This book is written as a series of letters from a solitary ("hedge") witch of many years experience, to a young man and
woman who are interested in what it means to be a "witch," and in the fundamentals of a witch's practice throughout the Wheel of the Year, the cycle of life as exemplified in the ancient stories of the Lord and the Lady, or the god and the goddess, of old. The author gives the warning that you should be VERY sure you wish to embark on this path, as it is a decision that may have consequences for many lifetimes to come. "Once a witch, always a witch." Interest in this
spiritual path may mean that you have practiced this way in past lives.
The ceremonies and rituals that the author gives are beautiful. She emphasizes, however, that these are just suggestions or examples, as each person must decide independently what is right for them. What she gives as ceremony may be changed in accord with your intuition.
She emphasizes the use of magic to help others, as well as oneself. A maximum of three wishes or desires should be worked at any one time: she suggests one for the Earth or the world; one for a friend or another in need; and, finally, one for oneself. But the most basic and fundamental rule of all should be, first, foremost, and most importantly: "Harm none." (This term "harm" includes using magic to influence or interfere with another's free will.) This book is useful, beautiful, and gentle introduction to what it means to be a solitary
practitioner of witchcraft, as well as a how-to book of the first water.