Before You Cast A Spell

“[This] modern guide promises a careful approach to changing life through magic.”—Publishers Weekly
 
A user-friendly introduction to the spirituality of magic.
 
Before You Cast a Spell is for the person newly interested in magic, as well as the veteran Witch, this book helps the reader discover the power and beauty of magic through eternal values such as love, compassion, hope, trust, and practicality.

In other words, this is not a book full of spells or lists of magical ingredients. Rather, it reveals the principles of magical energy and power, helping the reader to understand what makes magic work and why. After mastering the spiritual principles in this book, the reader will be empowered not only to work effective spells, but to also find happiness and joy-with or without a spell.

The tone of this book is warm, friendly, and positive. It does not attack magic or spellcraft, nor does it promote any particular religious viewpoint. Rather, it invites readers to think carefully and make their own thoughtful decisions about the role of magic in their lives. Before You Cast a Spell features:
• Understanding magic: what it is, where it comes from, and what it can (and cannot) do.
• Why some spells work, and why others don't.
• The single most important quality of all magic.
• How the chakras are a roadmap to understanding magic.
• Why ethics are so important to magic.
• Wicca and the Goddess: exploring the spiritual dimensions of magic.
• How to find magical happiness-even without casting spells!

Carl McColman writes about the spiritual life. His books published since 2010 express his love for contemplative, monastic and mystical Christianity. His older books, published before 2005, explored a variety of topics including paganism and goddess spirituality. Carl's work is characterized by an optimistic, expansive understanding of spirituality, rooted in Christianity while embracing the wisdom of the world's contemplative traditions. In his own words, "I am passionate about helping people to embody creative, joyful lives of love and service, formed by prayer, silence, and the wisdom of the saints and mystics." Carl McColman learned the practice of contemplative prayer at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. He is a professed Lay Cistercian -- a layperson under the guidance of Trappist monks. He regularly speaks, teaches and conducts retreats on contemplative Christian practice, and blogs at www.carlmccolman.com.