Customer Reviews

Irish Witchcraft from an Irish Witch

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Who better to hear about Irish Witchcraft than from an Irish witch? This is not pseudo Celtic Wicca or the Fairy Folk magic many of us think we know. This book presents us with the actual practice of Witchcraft by one whose roots and life go deep into the Irish homeland.

Lora O'Brien is a true Irish Witch, yes, in Ireland. Born and raised in the Emerald Isles, she speaks in this book from first hand experiences growing up with the lore, the mystery and the magic that only Ireland can be.

Having said that, and emphasizing Ms. O'Brien's background, we get into the meat and potatoes of the book. Do not be surprised at what you read. Yes, the Irish (Gaeilge) language is taught in schools there, so when Ms. O'Brien gives you the pronouncement of the words that define the culture, be assured it is the correct pronunciation. A big plus to Ms. O'Brien for including this and the definitions of these words, as it makes a world of foreign terms and meanings much more understandable and well defined. I appreciated her addition of this to her book and it makes the book much more user friendly.

Ms. O'Brien will also surprise you when it comes to anyone claiming to be Irish. "If you want to explore your Irish roots, don't just research your family tree, don't just profess a love for anything Irish, don't just wave your tri-color flag about on Paddy's Day. You need to come to Ireland. A connection to this land is just that: the actuality of literally setting foot here, feeling its power rise through your body."

Ask anyone who has been to Ireland, they will tell you the same thing. And coming from Ms. O'Brien who actually lives there, yes, if you are going to do the studies, then you should also immerse yourself in the culture. Ms. O'Brien gives us some wonderful insights into Irish history and mythology, laying out the story of the founding of the isles.

Her entire approach to the topic of Irish Witchcraft in this book is like this: a hands on primer from someone who is truly an expert in her chosen life style. We are graced with many of her "down home" stories, family folk lore and personal experiences. We are treated to myths and legends that are not found in many books, as well as the best known ones. While the usual stories of the better known Gods and Goddesses are told here: Brighid, Manannan MacLir and Morrigan to name a few, there are also lesser known stories like Biddy Early, Cliodhna and Dame Alice Kyteler. While they were not Gods or Goddesses, these names make up parts of Irish history, or are essential to the personal lore of a particular family or town.

The book is laid out as follows: You start off with a basic overview of Irish Witchcraft, then you are treated to the myths and mysteries that surround how witchcraft evolved in Ireland and then you are brought into the present practices and beliefs. Ms. O'Brien includes material that would be considered the Irish witches "Book of Shadows"; an outline of traditions and practices that would help you attach yourself to the tradition and traditions of a modern practicing Irish witch. She covers the Sabats as practiced in Ireland, meditations and rituals that will assist in your connecting with the land, the Gods and Goddesses and the fairy folk, and material for personal growth as a witch in this tradition. She even includes photos and drawings that give a little visual flavor to the topics discussed.

There are Rites of Passage as well as discussions of the Sabats and earth cycles. She outlines initiation in her Coven's tradition and lays out how her coven works with the various degrees of commitment from the membership. She also gives you a very wonderful overview of Ireland as a community, as a life style and as a home should you ever consider moving there.

This book is an excellent overview not just of the tradition of the Irish Witch but of Ireland itself as viewed by someone who grew up and lives there. We get the flavor of the Irish witch complete with all the mystery and imagination that we all attribute to it. You come away with a feeling that you need to go there to experience it first hand in order to fully appreciate its nuances. And I believe that was what Ms. O'Brien was looking to do when she wrote this book: to give those who wish to follow this path the ability to taste the true path of Irish Witchcraft and urge you to follow it into Ireland for the personal experience if this is truly the path for you. boudica

This book does provide a new and fresh perspective for any of us wishing to call ourselves "Celtic (or Irish) Pagans." One of many things I liked about this book is the author's no nonsense approach to the book's topic, as well as her gentle humor. In the book's introductory pages, I found myself nodding in acknowledgement at many of the things she says, including the "fluffies" who take a little of one thing, a little of something else and call themselves "eclectic Pagans," or how Wiccans and witches can be two different types of people. She pokes a little fun at the ones who for whatever reason do not delve deeper into the entire "Celtic experience," or those who try to pass themselves off as knowing much more than they do. We've all met these types from time to time. I found myself agreeing with her that those who wish to know what the "Irish experience is," need to visit the Emerald Isle as well as reading all they can about Ireland and Celtic lore, and also learning the Irish language.

She speaks also of important Irish deities and of the four main Celtic Sabbats, Samhain, Imbolg, Bealtaine, and Lughnasadh. She spends time describing these Sabbats, the purposes for each, and the various customs for each sabbat. Each Sabbat has significance in the "turning of the year," and the author makes sure to explain each sabbat's importance. She speaks too of the commitment involved in dedicating yourself to an Irish goddess or god. One thing I realized while reading this book was that in spite of the other Celtic related books I've read, I still have much to learn. This is always a good thing.

I groaned when I first read the title of this book. I thought it was yet another in those series of inane "this is the True Way of witchcraft" books that glut the shelves on the big bookstore chains. You know the ones...real magick books, faery lore books and the White Witch spell books.

I decided to read it with an open mind, however. I was surprised by the second page of the introduction to find that Ms. O'Brien echoes many of my sentiments of walking one's talk. She suggests that witchcraft is one of many paths to Divine enlightenment and if you choose to follow the Irish Witchcraft Path, to do so in earnest and in all seriousness. In this chapter, she discusses the various definitions of Wicca, The Rede, witchcraft, Pagan, magic and what they mean in terms of Irish witchcraft. She is very clear to explain that this is the path she is following and that it may not be for everyone. She also makes the distinction that Irish witchcraft has to do with Ireland and a strong connection to that land, and that part of the world.

Part I of the book was the most difficult for me to follow. Ms. O'Brien has a strong belief that if one is to follow a path strongly connected to a certain area/culture that you learn the language. Failing that she advises learning the proper pronunciations of the various tribes, Gods, Goddesses and holidays. I must admit my head was swimming before I was halfway through this section. I was never much good at names, and the transliterations are not quite the same as having a real Gaelic speaker sitting next to you correcting your woeful mispronunciations.

My favorite part of the book was the second section, entitled "How it Is". In this portion of the book, which the author herself calls the most personal of the book, we follow her journey while she meets the land and its magical and supernatural inhabitants. She goes into her meeting of her chosen Goddess (or rather the Goddess who chose her). Although she maintained a rather general accounting of the actual ceremony, it was intriguing enough in the telling to hold the readers attention. The real meat and potatoes of the book are in this chapter of the book.

The final division of the book was about general Irish community, both Pagan and non-Pagan peoples. There are also numerous listings of resources and an index.

This is an excellent book, but by its very nature, it is not for everyone. However, if you are serious about following an Irish witchcraft path, this is a must for your Pagan library.

W. Lyon Martin Author/Illustrator of "An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child"

Lora is very honest about who she is and what she does (a refreshing change). The book in written in a conversational style, which I like, so you feel like you are sitting down and chatting with her around the hearth.

The book starts off with the basics - defining Wicca and witchcraft and also giving pronounciations for every Irish term with a glossary of meanings. Great to have from an Irish (even if she admits she's not the best) speaker.

The next section gives information on the various figures which feature in Irish mythology. Lora gives some great information here, but does point out it is only a start.

Lora then gives information about Irish tradition, then there is a section on historical witch trials and what is know of them and the characters involved.

Then she gives information how she personally connected with the land and its spirit and offers suggestions on how others might go about it.

All throughout, she specifies the need to connect the deities of your chosen path on their own turf and by learning about them from as many sources as possible. To this end, Lora provides an extensive bibliography and many varied resources.

This book is something all beginners who wish to follow Irish traditions should follow. Its a great book, well edited and logical in its format. There are some wonderful pencil drawings to illustrate each section as well.

I like it and will be keeping it, even if it is not the path I am following. I certain will be recommending it to those who wish to connect to Ireland and its spirit.

Lora O'Brien has written a book that is both dead serious in tone and puncuated with her Irish wit.

This is not a book for fluffy bunnies, wanna-be's, 'Charmed' fans, et al. This is the experience of a woman who is Irish and a witch, and lives it. She pushes aside layers of blatant and not so blatnat misinformation on beign Irish and being a witch. While realizing we cannot all move to Ireland and pick up the language, we can understand the experience she shares with us on being as authentic as possible.

In a lot of ways, her approach is akin to Ray Buckland in his groundbreaking books, "The Complete Book of Witchcraft" and "The Tree". Buckland had to dispell stereotypes and rumors of orgies, drug/alchol consumption, 'black mass', etc. As that has largely been cleared away thru the pagan/witch community, the new sterotypes-instant gratification, fancy, meaningless titles, spinning "burning times" icons, and using magick indiscrimatantly have to be dispelled to see the real soul of the Witch-not the trappings of "Pentacles, Inc.

O'Brien covers sabbats, stages of the Witch's life, persecution, sacred sites, and dieties. This book is a serious look at herself, her tradition and her future. It's also worth a look as your future, too.

I cannot reccomend this book enough. If you are a serious witch, you'll see some of yourself here and find new doors in your soul to explore. If you are looking to become a serious witch, and are ready to drop the party games, this book will help you map your escape route.

I read a lot of books. I attend lectures, teach, and just chat with others about our faith and craft. This book is destined to become a modern classic. You may not agree with everything, but you've got a real friend in this opus.

So mote it be,

Ty

There is a rich heritage of occult and witchcraft in Ireland, usually grossly mis-represented by non-Irish authors. This is the first book by an Irish practitioner and one which successfully bridges the gap between the serious wiccan practicioner and the indigenous traditional Irish witch. It provides a firm grounding in Irish customs and folk-belief, debunks the great myths imported into the culture in recent years (witchcraft as a religion, etc) and also gives insight into how the author herself has managed to include a deeper understanding of her country's heritage and occult traditions with her already established Wiccan training. An ideal first point of contact book and one which i would hearilty recommend to anyone genuinely interested in serious Irish traditions.

Wow! Lora O'Brien has written an honest and very soundly practical book that covers so much of the heritage and culture of Ireland, my own land. It's not just Witchcraft! She calls herself Bean Draoí - a female user of magic, which fits so much better than many of the eejits who call themselves Druid these days - she is obviously truly in touch EVERY DAY with the power and magic of Ireland.

Those who are sick of authors who know feck all about Ireland pretending to be knowledgeable, you'll love this book. Those who claim to be "wittan" - read this and educate yourselves! Those who are Gaelic Traditionalist, Celtic Recon, Celtic Revivalist, 'Traditonal Witch', and anybody who is categorically not Wiccan, GET OVER THE TITLE: you will have a hard time finding fault with this book. You might even learn a few things! Those who think they know Wicca, there's a lot in here for you too, the definitions in the opening part are more in tune with what's actually happening in modern New Age culture than any I've ever read. What's the difference between witchcraft and Wicca? Read this book and find out!

Lora O'Brien is young, in tune, in touch, and so bloody on the ball its scary sometimes... my new favourite author!!! It's a long time since such a fresh new voice emerged on the scene, it's been sorely needed for so long though, she's brilliant! And intelligent! And funny! Again, can I just say... WOW! BUY THIS BOOK!!!

After reading numerous books on the subject of wicca/witchcraft, and hearing them used as the same word for so long, I am really glad someone finally put the fact that they are indeed two different things. This is not a book for the "frou frou" wiccans as I like to call them. If you want "frou frou" look elsewhere. This is a must have book in your library if you are truly trying to deciepher between that of the once very serious craft, now being over run by "frou frou's" who think that charmed is witchcraft at it's finest. If you are studying anything Celtic period this book is great, It's not just witchcraft in Ireland, it's history, it's geography it's IRELAND Period. Was a great read, finished it in 1 day actually, and I look forword to more from this author.
Slainte!

This book is just grand. It shows how to pronounce Gaelic and tells of Irish Witches of the past which drew me in . I think it is one of the more fun books to read. I would buy more books from this author!!!

I really didn't find anything new in this book that I hadn't already read somewhere else and in those books, I didn't have to deal with O'Brien's Irish elite philosophy. Sharynne NicMhacha"s Queen of the Night has much more to offer. O'Brien has a real problem with anyone claiming Celtic origins due to the blood in their veins. To me this denies cellular memory and the natural inclination to work with tribal and ancestor deities that one may be drawn to. I'm proud that she can call herself a "Irish Witch", but equally proud to call myself a "natural witch" with an Irish, Scottish, Welsh and Texan ancestry. I would love to visit the country and I would love to learn the language and I'm sure it would enrich any spiritual path, but it isn't a prerequisite to being an authentic witch.