I'm not sure what I thought this book would be, but it wasn't this. The author seems like she is trying to make her own form of Wicca and she pushes monotheism. It wasn't for me.

Contemplative Wicca is more an exercise in philosophical constructs than the introduction of a Wiccan path. Well-researched and written, this book should be viewed as tool for broadening one's interpretation of Wicca and Neopaganism, in general, rather than as a means to deepen one's practice of these spiritual paths. At times, the book seems to read like a college thesis paper, however, the ideas and concept presented are worth considering from a theological standpoint. If you're interested in the theological aspect of Wicca and Neopaganism, this book will certainly satisfy, although it should not be viewed as representative of all Wiccan traditions or Neopagan paths.

The author, Teresa Chupp drives into wicca unlike many authors. She gives fresh perspective to the practice,

This book is a confident assertion of a spirituality that combines strands of mystical/contemplative Christianity with an earth-based universalism. The author seems to see different religions (and elements of those religions) as stepping stones toward greater enlightment, and this book is her codification of this new ultimate reality as she sees it.

I was intrigued by the enthusiasm with which she communicated her ideas, and appreciated the thought she clearly put into them.

The target audience seems to be that narrow set of readers looking for a system. A system separate from organized religion (with its somewhat centralized source of doctrine and practice) but still recognizable to those wanting to leave that structure behind — but not too far behind.

Ultimately I think this book will be read the most by people who study religions and how they evolve. It is interesting as an attempt to meld things important to different practitioners of faith(s).

My thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the free digital copy they provided for this review.

For some reason, I have been reading a few books about or surrounding Traditional Wicca - and to me, this is one of them. There is that focus on contemplation and one god. Though in reading, Wicca does look for the balance in both god and goddess. But there is good information in it randomly, but I really had to make my way through it.

I wasn't able to finish this book as it didn't spark my interest. I gave up on it after a couple of chapters because it read more like a thesis than a non-fiction guide to contemplative wicca. May just not be for me, I would recommend trying it out to see what you think!

I like to read all books about religion and the different types and customs of such. I really thought this book would give me more than it did. I felt the book was to much of a reference book and had to many references to other books. Though it may be good anyone contemplating doing a report, I did not feel it was for the average person looking for answers to questions on what the teachings were about. I highly recommend it to anyone doing a paper on the Wicca religion as a reference book, but not for the average person.
I receieved this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was looking for information to expand my knowledge of Wicca and thought this would be a good time investment. On some levels it was, but overall, it was a little too textbook for what I was expecting to read. I was also disappointed in what appeared to me to be a standardization of pagan religions? I don't know, just not a big fan. If you're looking for meditative, organized wicca, this might be for you

The main idea is interesting and it has a good background, but thw whole concept of Contemplative Wicca and the "reasons" given to its existence are too presumptuous. The author also tries to apply her ideas to general Neopagan religion although this is a branch of Wicca that she is trying to establish. Some concepts are atractive, but I am not inclined to take this book as a serious attempt.

This book was fantastic and is a great starting point for new people to the craft or for those that are trying to expand their collection or their knowledge and expertise. I am always looking for more informative books and it is especially nice to find ones that breach new topics than I've never read before that help me to see a wider view of Wicca. I particularly liked learning about theological dimensions and the fact that it was presented in a way that facilitated discussions rather than in a way that made you feel as if you were being force-fed the information. The greatest thing I love about Wicca, and what initially drew me to it, was the open-mindedness of the community and that you could make it work for you, as opposed to other religions where things are more strict. I think Teresa fully captured that essence of non-judgement and inquiry that reflects on the Wiccan community as a whole.

As someone who knows little about the practice of Wicca, I found this to be a very informative read. It is well written and easy to understand even for the individual with little knowledge of the practice.

I am doing a Witchy theme for my Bookstagram this month therefore I am studying all about the subject from the Salem Witch Trials to the Wiccan life.

This book was super interesting and will definitely read again soon :)

An interesting book about contemplation and pagan spirituality. It's one of the few on this topic and I was really glad to find and read it.
It gives a lot of food for thought and ideas for reflection and how to improve our own spiritual life.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC