As a reference tool it is unsurpassed. Her recipes are delicious, although some of the wild ingredients might be hard to find if you're living in an urban environment. They are easily adapted for those who like to improvise on a given theme, or for those who prefer to use whole-grain or vegetarian ingredients, although for the most part they're already healthy. Her cake recipes may be successfully baked with whole grain _pastry_ flour, and/or using honey in place of sugar; I've done much experimenting with her "Esbat Cake", which I actually use for Sabbats and children's birthday parties. It is a big hit with children and adults alike, and made with whole grain pastry flour, honey, and yogurt, it is a light, moist, and richly flavored cake, perfect with either a whipped cream or light cream cheese frosting, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar over a lace doily.
Back in the days when I was a Bright-Eyed Little Apprentice Witchling, my first teacher introduced me to this book. Since then, I've heard other new students complain that it doesn't give "enough" information on certain topics; yet I believe it was one of the most valuable learning tools I had. It is not, nor does it claim to be, a Complete Book of Everything You Need to Know to Become a Witch. Expecting that from _any_ book would be unwise on the part of any student or teacher. What it _is_ is one of the most excellent _supplemental_ texts I encountered during my own early training.
The glossary in the back is a useful tool for any student, of course, as are the various reference lists for herbs and candle colors. Ample space is provided at the ends of recipes, spells and chapters for the student's questions, notes or their own spells and rituals. The resources in the back may be a little outdated (at least they are in my copy, which is older than dirt anyway) but nonetheless may prove useful to the student with the patience to shuffle through them, and take the time to write letters.
The spells and rituals themselves provide excellent examples for the student to analyze. Ms. Dunwich does covers the Rede, but leaves it up to the student to interpret the rede and make responsible decisions in regard to ethics and spellcraft. Invocations and words of power are written in caps, making it easy for the student to study them independently should they choose. Her spells and rituals themselves provide an excellent learning opportunity for the student; my first teacher had me break them down and analyze them, then rewrite my own interpretations. The instructions for the spells provide plenty of room for improvisation, yet are clear and concise and complete as they are. She gives examples of a wide variety of spells, from simple folk-charms to elaborate ceremonies, to older rites no longer in popular use, and all provide a wealth of information to the truly interested and motivated student. In short, unlike so many mass-marketed spellbooks and texts, _Candlelight Spells_ is writen with the assumption that the reader has a brain and knows how to use it. This book makes an excellent supplemental text for students taking correspondence or online courses, workshop leaders, Wicca 101 or 201 teachers, or experienced Witches considering taking on an apprentice.
Beyond study, this is a book that will get _used_. Some of the contacts and resources _are_ still around, the glossary is always helpful as are the correspondence listings, and, as mentioned before, the recipes are delicious. This isn't a one-time read-through book, this is a book that will become a companion and guide for the long haul. Pity it isn't available in a more durable hardcover. Thank the Gods for duct tape.
Always, ~Tara~reviews: page 1, 2, 3For those interested in the culture and lore of the earth's oldest religion, here is a comprehensive guide to the traditional Sabbat feasts of the witch's year. Contains many recipes and rituals for proper celebration. (Magic/ Shamanism)