Green Witchcraft: Folk Magic, Fairy Lore & Herb Craft (Green Witchcraft Series, 1)

My introduction years ago into the worldview which I walk was at the recommendation of another to this author's works. I personally knew no one of the Pagan path nor access or knowledge of groups/data on the web at that time. Fate was on my side and smiling ear to ear that day in North Georgia. In this book and subsequent others, Ms. Moura delivers superbly a mind staggering wealth of information. Being a teacher of history in the mundane world shows through here in her devotion to and knowledge of her topic. Very thorough and all encompassing in its range. I have, as most do, gone on to read other material as well but I always come back to the treasure trove that is to be found in this book and the many others of Ms. Moura. If one has a desire to know anything of Green Witchcraft with no stone left unturned, well here you go. To disregard is a disservice to yourself and your intellect.

Ann Moura (Aoumiel) takes us into both the world of Green Witchcraft (a specific nature-based study) and skims through what its like to be a hereditary witch as well, using quotes from both her mother and grandmother.
She offers information and advice in an easily read format, covering green practices to comparisons of other religions, and finally skims over her hereditary practice. This is the part that interested me the most but unfortunately was the least of her information. The book would have been much better if she's retained or retold more of the info regarding her mother and grandmother.

A book for intermediate as well as beginners, `Green Witchcraft' is filled with interesting folklore, which I always enjoy reading about. What makes a witch a green witch? How does this differ from a ritualistic witch or a coven witch? Why are green witches mostly solitary practitioners? How will you know if you are a hereditary witch?

After many interesting and well thought out topics, Ms Moura closes the book with some sample Esbat and Sabbat spells and rituals that are friendly to both solitary and coven practices. Going beyond "nature based", Moura speaks directly of the oldest of the Old Religions, "Green Magic", the base of all types of different witchcrafts out there. Down to the bare bones, so to speak.

If you practice another form of the craft, are just looking at the craft, or want to expand your knowledge of the subject, this book is definitely a must read to delve the depths of `Green Magic' and dissolve some of the mysteries and rumors that abound over witchcraft being anti spiritual or even dangerous. Do yourself a favor and pick up this very interesting and well written book on the oldest practices of the craft. Look for more of Moura's books after this one too, but `Green Witchcraft' is an excellent place to start.

If nothing else, read it for the folklore and you'll be hooked. Enjoy!

I really like this book because it explains everything so clearly! For instance: defining pantheism. Even though the book is basic, she covers a lot of information and makes one want to explore more complex paths.
I agree with her view that humans don't need any intemediaries between themself and the Divine Creatrix. I also really like her Back To Basics approach to Witchcraft.
Even though I'm not a solitary, all of the rituals can be adapted for group use and I've certainly cast circles and done spells by myself!

This is the first book I read by Ann Moura, and it has definitely left me wanting more. First, I'll mention the writing style: it can be very formal at times, which can make it dry and hard to get into, at least compared to some other books I've read. It didn't bother me, but it did slow me down a bit when I first started reading. There is a new heading (or several) on almost every page, which can interfere with reading it straight through smoothly, but I immediately recognized that these could be incredibly helpful if I go back to reference the book, especially since the first few chapters are very long.
The fairy lore portion of this book? If you are looking for fairy lore, get a different book. This is not at all a focus in this book. A few things are mentionned throughout the book, but there isn't a chapter on the subject.
The book forcusses mainly on what the green path is, and how to work with it. She writes as a solitary, for a solitary, but includes recommendations for group work. She seems to understand how different every witch can be and she explains her path in such a way that it could be followed as she writes it, merged with your own path, or just offer some helpful perspectives that might influence you on your path.
Her history is incredibly well researched, and really manages to put some perspective on some modern beliefs and practices. She explained very understandably where working with angels came from and why it is not really wiccan. She even explained something about the story of Cain and Abel that I couldn't stop thinking about for days.
She explains her approach to ritual in detail, giving reasons for her key decisions well before the book turns into a series of rituals. Some of the rituals that are included are a funeral-type ritual and a rite of passage. I mention these because you don't see these very often. Including a ritual for a departed friend strikes me as evidence that the author really takes their path seriously as a life-long journey and commitment.
Sabbat rituals are included (just like practically every book on witchcraft) and she includes a list of non-ritual activities to celebrate the sabbats. I usually find these more interesting that the published rituals, so I thought I'd mention them.
On the green path itself, I'll mention a few things. It is very earthy. There is a lot of emphasis on the elements. It's not all about the elements, but I noticed there was more of an emphasis on them than a lot of other craft books had.

This is one of the BEST (if not THE best) books I've found regarding the Green Witch Path. Moura gives an insite only someone that has grown up within the Craft can give, including anecdotes and past experiences. AWESOME!

I have to be fair and state that I have practiced and studied the magical traditions for a long time. In saying, there’s not much in Moura’s book that’s not found in countless other wiccan/witchcraft books. It’s a nice title and Moura does a good job of introducing basic witchcraft principles and practices via the green lens, but if you are looking for a book on green witchcraft, this is not it.

It’s not until page 49 that we get into the green stuff for a moment. Moura offers the reader thirteen pages of basic correspondences, uses of plants, and a few other sporadic pages of correspondences later in the book, but beyond that, there’s not much. You would be better off buying Scott Cunningham’s [[ASIN:0875421229 Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (Llewellyn's Sourcebook Series) (Cunningham's Encyclopedia Series)]].

Ann talks about how a green witch is close to the earth, as they frequently talk with “plants, insects, rocks, and all the creations in nature” (69), but nowhere in her book does she expound upon that. In fact, there’s little guidance much less teachings on how to walk the Green Path. I wanted to hear her personal stories of connecting with the plant world as a witch, just as Pam Montgomery offers her experiences as a shaman in her book, [[ASIN:1591430771 Plant Spirit Healing: A Guide to Working with Plant Consciousness]].

The fact that Ann studied history, it’s no surprise that her book is choked full of historical references: rather than informative I found them tedious and at times BS. Her historical sources are so old no student would ever use, much less be allowed to use them in a paper. Moura chops up her chapters with historical information that she then tries to connect or contrast with Green Witchcraft. This was distracting and confusing at times. Is this a history book on witchcraft or a book on green witchcraft?

I was disappointed with the author’s continued insistence on what it means to be a “Green Witch,” for what she talks about is relevant for many witches, shamans, occultists, or ever farmers for that matter. It's as if the author took teachings from other books and tacked on the word "Green" in front of everything.

While the author makes an effort to differentiate between witchcraft and ceremonial traditions, she, for the most part, utilizes ceremonial practices in her work. Her sigil and invocations on page 136 for instance are reminiscent of grimoires rather than pagan calls.

I actually started reading this book with great expectations, as many claim it to be an exceptional book on green witchcraft and an advance book on the craft in general. I would disagree on both accounts. For the most part it is a very basic introduction on general witchcraft, and what little the author offers as green witchcraft can in fact be found in most other books on witchcraft and Wicca in general.

While I do believe Green Witchcraft is a unique Path of witchcraft, I feel the author is using this title to sale books rather than to actually offer a Path that is distinct from normal, non-traditional, solitary witchcraft. Even her green rituals are indistinguishable from the run-of-the-mill ceremonial witchcraft practices found on the internet.

If you’re wanting an okay introduction to Green Witchcraft proper I suggest Ellen Dugan’s [[ASIN:0738714291 Garden Witch's Herbal: Green Magick, Herbalism & Spirituality]] and Arin Murphy-Hiscock’s book [[ASIN:B0047O2K94 The Way Of The Green Witch: Rituals, Spells, And Practices to Bring You Back to Nature]]. While Arin’s book has a few contradictions and her writing is sometimes annoying, she does a good job of placing Green Witchcraft into the bigger picture of things as well as offering the reader many useful practices that can help them walk the Green Path.

It;s alright but ot really worth buying at full price, buy it used. The information presented is alright at best but the author really dosent touch on all the subjects proclaimed in the title, One the cover part of the subtitle reads Fairy Lore, theres hardly any of this present. If you are seeking an excelent book on the green craft then I reccomend HEALING WISE BY SUSUN WEED

This is a well written book. The author lays out the groundwork for her own perspective on Green Witchcraft in a manner that is a very compelling read. One problem I have often had with books in this type of genre is that they are steeped in traditional rituals that make no sense.

Ann Moura introduces the concepts of Green Magic in a way that really makes you want to know more, and read through her personal take on most of the rituals hungrily, rather than as a chore.

But of course that is to be expected due to the quality description. I knew there would probably be some aging on this one when I ordered it. However, I am FAR from dissatisfied! The book came in the condition that was in the description. No markings in the pages (of course until it was in my hands (; ) maybe a fold or two here and there but nothing else. I definitely took a step in the right direction for saving money by buying my books used & look forward to ordering more books in the future on Amazon.

A book full of good instruction, and one that doubles at times as a reference. The information is presented in a friendly, yet non-wishy-washy kind of way. Fluff is annoying, this is not fluff. It's a good read, and a decent instructional reference that covers just about all the basics...and a few not-so-basic points that can lead you to 'higher' understanding. VERY workable for a solitary practitioner, or a group. Extremely flexable, BUT the basic, and imutable laws are stressed. I also recomend The Witch's Bible for informational purposes. Excelent for inforamative purposes with a few uses as a reference but not much else for the SOLITARY practitioner. Good information though, and knowledge is never wasted. Another good read is Scott Cunningham's 'Inscense, Oils, and Brews'. Excelent book..
Understand I am not a Wiccan, but I am a Witch...I don't care for New Age fluff, so if you are looking for New Age Wiccan matterial my recomendations are probably not for you. Witchcraft is NOT something to play with or dabble in...Keep this in mind while doing your reading. And Blessed Be.