Witch Heart
by Jonathan Sousa © 2007
Lulu.com
121 pages
Paperback
$13.66 (U.S.)
Reviewed by: Mike Gleason
This book is a collection of articles designed to expand on some of the concepts contained in a typical “Wicca 101” book. As such it does not so much introduce concepts and ideas as encourage discussion and examination of them.
The author brings a specific understanding to this work, as do we all. He apparently began his formal training with a Sicilian Craft group. That colors his perceptions and observations in certain specific ways.
As I read through the first half of the book I found myself agreeing with the majority of what he had to say, although there were times I had questions – like his ascription of the Tenets of the Craft (found in The Complete Art of Witchcraft by Sybil Leek to “the Traditional Craft.” Perhaps “the traditional (small “t”) Craft” would be more accurate. Most people understand “the Traditional (capital “T”) Craft” to refer to British Traditional Witchcraft, and Ms. Leek never asserted her membership in BTW to my knowledge.
While I most definitely don’t agree with all of the author’s assumptions and statements (we are, after all, very different individuals), I respect his decision to share his thoughts with an audience beyond his coven-mates. He puts forth ideas which are seldom discussed except late at night around the remains of ritual fires, and then usually only by the Elders of various groups. He has brought them before an all-inclusive group, and these thoughts are sure to inspire discussions and soul searching.
Although I don’t often say this, if you are looking for a gift for a new initiate, this is an excellent choice.
There are a few typos, but the quality of the writing, and of the physical production of the book, is excellent and I recommend it highly.