My Mom!!
May 05, 2002, 1:27 p.m.

Book Review: Teen Witch

Dateline: 04/25/99

Image courtesy of Llewellyn Press

Teen Witch is not a brand-new book � it's been out since 1998 � but it broaches a subject long gone ignored in the scope of Wiccan and pagan literature. As the title suggests, it's written for the burgeoning population of teenagers and young people interested in Wicca and neo-paganism.

There's a good reason for the dearth of books written for younger audiences: continued misconceptions about pagans make us an easy target for adults and parents who would accuse us of trying to "recruit" their children. Silver addresses that issue in a preface written just for parents.

In her preface to teenagers, she blasts misconceptions of another kind: that being a witch is not about dressing in black, wearing pentacles in obvious places, or scaring your classmates with hexes and curses.

The bulk of the book introduces the fundamentals of pagan ethics and spirituality, emphasizing respect for all kinds of spiritual traditions and the law of returns, before going on to explain the Sabbats, ritual, and the concept of sacred space. Silver, herself a family traditionalist with roots in Pennsylvania Dutch folk magic, sticks mainly to Wiccan traditions, but also makes suggestions for other, less controversial kinds of pagan spirituality, including praying to guardian angels and using rosary beads for spellwork.

She also uses examples of actual teen pagans using Wicca to better their lives.

Refreshing in its language, this book is a great resource for teens and adults alike who would like to learn more about Wiccan and pagan practices. Some teens may find her tone a bit condescending at times, but no more so than that of an older teacher speaking her pupils. And the spells and rituals outlined in the book are designed especially for teens and the issues they face.

Silver RavenWolf is the author of a host of titles from Llewellyn Press, including To Stir a Magick Cauldron, To Ride a Silver Broomstick, To Light a Sacred Flame, and her latest, Silver's Spells for Prosperity. Visit her on the Web at www.silverravenwolf.com/.

Looking for other books on Wicca and paganism? Check out my bookstore for titles and reviews.

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