Isaac BonewitsReviews

For the study of NRM's, New Religious Movements. Read to learn about A.D.F. a religious organiztion in the United States.

** As a bonus chapter 10 contains a section tightled "Elementary Precautions: the ABCDEF" also known as the cult evaluation frame, This is especially useful when studying about a new religious movement or NRM. It has been used in the past by the FBI for example.

a more realistic use of magic in role-playing games

Skimmed through it. Seemed to cover the essentials. Some bias toward Neo-pagan druid groups such as authors own ADF

While I agree with Isaac on large areas of his history of the various movements and ideas included in the topic of witchcraft. I do find him a little to willing to uncritically accept rumors he agrees with and a little too forgiving of the error of authors he agrees with. For example, he cites an un-named source for the idea that Gardner's naming of Dorothy Clutterbuck as HPS of the New Forest Coven was a joke. OTOH, he is quite accepting of Aiden Kelly's conclusions, although he does chide Kelly for speculations on Gardner's sexuality. Yet he does not seem to note that many of Kelly's conclusions are based on very dubious logic. On the third hand, which fair minded reviews must always have at the ready, Bonewits's list of sources is extensive and useful, as are essays by O'Gaea and Gibbons.

This book helps introduce you to new ways to think about reality. It also integrates/combines several different philosophies (religious/pschological/sociological) and reduces them down to their bare bones usefulness. Required reading for anyone wanting to know more about how to "create their own reality."

This book is OK but rather dated and not very deep. It's a genuine puzzle, the division between objectively verifiable scientific results and the routine technology that can be built on that, versus the fuzzy side of experience that is variously subjective, unverifiable, erroneous, fraudulent, illusory, etc. Magic and various sorts of psychic phenomena certainly, hmm, well they don't really straddle the line. More like they huddle on the illusion side of the line and regularly knock on the door, requesting entry into the objective realm. Sometimes they are granted tourist visa or restricted residence visas.

This book is a kind of 1970s request for magic to be granted citizenship in the world of science, or at least a plan for pulling together the necessary documentation for a formal request.

For me, the much more interesting game is to look at various facets of experience and to examine how we try to categorize them and how those categories help or hinder the various projects of happiness, power, etc.

Bonewits provides an excellent annotated bibliography - again, a bit dated, but still very worthwhile.

I believe that one of the most important things that a teacher of the Craft can impart on their students is an understanding of the difference between our mythology and our history. While both are vitally important to understanding where we came from and who we're trying to become, it is a distinction that needs to be made. Many books (too many) claim the created mythology of the "history of modern Wicca" as real history. Bonewits, however, makes the distinction clearly and relatively concisely, in a book that is geared towards non-academics without being "dumbed down". This is absolutely a book that I would recommend (even require) any of my students to read and seriously think about as a first step into the Craft and paganism. It's a great introduction to the subject, as well as a springboard for more involved texts like Hutton's "Triumph of the Moon".

A definite must have for the Pagan library, whether you are male or female. Bonewits, with his usual wit and wisdom, brings several aspects of Paganism how for the Pagan Man. I added this to my collection shortly before Isaac died. So wish I had gotten the opportunity to talk with about this and other books.

A few features I really appreciated about this book: Bonewits at least talks about gay and bi men. Male aspects of the divine are looked at from multiple perspectives. The title only BEGINS to tell you what is covered in the book.

Takes what was written in Real Magic and makes it more accessible. Written for fantasy role playing games, it is nevertheless an important addition to any library interested in the theory of who magic works.

The first book to scientifically state the "laws" of magic from a cross-cultural stance. Without this book, most of current magical theory would be very different.

Read this quite a while back, but I found it very entertaining and informative. His way of thinking about magic and energy appeals to me a great deal, as it strokes the scientific side of my nature and makes it easier for me to get into the magical mindset. That said, it was dry sometimes, and people who have a dogmatic view of religion or magic probably won't like it.

You'll never use the rules in a game as they're overly complicated for what little results they produce — that is, if Bonewits's attitude doesn't put you off it before you even finish the rules.

Perhaps useful if you want a more "realistic" flavour of magic, but otherwise not really worth it.

Lots of practical advice available in this book. So much so, in fact, that at times it seems to drain some of the real aesthetic and spiritual pleasure out of ritual.

I had a problem, in particular, with Bonewits explanation of the theology behind his basic ritual theory. Overly-focused on magical work (and redefining worship and prayer as a way of "doing magic on ourselves" to commune with the gods), his theology sounds a great deal like some kind of RPG explanation of worship: it "feeds" the gods "mana." Why this is necessary, or why we should even bother to do it instead of refraining from ritual and allowing the gods to lapse into nonexistence--he never takes the time to discuss. Certainly, conceiving of the gods as spiritual parasites (even in a symbiotic relationship that can give "blessings" in return, like a battery you charge until you're ready to use it) does not inspire me to perform meaningful or beautiful ritual.

On the other hand, this book is full of very practical advice. Perhaps nothing you couldn't figure out on your own eventually, but certainly a good resource for a beginner to have on hand. Bonewits covers a wide variety of topics (incorporating music and chanting, addressing group dynamics, writing effective prayer, etc.) that can help provoke the reader to consider what they might do in similar circumstances, which is infinitely helpful. If the reader can find a way to a meaningful theology of their own that helps them connect meaningfully with their gods, Bonewits practical advice will most assuredly help them in crafting a ritual to speak to those sacred relationships.

When I first met Isaac, I thought he was an odd little man who had to be a bit daft, and was a bit wary about reading one of his books. I was mistaken. Very well researched, thought out and presented, Bonewits' "Essential Guide to Druidism" is a must for any Pagan library, PERIOD. While it is a bit of a dry read in places, it is an excellent example of writing that walks it's talk. There are more books out there on Celtic Pagan/NeoPagan traditions than you can throw a dart and hit, but few.. very few.. would hit the mark. This book is an absolute foundation piece to any Celtic path. Well done!

Review located at http://lupabitch.wordpress.com/2006/12/30/real-magic-isaac-bonewits/

This work elaborates on and demystifies witchcraft in both linguistic and historical contexts. Classic witches, shamanic ones, u to the more recent incarnations are eloquently explored by the always entertaining Bonewits. He brings his personal touch and style to the material, which is ultimately a valuable resource for practitioners, scholars, and all knowledge seekers alike.

This is a fantastic book that provides a comprehensive resource for anyone who is trying to affect positive change in their life.Highly recommended.

A wonderful classic that should be part of every pagan's library.

I can't say enough good things about this book. I got it for my hubby and ended up reading it myself. Wicca has been a religion of predominantly women, and men often feel left out. I think this book is a must read for both the sexes as a way to understanding the part men play in Wicca and Paganism in general. It also gives an interesting history lesson from the perspective of one who was there and actually met some of the players.

Review located at http://lupabitch.wordpress.com/2006/12/19/bonewits-essential-guide-to-witchcraft...

The first couple of chapters are a useful introduction to some concepts, but the rest is pretty flaky.