Title: Witchcraft on a Shoestring: Practicing the Craft Without Breaking Your BudgetAuthor(s): Deborah Blake
Published 2010 by LlewellynISBN: 0738721360
ISBN-13: 978-0738721361
Paperback, 210 pagesList: $15.95
View this Book on AmazonReviewer: Mike Gleason
For as long as I have been a practicing member of the Pagan/Craft community there has been an often expressed belief that the average Pagan is, if not dirt poor, at least income challenged. This was often acknowledged by the question "What's the difference between a New Age supply shop and a Pagan shop? The New Age shop moves the decimal point one space to the right!" Yet in spite of that perception, many of the "necessities" of the Craft carried hefty price tags, if you could find them for sale at all. Add in inflation and you can eat up a budget in no time.
Ms Blake has taken the bull by the horns and given us a book which shows how to cut expenses, while maintaining standards. As one of my former High Priest's put it: "No matter how little you can afford, make it look good."
But before she gets into all the accoutrements that can make magick and worship fun, she reminds us that the only true essentials are belief, will and focus, and they are free (or, in another way of looking at it, priceless). Of course, another essential is knowledge, which is also theoretically free. Books can be borrowed, the internet can be accessed, and ideas can be exchanged for minimal cost.
She lists inexpensive alternatives to many of the things which many consider essential. She also offers suggestions for low- to moderate- cost food for feasts. She also gives some simple, no-cost things many of do every day, and shows how to make them special and Craft- specific.
This is, without a doubt, one of the most common-sense books I have seen in quite a while. Ms Blake has a friendly, easy-to-relate to style of conveying information. I've always enjoyed her books, and she didn't disappoint this time, either.
If you are looking for suggestions on economical ways to practice your Craft, this is the book for you.
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