A Voice in the Forest
Jimahl diFiosa

Reviewed by Barb Radmore

Alex Sanders was the founder of  Alexandrian witchcraft up until his passing in 1988. He was known for being "the King of Witches" the, at times flamboyant, unofficial spokesperson and publicist for the Craft. So it should have been no surprise that his death did not still his voice. He did not seem done with the world or the inhabitants he considered family so he found a way he could  still participate and advise.

A camping trip in the New Hampshire woods in July 1998 begins the contact. diFiosa and friends, all fellow witches, brought out the spirit board on a whim. It is then that they successfully attempt to contact Alex. This becomes the first of numerous conversations they are able to have with him. Alex dispenses advise to his friends and followers both through the spirit board and automatic writing. Each time it is diFiosa who is the vessel through whom Alex communicates. A Voice in the Forest is this story including complete transcripts of the conversations diFiosa chooses to share.

This is a very personal story.  While it includes others in its tale, it is a diFiosa's journey that is foremost. He allows the reader to become a part of his quest for truth and understanding in his own life. He fairly lets others speak for themselves, especially in the ending "Voice Retrospectives" while maintaining the privacy of those who wished it. It is also about meaning of faith for one man and the growth and changes in the world of modern witchcraft.

This book can appeal to both believers and non believers alike. It is a fascinating look at a unique perspective on modern witchcraft, Wicca, and its believes. This is the second edition of the book and includes parts not in the original book. diFiosa has a  fluid writing style, very colorful and descriptive when appropriate, detailed and concise when the facts are concerned.  It is difficult to imagine that he is not a writer by trade. That makes it an interesting and fulfilling read no matter what the readers' personal beliefs or acceptance.