BOOK REVIEW - The Way of Four Spellbook
Mike Gleason
ISBN 0-7387-0858-5 267 pages includes Appendices, Bibliography and Index
Paperback $16.95 (U.S.) $22.95 (Canada)
Deborah Lipp starts her book by answering a very basic question - "Why a
Spellbook?" This is a valid question as most experienced magick users will
tell you that the most effective spells are those you create yourself. Add
to that the fact that there are dozens, if not hundreds, of spellbooks
already available (ranging from the ridiculous to the inspiring) and one has
to feel that there is little incentive to put another one into the mix.
Ms. Lipp approached this writing from a very different perspective. Unlike
many of the spellbooks I have seen, she separates this work into spells
appropriate to each of the four classical elements. And, wonder of wonders,
she doesn't use "Spirit" as a category, preferring to refer to spells of
that sort as "balancing" (as in a balance of Erath, Fire, Air and Water)
spells.
Ms. Lipp's approach to working magic is both common-place and unique. If
that seems an unlikely combination to you, it is. While the method she lays
out is unique - very few spellbooks group their spells by elements - it is
based on techniques and correspondences which are common to many systems of
magick-working. She makes every effort to explain her reasoning in a
simple, clear, and concise manner
If this is your first exposure to spellbooks, congratulations - you have
made a good choice, and one which will serve to demystify the entire process
of spellcasting. If, on the other hand, you have already had experience in
spellwork, this book may expose you to a differing approach which can expand
your base of knowledge. In either case the money spent for this book will
be a good investment.
While Ms. Lipp is a traditionally trained (Gardnerian) Witch, she brings
wide personal experience, as well as an extremely tolerant attitude towards
divergent viewpoints. This is a position which is, fortunately (in my
opinion) growing in the Craft community. At the time this author was
initiated the prevalent attitude in many covens was "our way or no way" and
it is nice to see that attitude softening.
The appendices include, among other things, suggestions about where to
obtain spell ingredients and supplies (some not-so-traditional source - A.
C. Moore, the local hardware or garden store), some deity lists, some
correspondence charts to get newbies started on their own researches, and
(wonder of wonders) an easy-to-understand set of directions for drawing
invoking and banishing pentagrams for those inclined to use them.
Personally, I found this book fascinating (and I don't like spellbooks as a
rule). It is easy to understand and well worth the money.