The Witch School Third Degree by Rev. Donald Lewis-Highcorrell © 20008
Llewellyn EAN 978-0-7387-1303-8 333 pages Paperback $29.95 (U.S.)
$34.95 (Canada)
This is the third, and final, "degree" book in this series. There remains
one more book to come (devoted to "Ritual, Theory and Practice") and, as
such it makes certain assumptions. These assumptions are: First, that
the
reader is dedicated to the path of service which is implied by aspiring to
a
leader****p position; second, that you are capable of sustained study; and
third, that you have completed the study of the first two books in the
series.
Although their approach may seem very simplistic in some ways (defining
things in positive terms instead of negative ones), but this does not make
them simple or easy to accomplish. It requires a change in attitude and
thought patterns. As anyone who has ever tried to break a bad habit can
tell you, this is far easier said than done. However, once it is
accomplished personal rewards and insight are sure to follow. And each
accomplishment makes the next attempt easier.
There are some aspects of this book which may cause even experienced
members
of the Wiccan community to doubt the sanity of the author. Lesson VI, on
"time", is one of those aspects. The idea that people can relive ****tions
of their lives without being aware of it, or others being aware of it
seems
to push the boundaries of acceptable thought.
These books are written for two reasons, and they succeed in at least one
of
them. The first reason they exist is to provide training for Correllian
priesthood, and I can't evaluate that since I am not in that program. The
second reason is to make the wider Wiccan/Pagan community aware of the
beliefs and actions of the Correllian Tradition and how they interact with
the wider community. In that they succeed admirably. That is not to say
that everyone will agree with everything put forth in these books, but at
least they can't say they don't understand where the tradition stands.
The subjects covered in this book are some that are not normally discussed
in print, since many (if not most) of the books currently being written
are
at an extremely basic level. There is a need for more advanced materials.
While some of the comments are sure to rankle some individuals they will,
or
should, stimulate discussions and further thoughts/
Obviously, merely reading this material, and doing the exercises, cannot
make one a member of the high priesthood of the Correllian Tradition. You
need personal contact, instruction and interaction to achieve that goal.
Fortunately the tradition is in an expansive mode, and the number of
temples, shrines, and individual practitioners is on the rise, so this
contact is becoming easier.
While I cannot say that this system WILL work for you (every individual
reacts differently to the same stimuli), I can say several things. First,
the system appears to be consistent. Second, it incor****ates - for the
most
part - ideas which have stood the test of time. And, most im****tantly, it
is based on experience, not merely dogma and pronouncements from "on
high."
If you are willing to put in the time and effort to do the exercises and
study the teachings, you will find yourself well-rewarded even if you
decide
not to pursue member****p in the Correllian Tradition. This book (and
series) while not NECESSARY, can certainly aid in spiritual and magical
development. There is a wealth of material herein, which can be of
benefit
to all.
|
