Customer Reviews

The Practice Of Witchcraft Today: An Introduction to Beliefs and Rituals (Citadel Library of Mystic Arts)

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Skelton's book is subtitled "An introduction to beliefs and rituals of the old religion." As such, it's a bit of a misnomer. While the first third of the book is in a Q&A format that would be suitable - and informative - for the introduction of a neophyte to Wicca, Paganism, or Witchcraft, the second two parts of the book are anything but introductory.

Part two, made up of rituals and cellebrations, cover not just the most often seen Dedications, Esbats and Sabbats that make up an introductory experience, but holy rits for so many other holy days that I'd never come across before. The Witch's calendar that Skelton has put together is the most detailed I've yet to come across, and would totally overwhelm the beginner.

Part three is Skelton's "Workbook," which is quite advanced. Spell theory on such varied topics as Love Spells (of which I personally debate the ethics), Healing Rituals, Blessings, Banishments, and Talismans, among other things, is set in this third part of the book. The discussion is of a major depth, and at times would be very much over the head of a beginner.

One thing I did expect that I didn't find in this book was any reference to Canadian-specific information or rituals. As one of the few published Canadian authors of Wicca/Witchcraft, I was hoping that Skelton would make mention of some of the Canadian-specific exeriences of the wheel of the year (for example, how often our Spring ceremonies are surrounded by snow and ice, when most rituals describe wandering out into the fresh new greenery to cellebrate).

This book is a delight to read, but again, I'll stress that as an introductory book, it is mislabelled. I'd start someone off more with Jennifer Hunter's "21st Century Wicca," or Scott Cunningham's "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practicioner," and only come back to Skelton a little later.

Mr. Skelton's book provides an overview of Wiccan practices. The book presents "the essence of witchcraft, or 'Wicca' as it has come to be called, as it exists today."

Despite the title I do *not* recommend this book as a beginner's first book. Mr. Skelton's book provides more detailed discussions than a beginner lacking some Wiccan knowledge can appreciate. In addition, Mr. Skelton's book does not explicitly discuss his personal experiences or discuss Wiccan social organization and workings -- the details that beginners find most relevant. I *do* recommend this book for advanced beginners who have read a more suitable first book (perhaps "Inside A Witches' Coven" by Edain McCoy, five star).

(Like Gaul,) Mr. Skelton's book is divided into three parts. In the first part, "Answering The Questions", Mr. Skelton answers forty-eight questions about witches, Wiccan practices, and Craftlore. Each question's discussion is complete without cross-referencing other questions. At the same time, the questions' presentation sequence permits smooth and enjoyable reading.

In the second part, "Rituals and Celebrations", Mr. Skelton discusses Commencement Rituals (rituals used to initiate a coven meeting), Sacra Privata (Latin for private religious rituals), and the Witches' Calendar of sabbats and feasts. The Witches' Calendar is particularly well-written, providing a history and description for each sabbat and feast.

The book's third part is a "Workbook" (Book of Spells). Mr. Skelton's Workbook contains eight categories of spells (seventy-eight spells total). Each spell includes a discussion of when each spell is (in)appropriate.

Mr. Skelton's book closes with a comprehensive bibliography. The bibliography not only lists a wide range of Wiccan-related books, but also discusses each book's strengths.

I liked Mr. Skelton's book and recommend it for advanced beginners. The book is well-written and it provides detailed coverage of a wide-range of material.

This was my first book 5 years ago (I'm so glad I got it before it went out of print) along with Silver Ravenwolfs to ride a magick broomstick (which I also recommend) Although this may not be the best book for beginners who want to know more about the wiccan religion itself (skelton does go into this, but not as well as others), it is great for those who need beginner spells (there are almost 80 of them), info on the sabbats, and for those who have some FAQs. If you can get ahold of a copy, you'll get a lot out of it, mine is very worn from all the times I've gone through it.

My review of this book contained several factual errors which I would like to correct:

Robin Skelton was a Canadian Citizen, born and raised in England (not Ireland). Although he loved Ireland and its literature and mythology, named his third child with an Irish name, and visited that country more than once, he was not in fact Irish. Robin Skelton was born in East Yorkshire, England. He taught at the University of Manchester (1951-1963) and then at the University of Victoria. He never held a position at the University of British Columbia (located in Vancouver BC). Almost certainly he gave the occasional poetry reading there, but he lived and worked in Victoria from 1963. At UVic he founded (and worked in) the Department of Creative Writing (not the English Department) and co-founded and edited The Malahat Review. He was named Robin after his mother's maiden name which was "Robins", and not because of any occult reference.

Thanks to Brigid Skelton for correcting my mistakes.

Also, in the text of my review the word "sparse" should be "spare."

A very good book, it answers many of the common questions people have about the Old Religion. His answers are presented in a very straight-forward, easy to understand manner. The further sections on covens, initiations, and sabbat rituals are very informative, and a great basis for anyone wishing to start a coven, or create rituals for an existing one. His selection of spells are a good start for anyone creating a BOS, and are not the usual love charms and harmful spells often presented to boost sales. His spells are useful, and keeping with the witch's rede. I especially like him pointing out the importance of the Law of Three; anything you do, good or bad, will return upon you three-fold. Overall, this is probably the best introductory book I have ever read in my 8 years as an initiated witch.

This book (actually one of the previous editions) was my very first introduction to Paganism six years ago. The first part of the book is a very straightforward and easy to understand Q & A section--great for beginners. The second part of the book is comprised of rituals for the Sabbats, Esbats, Dedications, etc. and many other holy days that I've never seen mentioned elsewhere except in passing reference. The third section is composed of spells for love, healing, banishing, blessing, talismans, etc. The second two-thirds of the book are anything but introductory, and the recitations are so beautiful (Skelton being a published poet). This book is worth every penny!

I felt that this book was very informative and would be useful to anyone interested in, or just curious about wicca. The question and answer section is helpful in not only learning what wicca is all about, but also to explain to other people that our beliefs are about beauty, love, and respect for the Earth. Blessed Be!!

This is the first book I read about the Craft. I am SO glad I did. The first part of the book answers FAQ's, in question/answer format. The second dwels deeper into the inner workings od a coven. This book has FEELING. You must search for it though. Just like with any good book!

unfortunatly i read part of this book yesterday at a restraunt(05/23/2000) and i can't find a copy in print. but from what i read, (i may even just call him and ask if he knows where i can get a copy), this book is very informative and aslo very usefull. if your just starting out you should alo consider; Spell Craft, by - Robin Skelton. c'ya

So after about 3 months of just reading fiction, I decide that my occult knowledge is getting a bit rusty, most of my knowledge about witchcraft was learned about 18 years ago...

So rooting around thge book shelf I find a book I have not read yet I find...
"The Practice of Witchcraft Today - An Introduction to Beliefs and Rituals" by Robin Skleton. (1996, Citadel Press).

In the preface I find the author complaining about other books on witchcraft that:
"Run counter to witchcraft ethics, such as death curses and spells to gain personal power"

Why are most people really studying the occult... what do they want?
Peace and joy for all humanity - yes. But in the short term - a promotion, to escape a layoff, to find a lover, to get out of the ticket in traffic court. Personal power, we all want a greater control over our personal lives.

and then three pages later...

" There is no way in which one can summarize the beliefs of witches about the Goddess and her consort, for there is no orthodoxy in witchcraft. The names change from one group to another, and different groups emphasize different attributes of these powers. One can, however, easily state the central belief of all witches as regards human conduct. The Witches' Law, handed down through the generations, is "Do what ye will an (meaning 'provided that') ye harm no-one." To this is added the statement of principle, "Perfect Love, Perfect Trust". The law has also been expressed in the words "Love and do harm to none" and "Love, and do what you will under the law of love". The Old Religion is, indeed, a religion of love. "

Many pre-christian cultures where polytheistic, but not all where matrilineal, and although almost all matrarchical societies have been wiped out by judeo-christianity and islam, there is no concrete evidence that women are kinder and gentler leaders then men (see: Thatcher, Janet Reno, Dianne Feinstein, various english queens).

Then we get to the "central belief of all witches" after "there is no orthodoxy in witchcraft" - "The Witches' Law". Now I'm met one or two witchs/pagans who >CLAIM< that confronted with a robber or rapist that they would rather suffer robbery or rape then use violence in self-defense... where as 9 out of 10 I know are packing some sharp or blunt object and anyone who grabs them or their stuff will be pulling back a bloody stump.

Some people just need to be harmed - they are mad dogs. either physically or psychically self-protection often means striking first or striking back.

The various "laws" the author states don't mean the same thing:
"Do what ye will an (meaning 'provided that') ye harm no-one."
is not that same as
"Love, and do what you will under the law of love"

The 2nd law does not exclude harming those who would harm you or those you love. Would you kill to protect your child, you mate, your best friend, you family? I would - I've looked down a gun sight, and a 1/4" movement away from putting a bullet into an abusive boyfriend who was threatening my mother (that would have been a serious example of a change in reality by force of will).