Teresa Moorey

Title:	Spellbound
Sub-title:	The Teenage Witch's Wiccan Handbook
Author:	Teresa Moorey
Publisher:	Ulysses Press
ISBN:	1-56975-312-1
Pages:	241 pages + Appendices and Index
Copyright:	2002
Reviewer:	Mike Gleason
Contact Information:	gleason.mike@verizon.net
Category:	Paganism, Wicca
Review:	The subtitle of this book will undoubtedly cause many people not to even pick it up: "The Teenage Witch's Wiccan Handbook." The current generation of practitioners sees a major dichotomy between Witches and Wiccans. Later on in the work, she acknowledges that Witches and Wiccans may be thought of as different. I began to encounter problems within the first dozen pages. Ms. Moorey says: "It's likely that people had more of this [instinctive] wisdom in times gone by." It would, in my opinion, be more accurate to say that people paid more attention to instinctive wisdom in time gone by. I also found a few typographical errors, but not enough to detract from the overall value of this work. She stresses the fact that there is a destructive side to the Goddess (aka Mother Nature), but that this is not evil, rather it is necessary. Many books downplay this aspect, and her approach is refreshing. Unlike many books aimed at the teen audience, this one stresses the hard work and personal responsibility inherent in walking the Wiccan path. Ms. Moorey stresses the common sense side of things - not taking reckless chances, being aware of your surroundings, letting someone know where you are going and with whom - which sometimes seem to be under-stressed in other books aimed at the younger segment of the Wiccan community. Her approach may be untraditional, but it is welcome breath of fresh air. Her training exercises are simple but practical, which should make them all the more effective. She includes plenty of basic "quizzes" to help the young seeker begin to find out who they are and what works for them. Her explanations of symbols and tools are simple, basic, and easy to understand. Although I take exception to some her methods (I was taught to make my "Cakes and Wine" offering to the Gods before partaking of it myself), I can't fault her choice of timing, since it is followed by many Wiccans. She aims the book for young women, primarily, and includes topics relating to them. She does not ignore young men, but the information aimed at them, specifically, is minor. I would definitely recommend this book to young women who desire to learn more about Witchcraft.
Review submitted:	15 April 2003