Guest Author - Fiona Blackwolf

Amidst the spell books, tools and herbs, people all too often overlook the fact that at the core of Wicca there is a religion. Wicca is so much more than mixing herbals and casting spells. It is more than the Sabbat celebrations and full moon rites. Often we all get caught up in the trappings and we forget to live magically on a day to day basis. It is hard to find a book that really gets to the heart of how to live magically. The Circle Within by Dianne Sylvan accomplishes just that.

The Circle Within speaks to the heart of personal practice. Discussion topics like creating a personal relationship with deity, finding the magical purpose in the mundane things we do, and how to create a personal tradition of daily practice. I was so touched by this book that I have recommended it to several of my friends.

The book is divided into two sections. Part one is about the major components of Wicca and part two is a section with prayers and rituals for everything from calling quarters to meal blessings.

One of the most interesting things in this book is Sylvan’s discussion of deity. Rather than seeing deity as immanent (existing in the world) or as transcendent (as an outside entity), she sees a third possibility, manifest deity. According to Sylvan “They wear whatever forms we can best relate to so that we can interact.” She goes on to explain how we can cultivate a personal practice that will allow us to experience manifest deity.

In the chapter on “Living the Path”, Sylvan describes the qualities that she lives by which she calls the Wiccan Graces. These “graces” include: Love, Compassion, Forgiveness, Humor, Gratitude, Integrity, Wisdom, Joy and Growth. In “The Temple Hearth”, she describes how we can make our homes into sacred space, not just our altars. “Building a Practice”, gives specific ideas of simple things that we can integrate into our lives to make that spiritual connection.

The second section of the book is titled “The Book of Moonlight” is a collection of invocations and prayers that are wonderful to use as they are, or can be modified to suit your individual needs. The prayers are beautifully written and it is easy to see how they could make daily practice a wonderful experience.

Overall, I think that The Circle Within is one of the must-have books on every Wiccan’s bookshelf. This book makes daily practice not only appealing but accessible! It is a firm but gentle reminder that behind all of the tools and robes, Wicca is a religion of participation and experience. It is more than the Sabbat celebrations and spellwork, it is a way of life, and The Circle Within can help you figure out how to live it.