new age

Inevitably, when one studies any area of interest, one accumulates a library of books and other references along the way. After decades of study and practice, I have seen a lot of trash written about Wicca, so finding a well written, useful reference book like this one is a delightfully pleasant surprise.

As the title suggests, this book dissects and discusses common Wiccan ritual practices in relation to the four Elements (Earth, Air, Fire and Water). What is particularly nice about this book (as opposed to the average BoS) is that it explains WHY things are done a certain way. (Why do we make offerings to the gods? Why use incense and water to cleanse the circle before casting? Why ground and center before beginning a ritual? etc.) It's kind of like a Wiccan mentor in book form.

FWIW, I do not agree with everything Ms. Lipp has to say about Wiccan ritual, or a number of practices she recommends, but that does not make this book a bad reference in the slightest. Her reasons and rationale are well thought-out and expressed, her explanations are reasonable, and her opinions are declared as such. She also includes anecdotes from her own experiences as an HPS, plus examples of chants and invocations in both formal and informal styles that can be used as is or adapted to suit your individual needs and/or preferences.

I would highly recommend this book for those who are new to witchcraft, or to any kind of magickal practice, as a teaching reference or even as the focal point for a discussion group because it addresses nearly every aspect of Wiccan ritual. It is a "food for thought" reference, stimulating more questions than it answers for those who are introspective, and answering questions that are commonly glossed over in Wiccan publications.

Bright Blessings!

The cover of this book seems to indicate that _The Elements of Ritual_ is merely a book about the four elements--air, earth, fire, and water--but it turns out to be so much more. The author uses the four elements in a metaphorical way, analyzing what goes on during each part of a Wiccan ritual from the practical point of view (earth), the intellectual (air), the mystical (fire), and the mythological and emotional (water). She dissects the entire ritual, from the pre-ritual preparations to the closing of the circle, from these four points of view. For example, when she gets to the part where the gods are invoked, she talks about gods--what are they anyway?--from all four angles. It's very interesting stuff, and makes a lot of sense.

She uses her analysis to form opinions about some of the controversies in the Wiccan community. Wiccans are forever arguing about things like when the Cakes and Wine should be done--mid-ritual? afterward for grounding? Lipp has definite opinions about how things should be done, and while you don't have to agree with everything she says, at least it's refreshing to see someone actually say "This is the way to do it" so that you can *choose* to agree or disagree, rather than floundering about in a sea of "do whatever you want" books that leave everybody confused. All of her opinions are backed up by sound arguments. I wish I'd had this book several years ago, when I was just getting into the Craft. With all those contradictory books on the market, how does one know whether one is picking up bad ritual habits that at best waste energy, and at worst anger the gods? I'm glad to see someone take stands and back them up.

This is being touted as an intermediate book. I think that's true, in that most Wiccans who've been around a while could still learn something from this book. I know I did. However, don't let that scare you off if you're a beginner! This insightful guide might help you make sense of some of the more confusing books out there. I'd love it if everyone who wrote about Wicca had opinions as considered as Lipp's.

Like any book on Wicca, this one has its good and bad points. The good points: Lipp takes every step of the ritual and breaks it down for you into four logical categories. She describes the why, the how, and the what, all with plain terms that are easy to understand. She takes great pains to explain why things are done in her tradition and why she feels that they are logical.

The bad points: Lipp is a staunch traditionalist, and has the shortsighted view that her was is the only way something should be done. Ecclectics and non-Gardnerian/Alexandrian practitioners should go into this book with an attitude that they will not be bullied by Lipp into giving up any practices that fall outside of her views. Take Lipp's *suggestions* with a grain of salt, remember that you are ultimately your own best spiritual teacher, and you will weather this book well. Lipp has much to teach, but also much to learn.