To Ride a Silver Broomstick: A Review

I am the very curious type. Curious in the sense that I'm interested in many different subjects. So I know a little bit about a lot of things. Probably just enough to be dangerous. That is how it came to be that I was asked to read "To Ride A Silver Broomstick, New Generation Witchcraft" by Silver RavenWolf. I am familiar with the practice of witchcraft and it was thought that I'd be a good choice to do a review.

Ravenwolf writes a very informative and never boring text for individuals contemplating or beginning the practice of witchcraft. She effectively touches on most subjects you may have had questions about dealing with the craft. This book outlines a variety of craft studies, terminology used in the craft, and even a dash of history. The author approaches the study of witchcraft as a science and a religion, allowing the reader to observe the subject on whatever level he/she feels most comfortable. She even supplies you with a list of items to construct an alter and what their uses are, always leaving leeway to use whatever items you feel comfortable with.

I always love when I discover something new. Different bits and pieces of information that I can combine with what already make up my belief system and view of my world. RavenWolf offered me deeper insight on animal familiars. Familiars generally refer to animals or items that come into your life and hold special meaning for you, something you are personally familiar with. It was something I really hadn't thought of before. These are animals that can assist a witch in her magical endeavors. They bring with them another aspect of power or energy that can enhance your magic. She goes on to explain that an animal that finds you is a very good asset. Animals of all kinds have always found their way into my life in some bizarre way. They stay for a while, sometimes a long while, and they move on. I never thought much of it because it always had been a normal part of my life. However, when I came across this section in her book it struck me as more interesting because of a cat that has recently found it's way into my home. Actually I came across him early one morning while walking my dog. He was literally drowning in the canal in my back yard, clinging for dear life on the sea wall. Well, what else could I do? I plucked him from a watery death and he has been with me since. He is a scrappy little thing but I like him and he must like me seeing as he recently gifted me with a nice, big, fat, very dead rat. Needless to say, at him in a whole different light and look a little deeper into his amber eyes.

RavenWolf gives you a guide to organize your thoughts, rituals, and spells. She speaks in laymen's terms without being pompous or stuffy as some authors on the subject can come across. You almost feel you are sitting in her living room having a matter of fact conversation with her. You can feel she is warm, wise and an important teacher, offering you the life's blood of something mysterious and wonderful if you have the mind to open up to teachings that may be new for you, but very ancient in nature. Her respect for individuality comes through very strongly and you feel there would be an open forum and open mind in this individual.

With diversity of subjects such as meditation, visualization, dreaming, telepathy, candle magic, gem magic, herbal magic and healing, spell casting and the ever mysterious drawing down the moon, there is almost certainly something of interest for anyone with abundant curiosity, like myself. As a solitary practitioner you will find yourself collecting many items and books. This book is well worth having on your library shelf.

Joanne Cruickshank has practiced earth-based spirituality for the last twenty years and Wicca specifically for the last five. She can be reached through New Age Cities' Content Manager via e-mail at content@newagecities.com for any comments or questions.