Magic has stepped out of the movies; morphed from the pages of fairy tales; and is more present in America today than you might expect. Soccer moms get voodoo head washings in their backyards; young American soldiers send chants toward pagan gods of war; and a seemingly normal family determines that they are in fact elves. National bestselling author and award-winning religion reporter Christine Wicker leaves no talisman unturned in her hunt to find what's authentic and what's not in America's burgeoning magical reality. From the voodoo temples of New Orleans to the witches' covens of Salem to a graveyard in north Florida; Wicker probes the secrets of an underground society and teaches lessons she never dreamed could be taught. What she learns repels her; challenges her; and changes her in ways she never could have imagined. And if you let it; it might change you; too.
#1020143 in Books 2005-10-04 2005-10-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.25 x .97 x 5.50l; #File Name: 0060726784288 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Thought-provoking Read That Will Make You Reevaluate Others' or Your Own BeliefsBy UmbraSumusMy partner and I found this book at a tag sale and thought it might be an interesting read. We were right about it being interesting; though I was not expecting the journey this book would take me on. As the daughter of a Wiccan father and a Fundamentalist Christian mother I've had an interesting experience; as well as indoctrination of beliefs. I've considered myself an Atheist for more than a decade; yet I understand why people believe differently and generally respect most belief systems.This book gave me a completely new perspective on the occult and on human belief as a whole. Not only did Not In Kansas force me to reevaluate the beliefs I was brought up with; but my current beliefs as well. It gave me insight into others' beliefs and traditions. I found myself analyzing the simple things I do in my day-to-day life and why I do those things. I tend to be a bit OCD about many things and was truly intrigued by the thought that a lot of my OCD habits; despite being an atheist; are actually rooted in unexplainable superstitions that I have created in my life.An eye-opening book for anyone; I've ended up purchasing several copies for family and friends to read. I would not say that this book changed my current values or beliefs; but the insight it gave me has been extremely invaluable in trying to relate to the culture of the occult and people who believe differently from myself; or other mainstream beliefs for that matter.11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Lots of fun and good for youBy Gently FeralWhen is an array of vampires; elves; witches; Satanists and hoodoo doctors NOT a freak show? When they fall under the respectful; thoughtful gaze of Christine Wicker. What she has done for the spiritualists of "Lily Dale: The True Story of the Town that Talks to the Dead" she now does for a much wider cross-section of American spiritual culture.If you yourself are a magic-worker or "alternative believer" of any kind; you would do well to read this book. We all tend; like everybody else; to look down on people who walk our path in "the wrong way." I will never laugh at people who think they are elves again.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Praise and Thanks from a RootworkerBy Sindy N. TodoChristine Wicker has done an excellant job of explaining; finally and clearly; what rootwork and hoodoo really is and how magic is so spiritually connected. I am thrilled that she has opened the door for people to understand the differences in all types of magic. This book is a must have for anyone who is curious and would like to have a wonderful viewpoint from a really good listener. She has outdone herself and brought her own personal magical gift into her writing. We are beyond blessed to have Christine as a part of our community! Buy this book now...and watch for your own signs of devinely sent magic! With Great Enthusiasm and Thanks - Sindy Todo - Todomojo
