The counsel of the wiccae is a term used to describe the council or gathering of Wiccans, who are practitioners of the modern witchcraft religion known as Wicca. The counsel serves as a place of collective decision-making, discussion, and guidance for the Wiccan community. Wicca is a nature-based religion that honors and worships the divine through the worship of the Goddess and God and the practice of ritual magic. Witches, or Wiccans, believe in the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of living in harmony with nature. The counsel of the wiccae provides a space for Wiccans to come together to discuss and solve issues within the community. It acts as a governing body, responsible for making decisions that affect the Wiccan community as a whole.
Recite this charm three times while holding your wand in your healing hand. Your healing hand, which is also referred to as your power hand, is the hand you use when writing.
If you must cut down a branch from a living tree, first make sure the tree is growing on your own property or that you have the permission of the landowner. Although wood is traditionally used, wands and staffs may also be created from a variety of materials including glass, clay, gemstone, metal, or bone.
It acts as a governing body, responsible for making decisions that affect the Wiccan community as a whole. The counsel is often made up of experienced and respected Wiccans who have demonstrated their commitment to the religion and are knowledgeable in its practices and beliefs. These individuals are either elected or appointed to serve on the counsel and act as representatives of the community.
Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard (Hardcover)
From the magical moments on set as Draco Malfoy to the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, get a backstage pass into Tom Felton’s life on and off the big screen in this #1 New York Times bestseller.
Tom Felton’s adolescence was anything but ordinary. His early rise to fame in beloved films like The Borrowers catapulted him into the limelight, but nothing could prepare him for what was to come after he landed the iconic role of the Draco Malfoy, the bleached blonde villain of the Harry Potter movies. For the next ten years, he was at the center of a huge pop culture phenomenon and yet, in between filming, he would go back to being a normal teenager trying to fit into a normal school.
Speaking with great candor and his signature humor, Tom shares his experience growing up as part of the wizarding world while also trying to navigate the muggle world. He tells stories from his early days in the business like his first acting gig where he was mistaken for fellow blonde child actor Macaulay Culkin and his Harry Potter audition where, in a very Draco-like move, he fudged how well he knew the books the series was based on (not at all). He reflects on his experiences working with cinematic greats such as Alan Rickman, Sir Michael Gambon, Dame Maggie Smith, and Ralph Fiennes (including that awkward Voldemort hug). And, perhaps most poignantly, he discusses the lasting relationships he made over that decade of filming, including with Emma Watson, who started out as a pesky nine-year-old whom he mocked for not knowing what a boom mic was but who soon grew into one of his dearest friends. Then, of course, there are the highs and lows of fame and navigating life after such a momentous and life-changing experience.
Tom Felton’s Beyond the Wand is an entertaining, funny, and poignant must-read for any Harry Potter fan. Prepare to meet a real-life wizard.
About the Author
Tom Felton is an English actor, best known for playing Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films. He has also appeared in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Belle, The Flash, A United Kingdom, The Forgotten Battle and 2.22 A Ghost Story in London's West End. He lives in London with his dog Willow.
Praise For…
NAMED A BEST MEMOIR OF 2022 BY BARNES & NOBLE
“[The] hook of Felton’s memoir is his perspective on living a one-in-a-billion experience. Yet “Beyond the Wand” is most insightful when Felton translates his tale into something more universal. Sure, the “boy who lived” was never Draco’s moniker — but considering his eventful existence, it suits Felton just fine.”—The Washington Post
"A surprisingly deep memoir from the actor who brought a memorable villain to the big screen."—Kirkus Reviews
"Missing Hogwarts? Tom Felton, who played white-haired villain Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise, bas written about the magical moments on set and an adolescence within the pop culture phenomenon."—Parade
"Tom Felton has penned a brilliant memoir about growing up playing an iconic role in the series. . . [W]ith the type of honesty that comes with time and self-reflection, Felton also writes about his past struggles with alcohol and his time in rehab. It’s a beautiful memoir — with a forward by Emma Watson herself — that captures the heart, charm, and wittiness of the man beyond the wand."—Buzzfeed
"An honest, at times humorous, and entertaining memoir that movie buffs, especially Harry Potter fans, will enjoy."—Library Journal
" Beyond the Wand is so much more than fan service. With introspection and charm, Felton’s narrative captures the growing pains of adolescence."—BookPage
"Actor Felton, best known for his portrayal of bleached-blond antagonist Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, recounts his career in his charming debut memoir. . . Felton weaves a seamless, sensitive narrative that will enchant Potterheads and fans of celebrity memoirs alike."—Publishers Weekly
"[ Beyond the Wand ] is full of colorful Wizarding World lingo, referring to “aparrating” objects and his “muggle family,” making it fun for die-hard “Harry Potter” fans. . . It’s basically a wizarding world gold mine."—Deseret News
- Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts
- Biography & Autobiography / Rich & Famous
- Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs
- Paperback (October 17th, 2023): $19.99
- Compact Disc (October 18th, 2022): $45.00
“To the hill I wended, deep into the wood, a magic wand to find, a magic wand found I.” -The Lay of Skirnur
The counsel of the wiccae functions as a democratic body, with decisions being made through discussion and consensus. It provides a platform for Wiccans to voice their opinions, share their experiences, and provide guidance to others. The main idea of the counsel of the wiccae is to promote unity, harmony, and the preservation of Wiccan practices and beliefs. It serves as a place for Wiccans to come together, support one another, and protect the integrity of the religion. Through the counsel, Wiccans can ensure that their beliefs and practices are upheld and respected by the wider community..
Reviews for "The Wiccae's Initiation and Training: A Look into the Rites of Passage for Wiccan Practitioners"
1. Jennifer - 1/5 - I was really excited to read "The counsel of the wiccae" based on the synopsis and positive reviews, but I was sorely disappointed. The writing was incredibly dull and lacked any sort of emotion or depth. The characters felt one-dimensional and I had a difficult time connecting with any of them. Additionally, the plot was disjointed and confusing, making it hard to follow along and stay engaged. Overall, I found this book to be a major letdown and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling and well-written story.
2. Michael - 2/5 - "The counsel of the wiccae" had so much potential, but it fell flat for me. The concept of witches and their counsel intrigued me, but the execution was underwhelming. The pacing was slow, and the story dragged on for far too long. Moreover, the world-building was lacking, leaving me with unanswered questions and a sense of disconnect. The dialogue was also stilted and unnatural, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. Overall, I was disappointed by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others unless they have a strong interest in witchcraft and are willing to overlook its flaws.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I was hoping to be enchanted by "The counsel of the wiccae," but unfortunately, it didn't meet my expectations. The storyline lacked originality and felt like a recycled version of other witch-themed novels. The characters were cliche and lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their fates. Additionally, the pacing was slow, and I found myself losing interest multiple times throughout the book. While there were a few intriguing moments, they were few and far between. Overall, I found this book to be a mediocre read and wouldn't recommend it to those seeking a unique and captivating witchy tale.