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Advanced Witchcraft : Go Deeper, Reach Further, Fly Higher
By Edain McCoy
Llewellyn, 2004 ISBN 0738705136
316 pp.
$27.95 CDN
There is an unspoken truth in Pagan circles that there exist no good advanced texts. This fact is due to the truism that any advanced text written by an author will serve no one but that author, as everyone seeks something different and unique to specialize in as they evolve in their spirituality and practice. Ultimately, everyone must create their own 201 training by reading longer texts which address the areas in which the individual wishes to know more.
Therefore, the first question one must ask oneself regarding any advanced text is: Will it teach me anything new, or offer me a new perspective on what knowledge I already possess?
In the case of Advanced Witchcraft, the answer for most readers will be a resounding no.
Once again, just as in the case of The Philosophy of Wicca (previously reviewed), this book is a collection of one individual's musings. There are tidbits of interesting information, but nothing new for an advanced practitioner. There are no techniques designed to deepen your skills. The main problem with Advanced Witchcraft is that the chapters are too short and too shallow to offer any sort of in-depth information. It's the beginner 101 texts all over again: a topic is introduced, addressed briefly, sometimes accompanied by a sketchy ritual or meditation, then left. As a result, the book has no depth to it.
There is, however, a lot of the author saying, "You probably know this already". While this can be a good technique to use now and again as a basic introduction to ensure readers are all on the same page before introducing further information, to read it at the beginning of every single chapter - and then to be disappointed by that chapter - becomes incredibly frustrating.
The book starts off by defining advanced witchcraft as living the life completely. In this way, the book succeeds: it covers the evolution from "doing magic" to living a full spiritual life. McCoy discussed the concept with several prominent contemporary Wiccan authors and her thoughts on the subject make up the most interesting parts of the book. Ultimately, however, as an advanced text, this book fails. Had it been marketed as a personal examination of the concept of advanced witchcraft, it would have been more appropriate. As it is, the back cover copy's claim that the book "challenges you to think critically about your beliefs and practices, what they mean to you, how they've changed, and where you're going" is not fulfilled.
(Reviewed Samhain 2004)
A. Murphy-Hiscock is a teacher, author and initiated priestess of the Montreal area whose interests include herbalism, mythology, literature and occult research.
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Book reviews © 2004. Permission to reprint, with full credit, must be
granted by the author. If you would like to reprint this review, please
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