West Country Wicca: A Journal of the Old Religion [Paperback]

Rhiannon Ryall (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1990

Pre-Gardnerian account of the Old Religion is "a real gem....The best book on witchcraft I have ever seen" (Marion Weinstein).

Editorial Reviews

Review

Her writing is like the conversation of an old family friend, her voice as warm and familiar as that of a dear relative. This is how it was, she tells us. This is the way I remember it. Both the content of what she remembers, and the form in which she tells us, are straightforward, homespun, and thoroughly unaffected. This is a real gem--it is the best book on witchcraft I have ever seen! -- Marion Weinstein

Product Details

• Paperback: 103 pages
• Publisher: Phoenix Publishing (WA) (August 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0919345980
• ISBN-13: 978-0919345980
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,001,493 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #83 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Witchcraft
  • #100 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Wicca

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Maybe it's accurate, maybe not...., September 8, 2005

By 

Garry Daniel (Knoxville, TN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: West Country Wicca: A Journal of the Old Religion (Paperback)

I don't really care if the things in Rhiannon Ryall's book are accurate, or if they're not. All I know is I enjoyed the book and got quite a bit out of it. I'm now in the middle of my second reading of the book and it is a real pleasure. Her writing style has been criticized by some reviewers but, frankly,
it's quite pleasing and relaxed. It's the writing style of someone who is more comfortable talking to people than writing to them. If you wish to make comparisons, you might say the style of Wicca she describes in comparison to modern day, over
elaborate Wicca, is the same as the difference between an old fashioned country Baptist church and the over elaborate Catholic church. In religions of all types there is the simple, direct communion with your god contrasting with the overbearing pomp and flash who's main objective is to be seen and heard by others. I'll take the simple and direct every time. I like "West Country Wicca". It's a good book and a worthwhile read, no matter which direction your path takes.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Welsh Witch, November 30, 2000

By 

"wkndwench98" (Bay Area,Ca.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: West Country Wicca: A Journal of the Old Religion (Paperback)

I am of Welsh descent and have been a practicing witch since I was 10 years old,I will be 48 next month!Believe me when I say this lady knows what she is talking about!This is a must have book for anyone who is interested "The Craft",adepts as well as beginners.It is so refreshing to know that there are a few of us that still retain the knowledge of the old ways!There are so many variations and corruptions going on that this is the one true book that I have ever read on the subject.Rhiannon puts it simply and frankly just as it should be told and taught.It is a natural thing,and it is also simple."The Craft" is not a stage show.There is no reason to make it all complicated and formal, as if one where acting out a play rather than a way of life!This is the the way of the Cymry or so I was taught.Hazzah!Rhiannon!

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learn to truly be one with the earth, and all the elements, June 11, 2001

By 

White Raven (West Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: West Country Wicca: A Journal of the Old Religion (Paperback)

I've only had this book for about 2 weeks and I've read it 4 times. Ryall gives a personal account on what the Old Religion was like before the tidal wave of neo-pagan books and traditions. She tells of a "tradition" that is simple, earthy and "tongue in cheek". Don't be thrown off by the word simple, the people of the old country were too busy with farming and community to worry with scholarly persuits and elaborate wiccan tools and ritual, this is still a very BEAUTIFULL way of celebrating the earth and the God and Goddess. I am basically a kitchen witch that follows the religion of witchcraft and have found no need for elaborate ceremonial magic, or supplies. So I was delighted to find information on common household herbs and spices to use in magick as well as folklore and many recipes and beautifully simplistic rituals.