The Pagan Book of Halloween: A Complete Guide to the Magick, Incantations, Recipes, Spells, and Lore | 
 enlarge | Author: Gerina Dunwich
Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Category: Book
List Price: $12.00
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Rating:  19 reviews
Sales Rank: 800459
Media: Paperback
Edition: First Edition
Pages: 189
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.1 x 0.6
ISBN: 0140196161
Dewey Decimal Number: 394.2646
EAN: 9780140196160
ASIN: 0140196161
Publication Date: October 1, 2000
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
For Pagans and witches, Halloween, or Samhain, is the most important and sacred holiday--a day to honor the dead and to celebrate the birth of a new year. The number of Wicca practitioners is rapidly growing--especially among young women--and popular media has embraced Paganism on television, in movies, and on the internet. This book guides Wiccans, Pagans, and curious non-Wiccans alike in incorporating some of the original meanings and rituals into their Halloween festivities. It explains the rich Pagan/Irish roots of the holiday and includes ancient legends, divinations for telling the future, spells for finding a mate, and potions for gaining knowledge--not to mention detailed instructions for performing the traditional Halloween ritual and delicious Halloween recipes! Written by a woman who has devoted her life to educating the public about the Old Religion, this handbook reveals the uplifting spiritual energy that people can experience by celebrating a traditional Pagan Halloween.
Amazon.com Review
The Pagan Book of Halloween is written by a self-proclaimed witch who admits that Halloween is her favorite holiday. Gerina Dunwich's enthusiasm spills onto every page, with fascinating historical tidbits about the symbols, rituals, foods, and superstitions surrounding this spooky yet festive time of year. Most of her entries are brief and offer a pinch of practical magic. For example, she suggests a Rowan Tree Protection Spell to ward off Halloween bewitchment as well as a spell to "prevent drunkenness," so revelers can party all night without losing their wits. Long ago the Scots protected themselves from Halloween "vampires, wicked Witches, demons and all person possessing an evil eye" by hanging garlic around the house. The Irish went with a sweeter scent--a wreath made of dried apples and/or heather to keep away the malevolent half of the fairy population. In the final pages, Dunwich offers recipes for Samhain Cider and other traditional delights. This makes an excellent guidebook for households that want to honor the pagan roots of this ancient holiday. --Gail Hudson
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 19
 An Excellent Resource! July 16, 2001
11 out of 14 found this review helpful
I found this book to be extremely well-researched and educational, however, written in a style that is neither confusing nor intimidating to the reader. The Halloween folklore and divinations were fascinating, and I found the author's Samhain ritual to be beautiful and lovingly-crafted. This book has become a treasured addition to my witchcraft library. I would further like to comment about the previous review of this book left by "Wade White." Sounds to me like this individual wants desperately to rewrite history to suit his ideals. Like it or not, it remains a known fact that both human and animal sacrifices were common among many ancient pagan cultures, such as the Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, Babylonians, Aztecs, and Celts. Mr. White, you cannot change or deny historical facts simply because you find them to be unpleasant. I suggest that you read an encyclopedia or and educate yourself. Our pagan ancestors were any thing but "fluffy bunnies" as you would like for us all to believe.
Enlightening & Enjoyable Reading October 11, 2000
Serena (LaJolla, California)
7 out of 9 found this review helpful
This well-researched book traces the roots of Halloween (Samhain) and dispels the negative myths and stereotypes that have long been associated with this holiday/witches' sabbat. I found the traditional Halloween cookery and the Halloween divination methods especially interesting. As a Pagan who makes my living as a high school teacher, I found no historical inaccuracies within this fine book. (To Kristen, whose review appears below, it may interest you to know that there was indeed a Pagan deity known in Ireland as "Muck Olla". You should do a bit more research before making such statements to the contrary!) I found The Pagan Book of Halloween to be enlightening and enjoyable reading, and I'm confident that most others will as well.
"A MUST READ FOR ALL NEOPAGANS" October 12, 2000
7 out of 9 found this review helpful
This is by far the best book ever written about Halloween and its history, customs, lore, and religious significance to NeoPagans throughout the world. Silver Ravenwolf's Halloween book was good, however (and with all due respect to Ms. Ravenwolf) Dunwich's book far surpasses it in style and content. From the ancient Druids to modern day witchcraft ceremonies and everything in between, this book is a must read for all NeoPagans and anyone interested in the true meaning connected to Halloween's symbols and traditions.
Accessible while Enlightening October 25, 2000
Wiccan Mom (California)
7 out of 9 found this review helpful
On my path through Wicca I have read many books that make me feel like an outsider even though I ascribe to the same belief system the author is outlining. It has been as if unless I had x amount of training under my belt there was still the veil that separated a humble believer between the Wiccan spokesperson. Finally this book comes along and introduces ideologies in a way that make it easy to incorporate into everyday living while it honors all paths to the same light. Gerina has given us a great gift.
wonderful October 3, 2001
Amore Nichols (Ca United States)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
this is a great book not only about the magical significance and importence of samhain, but also of general folklore connected to this day. i would recommend this book to every one and dont bash books unless you've written one yourself, no ones perfect. Gerina did a wonderful job in writing a facinating book that includes folklore, traditions, and explanation for many modern custums practised on samhain. My friend has a copy ,as do i and it so good i bought it for a friends birthday.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 19
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