Book Review: The Heart of Wicca

Chapter 8, on the Sabbats, includes two lengthy pieces of Wiccan mythology that I enjoyed reading. The first piece weaves a story about why we celebrate the Wheel of the Year, and includes elements similar to the Greek myths about Persephone's decent to the underworld. Note that this is only one coven's interpretation of the Wheel, but it's extremely detailed and rich in symbolic imagery. The second, shorter piece also describes the reasons behind the Wheel of the Year. This one, however, has a more Egyptian flavor to it, weaving in elements of the Isis and Osiris myths.

If you've ever wondered how you could adapt the Wheel of the Year Sabbats to a particular culture or style of Wicca, this chapter holds valuable insights. Just because the more "generic" descriptions of the Sabbats have a Celtic flavor doesn't mean you are locked into using Celtic ideas or Gods. You could reinterpret the Wheel in terms of Norse mythology, or Native American mythology, or whatever culture calls to you.

Chapter 11, on ethics, is my favorite. Wiccan ethics, and the Rede in particular, are hot-button issues for me. Although she only devotes four pages to discussing the Rede, these four pages have influenced my own interpretations of it immensely. In fact, after reading this chapter, you may notice a lot of similarities between her words and my article on Wiccan ethics.

I consider Chapter 11 to be the heart and soul of the book. Ethics are the foundation of religion, as religion is often the foundation of morality. Without a firm, consistent code of ethics, a religion is doomed. From that code of ethics, a religion can determine what sort of morality it will inspire in its followers, and how it will fit into the greater morality of society.

Heart of Wicca may be a quick read, but it isn't short on depth and meaning. While you may not agree with everything Ellen says, it's certainly worth your time. I don't agree with everything she says, and yet I highly recommend the book. My copy is published by Weiser books. I welcome your reviews and comments in my discussion section, and I hope you enjoy the book as much as I have. Wicca lost a guiding light when it lost Ellen Cannon Reed.

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