The Complete Art of Witchcraft Reviewed
I don’t have very many books about Wicca but one of the ones that I do have and that I recently read is ‘The Complete Art of Witchcraft - Penetrating the Secrets of White Magic’ by Sybil Leek.
Sybil Leek (1917 or 1922 or 1923 -1982) was an English witch who wrote quite a number of books on astrology and witchcraft. She moved from England interestingly enough somewhat as a result of a book on antiques that she had written and partially as a result of her rising fame as an ‘out witch’. Sybil was dubbed (by the BBC at least) as ‘Britain’s most famous witch’. There seems to be much discrepancy about when Sybil was actually born.
There seems to be a lot of discrepancies, mysteries, controversies and even disinformation about Sybil Leek and indeed what she believed in; some of which I’m very sure that she encouraged and started herself.
My copy of ‘The Complete Art of Witchcraft’ is a paperback published by Signet in 1990 by the looks of things, judging from the dates of some of the ads in the back of the book. The original copyright noted in the book is 1971 with the first Signet printing in 1973. It seems that this book is out of print now but it is still available through used book sellers and bookshops.
The back cover of ‘The Complete Art of Witchcraft’ describes it thus:
‘Packed with revealing anecdotes and information, this rich, enticing portrait of witchcraft presents the engrossing, fiery history of the ancient religion kept alive despite centuries of horrifying persecution. Drawing a sharp line between true witchcraft’s sacred rituals and sinister satanic rites, this remarkable book outlines the basic tenets of white magic, offering fascinating information on reincarnation, alchemy, ritual, invocations and much more. This classic work initiates you into the secret world of one of the most ancient forms of religion, and has become the definitive guide to white witchcraft.’
I didn’t find much in the way of alchemy (perhaps I somehow missed it) in this book but everything else mentioned in that description is there in plenty. But really, I didn’t read the book to find out about specific rituals and methods so I wasn’t put out.
Reading ‘The Complete Art of Witchcraft’, I found it to be fascinating in many respects. Over the years I had come across Sybil Leek’s name but I hadn’t actually read anything by her. So, when I was rummaging through some of my book boxes for something to read and I came across her book, I thought why not, it might be interesting to actually find out a bit about her and about the version of witchcraft that she believed in. Moreover, it would be interesting to get an insiders view of The Old Religion.
I think the biggest thing that I got out of reading this book was something that I have long believed and that is the need to live a balanced life that is in harmony with nature. The history of witchcraft and Sybil’s personal insights into it was all interesting but the insight that kept on being presented was the need to live a full and balanced life.
When I had got to about the middle of the book, my partner asked me if I would have liked to have met Sybil Leek. At the time, I tossed off the quick answer that yes she was interesting but no probably I wouldn’t. Now that I’ve come to the end of the book however, I’ve changed my mind. Not that it really matters I suppose, after all she did pass away years ago. Still, if she were alive today, I wouldn’t mind sitting down for tea or wine with this fascinating woman and discussing some of the things that came up in ‘The Complete Art of Witchcraft’ or life in general.
If witchcraft and the ancient religion is something that interests you and you happen to spot a copy of ‘The Complete Art of Witchcraft’, I would highly recommend it as it is still highly relevant and informative.
Related Links:
- Amazon listing for ‘The Complete Art of Witchcraft’
- BBC Inside Out: Sybil Leek - The South’s White Witch
