Written for serious practitioners, Marian Green's Witch Alone: Thirteen Moons to Master Natural Magic guides those who wish to learn the "old religion" without the aid of a coven. Densely written in serious tone, Witch Alone is nonetheless an inspiring and poetic read. Exercises at the end of each chapter are designed to take a full 28 nights to accomplish, and are designed to progressively lead one on the path to success. Worshippers of the goddess and those interested in exploring the deeper aspects of their own soul will find this tome deeply informative, but for the neo-pagan committed to learning solitary witchcraft, Witch Alone is a must-read. --P Randall Cohan

2007-12-18 Wicca for people who like to think

I'd recommend this book to wiccans and non-wiccans alike. The structure of the book is designed to be read, considered and used as a guide over a 13 month period, though you could easily read the whole thing through and do the exercises after finishing. Don't. I think the book would actually suffer for that kind of treatment, and you as a reader would be cheated. My advice would be to take the slower path through the book and let it sink in. Each chapter has a theme, even if it is recommended reading or preparation for a ritual. Taking a month to do the exercises may seem slow, but I find it's giving me time to consider the concepts involved on a different level than I have in quite a while.

I've been a practising wiccan for 10 yrs, and I still am enjoying myself with this book. I bought it as part of a reconnection/regrounding exercise, and am not disappointed. There is quite a bit here for non-beginners as well, if it is taken slowly.

My only concern would be that as much as I might like and agree with many of the author's opinions, I would worry that someone who was a very new beginner would perhaps not see that they are just that - opinions. While I like her style and her confidence, I can see beginners who hadn't read other books first might take what she's said as being some kind of absolute truth. (i.e. her opinions on indoor vs outdoor ritual) I would recommend this book be read in connection with other books on the craft - but to be fair, even the author recommends this as part of the exercises of the book. Honestly, I think the author's pull-no-punches style is refreshing, but I can see how some might be bowled over a bit by it. This book isn't for fluff-bunnies.

For beginners who have read a bit already and for old fogies like me who like to see things with eyes anew from time to time. There's a lot here to think about, definitely - enjoy!