The Wiccan Mysteries: Ancient Origins & Teachings
by Raven Grimassi

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Book Reviews of The Wiccan Mysteries: Ancient Origins & Teachings

Book Review: Truly Wyrrd....
Summary: 4 Stars

A major strength of this book is the organizing and classifying of the origins of the different mythos, beliefs, practices including spell-casting, etc. This book is not about spell-casting and other "black" arts, however. In fact, Grimassi says one of the most ineffective ways to do magic is to try to cast spells without the proper background and training. Besides, as nearly as I can tell, for most Wiccans spell-casting has more to do with personal affirmation and visualization involving the subconscious than it has to do with putting hexes on enemies. He does mention succubi and incubi, but I am not sure exactly what he means as he omits detailed explanation. My own interpretation: one should be careful what one wishes as it might come true.

A major contribution of Grimassi's book is his attempt to sort out the groups all claiming to be Wiccans. Grimassi says there is not just one Wiccan way. There are major types of Wicca and minor differences within the larger typologies. He says modern Wiccan practices evolved in the 20th Century, to a great extent under the guidance of Gardner a British practicioner. Although modern Wicca is mostly based on old European beliefs, practices, etc. some forms of it include beliefs, practices, etc. from the East. For example, meditation is not something traditional Wiccans or witches did. Grimassi refers to Wiccans who include Eastern practices as New Age Wiccans (that's me!!)

An other major Wiccan group follows a more traditional path based on older European mythos and beliefs and eschews Eastern practices. But, this group is also split along some basic lines. Some of the Wiccans following the "pure" European path are more Celtic based, while others have a more Southern European base. Also, sex magic seems to be something some groups do, and others don't. Grimassi defends sex magic, but to my mind it is like the sacrifice of animals which the Hebrews abandoned long ago. Some practices have been abandoned because of outside pressures, but sometimes they are abandoned for equally good internal reasons. Living in an age of AIDS has made sex magic dangerous.

As nearly as I can tell, Grimassi, who is an Italian witch, thinks the Italian or Southern European base is the oldest tradition--far older than the Celtic strain which from his perspective was heavily influenced by Southern magic in a variety of ways including the arrival of the mysterious Tuatha du Daanan (people of the mist, people of Danu), migrants from the Iberian peninsula, and the invasion of the Romans around 2000 years ago. Grimassi has tracked the older 'Way' back to the Etruscans and even earlier. In fact, he links it to the old matrifocal religion of ancient Europe (before the invasion of the Indo-Europeans).

This is a fascinating book and one I highly recommend to anyone who is interested in Wicca or the old religion. This should not be the last book you read, however. Although Grimassi has distilled much material, he has barely touched the surface. His citations are worth pursuing if you are not already familiar with them. Also, Grimassi wrote this book several years ago, and new evidence from the archeologists, prehistorians, historians, linguists, and other scientists continues to accumulate.

Summary of The Wiccan Mysteries: Ancient Origins & Teachings

Awarded "Book of the Year" by The Coalition of Visionary Resources!  

"The Wiccan Mysteries is a book that should hold a proud place on every single altar." ?Body Mind Spirit Magazine

Once reserved for a very select few, the initiate-level teachings of Wicca are revealed in this award-winning guide to the essence of an ancient belief system. Daring and honest, The Wiccan Mysteries is a must-have complement to your personal practice.

Author Raven Grimassi takes you on a comprehensive tour of Wicca, describing in depth its pre-Christian historical and theological roots in Old Europe and continuing through to modern America. These multicultural origins form the basis for contemporary Wicca, and empower it as a dynamic system for spiritual development.

Uncover the hidden meanings of sacred writings and explore the major tenets of the Craft, from reincarnation, the God and Goddess, magickal arts, and planes of existence, to symbols, rites, and ethics. Learn how to create an astral temple, consecrate ritual tools, and work with magickal familiars.

Expand your understanding of Wicca with this essential guide, and discover the enduring power of a rich spiritual tradition.

Europe Books

• Subjects > History > Europe
• Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Wicca
• Witchcraft
• Occult
• Religious Studies > Comparative Religion