The Witch School Second Degree by Rev. Donald Lewis-Highcorrell © 20008
Llewellyn EAN 978-0-7387-1302-1 480 pages Paperback $24.95 (U.S.)
$28.95 (Canada)
This book is a little different from the first one in the series, as is to
be expected. It is designed to follow the same basic pattern, but has
variations because of the subject matter. It constitutes a "Wicca 201"
book, as opposed to the more familiar, and basic, "101" books so commonly
available in the market today. I am still not really impressed by the use
of their own dating system, but I accept it as a given when it comes to
internal events. Its use for dating mundane events seems unnecessary, in
my
opinion.
Once again, the book contains 12 lessons, based on the assumption that the
average student will take "a year and a day" to complete each level
("degree") of training. Each chapter is composed of the lesson itself,
some exercises intended to help you expand your comprehension of the
material, a spell to impart practical experience in the use of the
information, and a short glossary of unfamiliar terms. Unlike the first
book, however, there are no questions at the end of each chapter.
The topics covered in this book are very different from those in the first
book. They cover everything from divinatory methods (the tarot,
Astrology,
and Runes among others) to *** Magic to Group Dynamics. This is in
keeping
with the Correllian position that by the time an individual has completed
First Degree training, the basics should be well integrated and understood
and he or she should be ready for more complex concepts.
In the Correllian Tradition Second Degree initiates are expected to be
competent ritualists and should be able to answer questions on most
topics.
They should be able to function as temple or shrine leaders with
occasional
assistance from the High Priest/esshood. Therefore the information in
this
book is aimed at developing those abilities as well as expanding the
individual's general knowledge. The information is extensive, even if it
is
not comprehensive. It gives a good foundation for further exploration.
Obviously, as a text book, it is not intended to be read straight through.
There are exercises to do and spells to perform on your way through this
book. Nonetheless, I would recommend skimming through it and reading the
first page or so of each chapter, just to familiarize yourself with what
will be covered. Then go back and work through each chapter, taking as
much
time as is needed to make the information contained within it a part of
your
world. Do not rush this process. Allow at least a month per chapter.
And
don't assume that a single reading is enough (especially if a topic is
unfamiliar). Don't hesitate to re-read a paragraph (or an entire chapter)
if needed.
The lesson on chakras is the longest in the book and is far more extensive
than any treatment I have seen outside of a book devoted specifically to
the
topic. Most authors treat chakras in a rudimentary manner, if at all, but
by the time you work through this chapter, you will have a significant
grounding in chakra lore.
The more effort you put into the exercises and spells, the more benefits
you
will gain. Your goal should be to become competent in the various areas
covered in this book, to expand your knowledge, so as to be able to help
others along the path.
Some of the beliefs and attitudes expressed by this series of books will
offend people, and not just those outside the umbrella of paganism. While
some of their statements may come across as dogmatic, it is necessary to
remember that being non-judgmental is stressed in the early lessons. The
reader is intended to make what use they may of the information provided.
It should also be remembered that these works are intended to present the
"official" position of the tradition. Your understanding and position may
vary.
The chapter on Group Dynamics is almost worth the price of the book in
itself. It is well worth taking this book off the shelf and reading this
section at least once a year.
At the end of the book is an appendix which discusses many non-Wiccan
Pagan
religions. Some get a short background and some are more extensively
covered. All of these religions are ones which are either currently a
part
of the Pagan mindset, or are major components of current Pagan religions.
While I don't completely agree with everything that the author has
written,
it is useful as a jumping-off point for further, personal, research.
There are two more books to come in this series (Witch School Third
Degree
and Witch School Ritual, Theory and Practice) and they will address topics
(I am sure) which will benefit the entire Pagan community. You don't need
to plan to join the Correllian tradition to make use of the information
they
are presenting in these books. Unless you are fortunate enough to live
near
a major training group or seminary, you will find these books an
invaluable
resource even if (or especially if) you disagree with some of what is
said.
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