Return to Cauldron Home Page

Please donate now to pay our monthly server fees:
Donate to The Cauldron
[More Info]

Community Menu
Community Home

Message Board
Board Home
Board Rules
Board Extras:
   Arcade
   Calendar
   Links

CauldronMUX [Client]
Sister Forums:
   Asatru Lore

Menu

Home
Site Info & Rules
Site Archives
Volunteers Needed
Advertise Here

Pagan Supplies
Buy Pagan Books
Buy Pagan Supplies

Books & Media
Books Home
Games Home
Music: Free | Pagan
Online Books
Pagan Book Browser
Reviews:
   Academic Books
   Divination Decks
   Fiction Books
   Pagan Books
   Speculative Books
   DVD & Videotape
Submit Review

Pagan Features
Article Library
Auctions
Chat Log Index
File Library
Humor
Lessons
Pagan Holidays
Pagan Primer
Pagan Rituals
Pagan Supplies
Pagan Youth
Polls
Reconstructionism
Spell Grimoire [Blog]
Web Resources

Pagan Living
Cauldron Cookbook
Take Political Action

Newsletter
Back Issues
Subscribe

Other Features
eCauldronMail
Greeting Cards
Syndicated Articles
World News/Opinion

Shopping
Cheap Web Hosting
Doxy's Bazaar
Witchcraft Course
Zazzle

Old Indexes
Article Index
Webcrafting Index

Network Sites
Cauldron and Candle
Cauldron's Grimoire
RetroRoleplaying
RetroRoleplaying: The Blog
Software Gadgets
The Terran Empire

Site Search
Google
Entire Web
The Cauldron

Member - Pagan Forum Alliance
Charter Member

Get Firefox! While this web site is designed to work in all major browsers, we recommend Firefox.

This site hosted on
a Linode VPS
Formerly hosted by

Why Use Dreamhost?

Site copyright
© 1998-2009
by Randall

Home > Books & Reviews > Pagan > Sons of the Goddess Search

Order from Amazon.com
Buying books via our Amazon.com links helps support The Cauldron.
Book Review:
Sons of the Goddess: A Young Man's Guide To Wicca

0738705470
Author: Christopher Penczak
Trade Paperback, 216 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn
Publication date: 2005
List: US$15.95, C$21.50
ISBN: 0738705470
Price & More Info: Click Here


 
Okay, I will state it right here at the start. This is a "Wicca 101" book. That does not, however, mean that it is run-of-the-mill in any way, shape, or form. Christopher approaches the needs of young men who are trying to find their niche in a religion which is, in many ways, dominated by Goddess worship. Yes, he covers al the basics - three-fold return, the Wiccan Rede, rituals, ethics and holidays - but with an unexpected slant. He is the author of several other books, including The Inner Temple of Witchcraft, The Outer Temple of Witchcraft, and Gay Witchcraft among others.

There are meditations and exercises in each chapter designed to help young men get in touch with both their personal inner world and the mythic world which serves to connect all of mankind. There are no elaborate rituals in here; nor are there "secrets". This book can serve as a good basis for the beginner who is open-minded enough to accept the fact that there is work involved in getting involved in Wicca.

As in all of the books I have read previously by Christopher, the information and exercises contained in this book come across clearly and without fanfare. There is no hyperbole, and plenty of reassurances that anyone can walk this path if they are willing to put in the effort. All of this is accomplished without the use of a condescending attitude.

"Wicca 101" books often seem to be a dime a dozen, with nothing to distinguish one from another. That is not the case with Christopher's books. Perhaps it is his background. It may be an influence from his teachers. Or it may just be his natural penchant. The source isn't important. The important thing is that he manages to connect with his readers and to inspire them to achieve what they desire.

I don't always like his choice of words or imagery, but that doesn't detract from the value of what he is saying. His ideas come across with clear intent and that is a joy to read. There is no intent to obscure or impress, simply to convey information.

Christopher urges both experimentation and restraint for his readers. You need to experience things, but shouldn't allow yourself to become overwhelmed by the experiences. This is in relationship to both magickal experiences and mundane things such as sexual experiences.

Unlike many authors of basic books, Christopher devotes nearly fifteen pages to the background and foundations of casting a circle before actually giving the ritual itself. The ritual itself covers two pages with each step clearly explained.

Overall, this is an excellent presentation, aimed at an often forgotten segment of newcomers to Wicca. Is it indispensable? No it isn't. It is, however, a worthwhile addition to a growing library of teaching materials for both solitaries and those looking to join up with a tradition.

Reviewed by Mike Gleason


Top | Home | Message Board | Site Info & Rules | Report Site Problems
Thanks to Cauldron Sponsors
(Sponsor The Cauldron!)

Cheap Web Hosting Report | Pagan & Magick Supplies
Witchcraft Course
Download Hundreds of Magic Spells