Book
of Shadows :Book
of Shadows :
A Modern Woman's Journey into the Wisdom of
Witchcraft and the Magic of the Goddess
by Phyllis Curott
Paperback -
320 pages (September 14, 1999)
Broadway Books; ISBN:
0767900553
Synopsis:
"Most people know intuitively that when you fall in love the world is full of magic. What they don't know is that when you discover the universe is full of magic, you fall in love with the world."
When high-powered Manhattan lawyer Phyllis Curott began exploring Witchcraft, she discovered a spiritual movement that defied all stereotypes. Encountering neither satanic rites nor eccentric spinsters, she came to know a clandestine religion of the Goddess that had been forced into hiding over the course of history. Book of Shadows recounts Curott's remarkable initiation into Wicca (meaning "wise one") and shares her insights as a high priestess of an elegant, ancient spirituality that celebrates the magic of being alive.
An Ivy-league graduate and promising lawyer, Curott was a typical young woman in her twenties, determined to forge a law career within the burgeoning, male-dominated music industry. But when she began having prophetic dreams and mysterious visions of ancient female figures and unfamiliar symbols, she discovered an unexpected world of magic and began searching for a rational explanation. When her friend Sophia--a practicing Witch--suggested having her cards read by a Wiccan High Priestess, Curott instinctively dismissed the idea, but then forced her natural skepticism aside on the chance that this age-old practice might help her understand the unusual occurrences in her life.
Thus begins her journey into the magical world of Witchcraft, a religion originally practiced by priestesses, shamans, and healers that empowers our lives by working with the natural cycles of nature. Fascinated by this pre-Judeo-Christian religion that honors women as the embodiment of the Goddess and emphasizes respect and love for the natural world, Curott began attending a local coven's weekly circle to learn the sacred arts. Her Book of Shadows chronicles her ascent to the position of Wiccan High Priestess and her efforts to reconcile her newfound spirituality with her struggles as a woman rising through the ranks of the corporate world. Along the way, Curott relates the history of Witchcraft and shares many traditional Wiccan practices, such as casting a circle, drawing down the Goddess, harnessing the powers of the natural world, and casting spells for health, prosperity, and love.
Engagingly written and rich with detailed rituals and techniques, this inspirational book traces a modern woman's spiritual journey into a realm of extraordinary experience and enlightenment. Book of Shadows provides us with the keys to discover an enchanted world of divine empowerment so as to unlock the power that lies within us all.
Reviews:
Sam , November 13, 1999
I found this book while looking for a diet book. It just fell at my feet. I crammed it back onto the shelf but something made me take a second look. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. Something had been missing from my life for years. I had made several attempts at going to church but it just never felt right. Ms Curott's book brought light into my life. I am now on a journey of self discovery. Thank you Phyllis.
Debbie
Wunsch from Nashua, New Hampshire ,
October 28, 1999
Fascinating story-great book!
I first heard Phyllis speak on a local radio show a year ago, and
decided to purchase the book, and I was not disappointed. Thank you,
Phyllis, for sharing your journey.
Mish
from Seattle, Washington ,
October 23, 1999
Excellent personal accout of the craft
How refreshing to hear an account of witchcraft by an intelligent,
well-grounded professional woman! And she didn't slam science or
reason to make her point. She shows it is possible to live a balanced
life between the worlds and firmly grounded in this world. My only
regret was that this book wasn't around while I was stumbling around
in the craft 7 years ago. Thank goodness it's here at last. Thanks
for sharing your journey, Phyllis.
A
reader from Seattle, WA ,
October 22, 1999
I tried to like it
I am sure this book has a lot to offer, but in many ways it was so
poorly written I couldn't finish it. The characters she meets who
educate her about the Goddess speak like they are reading chapters
out of a book, not sharing something dear to their souls. The
portions of the book dealing with the author's work life had some
fire to them, unlike her spiritual discoveries.
A
reader from Pittsburg, California ,
September 29, 1999
Wonderful!, Educational, Inlighting, Balanced - Indeapth
Beaufially written, real and down to earth. Teachs and explaines the
ways of earth live or witch craft. Phyllis explain a lot of the,ways,
as to why the world is the way it is today. In a way that makes
sense, and in a way that I already knew.
She removes the lies of witchcraft, and shows you facts not fiction.
She show the power of feminie in all persons. She shows how we can all open the door to our own self in a very modern way. Especially for those who grew up in a city, with only ashafalt to learn from.
Just a great book to read, if you want just a book to enjoy, or one to learn from and with. I wish I could have everyone read this book. To help understand life - and whys of life sometimes.
A
reader from Reston, Virginia
, September 22, 1999
A Wise Witch
Written with grace, warmth and candor, this book is sure to leave its
mark on the collective consciousness of many who read it, witch or
not. Reading it opens the mind to the many elements of modern-day
society that paint witches and their kind as demons or Satan's
favorite imps. Those who read this book are likely to come away with
the understanding that true evil is in the heart of the human, and
that makes evil an equal-opportunity parasite. It's a compelling read
that casts a spell against the stereotype of the cackling witch on
the hunt for neighborhood children. Curott casts herself as a
sorjourner who is cautious but ultimately not afraid of where her
spiritual walk will lead her. The result is a beguiling tale that
leads us through the mysteries of one woman's journey to find her
authentic self, her spirit. In the end, Curott finds the light, and
so do we. That she is a witch may cause some to miss the point. But
that is their loss indeed. --A Bewitched Reader
A
reader from hudson valley, new york
, September 20, 1999
this seasons inspiration
I read Book of Shadows last Spring, and was awestruck by the magic
that filled my life after I read this, after I began implementing the
principals Curott puts forth. I re-read it this past weekend, and
reccomend that Curott's fans do the same -- fall is the perfect time
to read this book.
A
reader from Bastrop, La
, September 6, 1999
Of all the books I've purchased, this will be my treasure!
Reading this book made me feel whole again. It gave life reason and
purpose and made me realize how special we all are. I wonder now how
the world would be if we could all see through her eyes for one
moment. "Witchcraft" is a beautiful religion, it's a shame it has
been slandered for so many years. Thank you Phyllis Curott for
sharing your wonderful story and for being honest throughout without
holding a fear of speaking the truth on our religions today. The
history I learned in the "Book of Shadows" is just the beginning of
my new quest for knowledge on our religious history. You gave me the
direction I needed. Thank You.
A
reader from Huntington Beach, CA
, August 31, 1999
I love this book!
This is a powerful memoir. Phyllis Curott's autobiographical account
of her introduction and initiation into Wicca demystifies the
stereotypes of witchcraft and brings this elegant practice and
religion to mainstream America. Blessed Be!
About the Author
High Priestess Phyllis Curott is president emerita of the oldest
and largest international religious organization in the Wiccan
tradition and has been widely profiled in the media as a public
figure and advocate for Wiccan Spirituality. A graduate of Brown
University, she holds a law degree from the New York University
School of Law and is a practicing attorney. She divides her time
between New York City and Long Island.