Book Review: Silver's Spells for Protection
Silver's Spells for Protection
Author: Silver Ravenwolf
Paperback, 252 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn
Publication date: March 2000
ISBN: 1567187293
More Information:
http://www.ecauldron.com/cncbook.php?asin=1567187293
Protection seems to be a topic ever on the mind of mankind.
>From ancient times to modern, we have sought to keep ourselves
and our families, clans, and loved ones safe from dangers of
this world and the spirit world. This book claims to make it
easier to do just that.
It is well known that I hold a less than favorable opinion of
Ms. Ravenwolf's work. Starting about the time of Teen Witch, I
have gone from recommending her writing to recommending against
her work. To be honest, as I begin writing this review, I'm not
sure whether or not to recommend this book.
A mixed up mess of information, poorly organized, the book seems
to swing back and forward between what should be common sense
reminders and spiritual magickal advice and spells. I often felt
that I was being talked down to -- like a child. I know that
such books are often aimed at beginners, but even a beginner
could resent the tone of some of her "reminders."
I am a firm believer in KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). Many of
these spells seem to go out of their way to break the KISS
principal at every turn. There are just too many steps, too many
long poems, too much to remember. Some of the spells you would
need a crib sheet to do -- or the book open in front of you.
Some people have no trouble with that, but I have preferred to
teach my students to create spells that flow from them instead
of using a "cookbook." Having to keep referring to a piece of
paper can interrupt the passion of the moment.
I shared a couple of spells with Ghost -- like the wolf one that
calls for protection of the Clan. (For those who don't know,
Ghost answers to the Great Wolf Spirit.) After she finished
rolling on the floor laughing, she admitted that the spell could
work, but added that if you called on the spirit of an alpha
pair of wolves, you best have something for them a bit more
"meaty" than sage smoke. Especially when the spell offers for
them to share in the bounty of the hunt. This is a common flaw
of her spells, in my opinion. Of course, I still haven't gotten
over the "Frost Giants are our Friends" from Teen Witch. As
Ghost says, "I call on the Frost Giants, but they sure as hell
aren't my friends."
Most of the book has a very heavy handed pseudo-Wiccan tone, but
while irritating at times, it can be ignored. She is now using
"magickal person" instead of witch in her work. For some reason
it irritated me as much and sounded so fluffy.
I think what bothered me most about this book -- despite the
bits of useful information -- was the feeling that I was being
spoken down to all the time. There were many "Mother knows Best"
style of comments, and too often I felt force-fed her brand of
religion/spirituality. I realize that the author considers
herself "Mama Silver," but she isn't MY mama.
I think that the one thing I did like about the book was the
practical tips scattered through the book. Mostly they were both
practical and interesting, though her tone still was a bit much.
Should you buy this book? Well, I probably wouldn't have if I
had to pay full price. There are much better books out there on
the subject of protection. If you have cash to spare and want a
cookbook of spells to use as a jumping off point, then this book
might be useful.
This review is one of hundreds of reviews of Pagan, Wiccan,
occult, and metaphysical books in The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum's
Books and Reviews section at
http://www.ecauldron.com/bookstore.php.