Witch Girl

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5 Responses to “Evolutionary Witchcraft”

1. Nemy says:

   March 5, 2010 at 6:19 am

   This book is an odd blend of Yoga, American Indian Spirituality, and Eastern Mysticism mixed together with the author’s own imaginings about what the Craft is all about. My personal opinion is that this book is more about mutated witchcraft than it is about “evolutionary” witchcraft.

   If you’re into New Age mix & match materials passed off as witchcraft, then this is the book for you!
   Rating: 2 / 5
2. L. Galloway says:

   March 5, 2010 at 6:23 am

   If you take all the popular “advanced” and not so advanced books on wicca/witchcraft that are the current fad, you get yet another “tradition”. This is one of those blender “traditions” – a mix of some of this and some of that. The photos of the tatooed dancer is something you don’t see in any other “advanced” books (you do see it on all high school campuses, reality TV, etc. – so much for originality). Almost everything that is presented in this “tome” has been around for many years. Read Starhawk’s “Spiral Dance” for a start. The writing is repetitive to the point of being annoying. I was very disappointed because I ordered this based on all the rave reviews. I’d suggest you check this out at a library to see if it’s for you, before you order it.The one I ordered is on it’s way back to Amazon.
   Rating: 2 / 5
3. S. Amis says:

   March 5, 2010 at 6:37 am

   as a Feri initiate, I didn’t find much in the book that I wasn’t already familiar with, but I did find interesting exercises and approaches to the same basic ideas….like hearing someone talk about their impressions of a garden I am also fond of Definitely a book that needs a place on your bookshelf.
   Rating: 5 / 5
4. Taylor Ellwood says:

   March 5, 2010 at 9:34 am

   Evolutionary Witchcraft
   
   T. Thorn Coyle
   
   Penguin books
   
   302 pages

   I found this book to be very intriguing because it provides a mystical perspective to magic and this perspective is based off a western system of magic as opposed to an Eastern system. It does have some parallels with Eastern mysticism, but is also more practical oriented. While I didn’t agree with all of Coyle’s points, I did find that I enjoyed her perspectives and approaches and felt like I received a good understanding of what informs her approach to Feri.

   I liked her focus on the on the directions and elements associated with each direction as well as the different types of pentalces such as the iron and pearl pentacles. I also found that the exercises were valuable for creating a shift in thinking on how magic could be approached.

   I think, in the end, what I most liked is the overall spirituality of behind the concepts. Here is a person who has explored her spirituality and then shared it with others and it really shows in this book. A refreshing change from a lot of the other books out there.
   Rating: 5 / 5
5. R. Grissmer says:

   March 5, 2010 at 10:16 am

   This book is a genuine resource for anyone who wants to follow the Feri path. T. Thorn Coyle passes down her teachings from Victor Anderson. It gives the reader a detailed and involved workbook on exercises to get in touch with the concepts of Feri.

   The reader learns about the different pentacles, such as the Iron, Pearl, rust, and guilded pentacles. There are guided meditations to get in touch with each element and guardian.

   The descriptions on such concepts as “sexual anointing” are a very small portion of this book and not essential for the reader to follow. I believe personally that using the four elements is the best way to consecrate tools and have chosen not to follow her teachings on sexual anointing. That is just my personal opinion. I’ve lost nothing from the benefits of this book by doing so.

   I do not follow all of the dances either. The dances are there if you want to raise energy and awareness with the elements and the energy of the Feri faith, especially with the points of the pentacles. The concept of “sex” is more related to a basic life energy force than an erotic energy force.

   T. Thorn Coyle blends her meditations, dances, and exercises with Sufi teachings, and her background in Reclaiming. The only qualm that I have with this book is that it takes awhile for the reader to complete each chapter, so it is difficult to remember and build on each exercise as you progress through the book. Also, if possible, it is probably advisable that you have a teacher or someone to guide you with meditations when things begin to become a little “strange”, as they will, especially when you meet the guardians through meditation. I was skeptical, but I’ve changed my mind about this book. She offers references to authors such as Starhawk and Eliphas Levi, which are worth reading, if not essential.

   The tradition that T. Thorn Coyle created with this book is called Morningstar Feri. This book is a wonderful read for anyone interested in the Feri faith.
   Rating: 5 / 5

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