cover image Wiccan Warrior: Walking a Spiritual Path in a Sometimes Hostile World

Wiccan Warrior: Walking a Spiritual Path in a Sometimes Hostile World

Kerr Cuhulain. Llewellyn Publications, $18.95 (162pp) ISBN 978-1-56718-252-1

Much as the martial arts incorporate Buddhism and Confucianism, Cuhulain strives to incorporate various Wiccan philosophies into the ""Warrior tradition."" Cuhulain, a police officer, former Air Force officer and influential Wiccan practitioner, explores everything from the historical warrior tradition discussed by Sun Tzu to the philosophical musings of Carlos Castaneda's Don Juan Matus. Although the book is written for the practicing Pagan, much of it is bound to make more traditional Wiccan readers uncomfortable. Cuhulain makes it quite clear that ""Wiccan Warriors think for themselves. They eliminate useless habits and routines. They are not fettered by dogma."" Dogma includes following practices based on Judeo-Christian roots or following ""traditional"" rituals from popular Wiccan books. Cuhulain painstakingly documents the origins and histories of several oft-used rituals in an effort to encourage creativity and imagination among Covens. He encourages the use of chi (the energy force of tai chi), meditation, and music. Non-Pagan readers will find the Warrior qualities Cuhulain discusses throughout the book fairly interesting, but the real story for them will be the glimpse into the struggles and differing philosophies of a very private community. (Mar.)