring Them and feeling Their energies.
While the book can be started at any time, Mr. Roderick does mention that traditional start time is sometime between Samhain and Candlemas (Imbolc). I found that the Sabats are all covered together in one section/month, rather than stretched out over the course of the book. This would allow the reader to start whenever they felt ready, rather that being restricted by the seasons or a calendar.
The book covers the daily topics well. They are good overviews of the topic. The exercises are well chosen for the beginner, as is the way the topical material is handled. Yes, this book addresses the average beginner. Yet it is not bound by that restriction. There is much information in here that would serve the slightly more advanced student, one who may have had basic studies and is looking to round out their studies with additional material. Yes, there are even a few "gee, I didn't know that" moments in this book for me.
The book contains illustrations of hand motions, tools, symbols, crafts, cards and more. The material covers a variety of topics from runes to alphabets, herbs to astrology. The material discussed covers a wide range of topics from tools to ritual basics to building power.
I really love the idea of this book, the way it is laid out and the material that is covered. It follows a very logical progression and is well thought out in that respect. Mr. Roderick writes in a style that is clear, in an easy to follow manner that is kept light and reasonable for the beginning practitioner.
If you are a solitary looking to start your year and a day dedication and do not know where to begin, start by checking into this book and see if you don't agree that this is a very good tool to get you started and on your way. I think you will actually find yourself following this book through to the end and you will get more out of this book than you thought possible. I do recommend this book for anyone looking for a very practical guide to the experience of the Wiccan "Year and a Day" personal dedication. boudica
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Wicca: A Year & a Day: 366 Days of Spiritual Practice in the Craft of the WiseThere are no short-cuts to becoming a Witch. Traditionally, students take a year and a day to prepare for their initiation into the Craft. Based on this age-old custom, Wicca: A Year and a Day is a one-of-a-kind daily guide that introduces Witchcraft over a 366-day cycle. Ideal for solitary students, this intensive study course teaches the core content of Wiccan practice: the tides of time, the wonders of the seasons, the ways of herbs and magic, the mysticism of the Old Ones, and the inner disciplines of seers and sages. Daily lessons include exercises, Wiccan theology and lore, and discussions relating to circle work, magical correspondences, holidays, deities, tools, healing, and divination.
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