BOOK REVIEW - Seeker’s Guide to Learning Wicca to the First Degree in the Southern Hemisphere
Mike
Hemisphere by Amethyst Treleven © 2008 Oak and Mistletoe Australia
ISBN: 978-0-9805818-1-2 208 pages Paperback $19.95
This is the second of two reviews of this book, since it has been
published in two separate editions – One for the Northern Hemisphere
and one for the Southern Hemisphere. The only differences in the
books are in the introduction and in Chapter Four – The Wheel of the
Year. So pick the applicable book review and jump in.
This book, like most “101” (or introductory) books is full of
information which is extremely basic, and which has been published
dozens, if not hundreds of times already. . It does not conform to
any of the oath-bound traditions, being the training manual of the
Community Church of Inclusive Wicca Incorporated. It is designed as
eight monthly lessons and may be used in conjunction with on-line
resources at www.oakandmistletoe.com.au (and the reader is strongly
encouraged to avail themselves of these additional resources.
Ms. Trelevan and I, although starting from similar origins
(Alexandrian) must agree to disagree on some things (why does that NOT
surprise me?). We have undergone differing experiences in our lives
and have brought out own perceptions to the practice of Wicca. But
that agreement to disagree is at the very heart of this tradition. It
accepts that if something is true for an individual, no one else has
the right to assert that it is false.
Most “101” books are set up to be read over the course of a year’s
time. This one is divided into eight sections which provide a subtle
connection with a frequently overlooked sacredness of that number. It
is a number which occurs frequently in the “British Traditional Wicca”
teachings (the 8 Sabbats, the 8 tools, the Eightfold Paths of
Enlightenment) but which is not associated with the religion in the
average person’s mind.
“The Wheel of the Year” comprises the fourth Lessons and covers 35
pages. In that short span it provides a very well thought-out
presentation which gives the student all the basics, including a
sample ritual for each Sabbat, without being overwhelming. Each
Sabbat is explained in terms of seasonal and mythological relevancy in
general terms. Popular traditions are then discussed. And this is
followed by a short sample ritual. Without a doubt, this is the most
enjoyable discussions of the topic I have read in a very long time. It
is lively, interesting and informative.
Although it is quite common to hear complaints about the sheer number
of “101” books being published nowadays, and especially about the vast
amount of repetition they contain, every once in a while a really
useful book in this line makes it into print. This book (and its
Southern Hemisphere counterpart) is one such book. Of course it is
very basic, that is its purpose. Certainly it contains information
available elsewhere. Where it excels is in the personalization and
motivational aspects. It comes across, in my opinion, as more like a
friend sharing their knowledge than as a teacher lecturing students;
more of a one-on-one kind of experience. Will it appeal to everyone?
Probably not, but with its blend of “traditional” methods, eclectic
sources and friendly tone it is easily one of the few beginner books I
enthusiastically recommend.
And for those of you, like my daughter and I, who have trouble
wrapping your mind around the differences inherent in living in the
opposite hemisphere, this pair of books makes it much easier. As a
Northern Hemisphere practitioner I had as much trouble connecting with
the concepts of working “down under” as those practitioners may have
experienced with concepts from up here. Amethyst made it easy for me
to finally wrap my mind around those ideas. She also brought forth an
idea which is seldom discussed in either hemisphere – the fact that
not all locations have four distinct seasons. Some areas have more,
some have fewer. Some comedians say that California has three seasons
– fire, rain, and mudslide; Michigan has two – winter and bad ski
conditions, and parts of the Southern U.S. add hurricane to other four
seasons. On a serious note, however, some areas do not share the same
timing as the British Isles, nor the same clear-cut distinctions
between them.
I don’t necessarily agree with everything Amethyst says, but such
disagreements are a matter of personal experience and interpretations,
and in no way affect the utility of this book, or the presentation of
the system in use by the Inclusive Wicca tradition. The basic
knowledge and guidance are there. If you want a good starter book, or
if you want to know more about this tradition, get this book.